If you’re a guy who is heading off to college for the first time--or even for your sophomore, junior, or senior year--it’s important that you come prepared with the right shower gear. Freshmen especially need a solid checklist of items since it’s probably the first time they’re away from home, and will need to bring all the items they use in the bathroom with them.

Speaking of dorm bathrooms, these will be shared by many more people than just your family, so cleanliness is of the utmost importance in this situation. You want to make sure you leave home with everything you’ll need to stay fresh and clean in those dorm bathrooms, which is why we put together this list of community bathroom essentials, just for college guys!

Essential Shower Bundle

You can’t leave home without the essential dorm shower caddy

This is probably the most important item on this list, as it will be used daily to hold all your college dorm bathroom essentials. You’ll want to invest in a good caddy or carrier that’s easy to store when not in use, and even easier to bring down the hall to the shower. You can choose between ones that are compartmentalized so each item for your dorm bathroom has its own space, or decide to go for more of a free space caddy, where you can move items around as necessary to make space.

Lots of shower bundles come with some necessary items already included such as enough washcloths for a week or two of showering. It’s a good idea to try and stick with using washcloths instead of loofahs for bathing as they can be easily laundered and reused. Since shower caddies are kept in dorms until they’re needed again, the loofah will not be able to sufficiently dry and can build up bacteria. Best avoid this situation entirely and stick to one washcloth per shower!

Another essential item in a shower bundle are shower shoes--typically a pair of flip flops. Never go into a college bathroom without your trusty shower shoes! These can be worn to go brush your teeth or into the shower itself and are the easiest way to prevent fungal or bacterial infections while you are sharing a shower with other students.

A Good Grooming Kit

You’ll definitely want to keep your look in tip top shape

Whether you prefer to be clean shaven, have a little stubble, or are sporting full-on facial hair, you’ll need to come prepared with a grooming kit. Although college life can seem a little hectic at times, with running to classes and activities--not to mention hanging out with friends--it’s definitely worth the time to put some effort into your appearance. Start basic with a good face wash, something entirely separate from your body wash, and depending on your skin type (oily or dry) make sure to wash twice per day. 

If you’re an everyday shaver, then it’s time to invest in a good razor, and make sure to change out the blades often! You can choose a shaving cream that you like--whether gel, cream, or sensitive skin--and any after shave products that meet your skin’s needs. If you have facial hair, having a beard wash or beard oil will help manage your beard or mustache in no time. 

In addition to razors, shaving cream, and face wash, make sure your grooming kit also has a good pair of tweezers, nail clippers, and grooming scissors to catch any stray hairs that tend to pop up. This could save you from some potentially embarrassing moments, so don’t forget them!

No grooming kit is complete without deodorant and cologne and hair products. Depending on how you like to wear your hair, this could include gel, custard, or wax, so try out a couple of products and see which one gives you the results you’re looking for.

Wrap Around Towels

A good set of towels means everything!

When it’s time to step out of the shower, you want something soft and absorbent, that can wrap around you entirely. This is why we recommend getting  a couple of bath sheets. These towels are larger than average, and they couldn’t be softer! Most bath sheets are hypoallergenic and antimicrobial so not only will they help you dry off, they’ll keep you clean too! Invest in a couple of these towels in your color of choice, but make sure they have a place in your dorm to dry properly.

In addition to bath sheets, having a couple of hand towels or regular size towels around can’t hurt either. They are very versatile and can be used when laundering your bath sheets, or when you need to clean up a spill in the dorm room. Having all of your towels in the same or complementary colors is also a nice way to stay organized--you’ll always know what towels in the dorm are yours--and it’s another way to add to the style of your dorm room.

A Robe to Travel from Dorm to Shower

Let your personality shine with a useful shower robe

Chances are you’re going to be making lots of trips down to the dorm shower while you’re living in the dorm, so why not make that trip as comfortable as possible? It’s a great idea to invest in a robe--not only for said shower trips--but also because they’re incredibly comfortable to hang out in. Depending on the season, dorms can either be extremely hot or kind of chilly, so what better way to add a little extra layer to your clothes than a robe!

There are so many different styles of robes you can choose from, you can choose from a plush, hooded robe that feels like a soft blanket, or choose to go with a lightweight satin robe to add a touch of elegance. If you’re at school in a cold environment, consider picking up a flannel robe that will be great for chilly early morning walks to the bathroom, as well as keeping you warm when you’re studying in your dorm. You can’t go wrong with classic terry cloth robes, and they tend to come in all kinds of colors as well. You can decide to match up your robe with your towels too, say by getting a solid navy blue robe and having your towels consist of a nice navy blue and white stripe pattern. 

Don’t Forget Your Favorite Soaps

Soaps will keep you smelling so fresh and so clean

With any list of bathroom essentials, you’re going to find the need for soap--it is how we all like to keep ourselves clean! But there are a couple of different kinds of soap that should be on your radar as you prepare to live and shower in a dorm bathroom. Most obviously is your body wash, which we advise you get in a bottle as opposed to bar--as that can end up a mess in your shower caddy. Then you’re going to need shampoo and conditioner, and what type depends greatly on your hair type and its length. Curly hair does not need to be washed as often as straight hair since it tends to be drier naturally, so keep that in mind and choose hair products that have a lot of moisturizing ingredients in them. Stay away from alcohol-based products as these will only dry your hair out further.

If you have straight hair, consider picking up shampoo and conditioner that match what your hair needs, either a little extra moisturizer, one that adds shine, etc. Longer hair takes a little more care, so if you like rocking the longer hair look, just be aware it may take a little more time each morning to style. 

Include a Complete Oral Care Package 

Taking care of your teeth and gums is essential

When moving into a dorm don’t forget to include everything you need for proper oral care! Although college is going to be a time of later nights and early mornings, don’t let your oral health suffer as a result. It’s not hard to stay on top of it, so when you’re assembling your shower bundle, include a couple of toothbrushes to start. Try to make it a point to change out your toothbrushes every three months or so, unless they’re showing significant wear and tear. Remember to brush twice per day for at least two minutes each time!

Another item to include in your oral care kit is a good toothpaste, to ensure you’re cleaning your teeth properly. Floss is essential, so don’t let this step fall by the wayside! It’s important to floss between teeth to get out everything that brushing can’t. That way you can prevent debris build up that can lead to plaque. Of course, don’t forget the mouthwash. This is such an easy step in oral care but it is often overlooked. Use a mouthwash that is alcohol-free, since you don’t want to dry out your mouth and you need your saliva to keep your teeth and gums happy and healthy. 

There’s a lot to consider when you’re moving away from home and going to be using a shared bathroom space. As long as you're prepared with your handy shower kit, you should have no problem at all staying clean and healthy! What items are essential to your dorm shower routine? Let us know in the comments!

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