We've all been there. Stuck in our two by two, jail-like freshman dorm rooms. Communal bathrooms, limited space, and zero privacy.
1. Vanity mirror.
There is nothing worse than worse lighting. Or trying to do your makeup with your MacBook Pro camera...
2. Shower shoes.
This is an obvious one. If you're unfortunately stuck with communal showers, it's a rule that you must wear shower shoes. No exceptions.
3. Headphones.
Aside from obvious reasons, there are few things less annoying than listeing to your roommate's Netflix show while trying to watch your own.
4. Step stool.
My roommate actually brought this one to my attenion. She's 4'11" and used it to reach things, but I honeslty used it the same amount to get on my bed. Great investment.
5. Extension chord.
Obvious reasons. Phone charger, laptop charger, printer, hair utensils, extras.
6. Dry shampoo.
I spent way too many years washing my hair every single day, drying it out, and exhausting myself with the process of doing my hair everyday, when something like dry shampoo exists. Save yourself the trouble of a communal shower or wet head on a rainy day and just spray some in your hair.
7. Rain coat and rain boots.
Or a raincoat. I'm still in the process of getting both of these necessities, but the most important thing I want to stress is not worry what you look like. There's a 99% chance that every single person without a raincoat and rain boots wishes they had them, and weren't getting their feet wet.
8. Curtains and/or blinds.
I honestly can't think of anything worse than waking up before your alarm clock. And this will happen if you're anything like me, and need a pitch black room to get any kind of sleep.
9. Flashlight.
You honestly never know when you'll need it. If your roommate is asleep and you need something, or if the power goes out, you'll thank me.
10. Healthy(ish) snacks.
As painful as it may be, maybe switch out the Oreos for some SkinnyPop popcorn. The freshman 15 is real, my friends. Small changes can go a long way.
Luckily, my freshman year of college was not an awful experience. Despite the conditions of my dorm (similar to the details expressed above), I would not change a single thing.
...Except for the few things that I wish I had known, of course. Instead of ending up like me in certain annoying situations, here are 10 essentials for every dorm.
Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health, says science
women in street dancing
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man and woman standing in front of louver door
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man in black t-shirt holding coca cola bottle
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red and white coca cola signage
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man holding luggage photo
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topless boy in blue denim jeans riding red bicycle during daytime
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trust spelled with wooden letter blocks on a table
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Everyone is Welcome signage
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man with cap and background with red and pink wall l
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difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations desk decor
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photography of woman pointing her finger near an man
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closeup photography of woman smiling
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a man doing a trick on a skateboard
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two men 
running man on bridge
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orange white and black bag
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girl sitting on gray rocks
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assorted-color painted wall with painting materials
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three women sitting on brown wooden bench
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people sitting on chair in front of computer
