Going from living at home to living in a dorm with a stranger is one of the biggest and most jarring transitions from high school to college. Although living in the dorms isn’t THAT bad, here are 10 items that could make your living situation better:
1. Shower shoes
Whether you thought they were optional or you don’t like wearing shoes in the shower, not bringing shower shoes to college is a BIG mistake. Depending on the layout of your dorm, you will most likely be sharing a shower with multiple other people. You’re going to want to be wearing shoes in there.
2. Air freshener
Dorms are pretty small and, unless you’re okay with leaving your window open and allowing entrance to various bugs, they can get pretty stuffy. Having an air freshener spray or diffuser can make living in a space where there is no air circulation a lot easier. (Especially because most colleges do not allow the use of candles in the dorms!)
3. Mattress pad
Although they can be a bit pricey compared to the rest of your college haul, a good quality mattress pad is valuable af. Most colleges provide a mattress that resembles a gymnasium wall mat which does not provide for a good night’s sleep. With all the new responsibilities that accompany you at college, being able to sleep soundly at night is very important.
4. Extra sheets and towels
You probably will not be doing laundry often. To avoid being stuck with dirty sheets or towels for as long as you don’t do your laundry, it would be smart to have an extra set of both.
5. Full-length mirror
This is an item that could easily be looked over, but is a must-have. Unless you want to go to the bathroom every time you want to look at yourself in the mirror, you’re going to want to bring an over-the-door mirror or one that can easily be hung on the wall.
6. Wall adhesives
You’re definitely going to want to personalize your room with posters or art but most colleges do not allow the use of nails to hang items. Investing in strong adhesives to stick pictures on your walls is a good idea. You can even use hook adhesives to hang jewelry or belts.
7. Body pillow/shams
Because of the unfortunate size of dorm rooms, there isn’t much space to just chill. Your bed is most likely going to double as a couch and the place you sleep. Having a body pillow or a few shams will make it much easier to relax in bed and a good way to take advantage of your small living space.
8. Rug
Most college dorms have cold concrete floors and get dirty very easily. Slapping a simple rug down will instantly make the room more comfortable and adds a “homey” vibe.
9. More storage
However small you think your dorm is going to be, it will be even smaller. I promise you will get used to it, but you will need to adapt to the lack of storage space. Luckily, a lot of college dorm beds are tall and leave a lot of room for drawers to be placed underneath them. It would be a smart idea to bring plastic drawers to hold more clothes, food, etc. (You can purchase bed risers if your dorm bed does not leave enough space underneath!)
10. Mini Fridge
Some colleges already supply mini fridges and microwaves, but if yours doesn’t, it would be a good idea to invest in one. You will realize quickly that leaving your room to go to the dining hall when your hungry is not always realistic. Having snacks in the fridge can be very helpful for late night studying. A fridge is also perfect for leftovers, which will most likely become your favorite thing in college. Knowing you have a couple cold slices in the fridge is very exciting.
Dorms are tough, but some of my best college memories are from the dorms. Embrace the tight quarters and you will have a great first year at college!