As seniors wave goodbye to high school, they are starting a new chapter of their lives with the opportunity to live on their own. Moving away entails acquiring new gadgets and necessities for a brand new dorm room. There are millions of things other than how many watts the microwave needs to be on a new graduate’s mind and naturally, a handful of college equipment may go overlooked. Various essential dorm room purchases should include eating supplies, linens, cleaning supplies, and health and beauty products. Give yourself — and your parents– peace of mind by making sure you, once-again-freshman, have all the necessities for making it through the year comfortably.
Eating Supplies
Depending on your what the dorm room you’ve selected allows, purchasing a mini fridge to harbor cool refreshments and snacks is a must. Renting a mini fridge through your dorm is a possibility as well. In addition, microwaves and coffee pots come in handy for heating water for making soups, tea, and other hot foods. To go along with the small appliances, it is advised to keep some durable dinnerware stashed in the dorm room for late night snacks when you can’t turn away from your studies. This includes cups, utensils, plates, bowls and napkins. Some fast and easy non-perishable snack options entail nuts, granola, and dried fruits, chips, soups, and crackers. It is also wise to keep drink mixes to add to water or teas handy.
Linens and Cleaning Supplies
You will be living in your dorm room for the rest of the year– why not spruce it up a little with decorative linens? A couple no- brainer items comprise of bed sheets, pillow cases, light blankets for warmer weather, and a comforter for colder weather. According to College Essentials for a Home away from Home by Nicole Etolen, bed sheets with a reversible print are “fun because they’re two styles for one and help create a personal decorating statement.” Basic cleaning supplies such as laundry detergent, Clorox wipes, air fresheners, and a duster are must- haves. A hamper for laundry that hangs over the door is a great way to save space in the room and also easy to maneuver to laundromats.
Health and Beauty
Showering supplies are imperative to living on campus– nobody wants a smelly roommate! The fundamentals- shampoo, conditioner, body wash, shaving cream, toothbrush, deodorant, etc- are already second nature. But don’t forget a caddy to lug all of that to and from the community showers to make your life a little easier. A couple towels are fit in order to be prepared in the often case that you are running behind on laundry.
Miscellaneous
Most dorm rooms are already equipped with desks for you and your roommate, but don’t forget other add- ons like desk chairs, chargers for phones and laptops, extension cords, a desk lamp, etc. Organizer krates and caddies are a good way to maximize space as well.
