What to Bring to College: Why Flip Flops Are Essential for Dorm Life

As a senior who’s survived three years of dorm living, trust me – flip flops are non-negotiable on your college checklist. The shared showers in dorms are used by dozens of students daily, and while cleaning staff does their job, you don’t want bare feet touching those tiles. Athletes foot, warts, and other fungal infections spread easily in warm, damp environments.

Beyond shower safety, flip flops double as convenient hallway shoes for midnight vending machine runs or quick trips to a friend’s room. Pack two pairs – one dedicated to shower use, another for general wear.

Pro tip: Get quick-drying plastic or rubber flip flops rather than fabric ones. They’re more hygienic and last longer in wet conditions.