Colleges do their best to provide resources for entering students about what items they may need for their dorm rooms; however, not everything can be captured by people who haven't been to college in a bit and may forget what is really necessary. In addition, experience is the best teacher, as I've found out in my own freshman year. With this in mind, here are several items that I've found to be incredibly useful and that aren't always placed on the list provided by a university's housing department.
1. Lint Rollers
Even Drake knows what's up. Sure, lint rollers aren't the most sexy accessory, but they're incredibly useful in removing hair, dust and crumbs. Those of us with pets already know how cat and dog hairs love to linger on black clothing, and long-haired people have to deal with shedding, too. Swipe a lint roller along your clothing before going out and watch the dirt roll away.
2. Speakers
Okay, so maybe they don't have to be that powerful, but speakers, especially Bluetooth-compatible ones, really come in handy. They're great for jamming out in the shower or in your room when you're hanging out with friends. Be sure to keep the volume at a reasonable level, though, for your neighbors' sake.
3. Air Freshener
Let's be honest--college dorms smell awful most of the time. From body odor to burnt food to certain...illicit substances, there are many possible sources of bad smells in a place inhabited by young adults. Air freshener can help eliminate any odors that seep into your room and can make your environment much more pleasant. Just, please, make sure the nozzle is pointed away from your face.
4. Mirror
Yes, there are always mirrors in the communal bathroom, but it's more tricky to get ready outside of your room--you have to haul all of your products there, and you can't sit down at all. Plus, it's fun to make faces at yourself in the mirror without having to worry about a stranger or acquaintance walking in on you.
5. First Aid Kit
People get hurt, especially if they're silly college students that make poor decisions without using common sense. For the times when the injuries are rather minor, a first aid kit is indispensable. Make sure your kit has bandages, gauze, hydrogen peroxide, over-the-counter pain medicines and cough drops. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle bandages are optional but highly encouraged.
6. Extra Towel(s)
Extra towels aren't just for guests--they can help when you've decided you don't want to put in the effort to wash them, or if you're especially dirty and mess up the towel.
7. Small Vacuum
Sure, your RA office should have a vacuum, but it's probably a) incredibly old and worn out or b) in very high demand. Keeping a small vacuum in your room eliminates the need to trek down to the building's RA office to sign out a vacuum and then schlep it back upstairs, particularly if you live on an upper floor. You'll also be incredibly popular amongst your hallmates, who will likely ask to borrow it regularly.
8. Tweezers
Most people who don't maintain their eyebrows with tweezers will likely forget them at home, if they even own a pair, but they can be used for far more than just plucking hairs. If you happen to go exploring and have a tick attach to you, you'll need tweezers to remove the pest. Tweezers can also be used to reattach pendants or charms to stubborn chains or strings. And yes, they can get rid of that unibrow, too.
