With the new college year quickly approaching, lists for what we need continue to grow and grow. In college you want to manage your space and money. So if you save money on things you don't necessarily need, you save that much room in your dorm, too. Out of all the hundreds of items you may write on your list, these are the things that get used the most.
1. Organizing bins
Whether you put these under your bed or in your closet, this organizes your clothes. Storing them under your bed adds extra space for your clothes and won’t be seen. The less clutter, the better looking room. Having different bins for different items helps tremendous as well. I separate my shoes, jewelry and undergarments in their own bins.
2. Extension cord
It was a huge wake up call when I realized I only had about two outlets on my side of the room. So having an extension chord will allow you to plug in all the chargers without being worried if you have enough room. Also get one that extends to your bed so you can lay your phone next to you rather than across the room.
3. Medicine bin
Along with organizing bins, a medicine bin is vital. I was sick about once a month in college and reached for my medicine bin often. Store all the medicine in one container. Pack things like NyQuil, Benadryl, Advil and bandaids.
4. Fan
Dorm rooms do not have fans, so invest in a mini fan. Coming back to a room with a fan in it is a little treat. You’re going to need it during those hot days.
5. Headphones
Usually everyone has headphones but this is key. Get an extra pair so you can store in your room when you want to watch anything on your laptop. The last thing you want to do is disturb your roommates with your blasting volume.
6. Shower shoes
I would not be caught dead taking a shower without my shower shoes on. These are affordable but useful. No one can trust that tile, and just imagine all the people who have used that same shower.
7. Water bottle
Getting a water bottle will save your life. Take it everywhere on campus and fill it up on campus too. That saves you the time and money from buying water bottles at Publix.
8. Shower caddy
Don’t be that person that leaves all their shower toiletries in the shower. Stay organized and use a shower caddy. You can practically find these everywhere. I stored mine under my bed, which made my room look cleaner.
9. Laundry basket
Again with staying organized, a laundry basket will hold all of your dirty clothes. At the same time, it will organize your room. Don’t want your room looking like a giant tornado of clothes. Not cute.
At the end of the day, keep it simple. Usually you will only live in a dorm for one year. I suggest staying away from online college necessity lists because those can be overwhelming and you won't end up using half of the stuff.
