Top 5 College Dorm Room Essentials

So you've been approved to the college of your choice and it's time to finally leave the house and get out on your own. You're probably on your way to the dorms where you will spend the next four years of your young adult life. Before setting off on your college journey check out this list of the top 5 must have dorm essentials to make your early college life as easy as possible. I just graduated college so now you can learn from my mistakes and make your life stress free and hassle free when you arrive on campus. Follow this top 5 dorm room checklist to make sure your set for a smooth and easy transition into dorm life.

Computer - The most useful item you can bring as a freshman, your computer will become a best friend. A desktop is acceptable but a laptop or netbook is preferred. Bring the laptop to class and you can easily type out your lecture notes instead of using pen and paper. Don't forget the printer as you're going to need to print out your class assignments. Beyond class work the computer will come in handy to grab movie times, order a quick pizza, or find the closest bar with a happy hour special and a cheap cover.

Music & Headphones - Everyone has their own personal preference for music and more often than not your roommates will have a different taste in music than you. If you're not interested in acquiring a new taste in music don't forget to bring along your personal music collection. One tip to remember, bring a pair of headphones so you can stay on your roommates good side. The morning after a week of spring break binge drinking is not a good time to blast that new pop CD you got last night unless you enjoy annoying your housemates.

Alarm Clock - Make it loud, very loud. No longer do we have a parent or siblings that can drop kick us out of bed when we forget to set the alarm. Your roommates have a busy schedule and won't be there to save you when you're passed out and your alarm clock is going off. The most import dorm room essential in the list.

Microwave / Quick Cook Grill - A must have dorm room supply as you're constantly on the go between school, work, and your social life. You've never been this rushed in your life and to avoid the high cost of eating out on a constant basis you need a microwave or countertop grill to make a quick lunch. A 5-minute lunch cooked in a microwave or table top grill three times a week can save you enough money to enjoy some nightlife on Friday night and save your midsection from destruction.

Desk Lamp - Dorm rooms are notorious for having inadequate lighting. To avoid constant headaches make sure you bring a nice bright lamp or two with you for your late night study sessions. Your eyes will thank you later in life.