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SOTS: The dorm life survival kit, according to a few OSU students

Parker Oakes, Contributor
November 26, 2025

Despite the looming presence of finals at Oregon State University, students are finally settled in. 

These last few weeks have given students some perspective on dorm life and these are some recommendations on what they find to be essential for dorm living.

On October 21, First-year student Lexi Kemper, Freshman in Sociology who stays in Callahan Hall. Inside McNary Dining Hall, shares what they wish they’d packed before move-in day.

Lexi Kemper, Freshman, Sociology, Callahan Hall

“Definitely a sleeping pad. Like a memory foam pad.”

Liam Smith, a Junior Transfer Student majoring in Computer Science, chats about their favorite dorm hacks. Liam, who was captured on October 21st, stays in McNary Hall.

Liam Smith, Junior, Computer Science, McNary Hall

“I like to have my own medication. Bring your own Tums and Nyquil. Bring a bunch of hangers.”

Annabella Eaton, a freshman who majors in Theatre Arts smiles as she
describes decorating their dorm with posters and photos from home. Sometimes, the most essential thing in a dorm is a touch of personality. She is a resident of Callahan Hall.

Annabella Eaton, Freshman, Theater Arts, Tebeau Hall

“I love having lots of blankets because I get cold. I love books, so I gotta bring a lot of those.”

On October 21, Anyssan Keeling shared her thoughts on students’ dorm
necessities to a reporter outside the Tebeau Hall. Anyssa is a sophomore who majors in Music Education.

Anyssa Keeling, Sopohomore, Music Education, Tebeau Hall

“It’s definitely good to invest in a pillow and a mattress topper. It’s good to have a lot of medicine.”

On October 21st, Laken Delaney and Danika Fleek share a laugh as they answer the writer’s interview questions. Both Laken who majors in Kinesiology and Danika who majors in Psychology are residents of Tebeau Hall.

Danika Fleek, Sophomore, Psychology, Tebeau Hall

“I’d probably recommend bringing a fan and some snacks. Muddie Buddies are my favorite.”

Laken Delaney, Freshman, Kinesiology, Tebeau Hall

“I’d probably recommend a steamer and some silverware, both disposable and reusable varieties.”

On October 21st, Kelsey Barich, a sophomore, mentions a few items she thinks are a dorm necessity for students. Kelsey, who majors in Forensic Science, is a resident of Wilson Hall. (Brandon Ndungu)

Kelsey Barich, Freshman, Forensics, Wilson Hall

“I would definitely recommend bringing lots of towels. If you can, bring a side bed saddle and a bigger trash can.”

On October 21st, A.J. Squires , a sophomore majoring in Sociology, shares his go to dorm necessity items with a writer. A.J. is a resident in the Tebeau Hall.

A.J. Squires, Sophomore, Sociology and Spanish, Tebeau Hall

“I would recommend students bring shower shoes. The showers get pretty nasty.”

On October 21st, Oliver Cross, a freshman, narrates his must-have items of dorm necessities to a writer for the interview questions. Oliver is a resident of Wilson Hall.

Oliver Coss, Freshman, Exploratory, Wilson Hall

“Bring a Brita filter and laundry stuff.”

Miles Maxwell, a freshman majoring in Wildlife Studies smiles as he answers the interview questions on dorm necessities for OSU students outside Tebeau Hall. Miles is a resident of Wilson Hall. (Brandon Ndungu)

Miles Maxwell, Freshman, Wildlife Studies, Wilson Hall

“For me, a mini fridge. It’s nice to be able to store extra food.”

 

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About the Contributor
Parker Oakes
Parker Oakes, Writer
A Creative Writing student who wants to creatively write for a video game someday, I’ve since discovered that I enjoy writing for magazines too and even got an article in the online magazine that students in Kristen Griffin’s Magazine Article Writing Class contribute to called Haystack. As someone whose favorite hobby is playing video games and dedicating time to researching them, I think I can bring a unique perspective to Beaver’s Digest. I would call myself an introverted person but I’m trying to get out and do more, but I believe that working for this magazine will help with this.