College dorm rooms are small, and as much as we’d all love so, our entire lives as we’ve been living them at home will not be able to fit into that inhumanly small space. Here are 10 things that, quite frankly, have little to no place in your brand-new college dorm room.
- Your entire book collection. In case you absolutely cannot let go of your books, try investing in an eBook reader and/or eBooks. eBooks are cheaper, take up less space, and are more portable, so you can now absorb yourself in a good book wherever you go.
- Your entire stuffed animal collection. If it is absolutely necessary to keep away anxiety and stress, please bring your collection to school because it will keep you emotionally and mentally healthy. Otherwise, you’ll just be cramming limited bed space with toys that are likely going to be stuffed into the bottom of your closet after a few weeks anyway.
- Extra furniture. While some swear by a futon or an extra dresser in the dorm, those teeny spaces are not fit for them. Forgo the extra furniture and try to play around with things like ottomans or floor cushions.
- Mementos and memories from high school. Once you get to college, high school and its memorabilia don’t matter anymore. Everyone’s going to want to hear about the experiences you’re having in college, so leave the yearbook with mom back home.
- Expensive jewelry and clothes. While the gold-and-diamond necklace that Grandma gave you may be something you want to keep with you at all times, it isn’t advisable to bring it to college, an environment where that precious item is highly susceptible to theft and swiping.
- A grouchy attitude. “I could have gotten into Harvard,” “It sucks here,” and several other grumpy phrases are heard from that one person at orientation and throughout the school year who got rejected from his/her dream Ivy League school. They bring down the overall mood of the place or event, so please don’t be that person.
- Your parents. While this is a weird one, there are stories of college students having their moms move into the dorms with them, sleeping on their floors, and doing chores that should be completed by the students themselves. Even if your parents are heavily insistent, convince them that you’ll be fine and can manage yourself. If it gets out of hand, inform campus authorities. Trust me, you are not in the wrong on this one.
- A printer. While it may sound like a good idea to avoid the last-minute rushes and leisurely print out your assignments in your room, know that A. you will be the go-to for printouts for everybody and their mom and B. costs of printer ink and maintenance will add up to an amount unhealthy for a college budget.
- Drama. The news of who hooked up with who is not the reason you came to college. Try to avoid dramatic people and gossipy conversations, as well as causing drama in the first place.
- A friendly demeanor. Friendliness is the best asset you can have to find like-minded people and allies at school. A big, welcoming smile on your face and a wave may be all you need to find your circle of people to bond with for the next four years!
