Last year, as I was dreading my first year away from home, I saw a lot of articles of students transforming their college dorm rooms. I don't know what schools were allowing students to put up wallpaper, but most colleges aren't that lenient.
These students had to have spent copious amounts of money for practically no reason. Putting up wallpaper in a room you're only going to sleep in isn't necessary, and here are six other things that also aren't necessary for your first year in college.
1. A shit load of Ramen.
If you're a freshman, or just living in a dorm room, you most likely have a meal plan. It's a meal plan that probably covers about two meals a day, too. You don't need to live off of Top Ramen.
Hell, nobody wants to live off of Top Ramen. I know it's cheap, but save your money for more important things, like textbooks.
2. Copious amounts of pictures.
There's no reason to bring a collage dedicated to each of your best friends to school. Chances are you're only going to glance at them every so often. To save space, time, and money, just pick your favorites.
3. Wall decorations.
Everyone wants an Instagram-worthy dorm room, but the decorations are expensive. Don't waste your money on Command hooks to hang frames and decorations that were probably overpriced to begin with.
You're most likely to use your room for sleep, and maybe for homework and studying. You'll be surprised how often you are not in your room and how much you won't be admiring your decorations.
4. Multiple items of cookware.
Think about your meal plan. Sure, sometimes you'll get breakfast and eat lunch in your room, but you don't need three plates, bowls, cups, forks, knives, and spoons.
Get one, maximum two, plates, bowls, and cups. Then, either find cheap silverware, get one of each, or just get some plastic utensils. Don't break the bank for something you're only going to use twice a week.
5. Throw pillows.
I LOVE throw pillows. I bought a few for my dorm and even ended up with more during the year. I'm telling you, one or two extra pillows are fine. Most likely, you're just going to take all of them off when you go to bed.
Throw pillows can be expensive, and if you're never going to use them, what's the point?
6. Summer clothes.
Bring summer clothes because the weather doesn't change until October, but it's cold for six out of the eight months you're in school. After the weather cools down in the fall, bring most of your summer clothes home.
You won't be wearing them and they're just taking up space. Then, when you come back after spring break, switch your bulky sweaters for loose blouses and some tank tops.
