Friday, August 12, 2011

The Ultimate College Dorm/Apartment Essentials

Since it is the back to school season, I thought I would make a post for all of the college students who are either starting school this Fall or going back for another year. This post includes essentials for your dorm room or apartment and some advice to help you make it through your first semester/year! Hope it helps at least one person!

My freshman dorm

Please note that I am doing this for apartment holders as well as dorm room occupants. You can obviously ignore the things you know you won’t need. :) I also left out most furniture, so keep that in mind if you need it!

BEDROOM
- Sheets/blankets/comforters (Check with your apt/school to see if you need XL ones)
- Pillows
- Under the bed storage
- Alarm clock
- TV
- DVDs/Movies/CDs
- Memory cards
- Laundry bag/basket
- Remotes
- Night stand
- 3M Hooks
- DVD Player
- Extra batteries
- Desk lamp
- Lint brush
- Regular lamp
- Desk/Chair if not provided
- TV Stand
- Sunglasses
- Fan
- Shelf/drawer liners
- Hangers
- Tacky Adhesive/Nails
- Tool kit
- Tissues
- Books
- Purse
- ID Case
- Pictures
- Decorations (white board/cork board, posters, wall accents, flowers, etc.)
- Lounge Chair
- Floor length Mirror
- Iron/Ironing board

CLOTHES
- Socks
- Tops (Long, Short & Sleeveless shirts, tank tops, t-shirts, gym shirts, hoodies)
- Bottoms (Jeans, nice pants, khakis, shorts, skirts, leggings)
- Pajamas
- A suit or a dressier outfit (You never know what you might need one for!)
- Panty hose/knee highs
- Dresses
- Cardigans
- Jackets
- Bras (Sports, regular, bandeaus & strapless)
- Panties
- Shoes (Flip flops for the shower, sneakers, RAIN BOOTS, boots, flats, heels, dressy shoes)
- Shoe rack holder (highly recommended! Saves tons of space and is more organized)
- Swim suit
- Slippers
- Hat/gloves/scarves
- Bathrobe

  • If you don’t think you’re going to wear it, I would still recommend bringing at least one of anything you might wear. I brought a bathrobe and never used it.  I never But, I bet I would've wanted one if I didn't have one considering everyone else had one. I didn't bring a suit and then when I needed one I did not have one. If you go to school close enough where you can run home and get something, then disregard these comments.

  • Also, if you plan on going home for breaks then obviously don’t bring your winter stuff right away. Make sure you always have a warm/cold outfit though. Or at least a hoodie and some plain t-shirts.

  • And, if you don’t know how to do laundry you better learn. Quick!


SCHOOL SUPPLIES/DESK
- Pens
- Pencils
- Bookbag
- Notebooks
- Folders
- 3 hole punch
- Binders
- Highlighters
- Post its
- Paperclips
- Stapler/extra staples
- Paper
- Printer/paper/ink
- Magnets
- Agenda
- Scissors
- Glue
- Tape
- Stamps
- Pencil holder
- Envelopes
- White out
- Erasers
- Notepaper
- Ruler
- Laptop/charger/computer
- Mouse and mousepad
- Desk calendar
- Storage containers
- Books
- Rubber bands
- Notecards
- Calculator

KITCHEN
- Place settings
- Salt/Pepper shakers
- Silverware
- Clock for the wall
- Dishes
- Ice packs
- Cups and mugs
- Pots and pans
- Bigger spoons
- Pizza cutter
- Mixing bowls
- Bar stools (Depending)
- Flatware tray
- Spatulas
- Mixer if you want
- Chopper
- Recipe book
- Cutting boards
- Dish rack
- Toothpicks
- Soap
- Garbage/Recycling cans
- Mini Broom/pan
- Magnets for fridge
- Dish towels, extra towels, rags
- Toaster
- Pans to bake in and pans for baking (cake pan, cupcake, bread pan, cookie tray)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave
- Coffee Maker
- Brita water filter
- Strainer
- Travel Mugs
- Shot glasses
- Trash bags
- Zip lock bags
- Foil/plastic wrap
- Can opener
- Pitchers
- Ice Trays
- Paper towel holder
- Napkin holder
- Sponges
- Containers/jars for flour/sugar
- Something to hold all of your larger spoons
- Cleaning supplies
- Dining Room table and chairs if not provided
- Cushions for chairs
- Pizza stone
- Potholders

BATHROOM
- Medicine
- Tampons/Pads,etc.
- Rug
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Face Wash
- Towels
- Washcloth
- Body Wash
- Razor and extra blades
- Shaving cream
- First aid kit
- Shower curtain and one for inside the tub
- Shower hooks
- Shower rod
- Shower Caddy/Shower Holder for all of your stuff
- Comb/brushes
- Makeup
- Perfume
- Hair accessories
- Nail Polish
- Nail clippers
- Nail polish remover
- QTips
- Blowdryer/straightner, curling iron, etc.
- Hairspray
- Extra hair care products
- Lotion/Moisturizer
- Cotton balls
- Thermometer
- Make up remover
- Deodorant
- Mesh Sponge
- Cleaning supplies
- Tweezers
- Band aids
- Tissues
- Toilet Paper Holder
- Hanging rack (For back of door possibly)
- Soap
- Toilet cover (optional)

MISCELLANEOUS
- Carpets/Rugs
- Chargers for cameras, cell phones, iPods, etc.
- Extension Cord
- Surge protector
- Quarters for laundry
- Checks
- Bike (if applicable)
- Trash cans
- Ethernet cord
- USB Drive
- Vacuum
- Light bulbs
- Duck tape (you’ll need it someday)
- Mop and bucket
- Flashlight
- Bug spray
- Air freshener
- Headphones
- Camera
- Detergent/dryer sheets
- Extra storage containers
- Cleaning supplies (duster, windex, papertowels, etc.)
- Curtains if not provided
- Jewelry
- Safety pins
- Mini sewing kit
- Blinds if not provided

LIVING ROOM
- Coffee table
- TV
- DVDs/Movies
- All cabling and remotes
- Extra batteries
- Candles (not for dorms!)
- Decorations (wall art, center pieces, etc.)
- Lamp
- Blankets
- Pillows for the couch
- Couch/furniture if not provided
- Speakers
- Board games/cards (again no dorms! They will have these things in your residence halls)
- Holder for magazines, movies, etc.
- Wii/Xbox, etc. and games

Some friendly advice:
- If you don’t know, ask. I know sometimes it is hard to speak up but you’re only hurting yourself from being too scared. It’s good to ask questions when you don’t understand or comprehend something.
- Get involved. I cannot stress this one enough. This is going to make you feel accepted, loved, and successful more than anything. You will make new friends, share your ideas, plan events and go to fun events. If you don’t like any of the clubs you’ve tried, don’t be discouraged. I went to many, many clubs my freshman year and did not find one I liked until my sophomore year. Now I’m actively involved and have 3 different leadership positions.
- Do what YOU want. It’s hard to fit in right away, but don’t change yourselves for others. You may think you have to change to fit in, but don't. People will love you for who you are. Trust me.
- “Those who matter don't mind, and those who mind don't matter.”
- Call your Mom/Dad, family member or best friend if you’re having a bad day.
- Don’t get home every weekend. It will be hard the first semester/year but you will eventually outgrow this. I even bet that eventually you'll want to stay at home, but realize you have to go home.
- Plan your schedule and write down your assignments/events for the week, month and year.
- Participate in class. No, seriously. Do it.
- If it is your first semester take a walk through of where your classes will be so you won’t be stressing to get to your class on time on the first day.
- Make sure you bring important documents such as your health insurance card. You also might want to bring your social security card if you are planning to get a job because they will need this and you probably forgot it at home in your safe deposit box.
- Don't be shy. It's a hard adjustment the first semester, but don't be hesitant to talk to people in your classes. It's the quickest and easiest way to make friends or find out about events going on throughout campus.
- Remember, have fun! But, don't slack on your work. Do your homework, reading and assignments. You will not succeed if you slack off in college. High school is nothing like college. College is the best 4 years of your life for most. I knew PLENTY of people who graduated with 4.0 GPAs, had the highest leadership positions and scholarships you could only imagine and they still went out and had fun with me and other friends. If you prioritize your schedule you can do everything you want. If you aren't finding what you're looking for, keep trying. Be patient and give it time.  If you still aren't happy, transfer schools.
- Don't change for anyone. There are people out there who love you and there will be people who love you at school as well.
- Work hard, play hard. :)

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