As a college senior, I’ve learned a lot about what’s important to bring to college. Rather than having to guess what to bring and having it be a mystery, I thought it best to dispense my advice to help future college co-eds. I was inspired to share my knowledge on this subject after watching the Bucketlist Family who are traveling journalist who give great tips. Here it is, broken into categories:
BED
Let's first talk about our bed and bedding (which in college can sometimes serve as a couch). Twin extra-large sheets are standard in many college dorm rooms. I recommend bringing two sets so when you're doing laundry for one you can put the other set on and spice things up. You should also get a comforter. Comforter sizes vary and luckily several sizes work on a twin XL mattress – twin, twin XL and a double – with multiple sizes, you have more options. When picking a comforter, I recommend neutral tones and then you can use bold accents with pillows and artwork to make the room pop. Also, a mattress topper is essential especially if you do not like hard beds (remember, your mattress has already had a long life when you inherit it, so make it comfortable with a topper). A mattress topper is a game changer trust me. Next, for your bed you need a pillow or two which is nice if you spend a lot of time studying or sitting in your bed. Throw pillows are a good way to implement some dorm décor.
DESK
For your desk, you obviously want some basic school supplies- pencils, pens, erasers, a pair of scissors, tape, sticky notes, notebooks, folders, a planner and a calculator (although I’m a Communication Studies girl, I still find myself needing a calculator), paper clips, rubber bands, a stapler, flash cards, and a pencil sharpener. Next, where to put all of these supplies? In my handy dandy desk organizer to organize all of your essentials. The organizer is a space saver that I highly recommend. I didn't have one freshman year, but I bought one for this year and I am really looking forward to using it.
DECORATING YOUR ROOM
Decorating your dorm room can be an art form. Whether you choose the minimalist approach or choose to have your room be featured on Pinterest, getting it right so that your room feels like home take
s some planning. Since I was on a budget, I printed out on photo paper and laminated pictures from Pinterest, and they turned out so well. Also, posters from Amazon are a budget-friendly approach to decorating your room. My room features the classic “Endless Summer” poster, while my brother chose Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” tour poster. Candid pictures of family and friends also make for a warm and inviting room especially if accented by LED light strings. Plants are also a nice touch, although imitation plants survive even a college student’s green thumb.
COMMAND STRIPS AND DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE
The most important two items on every college student’s shopping list should be command strips and double-sided tape. If you're hanging stuff up on cinder block wall or drywall, you’ll need command hooks and double-sided tape (all available on Amazon). For all of your photos and posters, the double-sided tape is your friend. Command hooks are more for your heavier items like towels and a bathrobe. They both work well for hanging LED lights which are a nice touch for any room’s décor.
ORGANIZATIONAL BINS
Organizational bins are key for extra storage space. They make them fit under any college bed and they can hold everything from food to seasonal clothing. Other important storage bags include trash bags, plastic bags, and zip lock bags.
CLEANING SUPPLIES
College dorms are by far not the cleanest spaces. Clorox wipes are a must have for every dorm room. Clorox wipes help disinfect surfaces like your desk, bathroom and microwave and refrigerator. A Swiffer and hand vacuum will keep late night snacks off your floor. And finally, a toilet wand will go a long way to keep your commode sparkling clean.
BATHROOM SUPPLIES
Whether you have a community bathroom or suite, you will need to bring bathroom staples. A shower caddy is necessary to tote all of your shower supplies (shampoo, conditioner, soap, razor, etc.) back and forth to the shower. It’s very compact and helps if your bathroom is a shared space. I recommend two sets of towels because you never want to be without a towel. Shower flip flops are highly recommended for the most sanitary shower visit. A hair dryer is optional, however, if you are going to a college in a colder climate, it’s nice to show up at class without frozen hair. Finally, don’t forget your toothbrush and toothpaste (I also like bringing a toothbrush holder). The other basic toiletries (razor, lotion, eyecare, etc.) that make your life easier can be stored in your caddy as well.
MEDICINES
College medicine must-haves generally include cough drops, vitamin C, cold medicine, and pain reliever. A mini first aid kit is helpful for supplying Band-Aids, hydro cortisone, antibacterial ointment, sunscreen and bug spray.
MISCELLANEOUS
A water bottle will keep you hydrated as will any drinks that you choose to store in your refrigerator. Next, you’ll need a microwave to heat up all of the ramen and macaroni and cheese. And if you are eating and drinking, you’ll need basic cutlery and plates.
An extra backpack or purse helps with weekend outings or mini trips.
Laundry tide pods coupled with stain stick and a laundry bag (I recommend the backpack) help with weekly trips to the communal laundry room.
A raincoat and umbrella help on those rainy days.
OPTIONAL SUPPLIES
Next up are optional items that you can bring to college. If your college doesn't have overhead lighting, bring a lamp. Also, I recommend bringing an extension cord because the outlets in most dorm rooms are in the worst possible places (like under your bed). Also, click on lights are marvelous to place inside closets for either early morning or late at night so you don't have to turn the lights on Finally, if your dorm lacks air-conditioning a fan is essential to get you through the first few weeks of August. Fans are also a great source of white noise when you have noisy roommates.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. I’m leaving clothing to your discretion, but remember if you don’t like to do laundry, more clothes are necessary.
Continue to follow me for next weeks blog on Preparing for college applications…
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