What to bring to the bathrooms? You’ll need to consider that everything you bring will probably be stored in your tiny dorm, so try to avoid containers that can accumulate water (mesh is great!) and potentially mold. Try to visualize yourself walking down a hallway carrying it, your towel, sopping wet hair, and your door key. Does it seem doable?

–  Shower Caddy – Shower caddies like this one are very popular because they hold a lot while being flexible, however, they don’t work well because they require you to bring a hook. A flexible caddy with a hook like this one might seem better, but it’s easily unbalanced and is hard to grab things from without spilling everything (in my experience). Instead, I would suggest a harder plastic container with a hook.  Because they’ll hold everything, balance themselves, and are easy to clean. Also, they can be hooked over almost anything, a shower rod, a shower head, a hook, etc, and you can attach a hook on it for your bathrobe or towel if the bathroom doesn’t have any.

– Underneath the shower caddy, if you don’t have an in-unit bathroom, I would get a stone bath mat like this one because it can be somewhat customized to the size. Place it below your shower materials so you don’t get mold. If you don’t want a stone bath mat, a small bath mat that can be washed every month or so would be a great budget friendly alternative. Make sure to check Ross or other bulk supply stores for a cheap set. 

– Bathrobe – Unless you have your own bathroom, I would recommend getting a light, quick-drying, and full coverage bathrobe. I would get 2. You want them to be thin, but not see through, so they don’t take up a lot of storage space and switch them out each week with your laundry. 

– Shampoo/Conditioner/Soap – I love the idea of bar soap, bar shampoo, and bar conditioner, but if you’re transporting them to and from the bathroom, I don’t recommend them. They’ll never dry and they’ll be messy. Instead, I recommend buying affordable liquids in easy to squeeze bottles, not pump bottles  because they’ll be more difficult to use. 

– Towels – I recommend getting a towel for your hair and for immediately stepping out of the shower. You don’t need a lot, just one or two, make sure they’re large enough to cover you. I know that most people will buy bathroom towels (Costco has great deals) but they can be expensive, so if you’re willing to have a pattern, beach towels are actually my go to. They’re large, absorbent, typically cotton, patterned, and affordable. Just make sure they can dry out, that goes for all towels and bathrobes.

– Shower shoes – Do not, I repeat, do not step foot in a community shower without shoes. You do not want athlete’s feet. You will have no privacy to deal with it, either in your room or the bathroom, and it’s not fun. Play it safe, even if other’s aren’t.

– Hanging supplies – There might not be a great place to hang your stuff. However, this will have to be something you assess either during a tour or during your first week. I recommend over the pole/door hooks, faucet hooks, or suction cups if there’s nothing. Often times these can be purchased at dollar stores.

Here’s my take: take less than you think. Get a couple of multi-use sprays if you must, but I would recommend starting with some scrunchies and hair ties. If you’re going to be rushing, you’re going to have different requirements, but even if you are, bring less. The rooms are smaller than you think and fill up fast. Sort your bathroom supplies into must haves, possibles, and would be nice to have. Save room for your roommates or they’ll use your stuff.