What to Pack in Your Purse for College Dorms: An Upperclassman’s Guide

As a senior who’s lived in dorms for years, I’ll tell you why a well-stocked purse or handbag is essential for college life. When creating your college checklist, don’t overlook this crucial item.

Your purse becomes your mobile command center. Stock it with:

• Student ID and room key: Campus buildings often require swipe access, and you don’t want to be locked out
• Phone charger and portable battery: Lecture halls rarely have accessible outlets
• Basic medications: Headache relief and allergy meds save you midnight trips to the pharmacy
• Menstrual products: Dorm bathrooms don’t always stock these reliably
• Small umbrella: Weather changes fast between classes
• Reusable utensils and snacks: For impromptu study sessions
• Hand sanitizer and masks: Dorms are germ factories

Pro tip: Choose a bag with multiple compartments and a cross-body strap. You’ll thank me when juggling textbooks, coffee, and your laptop across campus.

What to bring to college varies, but a strategically packed purse makes dorm life significantly easier. It’s a small investment that pays off daily.