When you start living on a college campus you are thrown into a bubble of independent living. Food and cooking utensils are not accessible 95% of the time, unless you count a microwave and a Lean Cuisine meal or Ramen. Laundry costs you a buck and it is usually a hike down a mountain of stairs. You are restricted to the campus transportation vans or older friends because Brandeis does not allow anyone but juniors, seniors and commuters to have cars on campus.
It’s not easy but there are some necessities to make your life a lot easier as you navigate dorm living.
1) Protein-filled snacks – make sure you keep a stash of nuts in your room or some cheese. These are both healthy ways to get protein into your system if you wake up late and can’t grab a real breakfast or need a snack between midterm studying sessions. It also pays to try and keep cereal and milk on hand (don’t forget the bowl and spoon!). This is easy to clean and will still give you something to keep you going until you get lunch after class.
2) Tide To-Go or a bleach pen – I don’t know why this is the first year I own one, but it has been a lifesaver. Everyone has that horrible moment when you are about to leave for class but you spill something on your outfit. You don’t have time to change because you will be late. These pens will save your life. If you catch it immediately it will get rid of the stain! You have a wet mark until it dries but no one will be the wiser. It also makes sure permanent stains don’t happen.
3) A good laundry basket and detergent – laundry is a big part of college life and you need to learn to do it yourself. Whether you are trekking up and down the stairs in East, from the third floor of Shaprio or outside through the Mods or Grad, it will never be easier to carry. Getting a good laundry basket will be key. Find out if you might need to carry it in the rain sometimes and try and get one you can cover. Maybe you will find a laundry bag that doubles as a hamper! Make sure you have detergent on hand and a lot of it. Get the big bags of the pods or big bottles of detergent. It doesn’t go bad.
4) A reusable coffee mug and water bottle – even if you don’t have a coffee machine in your dorm, the prices for coffee and tea are lower at the on-campus coffee stores if you come in with your own cup. It helps save the environment, saves you a buck or two and it lets you share a little about your personality. Don’t buy water bottles constantly – try and keep a reusable one in your backpack. They usually have a larger capacity and helps save the environment while keeping you hydrated!
5) Decorations, Sticky Tack and Command Strips – it does not need to be fancy and over the top! Your dorm room will be your home for the next few months so make it feel like home. Hang a poster of your favorite artist or movie, some pictures of friends or a tapestry over your bed. Make sure you only use sticky tack or command strips. Anything else will strip the paint from the walls and facilities will be emailing you after school ends.