So you’ve been accepted to your University of choice. Awesome. Now comes the fun part, leaving home and assembling a living space that you have always wanted. Do you want the ‘fridge with in range of your bed? So be it, it’s your place now.
But with college there are a few staples that every student should have. There are tons of checklists for obvious stuff. But I asked some friends for their overlooked essentials, and came up with the following list. What would you include?
I am aware that some of these items depend on your dorm’s policy.
- A Microwave
Let me tell you this: my mother is a microwave chef. You show her a dish and she can tell you exactly how long it needs to be microwaved for. Incidentally, I learned all kinds of dishes that can be easily prepared in the microwave. When you move on to campus a reality will hit you. Your meal plan is either very expensive or very limited, and you will not feel like walking to a store at 1am. Do yourself a favor and pack some Easy Mac or some Beefaroni to heat up. If your dorm won’t allow it, bring one anyway, they won’t care. Just make sure you know how to nuke popcorn without setting off the fire alarms. I recommend searching eBay!for a local pickup as described in a earlier post.
- Laptop NOT a desktop
When I was shopping for computers I picked a desktop thinking “hey, its cheaper why the heck not!” However I found out when I wanted to do some geeky fun stuff I would have to be on my computer. When I wanted to do work I had to be…on my computer. Needless to say I spent a lot of time in the same damn chair because I opted to forgo the freedom to go outside on a nice day and type my paper. So I say to you soon-to-be freshmen take the laptop! But I’m not bitter…. - Vitamins
You will eat like crap at first. These will save your ass. Nothing fancy, just your basic Centrum. - Awesome Sheets
Spend the extra money and get yourself the highest thread count your money can afford. Trust me, my dad and I had a little debate about this. He said go high quality, I said I didn’t really care. God, was he right. Yo are going to be spending a lot of time in that bed (for better or for worse). If the parents are buying convince them that sleep is essential to a good education – or something like that. But in reality it can’t hurt to be the guy with the really comfy bed, can it? Designer Linens has a nice back to sale, and if you use This Link with coupon: CJDOTFyou can get $25 off of your purchase (and help support College v2).
- Clorox Wipes
Off all the cleaner stuff your mom will recommend you take this will be all you need. They clean EVERYTHING. - Random Boxes
You will accumulate so much crap, that you will not feel like “organizing” it. Shove it all in a box, away it goes. - If you’re a drinker… Girl? No Alcohol. Guy? Bring Alcohol!
If you’re a girl, celebrate. It will probably be 4 years before you pay for alcohol ever again. Guys, we don’t have it so good. - Mini Vacuum
One of those little hand held vacuums will help you quickly clean up that dinner you spilled. A vacuumed carpet is also the quickest way to freshen up your room. I found myself borrowing a neighbors upright vacuum at least once a month. Save the trouble, and get a handheld. It’ll do.
Those of you who have already braved dorm life what did you bring? What did you wish you took with you?
Later this week: What NOT to bring and why
[tags]eBay, Alcohol, Vacuum, Microwave, laptop, dorm, college dorm[/tags]