Shopping for your dorm room can be a hassle, especially considering that you know you're probably going to forget something. Well, as a college student and someone who has gone through this process not so long ago, I can tell you it can be pretty stressful. The best thing to remember is that even if you do forget something, you can always pick it up at the local mall or store by the University, or have your parents or guardians ship one to you. I have compiled a list to help you move into your dorm with everything you need to get the year started for academic success. 1) Sheets - This seems like a no brainer, but you wouldn't believe how someone could forget something as simple as this. Be prepared for both warm and cold weather, so make sure you have a comforter and sheet set. Most colleges offer twin extra long mattresses, so be sure that your sheets will match the mattress provided by the college. Another big one, which is actually something I forgot but is fairly important, is a mattress pad. I was actually the only person in my suite to forget one, which made me feel quite dumb. It really does help though if you can get one of the mattress pads with foam, as the mattresses at college are probably not very comfortable, and getting proper amounts of sleep is incredibly important at college. These can be bought at stores such as Target or Bed Bath and Beyond, and I'd highly recommend them. Also, don't forget a comfortable pillow! Multiple pillows are probably a good idea as well, especially if you ever have a friend stay the night, he or she will need a pillow. 2) Hygiene Essentials - Make sure that when you move in that you have a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap or body wash, and much more. You'll also need deodorant, laundry detergent, and more. Don't forget laundry bags also, because you'll need a way to cart your clothes to and from the laundry services room. A shower caddy is probably also a good idea, especially if your bathroom is communal, as you'll need an easy way to carry all your essentials to and from the bathroom. If laundry isn't free at your campus, be sure to bring a lot of quarters or money on your student ID card so that you can wash your clothes. 3) Towels - You can't really take a shower without a towel, so make sure you have plenty of these. Although you don't need to wash your towels after just one use necessarily, it's important to have enough of them to keep you tided over. 4) Desk and School Supplies - This sounds fairly simple as well, but make sure you have everything you need here. Scissors is probably the most likely thing to be forgotten, as well as maybe a hole puncher. On top of these, don't forget the usual items such as notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, and more. You may also need markers as well, so be sure not to forget those. A Pencil sharpener is also often forgotten, so make sure you bring one of those as well. Also, don't forget a calendar or daily planner, as this can really come in handy when writing down school work and other things that need to get done, and help you easily keep track of your schedule. 5) Clothes - This may seem like a silly thing to have on the list, but make sure you're prepared, especially if you're attending a college out of the area. You are probably unfamiliar with the weather patterns in the area, so make sure you are prepared for both warm and cold weather, as you never know what might hit you. 6) Cups - This seems like something a lot of people tend to forget. Cups can be very important, especially if you have your own bathroom in your room. Although many people are afraid to drink water out of the tap, cups can really help for a free drink, or if you want to poor a 2 liter soda or any other drink into multiple cups for sharing is when these can also come in handy. 7) Snacks - Chances are you're going to get hungry at times when the dining hall isn't open, so rather than ordering out or going to the vending machines, it's easier and cheaper just to keep some snacks on hand. Don't be afraid to share with your roommates, as chances are they're going to want some of your food. If you're not the type to share, I recommend hiding your food as often times my suite-mates would steal food from each other, which actually caused fights throughout my suite in the beginning of the year. 8) Laptop And Printer - Although I realize not everyone can afford a brand new laptop and printer, especially when they are paying for college, it is a very useful tool. Having your own laptop and printer avoids you having to go to the library every time you need to use a computer or print something out. Not to mention, most colleges including mine charge around .10 everything you want to print something out, and you probably have to have the money loaded on your prepaid student ID card, which can be difficult to do (you can't just use dimes, at least in my school). If you can't afford it, find out if your roommate would be willing to let him or her use their laptop or printer, of course it'd be nice to offer them something in return. 9) Refrigerator and Microwave - Find out what your college allows in terms of microwaves and refrigerators, but they can come in handy in heating up and storing leftovers, snacks, and keeping drinks cool for your room. After all, if you have a guest it'd be nice to be able to offer them something to eat or drink. 10) Chair and Furniture - The chair the college gives you probably isn't going to be very comfortable, so if you have room make sure to bring your own chairs for sitting around the television or relaxing in. This is primarily only used by people who have suites and common rooms among their roommates, as many dorm rooms are too small to have multiple chairs in. be sure to check this out before moving multiple chairs in your dorm room, which may or may not have enough space for it. Also be sure to have things to decorate your room with. The most popular of course being posters of musicians, movie stars, etc but also pictures of families and things that are important to you are good ideas as well. These are some of the top 10 most essential things to make sure you bring to college. Although I wasn't too picky about my living conditions in college, I made sure I had all of the things listed above and I was very comfortable living the way I was. I would recommend also checking out what your college recommends, and what they allow and don't allow in their dorms. Be sure to checkout this great Youtube video on all things to bring to your dorm and to college, here!
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