I recently went on a trip to buy my needs for my college dorm. I am by no means an expert in the subject of dorm-necessities. However, I think I've been successfully instructed in the "do's and don'ts" of dorm stuff. It should be said that everyone is different. Maybe something I absolutely love isn't for you. And that's okay. We don't have to have the same taste. This is simply a list comprised of a few things I would definitely recommend. And who knows? Maybe after the year is over, I might have changed the list a little, or even a lot. Hopefully I'll still be fine with my list. This is my top picks of things to take to your dorm with you.
1. A microwave!
This a really important one, even if it isn't the most glamorous thing. When you're studying late-night in your dorm, how else are you going to heat up that late night snack? Of course you should always be courteous to your roommate.
2. A fridge!
Again, this isn't the most glamorous thing in the world. However, it's really important for those cold-kept snacks. Not to mention those cold drinks! (Water in my case!) Maybe get in contact with your roommate so that you can share!
3) A Succulent Plant!
Succulents are little tiny plants. They add an extra effect of life to the room. And bonus! If you're like me and you don't have any sort of green thumb, they're easy to manage. They only need to be watered every once in a while. So fear not to leave them on the weekend: they'll be there when you get back!
4. Twinkle Lights!
These fun little decorations are also often called Fairy Lights. Florescent bulbs in dorm lighting are often harsh and glaring. Sometimes you want to relax with light far easier on the eyes. Twinkle lights are the perfect solution, as they are dimmer and easily stored. They come in all sorts of colors and shapes, so there's something for everybody!
5. Adhesives strips/hooks!
My dorms won't allow tacks or pins in the walls, like a lot of colleges. The easy solution to this is adhesive strips and hooks. They don't leave marks or holes, and your style doesn't have to suffer! Note: I in no way mean regular tape. Tape will damage wall paint. Instead look for adhesive strips and hooks specifically made to hang wall decor without damaging paint or drywall!
6. A cute/cool lamp!
Again, florescent light is really, really harsh. To add to the less harsh light of the room, you could some cute or cool lamps. There are tons of kinds of lamps for any style. From a regular lamp stem to a cute animal for a stem to a lamp that looks like a sculpture, the possibilities are endless!
Just because you're around new people, doesn't mean you should pretend to be someone you're not! Celebrate who you truly are and express that in your half of the dorm! And allow your roommate to do the same! This is a new, exciting- and sometimes scary- experience. Don't compromise who you are because you're somewhere new. You might regret it later on.
I hope my list inspires your own list. Because like I said, everyone is different. And my must haves won't be exactly the same as everyone else's. It's always important to have an idea though. And as we start this exciting journey, know it's okay to grow and become a new and better person. But don't lose sight of who you are. It's too important to forget. Good luck, fellow freshmen! We can do this!
