If not already otherwise packed, suggest:
1. some kind of first aid kit, OTC meds
2. battery cell phone charger, 20-30,000 maH. If charged at the start of the school year, it should hold almost all of its charge all year. A number of these also have an LED light for another source of light.
3. If a grid down situation lasting more than half a day or so, consider an Esbit style or sterno stove or UCO 3 candle lantern for hot drinks, and a bit of light and warmth. Using these outside of a closed space remains important; these probably would be a good idea or allowed in a dorm setting. I'm guessing even the Yankee Candles or their equivalent candle-in-a-jar generic versions are not allowed in college dorms.