These days it seems like every big store has a college checklist. These lists are great tools to use, but they all seem to differ and every item seems important to your comfort and well being while at school.
As a rising college sophomore, I can tell you from experience that there are items included on those lists that you will never use. To make preparing for college a little bit easier, here are 10 of the most essential items you (a gal) will need!
1. Planner
The college schedule is completely different from that of high school. Classes vary throughout the day, can change times, and even building depending on the day of the week. Add clubs, sports, a part time job, trips to the gym, time for friends, study sessions and maybe an internship to that and you’ve got a full schedule with lots of dates and times to remember. One of the easiest ways to manage it all is to use a planner. Mine became a lifeline throughout the semester.
Not all planners are made alike however. Trying to find an agenda with a monthly calendar, a large enough weekly calendar, and spots for notes and other information can be tricky. I myself went through two planners before finding my personal favorite: The Large Agenda by Lilly Pulitzer. Preferences can vary for everyone so shop around.
2. Lots of Pillows – Including a Backrest Pillow
You bed will serve many purposes beyond that of just a bed. Throughout the semester, it will function as a dinner table, a sofa (slouchback makes it nice), a spot to relax, and a place to study. The more comfortable you can make this space, the better! Pillows are a big help especially backrest pillows. They provide support, comfort, and can be a creative way to add more color and style to a drab dorm room.
3. Sturdy Laundry Bag or Hamper
In college you will have to do your own laundry if you want to have clothes to wear. Some dorms have laundry facilities on every floor, others in the basement. No one wants to get halfway down the hall and have their laundry bag give out on them and the more clothes you can stuff in a bag, the fewer trips you have to take back and forth.
4. Food Storage
This may not be at the top of your list, but trust me. Food storage is key. First, it keeps your food safe from bugs. Second, it helps store left overs and stackable food storage containers are space friendly and will keep your food fresh for another meal.
5. Basic Kitchen Essentials
Even if you don’t have a kitchen, you will want to keep some basic kitchen items on hand. Simple things like a can opener, microwave safe bowls, a sharp knife, and an ice cream scoop will come in handy over the year. In addition to a few plates, bowls, cups, and utensils.
6. Personal Desk Lamp or Bed Light
Dorm rooms mean sharing and compromise, since your roommate might not share your sleeping schedule a personal desk lamp or bed light for early mornings and late nights when your roommate is sleeping will be much appreciated.
7. Bathrobe
A bathrobe is important no matter whether you have a communal or en suite shower. It gives you proper coverage and is warm and cozy, I recommend a cotton one for the early fall and spring so that it isn’t too hot and a warm fluffy one for winter.
8. Shower Caddy or In Shower Storage and Shelves
If you need to cart your toiletries around with you, a shower caddy is a must. Shower caddies range from basic to fashion like this Vera Bradley caddy. If you are among the fortunate to have a bathroom connected to your room, I still recommend having a over the shower head caddy or the kind that stick with suction cups. They just provide extra storage, and a personal spot for your products.
9. Poster Putty
Dorm rooms are paints over and over again, in order to make sure you can showcase your style and have posters and prints stick to the walls make sure you have poster putty.
10. Drawer Storage
Most dorms have dressers with huge drawers. While these are great for sweatshirts and t-shirts, smaller items such as makeup, brushes, toothpaste and other knickknacks can get messy and unorganized. Small baskets or low flat plastic containers with lids are great for stacking and dividing up space.
While many of these items are on many lists, some that I found to be invaluable were often not on any lists. I hope this helps you move in and start your semester in style.
A Special Thanks to our guest blogger
Bekah Troutman of George Washington University
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5 Overlooked Dorm Items, You Dont Know You Need BUT You'll Want
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