The time is coming for school to start again, which means that there's a new group of freshman on their way to start a new chapter of their lives at college. There are so many exciting things that come along with this new adventure, but shopping for all the necessities can be stressful. Here's a list of what previous college freshman have found helpful in the dorm.
The Ever Handy Keurig
Coffee will save your life. All those late nights come with a need for caffeine. The Keurig is nice because it's quick and quiet. It's wonderful to grab a quick to-go cup for those early 8 a.m.s.
An Umbrella
Always nice to have an umbrella handy when you have that fifteen minute walk to your lecture and it's pouring rain.
Plastic Utensils
Life savers! It's so annoying to constantly have to wash your silverware. College doesn't allow for that kind of time. These are quick grabs and you can throw them away.
Paper Bowls
Again....washing dishes is no fun and there's not always time. These work as a plate/bowl and can hold multiple different types of food. Quick, easy, and ready for on-the-go!
Bed Risers
Higher beds allow for more storage space. There's very limited space in a dorm, so be prepared to pack as much as possible under your bed!
Collapsible Laundry Basket
These are handy because they're easy to squeeze into tight spaces and are more convenient to carry down to the laundry room.
Clorox Wipes
Let's be honest, college kids are dirty and smelly and sometimes we forget to clean.
Shower Shoes
Believe me, you do not want to step into the showers with bare feet. The showers are disgusting and even though wearing shoes feels weird at first, you'll get to a point where being without them feels even weirder.
Caddy
Shower caddies are helpful to carry everything you need without your arms being full.
Velcro Towel Wrap
Walking down the hall trying to hold your caddy and your towel is hard, and walking down the hall holding your towel while a guy walks by is super awkward. These wraps stay up without you having to hold them.
Command Hooks
Colleges are weird about what you can hang on your walls. These strips are great to hang things on and easy to remove.
Microvable Bowls
Even with our expensive education, we're not always the smartest. Sometimes we try to microwave things and they set the fire alarms off. No one wants to be the kid that makes everyone evacuate the building at 2 a.m.
Electronics
Long phone chargers, headphones, and a small speaker are all fun items to have. Whether you need to block out your roommate, jam in the shower, or use your phone from any location in your room, these things will get you through dorm life.
Paper Towels
My roomie and I were constantly running out of these. They work for napkins, dishes, and clean up.
Makeup Basket
A convenient way to keep all of your makeup together. Guys could use the basket for cologne, hair product, and deodorant.
Storage Bins
These can store all kinds of things ranging from cleaning supplies, clothes, kitchenware, food, random objects, laundry supplies, etc. Honestly, storage is the most important part of organizing your dorm room. You'll find what works and where.
Fan
The dorm room can get hot. A personal fan is a great way to cool yourself off on those warm days.
Printer
Most dorms do not have an available printer. It's annoying having to walk across campus to print something. Keep a printer in your room so those procrastinated papers can be printed last minute.
Goodies
We all deserve a reward every once in a while. Whenever my roomie and I were stressed, we would turn on a show and dig into our chocolate stash.
Boot Tray
These are nice for snowy or rainy days. They're also helpful to put your wet shower shoes or caddy on. The floor can get really gross from the water and dirt. I used my boot tray almost every day.
Microwave
College kids don't cook. The microwave is the way to go. Also, we all know the ramen noodle stereotype....well it's true and there's no better way to cook them than in the microwave.
Tide-To-Go Stick
I cannot tell you how many times I used one of these. Whether it's a stain on your bedspread or something on your shirt, these sticks make a quick and easy clean up.
Lint Roller
Girls....? Lint rollers work great for quick clean ups. I used this to clean my chair and bedspread. It can even work as tape when you happen to run out during finals week.
Extras
Bring backups like shampoo, your favorite makeup, and deodorant. You don't need a backup of everything but the favorites are nice to keep that way you don't have to do a last minute run to the store.
Shoe Storage
Believe me, it's necessary. Choose your shoe storage wisely. I'd recommend a rack for your favorites and maybe a small shoe basket for the others. It can be slightly painful digging through the basket when you're late for class.
Food Bin
It's smart to keep your food in one place that you can easily rummage through.
I wish all of the incoming freshman luck. Don't overbuy, and don't get too stressed. College is fun and you can do this!
