College Dorm Must-Haves

Some say that dorm necessities make up a fairly short list, but I disagree. In my experience, it is better to have too much then not enough. Over the years, I have been the girl that everyone comes to when they need something they don't have, which in my eyes is better than being the one knocking on doors looking for things. As a result, my list of "must-haves" tends to grow every year. The best way to approach this is to everything down in to groups: Storage, Toiletries, "Home Essentials", Electronics, Apparel, School Supplies, and Miscellaneous. The key to having everything you need with you at college starts with storage. The best way to approach the tedious job of packing is to buy several Rubbermaid tubs. They fit a lot and are easy to stack for the trip to school and to hide once you get there (or stack inside of each other if you are sending them home). It is also a good idea to get smaller storage containers. While most colleges do provide furniture including a desk, dresser, and closet, they do not provide any way to keep any of it organized; tearing your room apart looking for something is the last thing you want to be doing five minutes before you class that is all the way on the other side of campus. It is a good idea to have drawer separators or some kind of organization system for pens, pencils, and other miscellaneous school supplies.

Making sure that you are all squared away in the toiletries department should be high on your list before you head off to college. If you are going to a school that has a community bathroom setup (everyone on one floor shares a bathroom), shower shoes (AKA a cheap pair of flip flops) are definitely a must have. It is also a good idea to get a shower caddy that you can keep all of the items you will be taking to and from the bathroom. Speaking of which, you should definitely stock up on shampoo, conditioner, soap, spare toothbrush (in case yours accidentally hits the floor), toothpaste, etc., before leaving because everything is more expensive in a college town.

On to the more obvious must-haves: Home essentials. As you may know, most colleges require you to bring your own sheets, pillows, blankets etc. The best sheet/comforter fit for the college bed is Twin XL. This is where you should spend a little money because you want it to 1) Be something you like, as you are going to be sleeping on it most likely for your entire college career, and 2) Be comfortable. Same "rules" apply for pillows. It is also a good idea to bring an extra blanket, as it will come in handy. Perhaps the most important must-have (at least in the section, but probably overall) is an egg crate foam mattress pad. If you want sleep comfortably (i.e. feel like you are sleeping on something other than a wooden board), you should definitely invest in this wonderful invention. It may also be a good idea to buy a mattress protector to put over the crate-anything to separate you from that grimy mattress that who knows how many people have done...who knows what on.

Electronic are always somewhere near the top of a college student's list. Obviously, computer is a must-have, whether it be desktop or laptop (though laptops are much more efficient for several reasons). A digital camera is also a must-have so that you can capture every waking moment of your college career if you so please. Another important necessity is an alarm clock. I realize that is a total drag to have to wake up early and go to class, but it is college after all, so you will be doing it (if you intend on graduating, that is). Speaking of class, if you are not great at note-taking, it would be beneficial to purchase a miniature tape recorder to record your lectures. Also, if a roommate is not already bringing a TV and/or DVD player, they are definitely "must-haves".

Everyone knows to bring clothes to college, but what many students overlook is what kind of clothes to bring. Sure, you can bring all your favorite outfits; I am definitely not denying that, however, you should bring all your favorite outfits for all seasons. Generally, you are going to experience all four seasons while you are away at school (assuming you are going to school in an area that experiences all four seasons), so you need to be able to dress appropriately for all four of these seasons. Make sure to take a winter coat, as well as an umbrella or rain coat. It also may be a good idea to invest in a hat if you do not already own one.

Believe it or not, school supplies are a must-have, as people usually go to school to learn something. Whatever school supplies you used in high school should be sufficient, just make sure to buy a variety. Things you will need a lot of include: pens and pencils (get both because you will have to use both), highlighters, printer ink, and computer paper. You should also purchase: a day planner (to keep track of assignments), scissors, tape, stapler (and staples), hole puncher (and reinforcers), and post-it notes.

Here is where things get tricky: the miscellaneous section. I will warn you that you probably do not absolutely have to have everything listed in this section, but it certainly will not hurt anything. First of all, let's talk about "room stuff": rug(s), desk light, Christmas lights or rope lighting (to hang around your room...it makes it much more homey and is a good way to keep your room light without the annoying fluorescent ceiling lights), a hamper (with wheels, if possible, so you can just wheel your laundry however far away the laundry room is), pictures, picture frame/memory board, at least one fan (dorms get hot in warm months, especially if you are on a higher floor), and a comfy chair (a high recommend Target's corduroy sphere chair). Supplies should also be considered: batteries, light bulbs, safety pins, either real or paper/plastic bowls/plates/utensils, dish soap, paper towels, cleaning supplies, swiffer, febreeze, laundry detergent, fabric softener, and A LOT of quarters (to do your laundry). Health-related supplies need not be forgotten; these include Band aids, Neosporin, Aspirin, Dayquil, and Nightquil.

I do believe the list above covers most, and probably even then some, must-haves for the college dorm. As I mentioned earlier, the list is long, which makes gathering all of these items and packing them up quite a tedious task, so do not wait until the last minute!