It's that time of the year again. Parents are preparing for tax free weekend, and students are searching Pinterest for dorm decor and the latest school necessities. From a college sophomore to all the newbies out there, here are 12 things you don't need to spend your money on for this semester.
1. A Wall Clock
Sure, an antique clock with artsy numbers and tickers would give the room a "homey" feeling, but honestly you will never check that before looking at your cell phone. Chances are, the clock will need new batteries long before you consider actually referencing it.
2. A Rug
This applies if your dorm room has carpet. A rug would just require extra cleaning and serve no true purpose. However, if your room is all tile, a rug might be good to make the room not feel so much like a hospital.
3. Fruit
This is such an important one! You are paying for a meal plan, and most freshmen have to buy a plan that actually provides way more caf swipes than necessary (trust me... by midterms, you'll start drifting away from the cafeteria). Put those swipes to good use and get the most for your money! Anytime you leave the caf, take some fruit with you. I kept a stockpile in my room of apples, bananas, and even oranges. This is such a money saver! I never once bought produce at the store, but always had a banana on hand for some warm peanut butter banana oatmeal.
4. An Ironing Board
You might be very optimistic about keeping your nice clothes wrinkle free and tidy, but be honest with yourself. When you have homework, social commitments, and Netflix on the brain, the last thing you'll think about doing is ironing your Sunday dress. Stick with wrinkle release spray for this one.
5. Milk
One of my greatest discoveries has been almond milk. Not only is it smooth and delicious, but it can also be bought in bulk and stored at room temperature. I buy a pack of six for roughly $11 and I keep it in my closet. Once I'm ready, I open one and then store it in the fridge for up to ten days. That's $11 for two months worth of milk. If you want to stick with classic dairy, try filing a to-go cup with milk before you leave the caf, then use that as you need it.
6. Too Many Mugs
You might have five different cups or mugs that you use at home based on what you're drinking or how you're feeling. However, bringing all of those to school will only take up valuable space. After a while, you'll steadily start grabbing coffee from local shops or in the student center on the way to class, so you may not even use your Keurig everyday.
7. Coffee Maker
Speaking of, a Keurig is a must! With that said, this deems an actual coffee maker and pot unnecessary. You will more than likely not leave enough time or patience to brew your own coffee every morning.
8. A Toaster Oven
Trust me on this one. It will seem like a good idea, but the secret to college is saving time. Making a beautifully toasted bagel with mashed avocado and home-brewed coffee every morning will seem like a fantastic idea, but your 8am will beg to differ.
9. Paper Plates and Plastic Utensils
This one might be a surprise, but think about how much trash would begin to pile up. When you do eat in your dorm, life will actually be easier if you use the same tupperware and just wash it in the sink. Otherwise, you will use up space and money trying to keep up with a stock of plastic dishes, plus that means more trips to the garbage chute.
10. A Mop
Before you judge me and picture my dorm room as a slob, consider the power of a vacuum. You will want a mini vacuum for your room, trust me, hair will cover those floors! My roommates and I vacuumed our bathroom floor last year, and it was so much more convenient than dragging a mop in there! If we did spill something, we just spot cleaned it, and I guarantee someone else will have heavy duty floor cleaner if you really need it. Our residence hall had some in the kitchen. Even if your whole dorm room has tile floors, a vacuum might be easier than a broom and dust pan.
11. A Water Filter
Now this one might be debatable, but at least for me, it was not necessary. I regularly drink tap water, so I just refilled my water bottle in our sink or a nearby water fountain and used that all the time. However, some people are a bit more sensitive or reluctant to tap water. If you can though, I recommend skipping the Brita; it will save so much space in your refrigerator!
12. Extra Chairs
More than likely, your dorm room will come with a set of desks and desk chairs. Do not buy extra chairs for your plan for "extra seating." Most dorms don't allow you to bring in extra furniture like that, but if yours does, you probably won't have much spare space for it. One of the best parts of dorm life is late night bonding while piled on each other's beds over popcorn and a good chick flick!
