You’ve packed your life away (or so it seems) into countless bags and boxes. You’ve survived the car rides, crowds and chaos of moving day. And while you’re caught up in trying to decide what you’ll use once and what you can’t live without, it’s easy to forget a few things. Here’s a dozen items you may have missed that could make life a little easier:
1. Tool Kit
You can do it! Channel your inner Rosie the Riveter and invest in a tool kit. It should include all the basics: a hammer, nails, regular and Phillips- head screwdrivers, tape measure, level and pliers. Good news? You’ll be able to hang all those posters you’ll collect throughout the year. Bad news? Your hall mates will refer to you as “the girl with the hammer.”
2. Spare Sheets
Keeping an extra set of sheets and pillowcases on hand will be a lifesaver, especially when a long night out leaves you with no time to do laundry. A simple set of jersey or cotton sheets are low maintenance and easy to wash and store. When not in use, they can double as wall decor, picnic blankets or a great toga.
3. Reusable Water Bottle
Getting your eight glasses a day (or, you know, close enough) has never been easier. A durable plastic bottle can travel with you from class to the gym and ensure you stay hydrated. You can also sneak it into Broward or Gator Corner to cut back on the cost of soda.
4. Ear Plugs
Living with others can get pretty loud. Whether you have a roommate who enjoys playing her economics podcasts out loud or neighbors who like to show off their impressive stereo speakers, earplugs will help you to sleep and study in peace. A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also do the trick, keeping you focused on Lady Gaga, – er – your lectures.
5. Multiple Alarm Clocks
We know waking up early is hardly fun, but showing up late to a big final with bed head and sweats isn’t exactly on the top of anyone’s list. Keeping an extra alarm clock on the other side of the room will give you that extra push to climb out of bed in the morning. Make sure it’s a loud one, especially if you take advantage of tip No. 4.
6. Portable Fan
Most UF dorms have air conditioning, however, it may not be as cold (or reliable) as you would like, and it could be days before maintenance comes knocking. Keep a portable tower or table fan on hand – this will keep you cool during the hot Florida summer (and sometimes fall) months. It will also help stop your room from getting stuffy when friends are over or hair dryers are running.
7. External Hard Drive
If you don’t want to tell your professor that your computer ate your homework, it may be time to invest in an external hard drive. It will be your 250 GB superhero, defender of all your photos and important documents. If you’re on a tight budget, don’t fret. You can still keep your papers protected by backing up to an online source such as Mozy, MyOtherDrive or Comodo, which usually cost around $5 a month.
8. Can Opener
Let’s be real, your well-intended plan to prepare a nice, home-cooked meal every night will probably start to fade by the third day of class. While you won’t necessarily be living solely off Ramen noodles, you’ll have your fair share of soups and Chef Boyardee. Keep a small hand-held opener in your drawer for whenever you need it (or whenever your hall mates come by to borrow it).
9. Small Floor Rug
Unless you want to be shuffling across a cold, dirty linoleum floor after your shower, pick up a small area rug for your dorm. Even if you have carpet, a little extra padding can add both color and comfort to your room. Try a soft shag or plush woven rug, and you won’t feel so bad next time making your friends sleep on the floor.
10. Extra Storage
You’ve heard (and possibly experienced) it before – dorms and apartments are short on storage. But before you fight a family at Target for the last set of plastic drawers, try to think outside the storage box. Storage ottomans come in several colors and double as extra seating, while double closet rods or collapsible hanger systems help to stretch your closet space. Take advantage of those bare walls by installing cute cube shelves (or, to meet with dorm requirements, try no-nail corner shelves).
11. Accordion Folder
Once you’re done choosing and color-coordinating your school supplies for the year (we all do it), make sure you invest in an accordion folder. A good one is light weight, compact and will last you all year. Use it to organize all your study guides, Smokin’ Notes and research papers. At less than $5, pick up a second to store other important papers, bills and receipts.
12. Hanging Shoe Organizer
You own way too many bottles of shampoo, hairspray and shaving gel to fit in a standard shower caddy. Behind-the-door shoe organizers have perfect-sized pockets for all your lotions and potions, keeping them out of the way and easy to access. Try filling the pockets with other miscellaneous items, such as washcloths, straightening or curling irons, sunglasses or hair accessories.