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:
- 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.
- Bathroom Towels: Bathroom towels need to withstand a week without washing; meaning the quality is very important.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Microwave:
Heat up last night’s takeout or a midnight snack when pulling an
all-nighter for exams.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Clothes
Hangers: Keep the nice clothes in the closet on hangers to prevent wrinkles.
- 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.
- Laundry Bag:
Keep all the dirty clothes in one place and make it easy for you on your
trip to the laundry room.
- 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.
- Desk Lamp:
Most colleges provide a desk but not a lamp. While studying late at night,
a desk lamp is a necessity.
- 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.
- School
Supplies: Have all of your studying materials ready to go before you begin
college.
- Mirror: It’s
important to have a mirror in your room because dorm bathrooms will most
likely always be busy.
- 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.
- 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.
- Extension
Cord: The closet-sized dorm room most likely has very little outlets.
- First Aid
Kit+Flashlight: Emergencies can happen and it's always a good idea to be
prepared.
- 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.
- School Spirit
Gear: Have school colored shirts to fit in on campus.
- 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.
- Snacks
(nonperishable): It’s important to have food in the dorm in case of any
emergency or after cafeteria hours.