It’s always somewhat painful for a student to witness their summer come to an end, especially when one finds them self like me: A senior in college. It’s mind-blowing how fast the past three years here at Westminster College have passed by. I still remember my first move-in and first day on this campus as if it were yesterday, which brings about this post…
Being a cashier at Wal-Mart during the busy back-to-school season, I deal with a lot of first-time college students and parents that come through my checkout line buying hundreds of dollars in dorm room goodies. Being a senior in college and understanding the needs of a student, I find that some of the items they buy are not only excessive, but a complete waste of money. Seriously, what is a college student going to do with a full-sized, T-leg ironing board?! Nothing… It’s a pain enough to have to wash our clothes in the midst of a busy schedule, let alone iron them...
Today, I hope to save first-time students and parents a few dollars and some frustration by providing a list of dorm room “needs.”
Dorm Room “Needs”
- Refrigerator: This is perhaps the most expensive yet useful item on the “needs” list. However, if you shop around and get your shopping done early, you will most likely find a decent selection of small refrigerators that will fit your needs and your budget. Small refrigerators with a separate freezer compartment are always a plus. Also, be sure to check that your refrigerator meets the energy standards set by your college (if any standards exist).
- Microwave: How else will you heat up the leftover food in your refrigerator? Once again, shop around and be sure that your microwave is within the energy standards set by your college. Some colleges may provide a community microwave within your dorm, however, it is indeed used by the community and may be left with food splatters from time to time. I personally think that’s gross, therefore I prefer to keep my own…
- Clothing: This one is a “no-brainer.” A student is obviously going to need enough clothes to get themselves through the year. But how much to bring? One definitely doesn’t want to bring their entire wardrobe. Before school starts, check a school calendar for scheduled breaks. I’ve learned that it’s best to pack what you’ll need before you go home again. For instance, when moving in at the beginning of a year, I’ll pack my summer and fall clothing. The next time I go home (which is normally in the early fall) I’ll bring home my summer clothing and exchange it for my heavier winter clothing. Packing as light as possible makes move-in (and move-out) a great deal easier.
- Bed and Bath: Bath towels, hand towels, bath rags/poufs, pillows, sheet sets, comforter… Nothing too special or expensive here! Keep in mind that things sometimes get ruined from laundry or friend mishaps so don’t bother paying big money to get your towels or pillowcases embroidered with your initials…
- Kitchen Stuff: Spoons, forks, knives, bowls, plates, glasses, measuring cups, kitchen towels and dish rags… Once again, nothing too complicated here. Choosing plastic is best when it comes to things like drinking glasses and measuring cups, however, try to avoid it when purchasing things that may potentially go into a microwave (like bowls and plates.) Also, be sure not to pack up an entire set of dinnerware, flatware, or pots and pans. It’s simply not necessary.
- Shower Shoes: Being clean is another important aspect of college life, and there’s no better way to get clean than showering on a regular basis. However, even places which we think are clean can be riddled with all kinds of germs. According to an article by Everyday Health.com (http://www.everydayhealth.com/foot-health/athlete) public bathrooms and showers are perhaps the most common places to pick up fungal infections like athlete’s foot due to the warm, moist conditions. To prevent any problems, it is best to invest in a pair of flip-flops to wear while showering. It may seem silly, but why take a risk?
- Plastic Bins with Lids: Perhaps the most convenient way of carrying and storing your “needs” throughout the school year!
I believe that I’ve covered the basic necessities of college life. (I keep looking around my dorm room to be sure that I haven’t forgotten anything that I use on a regular basis.) Perhaps in my next few posts I’ll go into more details about smaller items I find useful…
Until then!
♥
