May 27, 2015

Top 25 dorm room essentials

Maya Horton and Katie Mazanec
Staff Writers

Seniors, there are only a couple of weeks left until many of you are an official college student! Listed below are dorm room essentials:


  1. Bedding: The basis of the dorm room color scheme starts with the bedding. The color of the bedding can be matched to rug, organizational bins, and other dorm decorations.
  2. Bathroom Towels: Bathroom towels need to withstand a week without washing; meaning the quality is very important.
  3. Organization Boxes: Since all dorm rooms are the size of nice master suite closet, it is necessary to have extra boxes to store clothes and other materials.  
  4. Cleaning Supplies: Keeping the dorm room clean is important, some colleges have a floor monitor who makes sure the rooms are in decent shape. Also, students in suites are responsible for taking care of their own bathroom.  
  5. Hygiene Care: Don’t forget the basic necessities such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, shampoo/conditioner, hair products, hair dryer/straightener, shaving kit, lotion, and other hygiene items.
  6. Microwave: Heat up last night’s takeout or a midnight snack when pulling an all-nighter for exams.
  7. Refrigerator: Many schools have requirements on the type of refrigerator you need to get; make sure to check with the housing department before ordering a huge refrigerator.  Some schools even offer microwaves and mini fridges for rent.
  8. Waste Basket: Have something to put trash in, whether it be plastic grocery bag or a trash bin. Old papers and candy wrappers can build up quickly and attract unwanted pests.
  9. Speaker: Be able to take a break from studying and jam out to your favorite tunes with friends. Shower speakers are also an option if other roommates allow it.
  10. Clothes Hangers: Keep the nice clothes in the closet on hangers to prevent wrinkles.
  11. Laptop/Computer: Many assignments are online and it is important to access online modules in college to be on top of class work. If a decent laptop is not in the budget, many schools have options of renting one for free.
  12. Laundry Bag: Keep all the dirty clothes in one place and make it easy for you on your trip to the laundry room.
  13. Wall Art: Make the dorm room unique by hanging pictures on the wall or having reusable wall stickers. Also, hang stringed decorative lights around the bed to make the room bright and elegant.  
  14. Desk Lamp: Most colleges provide a desk but not a lamp. While studying late at night, a desk lamp is a necessity.  
  15. Coffee Maker: Though you may not drink coffee now, it has been said that you will learn to love coffee in college. Having a coffee maker allows you to stay awake throughout the week.
  16. School Supplies: Have all of your studying materials ready to go before you begin college.
  17. Mirror: It’s important to have a mirror in your room because dorm bathrooms will most likely always be busy.
  18. Rug: Most dorm rooms have uncarpeted floors which can get really cold during the winter. Make the room feel more comforting and homey with a rug.  
  19. Headphones: It is hard to find your own quiet space in college. Block out some of the noise with a good pair of headphones or earbuds.
  20. Extension Cord: The closet-sized dorm room most likely has very little outlets.
  21. First Aid Kit+Flashlight: Emergencies can happen and it's always a good idea to be prepared.
  22. Cooking Supplies: Ask your college about the rules on cooking areas and utensils before buying anything, but most campuses will allow for a coffee maker and hot plate.
  23. School Spirit Gear: Have school colored shirts to fit in on campus.
  24. Alarm Clock:  Cell phone alarms are not always going to be heard.  Bring an old fashioned ringing bell alarm clock or a small electronic version that plugs into the wall to guarantee punctuality on those early morning classes.
  25. Snacks (nonperishable): It’s important to have food in the dorm in case of any emergency or after cafeteria hours.