First Night in the U.S.? Essential Items You Need to Pre-Order Now
Moving to the U.S. for school is exciting, but your first night can be a challenge if you’re not prepared. After a long flight, the last thing you want is to discover you have no sheets, no pillow, and nowhere comfortable to sleep. Stores might be closed, you’ll be too tired to shop, and trust us you don’t want to be hunting for towels at midnight.
The solution?
Pre-order your essentials before you even board your flight so everything is ready and waiting for you when you arrive (for a limited time, you can even get 6 months of Amazon Prime for free!). Here’s what to add to your checklist:
1. Bedding Essentials
Most U.S. dorms use Twin XL beds, which are longer than standard twin beds in many countries. Check with your dorm or apartment manager to confirm bed size before ordering.
- Twin XL Bed Set – Sheets, pillowcase, and comforter in one convenient package
- Pillow – Dorm rooms typically don’t have pillows included
- Mattress Pad – Makes dorm mattresses far more comfortable
Pro Tip: Order your bedding ahead of time and ship it directly to your dorm, apartment, or your school’s package center so you don’t spend your first night trying to turn your clothing into a pillow and bedding.
2. Bathroom Basics
Nothing feels better than a shower after a long flight. Make sure you have:
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Towel Set – One bath towel, one hand towel, one washcloth
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Shower Caddy – Makes trips to the shared bathroom easier
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Dorm Shoes or Flip-Flops – A must for shared bathrooms
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Basic Toiletries – Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant
3. First-Night Comfort Items
A few small extras can help your new space feel like home from the moment you step in:
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Throw Blanket or Extra Pillow – Adds coziness
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Small Desk Lamp – Perfect for late-night unpacking
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Reusable Water Bottle – Staying hydrated helps with jet lag
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Power Strip – Make sure your devices charge without issue
4. Tech and Study Essentials
You may not need these for your first night, but having them ready means one less thing to worry about during orientation week:
5. Check Your Furniture Situation
If you’re moving into off-campus housing, confirm whether furniture is included. Some apartments are completely empty. If you need temporary furniture, look into rental companies like CORT that can set up your space before you arrive.
Bonus Tip: Have a Backup Plan
If there’s even a chance your packages won’t arrive before you do, pack at least one change of clothes, basic toiletries, and a travel-size towel in your carry-on. That way, even if your shipments are delayed, you’ll be comfortable for the first night.
NEXT UP – Win $1,000 for your U.S. Study Journey from the GATEWAY English Test – ends September 30, 2025
