With just a few days left until you step foot on campus, it’s time to start planning your dorm room – your new home: how you want it to look, what you need to bring, and how to make it as comfy and cozy as possible.
We’ve compiled the ultimate dorm room packing checklist, including forbidden items, interior tips, and insider shopping spots for student budgets.
What you get in your room
First things first, here is what you’ll have to work with. You’ll be accommodated in either a single or double room in one of our lovely Skaptopara residence halls. Each student, regardless of room type, receives:
☑︎ A single bed (the mattress is 190×90 cm) + pillow and duvet
☑︎ A wardrobe
☑︎ A chest of drawers
☑︎ A desk and a chair
☑︎ A medium-sized fridge (shared if in a double room)
There is also a shared kitchen in every residence hall, equipped with everything you need for cooking.
What to bring
Our best advice is to bring only the essentials and leave the small stuff to your shopping finds in Blago. You can get everything you need here, so no need to overpack.
Here is a checklist of useful items for your dorm room:
☑︎ Bed linens (sheet, pillowcases, duvet cover)
☑︎ Towels and toiletries
☑︎ Clothes hangers
☑︎ Cups, glasses, plates, utensils
☑︎ Clothes for warm weather, cold weather, and in-between (September can be warm, but evenings require a light jacket, and October brings about sweater weather. If you plan to go home for Fall break, bring clothes only for those two months; otherwise, pack for winter too)
☑︎ Decorations – be as creative as you can be (without nails and Blu Tac). Focus on sentimental items like photos, souvenirs and other things to remind you of home, the rest you can get here.
☑︎ Prescription medication – make sure to request an extended supply from your doctor
☑︎ Electrical adapters if you’re coming from outside Europe
What’s forbidden
Certain items are forbidden and may result in fines if found by your Resident Assistant, or if you trigger the fire alarm. These include:
☑︎ Electrical appliances (heaters, coffee machines, and cooking appliances) are dangerous and not allowed. The rooms are not designed for cooking or extensive electricity use, but you’re welcome to use the common kitchen. There are also microwaves available on every floor.
☑︎ Flammable or smoke-producing items (candles, incense burners, diffusers) are a fire hazard and can set off the fire alarm (which comes with a hefty fine). But don’t worry, there are many safe ways to bring a nice aroma to your room – try reed diffusers, potpourri, and home spray.
☑︎ Pets are not allowed in the rooms due to hygiene and allergies. But don’t fret, because we have the Skaptopara cats – stray cats that have been cared for and housed in “pet maisonettes” in each Skapto’s yard, where students looks after them.
☑︎ Be careful about bringing expensive valuables such as jewelry, watches, etc. No insurance policy is provided, and any such items are brought at your own risk.
☑︎ Smoking and vaping of all kinds are strictly prohibited indoors.
☑︎ Using nails, screws, pins or Blu Tac on the walls or furniture is forbidden, as it requires additional repairs later.
Where to shop for your dorm in Blago
Blago may not be a very big city but has everything you might need.
For home and decor items such as pillows, vases, rugs, hangers, and utensils, head to JYSK, Pepco, Sinsay, or the Family Shop. You can also find many of these essentials in supermarkets like Kaufland, Billa, and Lidl.
Academic supplies, such as notebooks, pens, sticky notes, and folders, are available at AUBG’s bookstore – great for showing off your AUBG pride with branded items.
For your cosmetics, toiletries, and cleaning products, DM and Lily Drogerie are the best.
In terms of shopping for clothes, Blago is home to H&M, LC Waikiki, and Sinsay from the high street chains, as well as many other small shops for clothes, shoes, and accessories in Largo Mall and the rest of the city center. You can, of course, shop online and get things delivered to your residence hall or the Econt and Speedy offices nearby.
Packing smart
Whether you’re arriving from a nearby city in Bulgaria or a faraway country, packing smart will save you a lot of hassle.
The first rule is not to overpack! As mentioned, you can find everything you need in Blago. Bring only the essentials and any special cosmetics or medicine, and get the rest locally.
Tips for light and efficient packing:
☑︎ Use packing cubes to organize items.
☑︎ Compression (vacuum) bags are great for reducing bulkier items, such as jackets and bedding.
☑︎ Roll clothes instead of folding to save space.
☑︎ Bring versatile clothing that works across seasons.
☑︎ Label boxes for easier unpacking.
☑︎ Use ziplock bags/pouches for cables, chargers, and small items so they don’t tangle or disappear
☑︎ Pack a “first night” bag with all the essentials (toiletries, PJs, a towel, and a change of clothes), so that you don’t have to rummage through your entire luggage.
Remember, extra luggage can be sent later via DHL, UPS, Speedy, or Econt.
AUBG also offers storage during breaks or when moving between dorms.
Are you ready to kickstart your journey? Explore what student life is like and check out the Orientation Schedule. We’re waiting for you!
