I’m sure you’ve already started creating a list of things you’ll need to pack if you plan on dorming this fall. If you haven’t, what are you waiting for! Just remember to pack only the essentials since you’ll be living in a room where space is limited, especially if you have more then one roommate. So below are some things that you should consider packing.
A Tazer/Pepper Spray
Notice how this is the number one item on the list. I can not even begin to express the importance of safety at school. Especially in Riverside. I don’t mean to scare all you freshman, but speaking as a rising junior I can now testify to the increased crime rates around the school. I received more then thirty e-mails last year about people who got mugged. But then again they were walking alone with their valuables out in the open (Don’t do this!), either purchase yourself a tazer/pepper spray (preferably both), or use the campus escort service (it’s FREE).
Shower Sandals!
I don’t care if you’re “only” sharing a shower with four people, you need to buy yourself a pair of sandals. For those of you who are not convinced, have you ever heard of foot fungus? That stuff is gross and apparently it takes a long time to get rid of. Don’t take the risk! I mean any pair of flip flops will work just fine, just make sure that they are not plastic so that you don’t slip and fall.
Medicine
Yes, your campus does have a health center but when you need to treat the simple cold or a headache make sure that you have some NyQuill, Advil, Tylenol, or whatever medicine floats your boat in handy. Keep in mind that if you’re sharing a room, whenever your roommate gets sick, chances are you might catch what they have.
Extra Sheets, Bath Towels
This is a must, especially for those of you who lag when it comes to laundry. Change your sheets at least every other week. And be sure to wash them often. I knew some people who didn’t wash their sheets for the entire school year! Let’s just say that what started off as a white bed sheet ended up becoming a yellowish brown color nine months later.
Toss in Some School Supplies
Bring binders, notebooks, flash cards, pens/pencils/highlighters, and most importantly a stapler! Keep in mind that your campus bookstore will also be selling these supplies, but this stuff is much cheaper when bought at other stores.
Sun Block
This should be something that you apply to your skin everyday, even if it’s cloudy outside. Protect your skin!
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An Umbrella
I don’t know about you but I really dislike seeing people who are soaked because they either forgot to bring an umbrella or thought they were too cool for one. Don’t be one of those people. Carry a small compact umbrella on the days when you’re not sure whether or not it’s going to rain. It’s better to be safe then sorry!
Clothing For Every Weather
Bring a good jacket for those chilly, rainy days, and a swimsuit for when it’s a nice day for a dip in the pool.
Headphones
Much to your surprise, your roommate may not like the same music as you. So be considerate and use your headphones. You’ll be surprised to know that during dead week and midterm season people will be blasting their music at the most inappropriate times.
Food!
As a freshman, you probably will have some sort of meal plan, but that won’t mean that you’re tummy will always be full and satisfied. I guess it could be because I’m a picky eater, or because my school’s cafeteria was far beyond subpar, but I lost a lot of weight my freshman year, and I was always hungry. But then again I got the cheapest meal plan, which meant less meals for me. But regardless, be sure to pack some granola bars, cereal, and most importantly ramen/instant soup! Snacks are also great for when you don’t have time to stop by the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat. (Warning! Be sure to buy food ahead of time during dead week, and midterms season. Most of the food in the campus convenient stores will run out!)
Recommended But Not Necessary
Shower Tote
You can find these at almost any store. You’ll need a tote to carry your essentials with you to the bathroom. And it helps you keep everything neat. For girls who have a lot of bathroom essentials it sure is a life saver. But then again, shower totes aren’t really a must, I’ve seen plenty of guys and girls just carry their toothbrush, toothpaste, and shower gel. But whatever you choose, just don’t forget to bring all of your toiletries.
Decorations!
Take posters for wall coverings, as well as personal photos and mementos to dress up shelves and desks, so that you’re reminded of home.
Desk Lamp
Your dorm will most probably be equipped with some sort of lighting, but for the days when your roommate knocks out early and you don’t want to leave the room, this will really come in handy. But don’t make the horrible mistake that I made. Apparently, a lamp will melt if you put a pillow on top of it. But in my defense, I was only trying to block the light so that my roommates could sleep. Oops!
This is just a small list of things that I remember being essential for when I dormed. But everything depends on the individual and what your school will and won’t be providing for you in the dorms. Start creating your packing list early and be sure to get in contact with your roommate(s) so that you don’t end up bringing two TV’s, or something of the sort. And remember, have fun in the process! Your first year of college awaits!