When putting together your college dorm supplies list, there will be a lot of unnecessary things on the list. Whether someone says you absolutely need it or you don't, hopefully this list will help you decide whether or not you really do need it.
1. A second set of sheets.
This was on my college list. It was packed in a bin to be carried to school, put in a dresser drawer in my dorm room and never touched until I was packing to move out. When you wash your sheets, you're not going to want to leave them overnight in the washing machine or drier for other people to take out and throw on the floor. Unless you're incredibly lazy, you're going to put your sheets on your bed when they come out of the drier. The second set of sheets is unneeded.
2. Binders.
Throughout my freshman year of college, I didn't use a single binder. I used folders and notebooks. Professors don't hand out many sheets of paper filled with notes; you're expected to take your own notes. I used single subject notebooks because then I didn't have to carry around a heavy 5 subject notebook and textbooks everywhere. When you have to carry a laptop, textbooks, planner and notebook in your backpack, you won't appreciate the extra weight.
3. Fancy trash can
This was on most of the college dorm room lists on Pinterest, including on the one I followed to create my list of dorm supplies. I have no idea why. I feel as if most schools should provide them; my school provided trash and recycling bins, one set for each person in the room. I don't think I would have enough room in my dorm room for a "fancy trash can." It's more to carry into your dorm, more to pack in the car -- it just takes up too much space. Although the bins they give you might not be the most attractive, there is no need to purchase other ones.
4. Brita water pitcher
Definitely purchase this. It is one of the best things that I purchased my freshman year. It was so much easier than carrying 32 packs of water from Walmart to my dorm room every two weeks. It was also cheaper. I filled it once or twice a week, and it saved me from having to worry about drinking bad, unfiltered water.
5. Mattress pad
Shop around and purchase the thickest one you can find. College mattresses are thin and will hurt your back after the first week. Spend the $30 to purchase one -- you will not regret it. It will help you get a good night sleep before your 8 a.m. classes or exams.
6. Command hooks
Buy them in all shapes and sizes. I used them to hang decorations on my walls, hang my belts in my closet, hang my heavy winter coats, my baseball caps, my towels and many other things. It helped increase my space in my dorm room and at the end of the year, each one came off without damaging the wall behind it. I also bought a bunch of them to hold my lights up. They are small and clear and were the easiest way to hang my lights without damaging the wall. They also didn't fall down.
