▷ Citation

 

 

【Complete Guide】

The Definitive List of Must-Have Items for Students Living Alone!

Everything You Need for Your New Lifestyle. 

 

Many students start living alone when they enter college.

As you get ready to start your new life,

you might be wondering what exactly you should prepare.

 

In this article, we have organized the items you’ll need for starting your college life,

divided into different categories! 

Let’s understand what you need in advance

and get ready step by step.

 

Before you start preparing for living alone,

the first important thing is to check the facilities of your new place carefully.

The available equipment and furniture can vary greatly depending on the property.

For example, in student dormitories such as “Gakusei-Kaikan Dormy”,

basic furniture like a bed, desk, and chair are often provided.

However, in a regular apartment, you usually need to prepare all of these by yourself.

Also, before making any purchases, consider the following points!

・Are there any items you can bring from your parents’ house?

・Are there things you should buy near your college instead?

・You can also start with only the minimum essentials and add more later if needed.

Now, let’s take a look at the specific list!

 

 

 

 

Bedding Essentials

Good-quality sleep is the foundation of your studies and daily activities.

Since you’ll be using your bedding every day,

it’s an extremely important item that affects your comfort!

Especially on days when you’re tired from assignments or test preparation,

having comfortable bedding

makes a huge difference in how well you recover.

Tips when choosing bedding,

It’s important to find what suits your body type and personal preferences.

If you tend to get hot easily, go for something breathable.

If you get cold easily, choose something that retains heat well.

If you have allergies, 

look for items with anti-dust mite treatment or ones that can be washed easily.

 

 

• Bed 

(if not provided)

• Mattress 

(firmness and material can affect sleep quality!)

• Futon or bed cover set 

(comforter, mattress pad, sheets)

• Pillow 

(choose one that supports your neck and shoulders properly)

• Pillowcases 

(it’s handy to have several for easy cleaning)

• Blanket 

(choose depending on the season)

• Towel blanket 

(perfect for summer)

 

 

 

Furniture・Storage Items

A one-room apartment for a single student can feel surprisingly small,

so smart storage solutions are a must!

In a messy room, it’s hard to concentrate on studying

and wasting time searching for things like “Where did that go?” can be frustrating.

When choosing storage items, make sure to measure your room’s dimensions carefully.

Furniture with multiple functions — like beds with storage or foldable desks-

can help you make the most of limited space.

Choose not only by design but also by how sturdy and practical it is.

 

 

• Closet or dresser 

(if not provided, choose one that makes it easy to rotate clothes by season)

• Bookshelf 

(helps you quickly find textbooks and reference books)

• TV stand 

(storage-type models are a great two-in-one option)

• Curtains 

(check size in advance; blackout types are recommended)

• Hangers 

(prepare several types depending on your clothes)

• Storage boxes 

(decide what goes where to make tidying easier)

• Small organizers

(for things like charging cables or stationery)

• Shoe rack 

(keeps the entrance neat and tidy)

 

 

 

Kitchen Essentials

Cooking for yourself not only saves money on food,

but it also has the huge advantage of allowing you to control your own nutritional balance.

Even if you think, “I can’t cook…”,

if you start with the basics,

you will gradually improve!

For appliances, space-saving and multi-functional items are recommended.

For tableware, starting with the bare minimum

and gradually increasing your collection once you get used to your new life is a good idea.

Ease of washing and tidiness are also

important points.

 

 

• Microwave Oven 

(Perfect for reheating retort pouches and frozen foods, a lifesaver for quick meals!)

• Refrigerator 

(A small, single-person size is enough)

• Rice Cooker 

(A 3-cup capacity is just right for living alone)

• Electric Kettle 

(Essential for instant noodles, coffee, and tea)

• Induction Cooktop (IH) or Electric Griddle

 (One unit can handle a variety of dishes)

• Frying Pan 

(A non-stick coated pan is recommended for beginners)

• Pot/Saucepan 

(A simple single pot can be used for many things)

• Kitchen Knife 

(Beginners are advised to start with one Santoku knife)

• Cutting Board 

(Plastic ones are easy to clean and hygienic)

• Tableware/Dishes 

(Consider having a few extra in case friends visit)

• Chopsticks, Spoons, Forks 

(It’s good to have sets for yourself and for guests)

• Kitchen Shears/Scissors 

(Safer and easier to use than a knife)

• Measuring Cups and Spoons 

(Necessary for following recipes accurately)

• Colander and Bowl 

(Useful for prepping food and storing ingredients)

• Dish Soap and Sponge 

(Choose ones that are easy to use since you use them daily)

• Dish Towels/ Wipes 

(Having multiple allows for clean rotation)

• Plastic Wrap and Aluminum Foil 

(Versatile for food storage and cooking)

• Storage Containers

(Convenient for storing meal prepped dishes!)

 

 

 

Bath and Toilet Essentials

Good hygiene is not only important for maintaining health but also

affects your interpersonal relationships.

Especially in university, where you meet many new people,

cleanliness is key.

For items you use frequently,

buying in bulk is economical and ensures you won't forget to restock.

Be aware that while your parents might have managed these items when you lived at home,

you need to take responsibility for them when living alone.

 

 

• Bath Towels 

(Multiple towels; quick-drying ones are convenient)

• Face Towels 

(Multiple towels so you can change them daily)

• Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Soap 

(Choose products that suit your skin and hair type)

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste 

(Don't forget to replace your toothbrush every three months!)

• Wash Basin 

(May be necessary depending on your bathroom facilities)  

• Bath Mat 

(A non-slip type is safer)

• Toilet Paper 

(Keep a good supply stocked up)

• Toilet Brush 

(Maintain cleanliness with regular cleaning)

• Laundry Basket 

(A well-ventilated basket is effective for preventing mold)

Laundry Essentials

University life involves busy days 

with classes, club activities, and part-time jobs.

Amidst all this, laundry is an important chore that must be done regularly.

Having the right tools for efficient washing can save you time.

Selecting appropriate laundry supplies is also crucial 

for extending the life of your favorite and important clothes.

Be especially careful to avoid incidents like a 

"white T-shirt getting color-stained" during your first wash!  

 

 

• Washing Machine 

(A compact type for single living is recommended)

• Laundry Detergent 

(Liquid type is easy to measure and convenient)

• Fabric Softener 

(Your preferred scent can boost your mood)

• Laundry Net/Bag 

(Essential for protecting delicate clothing and small items)

• Hangers 

(Choose based on your needs, such as shape-retaining or non-slip types)

• Drying Rod/Pole 

(A size that fits your balcony facilities)

• Drying Rack/Stand 

(If it supports indoor drying, you'll be safe on rainy days)

• Iron and Ironing Board 

(Necessary for shirts for job hunting, etc.)  

 

 

 

 

Cleaning Supplies

A clean environment not only helps maintain health 

but also significantly impacts your concentration and mood.

Especially when you invite friends over, 

keeping your room clean will make them think, "I want to come back again!"

Choose cleaning supplies with ease of use and storage in mind.

Selecting multi-functional items can save on space and cost.

For example, a floor wiper can be used not only for floor cleaning 

but also for dusting ceilings and walls.  

 

 

• Vacuum Cleaner 

(Cordless types offer high mobility and are convenient for quick cleaning)

• Broom and Dustpan 

(Handy for quick, small cleanups)

• Floor Wiper/Mop 

(Makes wet mopping the floor easy and hygienic)

• Cleaning Cloths/Rags 

(Can be used for cleaning various areas)

• Cleaning Detergents 

(Effective to prepare separate types for the kitchen, bathroom, etc., 

according to their purpose)

• Trash Cans 

(Multiple cans for the kitchen and room are convenient. 

Lidded ones are good for odor control)

• Trash Bags 

(Check the size and type required 

by your residential area's garbage disposal rules)

 

 

Home Appliances

Home appliances are indispensable for studying and daily life. 

Especially a personal computer and internet connection are essential items 

for writing reports and attending online classes.

When choosing appliances,

be sure to check the power consumption, noise level, and size.

Since these are items you will use for a long time, 

durability and warranty period are also important factors.

Although the initial investment may be a bit higher,

choosing items that can be used for a long time

can often be more cost-effective in the long run.

 

 

• TV 

(Many students nowadays might manage 

with just their smartphone or tablet)

• PC / Tablet 

(Essential for classes and writing reports! 

Consider the balance between performance and portability)

• Wi-Fi Router 

(It’s recommended to check the signal strength 

in your room before signing a contract)

• Smartphone Charger 

(Having a spare provides peace of mind)

• Extension Cord / Power Strip 

(Get the number you need based on the location and number of outlets)

• Lighting Fixtures 

(If not already provided, LED bulbs last long and save on electricity costs)

• Electric Fan

(A type that can also be used as a circulator is useful all year round)

• Air Conditioner 

(If not provided, choose one with appropriate cooling and heating capacity)

• Humidifier / Air Purifier 

(Especially recommended for the dry season or for those with hay fever)

 

 

Daily Necessities

Daily necessities are essential for everyday life, 

and it's reassuring to have a certain amount of stock 

so you're not inconvenienced when they run out.

Especially during exam periods, 

you might find yourself in a situation 

where you can't spare the time to even go shopping.

It's also important to keep basic medicines 

on hand for sudden illness or injury.

When living alone, you can't just say, 

"Mom, can you buy me some medicine?" 

when you're feeling unwell!

 

 

• Tissue Paper 

(Both box and pocket types are convenient)

• Kitchen Paper 

(Versatile for cooking as well as cleaning)

• Masks 

(For cold prevention and hay fever)

• First-Aid Kit 

(Band-aids, antiseptic, etc., to prepare for unexpected injuries)

• Over-the-Counter Medicine 

(Cold medicine, stomach remedies, headache pills, etc.

—keep what suits you)

• Sewing Kit 

(Convenient for fixing a loose button yourself!)

• Stationery 

(Notebooks, pens, scissors, etc., needed for classes)

• Flashlight 

(Decide on a fixed location for it in case of a power outage)

• Batteries 

(Stock up on the types used for remote controls and LED lights

• Umbrella 

(Having both a folding umbrella 

and a long umbrella allows you to use them according to the situation)

 

 

 

Disaster Preparedness Kit   

 

Disasters can happen at any time.

Especially when living alone,

you need to be able to protect yourself.

Preparing for the "unexpected”

can reduce anxiety when an emergency occurs.

It’s important not only to assemble disaster supplies 

but also to make a habit of checking their contents regularly.

Be careful not to end up with items that are 

"bought but past their expiration date"!  

 

 

• Emergency Food and Drinking Water 

(About a 3-day supply; check expiration dates regularly)

• Mobile Battery Charger 

(Check the charge level periodically)

• Disaster Prevention Map 

(For your residential area; confirm evacuation sites and routes)

• Emergency Contact List 

(Write down contact information for family, friends, and the university)

 

 

Prioritize and Purchase Systematically!  

We have introduced many items so far,

but trying to gather everything at once

can be quite expensive.

It is best to prioritize and purchase things systematically!

 

 

Items to Purchase First (High Priority)

 

• Bedding 

(Minimum sleep environment)

• Minimum cooking utensils and dishes

• Bathroom and bathing essentials

• Basic set of cleaning supplies

 

 

Items You Can Purchase Later

 

• Additional home appliances 

(as needed)

• Interior decor items

• Seasonal appliances 

(those that can wait until their season)

 

 

 

Tips for Getting Items Affordably

Since students often have a limited budget,

 consider the following methods:

Utilize Hand-Me-Downs from Home

Talk to your family about whether they have spare items 

like dishes or cooking utensils.

They will often say, "I don't use this anymore, you can take it!"

Use Secondhand/Recycle Shops

Many pieces of furniture and appliances are perfectly 

usable even when secondhand.

Especially in areas with many universities, 

you might find high-quality items that graduating students have given up.

Take Advantage of 100-Yen Shops (Dollar Stores)

Many items, such as dishes and storage containers, 

can be acquired at a reasonable price.

The quality of products at 100-yen shops has been improving recently, 

and they offer many practical items.

Consider Joint Purchases

If you have friends starting to live alone at the same time, 

you may be able to save costs by buying in bulk.

Detergents and daily necessities, in particular, 

are cheaper when bought in large quantities.

Splitting the purchases—"I'll buy this, you buy that"—is also efficient!

Aim for Sales at the Turn of the Season

Late March and early April often feature sales for students starting their new lives.

Clearance sales on previous-year models at electronics stores are also a good target.

Waiting a little can sometimes lead to significant savings.

Consider Living in a Student Dormitory

Student dormitories often come furnished with furniture and appliances, 

which saves on purchasing costs!

It's smart to check the provided facilities beforehand 

and only prepare what you truly need.

 

 

In addition to the cost benefits, 

dormitories often offer extensive support to ease the anxieties of living alone, 

such as providing warm meals, well-equipped common facilities, 

and support from a reliable resident manager. 

If you are interested, you can read more 

about the difference between rental apartments and student dormitories 

in the following article:

https://internationaldormy.com/ 

 

 

 

 

Preparing for life on your own can be tough,

but if you proceed systematically, you can start your new life with peace of mind.

There's no need to have everything perfectly prepared from the start;

 it's totally fine to add necessary items little by little as you live.

In your new environment at university,

if your surroundings are properly set up,

you can enjoy a fulfilling time studying, 

building friendships, joining clubs, and more.

I hope this article serves as a helpful reference 

for your preparation for your new life!

 

 

 

I sincerely hope it helps you with your housing choices.

 

 

Dormy Labo