During the summer before entering your first year at college, you spend a lot of time wondering what you will need, and what you won’t. Preparing yourself for the dorms can be difficult because there is a lot of things you think you will need, when in reality you won’t. I learned this the hard way last year as i bought way to much stuff and some of it to this day is still in the package because I never ended up needing it. It is important to think wisely so you don’t overspend when shopping for your dorm. I decided to make a list for the incoming freshman of the items you do need, and the items you don’t usually need.
Here are 10 random important items you do need for the dorm:
1. Bedding: This is pretty obvious, but make sure you get twin extra long because you don’t want to end up buying the wrong size and finding out your stuff doesn’t fit the bed.
2. Mini fridge: This is a big must have, and it is also important to talk with your future roommate once you are able too because you don’t want to end up both bringing one. There just probably won’t be enough space for two.
3. Decorations for your wall: This isn’t super important but i do know that most girls will find this important. You could get frames to hang up pictures, you could get the tapestry (just be careful because I know some schools don’t allow those), and etc. Also make sure you bring plenty of command strips because pins and tacks aren’t going to be allowed.
4. Bathroom Robe/Shower Caddy/Shower Shoes: This is huge because you actually will find having a bathroom robe a lot better especially if you have to go up or down a floor to get to the showers. You will feel probably more comfortable in it. Also it is better because then girls can use their towel to put on their hair. It is also important to have a shower caddy because you won’t have enough hands to carry everything you’ll need with you. Shower shoes is a must, we will just leave it at.
5. Microwave: Some people may disagree with this but in my experience having this was a huge help. Depending on the school, some floors don’t always have the extra kitchenette with the microwave so instead of having to travel down the flights of stairs, it is super convenient to just have one in your room. Also make sure you and your roommate figure out who will bring it because you won’t want two of these either.
6. Plenty of extension cords: this one may seem weird but truthfully you’ll understand why you needed them when you move in. Some rooms don’t have a lot of outlets and sometimes they are in very awkward places. It is good to have plenty of extra cords so you will be able to place them in a spot where you need it.
7. Swiffer Sweeper or Vacuum: Depending on the dorm and whether or not you have rug for floors or hard floors either one of these items is a MUST. Dust collects in the room very quickly and you will notice that you will want to clean the room at least every week - 2 weeks. Having one of these two items will help in the long run because they work very well at keeping the room clean. Also make sure the vacuum is small enough to fit inside the closet or under the bed.
8. Storage bins that could fit underneath your bed: The closets and drawers won’t be big enough for all your stuff, so this is a must have.
9. HANGERS: You’ll never have enough hangers but make sure you try to pack plenty of them!
10: PLENTY OF INDEX CARDS: Index cards will become your best friend in college, trust me on this one. You will need a lot.
Here are 5 items that some people do have, but you don’t necessarily need.
1. TV: Yes, it is nice to have a TV in your room, I did, but I never used it. I would only use it here and there to watch live shows that I couldn’t watch on my computer. I find myself watching shows on my computer throughout the entire school year versus my tv. This one is optional but if you tend to watch stuff on your computer already as it is, you will continue to do that a lot more in college
2. Printer: Most schools won’t allow you to have a wireless printer so in reality there is really no need to bring a printer. Plus the school will have multiple printers, just make sure you print your papers out with plenty of time incase some of them aren’t working the day the papers are due.
3. An iron: In most stores like Rite-Aid or Walgreens they will have something called Downy wrinkle releaser and it works just as well. Plus it is much cheaper and smaller so it will fit better in your room versus the iron and the iron board.
4. Bed Risers: They don’t usually help and plus most of the dorm beds can be raised by the maintenance.
5. DON’T BRING CLOTHES FOR EACH SEASON: Unless you absolutely have to because you are going across the country and won’t be going home between the end of summer and winter, you definitely shouldn’t bring clothes for each season. For one, you won’t have enough space. The dorms are really not big enough as most people may think, and for two, you will be able to go home and slowly start to switch out your summer stuff for fall/winter stuff. You will be saving yourself a lot of trouble when you go to move in and realize you can’t fit your whole wardrobe like you originally thought.
Some of these items are a little random but from my experience this is what I realized. Hopefully it helps and good luck with your upcoming first year!
