With the semester right around the corner, it is time again to think about dorm rooms. As a freshman I was so nervous that I wasn't buying the right things for my room. I was afraid that I'd somehow forget something extremely important. As it turned out, I was what you could call... over prepared. This time around I will definitely be cutting down on the amount of stuff I bring. People often talk themselves into buying silly things that they think they'll use at school, and then that "useful" item gets tossed under your bed never to be seen again until you move out... nine months later. This exact situation was my motivation for writing a dorm room essentials article. Now of course the list of things to bring should be personalized to your wants/needs. This article is simply just a recommendation.
1. Mini fridge
These things are crucial to surviving as a college student (as long as your school allows you to have one). Most students don't wake up to go to breakfast everyday so a mini fridge is the perfect place to store quick and easy breakfast options and any other refrigerated food you want to have on hand!
2. Air freshener/Wall plug-in
I'm gonna be honest, on more than one occasion my roommates and I have come back to our dorm and immediately commented on how bad our room smelled from dirty laundry or garbage we "forgot" to take out. With such busy schedules it's easy to forget about doing laundry or taking out the garbage. Air fresheners or wall plug-ins are a life saver during these situations. Obviously I'm not suggesting you should put off doing your laundry for a month, but an air freshener can save you if your friends/family pop in to see your room.
3. Clorox wipes and other cleaning supplies
For most first year students, cleaning bathrooms and showers is not something you have to worry about due to the communal bathrooms. For my roommates and I, the six of us shared a bathroom and shower and were in charge of all the cleaning. So for us, cleaning supplies were a must have. If you aren't in charge of these tasks, I would still suggest having Clorox wipes on hand. They definitely come in handy.
4. Folder holder
This item is a life saver when you're running out of room at your desk.
5. Desk lamp
Yes, your dorm room will probably be well lit, but a desk lamp comes in handy when you're up late studying and your roommate is trying to sleep.
6. FOOD
Healthy or not, you're going to want food and snacks for your room. Just don't forget to check expiration dates every once in a while.
7. Shower caddy and toiletries
Shower caddies are the easiest way to keep track of your toiletries.
8. Trash can
Some schools may provide you with one, but I had to bring my own.
9. Shoe organizer
With such little space, a shoe organizer helps to keep your shoes out of the way and organized.
10. Felt hangers
Felt hangers are the best option for hanging your clothes in the closets at college. These hangers are a little pricier, but they allow you to hang a lot more clothes than the plastic hangers do.
11. Mattress pad
A mattress pad is a must have because college beds are SO uncomfortable.
12. Comforter, sheets, and a blanket(s)
Make sure to pay attention to the size of the comforter and sheets you purchase. Some schools have extra long twin beds that require Twin XL sheets. Normal twin sized sheets won't fit on them.
13. Pictures of family and friends
You'll come to appreciate these when you're missing home.
14. Decor
Make sure to purchase things that encompass your personality. Dorm rooms often feel like jail cells, so fun room decor is the perfect way to spice up your room.
15. Keurig/Coffee maker
I don't think I've met one college student that doesn't drink at least one cup of coffee a day. Okay that may be an exaggeration, but most students do consider it a must have. With that being said, a Keurig or coffee maker is a must have. Some schools may not allow either one, so you'll have to resort to the dining hall for a cup of coffee.
16. Bins/Boxes
You're going to have a lot of stuff to transport to and from your room throughout the year. Bins and boxes make your stuff easier to move and gives you a place to store everything so your room isn't a mess.
17. A few of your favorite movies or books
Sometimes you'll come upon some free time in which you may want to spend watching a movie or reading a book. Account for this possible occurrence and bring some of your favorites.
18. Weather appropriate clothes
DON'T bring every single piece of clothing you own. DO bring items that you know you'll wear during each season.
19. Laundry basket or bag
These wonderful things help keep your dirty clothes off of the floor (sometimes).
20. Backpack, books, school supplies, etc.
These items are pretty much self explanatory and probably the most important thing of all.
