This one goes out to all those high school seniors. Right about now you are absolutely ecstatic about graduation, anxiously awaiting summer and your first semester of college and spending every ounce of free time exploring Pinterest mentally creating your dorm room. I know you. I was you a year ago. There are so many things I wish someone would have told me about dorm life, especially what I actually needed and what would just take up space. Don't worry, you can still have a Pinterest worthy dorm room :)
Here is what you actually need for your Freshman Year of college.
1. A Planner
It doesn't have to be Lilly Pulitzer or Kate Spade (although they are cute) but just make sure you have a planner to organize your time. College is not like high school in the way that you have much more to keep track of than just homework and tests.
2. Mattress Pad(s) and Extra Blankets
You need it. You want the little sleep you do get in college to be comfortable. I ended up with a good four extra very cozy blankets in my room that all came in very handy. You don't have to be a blanket hoard like me, I am sure one or two will suffice.
3. Butt Cushion
You will spend a copious amount of time sitting at your desk doing homework. Invest in a cushy butt cushion with memory foam. Your booty and back will thank you when you are spending an entire day writing a research paper.
4. Drying Rack
I read an article before I came to college that said this was unnecessary. Ha. Many times you will find that you need to air dry clothes whether they be dresses or t-shirts. This thing is compact, cheap and handy. A great investment that my roommate and I used it weekly all year.
5. Coffee Maker
This needs no explanation. College and coffee go hand in hand.
6. A Dorm Room Plant and/or Pet Fish
I know these may seem superfluous, but having another living thing in your room besides your roommate can lift your mood. Plants give you fresh air and fish are moral support (scientifically proven).
7. Sticky Notes
My best friend. Sticky notes of every size will keep you organized and have infinite uses.
8. Air Freshener
Whether it be one that plugs into the wall or one that sits on your desk, having a nice smelling room is a must. It not only makes it feel cleaner and more homey, the first thing everyone said when they walked into my room freshman year was how good it smelled. It just makes life in the dorm better.
9. Extension Cords
Bring lots of them. They come in so handy (Especially if you loft your bed).
10. A Comfy Chair
I splurged on a large round comfy chair before I moved in and it's been one of the best purchases of all. Whether I was sleeping or working it was a great place to lounge and provided an extra seat to anyone who came in our room.
11. A Plate, A Bowl, A Spoon, A Knife, A Fork
One of each. This forces you to clean up after yourself and wash your dishes. You really do not need more than this in a dorm.
12. Medicine
Before I left for school, my wonderful mom put a little first aid box together for me with anything and everything I may need from band-aids and rubbing alcohol to crazy glue and Claritin. This saves your time and money because you're already prepared if struck with the worst.
13. A Good Attitude
No matter what building or room you're in, how big or small your room is, who your roommate is you are so blessed to be attending an institution of higher learning. Make it your home in every way. Focus on what you do have not what you don't and let your personality shine through in your room. Hug your parents one time extra on move-in day and start this new chapter of your life with a smile and if you do that, you have everything you need.
"Turn your face towards the sun and all the shadows will fall behind you"
xoxo
