You're done with high school and the world is now your oyster. You spend the summer making some of your final memories with your high school friends and trying to pick up some extra cash before you head off, spreading across the country. It's about mid-way through summer and now your parents are starting to make a list of everything you're going to need for your dorm room this year. I'm sure you'll think that you've thought of everything, but here's a quick list of some items that will really come in handy and might've not made it onto your list.
1. Rug/Carpet
This may be an obvious one, which is why it's first on the list, but you will really appreciate having something separating your feet from the hospital-like tile in your dorm room. It also provides multiple uses, such as a pretty solid place to take a nap midday.
2. Extra Shower Shoes
First off, bring shower sandals, regardless of what your university says about how clean the showers are. There are all sorts of staph infections that you could catch from going barefoot in a dorm shower. Secondly, I would encourage you to bring a second pair, in case of breakage or the grossness of them halfway through the year.
3. Printer
If you can be so fortunate as to bring your own printer to your room, I would highly recommend it. Library printers can be crowded and unreliable, and nothing is worse than getting a fat zero because you couldn't print your assignment.
4. Fan
Depending on where you're going and the age of your dorm, a fan might be a must have. I go to Oregon State, and most of the year it is cold and rainy, but there were times where without a fan I would have melted. I once even made the drive to Portland at 2 a.m. just to sleep with air conditioning.
5. Some Sort of Vacuum
Just like the printer and its helpfulness, instead of trying to rent a vacuum from the front desk, just bring a small one and be able to clean up small messes quickly.
6. Extra Towels
Similar to the shower shoes, I highly recommend bringing extra towels. You never know when you're going to need an extra towel. Whether it's a very big mess that you've made or you're making a spontaneous trip to a beach or watering hole, it's handy to have one.
7. Air Freshener
This is a must-have, there is no reasoning behind it besides dorms smell, and air freshener will make a world of a difference.
8. Extra Chargers
It is really nice to have an extra one to keep in your backpack for when you are in class. Another smart idea would be to invest in an extra long charger; if your dorm bed is lofted, a regular charger won't reach.
9. Envelopes and Stamps
Yes, this may seem cheesy, but it is a wonderful way to communicate with your high school friends. It is actually pretty fun to write a letter and also to receive one.
10. Mattress Topper
This is probably my most essential item on this list. Dorm beds aren't the most comfortable things to sleep on, so therefore, I would advise you to bring a couple inch thick mattress topper.
11. Step Stool
Finally, I would recommend bringing your own step stool if you are going to loft your dorm bed. Yes, they may say that the loft kit includes a ladder, but those are often unreliable and the step stool makes getting into bed much easier.
There is my list. Ironically, I am probably forgetting some important items as I type this, but hopefully, this list will help you make one less trip to the local Fred Meyers after you've moved in.
