Going to college for the first time can be both exciting and stressful. No one really knows what to expect and it's nothing like what you see in the movies or on TV. If you're living in a dorm or an apartment and not commuting to class from home, then the feelings of excitement and stress is more intense. Last year was my freshman year, and here is a list of things that I'm glad I brought with me or that I wish I had brought with me to my dorm.
1. Pictures
If you know me, then you know I love taking pictures and actually printing them out. In my dorm, I had a collage of pictures of my family members and friends. Growing up, my family always had a lot of pictures around the house, and having pictures of my friends and family members helped me feel a little closer to home. Pictures were very comforting to look at during the times when I was feeling particularly homesick.
2. Blankets
I am a strong believer that blankets are one of the best things ever invented. Even when it's hot in my room, I can't sleep at night if I don't have any blankets. Over the years, I have accumulated a ton of throw blankets and I took the majority of them with me to college. Not only is it something cozy to cuddle up with, but it also makes your dorm room more homely feeling.
3. Stuffed Animals
I am not ashamed to say that I brought many stuffed animals with me. Of course I had my favorite stuffed bunny that I had had when I was a child, and then I also brought cute stuffed animals to dress up my dorm with. Bringing these stuffed animals also kept me motivated to make my bed every day, and as a result my dorm room was fairly clean almost all of the time.
4. Storage Containers
These are essential. If you're like me, then you brought way too much stuff to college with you. My closet was a cluster of clothes and my dresser and desk drawers were packed to the max. I brought extra storage containers and put things that I didn't need on an every day basis in them and kept them under my bed. This definitely helped keep my room tidy and I knew where everything was.
5. Extra Batteries
Batteries is an essential item that no one thinks about. It's really annoying when you need them for something and you don't have them. A calculator and a TV remote are examples of things you would need batteries for, so make sure you bring extras so you won't be stuck in a position without them.
6. Vanity Mirror
I wear makeup almost every day and having a vanity mirror on my desk make it more convenient to get ready in the morning because I could fix my hair and put on makeup while sitting at my desk.
7. Piggy Bank
Yes, I brought my piggy bank with me to college and it was really helpful every time I went to the vending machine. I didn't have a job my first year, so I rarely had extra cash on me to spend and I was living the true "broke college student" life. Being able to collect and use the change I had made it easier for me to get drinks and snacks when I needed them.
8. Stamps
I don't write letters to people, but there are a few times every year where I have to send something in the mail. Keeping a few stamps in your desk is a smart idea because you never know when you will need one.
9. Art and Room Decor
To have the most comfortable experience in your dorm or apartment, you want to be able to express yourself in it. I had many paintings, pictures, and decorations that did not cost me a lot and was definitely worth it because it my dorm feel more like home.
