Moving into college can be pretty mind-boggling. You are so preoccupied with making friends, going to class and finding the time to FaceTime mom that you completely forget to deck out your dorm room. Besides the basics, like a microwave and coffee maker, how are you expected to come up with a list of things for moving into college on your own? I’ll offer some great ways to equip your room that will make it feel like your home away from home.
1. Ramen cooker
It’s quite unheard of, but a Ramen Cooker is essential for dorm life. It is super easy to use and perfect for late nights when the dining hall is closed and you have no money to spend at the Emporium… Just don’t get caught by an RA because they are illegal in the dorms! (shhhh…)
2. Clothespins and string
I had this set-up my freshman year and I loved it. During the first semester I had poster boards with pictures glued to them, but by the second week of school they started to fall apart! So I turned to Pinterest, of course, and was introduced to the awesome idea of hanging a line of string and pin my pictures to it with a clothespin. You can hang your pics horizontally or vertically, both methods look awesome! The pictures you clip to the string will always keep your closest friends and family members in mind.
3. Plants
Although some people think plants are dirty, annoying and a lot to take care of, I disagree! Plants like succulents and air plants need little to no care. They don’t need sun, and can go days without water. Unlike a fish, you don’t have to change the water, clean the bowl and feed it everyday. Plants are great to look at and will make your dorm feel like your personal sanctuary. You can even get crafty if you want! Making terrariums can be super fun because of all of the different ways you can get creative. You can hang them on your wall or simply place them on your desk. There are hanging, themed, colorful, decorative and simple terrariums. It’s definitely a fun thing to bond over with your new room and hall mates.
4. A fish
I know I just said a fish can be a lot of work, but if you’re not a plant person then a fish will do the trick. They are not too much work, but definitely more than a simple plant. Fish are nice to look at when you need a break from studying or just need a companion when you’re upset. Betta fish come in red, purple and blue and can last up to 6 years. If you want, you can even put a plant on top of the water to add some greenery… Peace Lilies do great in fish bowls and give the fish lots of nutrients! I wouldn’t recommend a gold fish because they usually last around 3 weeks… Kind of sad, huh? Fish make great college pets and they are allowed in dorms! If you want to get on your RA’s good side, I think a fish would be a great aspect to add to your dorm.
5. A BIG hamper
This sounds random but I swear a big hamper will save you in so many situations. My laundry room was three floors down so after doing laundry twice, my little hamper broke and it was the worst thing ever! Places like Home Goods, Target, and Overstock sell huge decorative hampers. These are great for not only transporting your laundry from your room to the wash room… but also for bringing all of your bedding and clothes back home for vacations and the end of the year! Trust me… I didn’t think about it until mine broke and my roommate bought a huge hamper. They’re super cute, inexpensive, and necessary.
I hope you take these random items into consideration when moving into college. I know that it’s stressful, confusing, and mind-boggling but it is possible to make yourself a list! Think about the necessities; hygienic products, bedding, clothes, clothes hangers, a shoe rack, notebooks, chargers, etc. But don’t forget about the creative side of packing for college! This is your first time living away from home and you want to make your space as cozy as possible. It’s OK to bring your favorite stuffed animals or blankies! But in all seriousness…. Get yourself a big hamper and you’ll be set for a great year!