So, sophomore year has officially come to a close. As I begin thinking about my JUNIOR year of college, I once again narrow the list of things I plan on bringing with me to college. If you are going to be a freshman, let me just tell you, you will probably bring too much stuff. It’s inevitable. But I’m here to help you minimize just a little bit, and prioritize the big things.
First things first, you need to know what your dorm set up is like. Do you have a community bathroom? How many roommates? Is your room set up suite style? All of these questions are SUPER important to ensuring you bring the correct items to keep your dorm room clutter free, but feeling like home. For reference, the dorms I live in have two rooms (4 occupants all together) who share a bathroom in the middle of the two rooms.
- STORAGE BINS
Honestly, storage bins are lifesavers! They keep your room free from clutter, give everything a place, and let you have a little breathing room. Some items I recommend you have a designated storage bin for include: decorations, extra blankets, extra clothes, school supplies, bathroom supplies, medicine, tools, and cleaning supplies.
2. A READING PILLOW
I’m sure we’ve all heard that you aren’t supposed to do homework or eat in bed…but let’s be realistic. At college, you’ll probably do both. Having a reading pillow will make it so much more comfortable, even if you’re just watching TV. Best of all, it can sit on your bed all the time and therefore, barely takes up any space.
3. AN EXTRA SET OF SHEETS
Okay, college students are notoriously bad about postponing laundry until they get home. If you don’t already, you should be changing your sheets AT LEAST once a month, if not every two weeks. Having an extra set of sheets is crucial for me, that way if the laundry room at college is totally full, I have a clean set of sheets already available for my bed.
4. LAUNDRY BASKET
You would think a laundry basket would be an obvious item, but in my two years at college, I have seen tons of students who don’t have one. They are so important! Having a laundry basket (and putting your name on it) is helpful for 1.) keeping dirty clothes contained in your room 2.) putting on the washer/dryer you’re using in case someone gets impatient and takes your clothes out and 3.) in the unfortunate event someone steals from you, your basket will be very clear to a camera.
5. SMELL GOODS
Essential oil diffuser, the plug-ins from Bath & Body Works…just use something! Often candles and wax melters are off-limits in a dorm so use common sense and don’t get something your Residence Hall doesn’t allow. Having something that will release a pleasant smell into your room is CRUCIAL. Think about it…tiny space, dirty clothes, dirty dishes, you get the picture. Even if you think you will stay on top of all that, it’s nice to have a nice-smelling room.
Bonus: HANGING SHOE ORGANIZER
This was something I decided to invest in this year, and I was SO happy with it. Dorms don’t typically have much closet space, so keeping the floor free from shoes is helpful. I got one for $10 at T.J. Maxx and it saved me tons of space this year!
Remember, everyone is different. We are all unique and have different needs. College is a lot of trial and error. No matter how prepared you think you are, a curveball will always get thrown in the mix (kinda like life…). So just sit back and enjoy the ride. Don’t stress too much, you’ll figure it out.