Freshmen who are planning to live on campus typically get the majority of items they will need for dorm life. However, there are a few things that you need that many do not think about. Below, you will find a list of necessary and optional items that will help you get ready for your first year in the dorms. Although some of them are specific to UL's dorms, some of the information can transfer to other residential communities at other colleges.

1. Shower Curtain

UL's dorms do not provide shower curtains, so it is important to get one before move in day. You wouldn't want to have to wait a day or two to get one. Besides, this gives you a way to personalize your bathroom. Keep your roommate in mind when making a choice though.

2. Floor Mat

You wouldn't want to slip getting out of the shower, a floor mat will be necessary so you don't slip on the tile floor.

3. Tall/Skinny Hamper (Optional)

This item is my personal preference. A tall and skinny hamper will allow you to keep it in the bathroom while not taking up too much space. Getting one with wheels will make doing laundry even easier, especially if the laundry room is a trek from your room.

4. Cleaning Supplies

Toilet brush, glass cleaner, broom/swifter, dish soap, etc. The sanitation staff do a great job of keeping our common areas clean, but some supplies for the days in between are necessary. Also, the staff does not clean your bedroom, so a broom and dust pan are necessary for keeping your space tidy.

5. Dish Rack and Pad (Optional)

If you like to eat food after hours in your room, a small dish rack and a drying pad to place it on would be helpful for you. You can use the rack to dry and store your dishes and utensils.

6. Organization Boxes (Optional)

These are optional, but will help keep things organized and tidy, which in turn will reduce stress in the already hectic life of a college student. A few small ones for pens and utensils on top of your desk and a few bigger ones for miscellaneous items like laundry/cleaning supplies. One good idea is to have some by your sink, especially if you have loads of makeup. The box can hold all of your brushes and loose items.

7. Voice Over IP (VOIP) Phone (Optional)

The dorms at UL don't have great cell phone reception. So having a land line through Vonage or a similar company will allow you to use the Ethernet port in your room to have clear service. Note: this is recommended because of spotty cell phone reception in the dorms. However, personal wifi routers are not allowed in the dorms since they interfere with UL's integrated system.

8. Umbrella or Poncho

This is important for anyone living on campus--or anyone really. While you don't have far to go if it is raining, if it's a true Louisiana storm, you will want one. Ponchos are great because they are large enough to cover your backpack and keep your electronics and expensive textbooks from getting wet, but an umbrella will do fine as well. Ponchos are more reliable in heavy downpours compared to umbrellas.

9. Extra Blankets (Optional)

If you're like my roommates and I, the suite stays cold. So, a few extra blankets, or ten, is a good idea if you're more likely to get cold. The cool thing about UL's dorms though is that the digital thermostats can be programmed to be different temperatures at four different times of the day for every day of the week. So you and your roommates can collaborate on the conditions.

10. Red Shirts!

Lastly, some red shirts will come in handy. UL encourages students to participate in Wear Red Fridays to show school spirit. If you don't feel like going out and buying any, then don't worry. If you go out to school events they often hand out free t-shirts, especially for freshmen.

Dorm life can need some adjusting to, and since many aspects of it are new, some of these items can easily be forgotten about while preparing for this huge milestone in your life.