Dorm Room Essentials

Most colleges provide only the basics to incoming students, and those basics aren't always the snazziest options around, so picking out the right stuff for your dorm is essential. Those cramped quarters usually contain a bed and mattress, a wardrobe or closet, desk and chair, and perhaps a bookcase or nightstand. Walls are bare and boring, and flooring could be anything under the sun. It takes a little effort to transform such drab spaces into something magnificent, but it is certainly possible and well worth it.

Since most time spent in the dorm will be sleeping and studying, the bed will get most of the attention. Bedding can be purchased at countless places, from Target to Bed, Bath & Beyond. College mattresses are typically extra-long twins, so be sure to get comparable bedding. Most students need two to three sheet sets, a comforter, and an extra blanket to use as a throw or to add on to the bed on chilly nights.

Although some stores like Target sell complete bed-in-a-bag sets, I find it easier from a design standpoint to pick two or three main colors and stick with them when purchasing everything. A simple blue comforter and yellow pillows can be accented by a yellow desk lamp, blue picture frames, etc. I chose white and black to outfit my dorm room, and spiced up the classic colors by finding some matching items (pillows, organizers, and a bulletin board) in a cool black and white damask pattern. By unifying room colors, the space looks complete and much more organized. It's easier on the eye than having a whole rainbow of items thrown about. Unless rainbows are your thing, of course.

Most students like two pillows for sleeping and an additional few decorative or comfort pillows. While on the subject of comfort, those delighting in dorm life may also want to bring along a mattress pad to combat the notoriously uncomfortable college mattresses.

The next area of attention is the all-important desk. Students will want a desk lamp, some desk organizers of their choice, and any office supplies necessary to fulfill their exciting new college workload. Bulletin boards and/or whiteboards also come in handy, and as previously mentioned, can be incorporated into your color scheme. Don't forget markers, thumbtacks, and a way to hang the boards. Before doing so, check with your college's housing department to see how they require items to be hung on walls. Some are liberal enough to allow painting, lofting and nails in their walls, while others stick with that pure white, insist you keep your bed grounded, and don't want anything sticking in or out of dorm walls.

If your dorm doesn't include a bookcase, it would be a smart item to invest in rather than stuffing expensive textbooks and life-saving notes under the bed or some other interesting corner. Cheap bookcases can be purchased at office supply stores or furniture stores.

As for the extras, students will want a hamper or tote to carry laundry to and from the laundry center, a number of storage boxes to stash all that extra stuff you brought and definitely didn't end up needing (you'll need it later, I know), and a bathroom caddy for those unlucky enough to have to share a bathroom with their neighbors. On the subject of bathrooms, you'll need a few bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths, as well as any toiletries and personal items you can't do without.

Now that pretty much all of the main items are covered, students must decide on the procurement of those two dorm staples: the mini-fridge and the TV. Usually, one roommate buys one and the other purchases the other. Either way, both should collaborate and decide on both items and then get theirs. Students may also want to bring along a microwave, and, of course, some plates, bowls, and utensils for late night snacking.

Although many students would feel perfectly at home with just these basics, there are a few extra items that can add that extra touch to dorm rooms. Area rugs can spruce up a dull space, pull a room together (if kept with the color scheme!), and cover a cold, hard floor (or a dirty carpeted one). Picture frames, personal mementos, trophies, stuffed animals, and posters are the norm in dorm rooms and can make even the newest and strangest of settings feel just like home.