Surviving Communal Bathrooms in Your Dorm

Shower shoes are an absolute must!! We suggest some cheap, plastic ones, since they’ll be getting wet every time you wear them, and you’ll want them to last a while. If you don’t like feeling the squish, spend a couple more bucks and get some with holes in them (like these) off of Amazon.

Another definite purchase if a communal shower is in your near future. Try and find a mesh one, plastic one, or really any that won’t hold moisture and will be easy to dry. Remember that these are more than likely going to be sitting on the floor while you shower, so you don’t have to get anything super fancy. We do suggest a hanging caddy if there’s a way for you to snag one. Just hang it on the curtain rod and there you go!

Whether you chose to get ready in the bathroom after you shower or walk back to your room, trying to hold your towel on and carry all of your things can be irritating, and risky. We highly suggest getting a robe or towel wrap that stays on its own for the awkward walk down the hallway. Plus, you’ll stay warm and comfy when the cold air hits after you open the curtain.

Now this is where we mean regular towels. Make sure to pack two to three shower towels, so you don’t have to use the same one every day. Towels do take up space, so we wouldn’t suggest more than four (if even that). If you’re a washcloth user instead of a loofah, bring those too! You can find cheap matching sets at Walmart, Target, or online. If you have some length to your hair, we suggest a couple of microfiber hair towers as well!

This goes for any college bathroom, communal or not. The water likely will be harsher than the water you’re used to back home, and it might take a while for your hair and skin to get used to it. Keeping this handy will keep you and your skin happy.

Some dorm rooms have a sink in the dorms, even if there isn’t a full bathroom. But for those who don’t have that, you will absolutely need a toothbrush case or bristle cover. Who knows how dirty those counters are, and the last thing you want is to lay your bare toothbrush on them. It also helps to prevent the spread of germs by keeping your germs to yourself and others away from your toothbrush.

This isn’t technically a must-have, but it doesn’t hurt to have one anyway for your room if not the shower. Waterproof speakers are more common now and can be found almost anywhere, just remember that your once-private concerts might have an unsuspecting audience this time.

This one should explain itself as to why. Everyone’s got to go, and nobody likes going in public. Keep it a mystery, and you can even use it to spray the bathroom if it smelled bad before you so that it smells good for everyone.

Speaking of sprays, disinfectant sprays are a must-have when it comes to supplies. Since these are communal bathrooms, multiple people will be touching all of the surfaces. Keeping these handy in your caddy will make it easier to stop the spread of germs. If you’re taking a shower and cleaning up in this space, you’re going to want to feel clean while you’re using them. This will help big time.