After surviving four grueling years of high school, seniors have learned and grown accustomed to their own study methods, subject preferences, and groups of people they enjoy hanging out with. Roughly 42% of these seniors have indicated their attendance at a four year college post high school (adjusted by the FAFSA delay), where they will be able to apply these skill sets once again. However, no matter how socially or academically high school may have prepared you for college, all incoming college freshmen must face a shared dilemma: a largely unequipped and barren dorm room. Whether you’re in a single, double, or triple, a college provided apartment or a private dormitory, you will be likely greeted by no more than a sheetless bed and an empty desk. Having with you the spending money that was either given/loaned to you by your parents or hard-earned from summer side hustles, here is a short list of some highly recommended items and pieces of equipment you should invest for your dorm room as suggested by teachers on campus whose kids are in college.
- Microwaves/Hot Plates
- Mrs. Julio Seal of Approval
- Mr. Ricci Seal of Approval
Many colleges will either include a meal plan with your housing or offer one separately, but whether you choose to accept one or dine out in town, something to warm up leftovers or even smaller snacks is an ideal dorm room accessory that is often not provided. Microwaves can range roughly from $42 up to $250.
- Mattress Toppers/Blankets
- Mr. Koroshec Seal of Approval
- Mrs. Julio Seal of Approval
Depending on where in the country you’re going to school, dorm rooms can become extremely chilly. Dormitory sheets and blankets are notoriously known to be either too short or not warm enough for most students, and dorm mattresses have also become known to be not the most comfy ones in the world. So whether you’re a cold sleeper or not, an extra layer of insulation is definitely worth your consideration along with a comfier surface to lie on. Mattress toppers can cost anywhere from $27 to $370.
- A Full-length Mirror
- Mrs. Julio Seal of Approval
For all the obvious reasons, a full-length mirror is a necessity for many no matter where you live. It should ideally be hung on the inside of your dorm room’s door so that you can give yourself a quick inspection before heading out to class or meeting up with friends. You could always prop up your phone against something to look at yourself, or even rely on your bathroom mirror, but a vertical mirror that can be quickly accessed in your room by you and your roommate is arguably the more practical decision especially since they are not terribly costly: around $7 to $70.
- Shower Caddy
- Mrs. Julio Seal of Approval
- Mrs. Willbanks Seal of Approval
If you haven’t already bought a caddy for your bathroom, it is recommended that you check any mirrors in your dorm’s restroom to see if they are hiding a medicine cabinet behind them in which case you could store hygiene products inside them. However, if your dorm only uses public bathrooms, the safety of your products and items could be at risk from theft. But no matter what, a shower caddy is a better decision considering that it is made to be hung in the shower with you. That way you won’t have to worry about stepping out of the shower to go grab your shampoo. Shower caddies can be bought for $8 to $43, depending on whether you’re looking to buy a bag or an actual shelf for your belongings.
1. Shower Shoes
- Mrs. Julio Seal of Approval
- Mr. Koroshec Seal of Approval
- Mrs. Willbanks Seal of Approval
- Mr. Ricci Seal of Approval
Shower shoes, shower shoes, shower shoes. From athlete’s foot to toenail fungus, you don’t want to know half of the infections that a mere pair of flip flops can protect you from. In the majority of universities in the states, restroom cleaning and upkeep is not a mandatory task placed on the students. Instead, a professional janitor is far more likely to be responsible for periodically coming to the hallway bathroom on your floor and giving everything a good scrub. As for your private bathroom (if you have one), that’s on you. And more often than not, its not going to be disinfected. Flip flops are pretty cheap: from $2.50 to $30. DO IT! You can disregard the rest of the items on this list, but DON’T SKIP OUT ON THIS!!!
Mrs. Willbanks’ Honorable Mention:
“No matter what, make sure you are tied to your parents’ Amazon account, because Amazon delivers to every college. And if there’s anything you’re missing, you can always order it, or maybe there’s a target nearby.”
