You’ve been looking forward to getting out of your parents’ house and into a place of your own. And while you’re excited to finally have some freedom, you better believe all that freedom comes with its own set of responsibilities.
Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Here are the eight items we wish we had known we needed for college life:
1. A Mattress Topper
In college, your bed isn’t just a place to sleep. It’s also a place to study, eat, and (let’s be honest) party. So make sure you invest in a good mattress topper. You’ll thank us when you’re pulling all-nighters and need to be well-rested for your morning classes.
We love memory foam mattress toppers because they conform to your body and provide extra support. All those late nights spent working on papers will be a lot more bearable with a good mattress topper!
2. A Desk Lamp
Most dorm rooms come equipped with overhead lights, but they’re not always the best for studying. Protect your eyesight and save on your electric bill by investing in a good desk lamp.
We recommend getting a LED lamp because they use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. There’s a sea of desk lamps out there, so take your time to find one that best suits your needs!
Go with a unique lamp that reflects your personality—if nothing else, you’ll have something to talk about with your new roommates.
3. A Coffee Maker
You’re going to need coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. Whether you like it iced or hot, black or with cream and sugar, coffee will become your best friend in college. And while there’s always the option of buying coffee from a cafe, it’s much cheaper—and more convenient—to brew your own.
We recommend getting a single-serve coffee maker so you can make as much or as little coffee as you want. Don’t be surprised if your room becomes the new study spot for all your friends!
4. A White Noise Machine
Dorms can be noisy places. Whether it’s your suitemate’s late-night study sessions or the constant sound of footsteps in the hallway, it can be hard to get a good night’s sleep. A white noise machine can help drown out all that unwanted noise and help you get the rest you need.
Your roommates might look at you funny when you first bring it in, but they’ll be thanking you later when everyone else on your floor comments on how well-rested you all look!
5. A Plan for Laundry
The days of having good ol’ mom and dad do your laundry for you are over. In college, you’re responsible for your laundry. And while that may seem like a daunting task, it’s really not that bad.. as long as you have a plan.
Knowing when and where to do your laundry is half the battle. Many dorms have laundromats on-site, but some require you to go off-campus. And while it may be tempting to wait until all your clothes are dirty before doing a load, trust us—that’s a recipe for disaster.
If going down the dorm laundry room gives you the creeps, why not subscribe to a laundry service? It’s an added cost, sure, but it’s better than looking like a slob because you’ve been wearing the same pair of jeans for a week straight.
6. A Way to Get Around Campus
Most colleges are huge. And while that means there’s always something to do, it also means getting from point A to point B can take a while.
Don’t miss out on all the fun because you can’t get around!
Bikes are the obvious choice here, but those get stolen all the time. Consider skateboarding as a mode of transportation—it’s a great way to get some exercise, and you’ll be able to get around campus much faster than if you were walking.
The best part? You can even take your board into your dorm room with you, so you don’t have to worry about it getting stolen when you’re not using it.
7. A Shower Caddy
Most dorms have communal bathrooms, which means you’ll have to share showering space with a bunch of other people. And while that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it does mean you need to be prepared. Enter the shower caddy. This handy little container will hold all your self-care essentials so you don’t have to worry about losing them in the shuffle.
Make sure to get a caddy that has drainage holes in the bottom so your things can air out after you use them. And if you’re really looking to step up your game, get one with compartments so you can keep everything organized.
8. A First Aid Kit
You never know when you’re going to get a paper cut or stub your toe. A first aid kit not only comes in handy for those little accidents, but it’s also a lifesaver if you ever get sick.
You might think you can always run to the campus health center or a nearby drug store when you need medicine, but trust us—it’s much easier (and cheaper) to have everything you need right at your fingertips!
There you have it! These are the nine essential items every college student needs for their dorm room. With these items, you’ll be well on your way to having a successful and enjoyable college experience. Feel free to add your own items to the list—after all, every student is different. And above all, remember to have fun! College is a time for making memories and discovering who you are. So make the most of it!
