What do you really need for a college dorm?

Question

What are the nessesities for your personal space?

Answer 1

YOU DEFINITELY NEED:
-lamp (non-halogen, they're usually banned)
-alarm clock
-writing utentsils
-paper
-personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, soap, shampoo, nail clipper, deodorant, and whatever else you find necessary, like makeup)
-bedsheets (probably double or twin size)
-pillow
-phone and phone cord (even if you have a cell phone)
-towel/washcloth
-clothes-hangers
-appropriate clothing for class and climate
-official ID, like your Driver's License and/or Passport, these always come in handy
-power-surge protector
-small trashcan
-scissors (I use one about everyday)
-screwdriver (laugh now, but they're really useful)
-stapler and paper/binder clips
-folders and/or binders
-paper notebooks
-laundry detergent and/or quarters depending on your school's laundry facilities

THINGS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BRINGING:
-notebook computer (bring a desktop though if that's what you have or if you think you'd prefer to stay in your room)
-RJ-45 ethernet cable (so you can get on the school's network if you don't have or can't get wireless; these cable have a slightly bigger end than phone cables)
-MP3/Ipod
-headphones
-printer
-snacks (or small packaged meals like Ramen noodles)
-drinks
-hot water boiler/teapot
-posters and personal decorative items
-rug

THINGS THAT ARE NICE BUT CAN BE A DISTRACTION:
-refrigerator (check with school for max size dimensions)
-toaster/microwave (if this is allowed)
-a plate or two and a glass/mug along with a few mismatched utensils your parents or other people don't want
-television set
-DVD player (might be your computer)
-sound system or stereo
-game console(s) if you like video games
-umbrella
-can opener
-pot and/or pan
-stamps/envelopes
-paper towels
-nice chair (they're usu. provided but really suck)
-small vacuum cleaner
-3M stick'em hooks (peel off the wall without damaging it)

As always, for some of the larger items, check with your roommate and make sure you're not duplicating efforts.

Answer 2

My only advice- don't buy alot until you've SEEN the place! I've lived in rooms, dorms, and during my last year of college- I finally had my own apartment. But my first year of school, I went nuts and bought all of this stuff (furniture, beanbag chairs, lamps etc) only to find out how small the place was! Most of it went back to my parents house and I used a couple of the items I bought.

Keep in mind that you may have roommates who are nice enough to share things. I loved my roommies! We had a couple extra lamps and other necessities that we just didnt need so we decided to share instead.

The issues with the TV, stereo etc is a tough call because, again, I don't know how its set up. In my first place- we each had our own rooms but one roommate bought an extra TV for the common room.

Bottom line, if you know where you are going to live, look it up on your university's website and manytimes they will have a virtual tour of what the place will look like. They'll also tell you whats included (appliances, bed, washer/dryer etc.) and whats not (like a microwave, toaster, georgeforeman grill :o) )

Answer 3

sandels for the showers, so gross. even if you are sharing a shower between you and another room. Lysol too... spray it everytime you use the toilet or shower. something to put your shampoo, razor, ect. in that you can take in the shower and will drain the water out of easily. toilet paper of your own, cuz no one else will ever get any. one of those plug in that have two different scents going at one time.... oh and dont put your bed next to the window,, as tempting as it may be.. most dorms dont have very good seals on their windows.. mine would leak onto my bed when it rained.. and the cigeratte smoke from below would come through the window and make my sheets smell, and anyone below or outside, i would be able to hear their entire conversation. a rug is always great, to absorb sound and for sanitary reasons. a portable heater. i know this all sounds anal .. but believe me.. after a month in that hellhole you will have more then this to tell people about. good luck

oh and the number one thing that will help you, and make your life easier through college is www.ratemyprofessors.com, trust me it will save your life.. when trying to fiqure out what teachers class to take.. especially if you are going to a big university (not so much for smaller institutions)

Answer 4

Back in the day our dorm rooms where like cell blocks.
So my room mate and I chipped in and bought a nice rug for the cold floor. I had a PC, phone, tv, small refrigerator and two lights. Plus a foot locker with a lock and a safe box with a lock to keep my money and other things like that in. Cause you never know...

Of course don't forget the bath stuff. You should have a tote of sorts to keep your shower products in. Also some cleaning supplies. Think of your dorm room as an apartment with a room mate.

Answer 5

Well it is easier to put it into categories.

Category 1 - Study Materials

Light/lamp
Pens/Pencils
Stapler/Staples
Notebooks/Folders
Paper
Etc.

Category 2 - Necessities

Fridge
Mircowave
Coffemachine
Computer
Ethernet cord (for internet)
Printer
Phone
Plates/Bowls
Silverware
Hangers
Etc.

Category 3 - Enterainment

T.V.
Board Games
Video Games
Etc.

Category 4 - Cleaning Supplies

Mini-Vacuum
Broom/Dust pan
Mop
Detergent
Fabric Softeners
All purpose cleaners
Etc.

Just think about what you use on a daily basis at home.

Answer 6

well i had to have a small tv/dvd, and a radio or alarm with a radio/cd player. make sure to have your own comforter and sheets, i would take bricks or cylider blocks to put under the bed to raise it a little bit, depending on how you like your comforter to hang.
If you have a laptop, i would take that with you, it's just easier to have on hand, but beware because this was the most stolen item from my campus dorms.
of course take your personal hygiene items, depending on if you have a suite (with a personal bathroom) you may need to take a robe.
most places have a little table, it all depends on your room layout, check with your school.
have fun! it can be a great experience...

Answer 7

get some fairy lights!!! they look really nice and give some atmosphere to the room and helps you when you are feeling a bit down in the weather bout not being at home!!!! also if your having a real crappy day in college its nice to go into the room and having it all cosy!!!

Answer 8

Good lighting, a laptop computer, and a comfortable chair for studying.

Photos, posters, and good music for hanging out.

Answer 9

Thick skin and a sense of humor

Answer 10

a bed, a desk, desk lamp, laptop...