I recently was helping my freshman friend college shop, and it was brought to my attention that she really didn't know what all she needed. So reader, in case you needed some college shopping advice, here you have it.
1. Hanging closet organizer
When you're buying your college supplies, it seems like you don't have a lot of stuff. But once you get there and try to fit everything in your small dorm, I promise you'll regret not buying this. For one, It can hold a lot of pairs of shoes (Trust me, it fit mine and I love shoes). Secondly, if the measly shelf they give you in your closet doesn't hold all your stuff, this will make it A LOT easier. I put my belts, hats, umbrella, tupperware, and other random everyday items in there.
2. Mini fridge
You might be thinking, "I don't need a mini fridge, plus it'll waste space." I'm here to tell you that you are wrong. A mini fridge can be easily stored if you utilize the space well. On top of that, it comes in handy; you can use it for water bottles, leftover food, any other drinks, or even frozen foods like pizza rolls and hot pockets.
3. Rolling laundry basket
You might be thinking you don't need one of these because you carry it at home just fine. Well let me tell you you're wrong again. At least at schools with bigger dorms, you'll want one of these. I lived on the eighth floor of a 26 story building where the laundry room was all the way at the top and the elevator was a good walk away. Lugging a hamper or basket around is not a fun experience and this will make your life so much easier. Plus as someone with noodle arms, you don't strain your muscles trying to do laundry.
4. Medicine/cold supplies
Tissues, cough drops, and cold medicines of different types are all things you want to have. When you get sick in college nobody is there to take care of you so it's better to prepare with all these things. I got bronchitis and nearly died coughing my lung out when I tried walking to CVS in the dead of winter for cough drops. Don't do it kids... it's awful. Stay prepared for all things sickly in your dorm, it'll help so so much.
5. A printer
But Shiann... everything's online these days? NOPE. I thought so too, but it's very likely you'll have more than one professor who prefers things on paper. It's way more convenient to have a printer at your service rather than having to go to a computer lab or the library to print assignments and syllabus'.
6. Air mattress/extra bedding
Even if you're thinking you won't have friends over a lot, you never know. Siblings/family weekends, your best friends coming to visit, and even new friends you make from other dorms will all occur. An air mattress will be super handy. Ask my sister, she had to sleep on the floor of my room all weekend.
7. Space heater/fan
Let's be real... most dorm building are pretty old and if they do have A/C, it's probably broken. This is where a fan comes in handy. Even with the window of your dorm open, it'll still get pretty dang hot in there. Same goes for winter, if your heating/cooling unit is broken, you're probably going to freeze your toes off. So a small space heater will probably do the trick.
8. Power strips
When you first get to your new room you might notice all the outlets. However, when you go to plug in all your electronics and your desk lamp, you'll also notice that maybe you needed more outlets than you thought. A power strip will help make sure everything is plugged in where you need it to be.
9. Storage
This guy helped me stay hella organized. For these you can buy bins to contain all your little stuff. For example in the top shelf I kept a bunch of face stuff and moisturizers, along with hair products and other toiletries. In another I kept all medicines and stuff like that, And in another I kept all my dogs stuff (I have an emotional support animal). These shelves came in handy for the small things that you don't want to just throw in your closet but also don't want to keep out.
10. Cleaning supplies
Dish soap, windex, clorox wipes, and a swiffer... the whole shebang. You might not realize it now, but you will definitely need to keep your space clean because in such a small room it gets dirty faster. Cleaning supplies will help minimize the dirt and if you have allergies, it'll keep the dust away.
11. Room spray
You might not think so, but the smell in a dorm even if you and your roommate are clean people, can get awful. Just small amounts of garbage or your gym outfit being in your laundry can make your room reek.
Hopefully, this article has helped in guiding you a bit through college shopping. Good luck!
