Ten Things to Take to College
Things that Students May Need, but Never Seem to be Around
May 2, 2009
Despite the size of the average college dorm, there are a few things that help to make living in a small space a little easier to manage. Sometimes, a couple of essentials to keep on hand can save the day in case of an emergency.
Bandages and First Aid Kit
While the college student mentality sometimes is that students are indestructible, sometimes the paper cut, shaving knick, or skinned knee needs some attention. A good first aid kit, complete with cold medication, burn ointment, and bandages is an essential for any college student.
Personal Printer
Most campuses offer computer labs for students to work on projects and to print papers, either as a part of tuition or for a nominal fee per page. However, after pulling an all-nighter on a paper or wanting a hard copy of an email, being able to print that copy is made somewhat easier with a dorm room printer. Best Buy has a number of basic printers for a low cost that will fulfill a college student’s printing needs.
Spare Bed Linens
The piece of furniture that takes up the most space in a dorm room is the bed. Since it is the largest object in the room, it is often used for things other than sleeping, such as a couch, a shelf, or a drying rack. This can lead to spills, stains, and dirty sheets that need to be washed. Having a spare set of linens, including a comforter or quilt, sheets, and pillow case, makes going to sleep cleaner and more comfortable.
Canned Air
The computer is one of the college student’s most essential study tool. It’s used for research, for communication, and for typing and submitting assignments in addition to recreational uses. With all of the wear and tear that a computer sustains during four or five years of college, having a container of canned air to clean out vents, ports, and the computer’s fan not only helps optimize the machine’s performance, but can save a student buying a new computer halfway through college.
Tools
Sometimes, when things break, the university doesn’t come quick enough or isn’t worth the wait for a nail or a screw. Having basic tools, such as a hammer or Philip’s head screwdriver on hand, makes repairs less frustrating.
Tape and/or Adhesives
A majority of universities do not allow residents to put holes in walls in order to hang posters and picture frames. Having tape, sticky tack, or adhesive strips helps when hanging up pictures, posters, and other decorations without destroying the wall or the decorations.
Thank You Cards
Recommendations. Interviews. Award Nominations. Many occasions in college call for thank you cards, so it’s easier to keep some on hand instead of buying them every time one is needed. If a student is especially busy, keep a supply of pre-stamped notes in the desk drawer.
Cleaning Supplies
Dorm rooms can get very dirty very quickly, especially if there is a lot of socializing happening. Disinfectant, paper towels, and a general cleaning solution are helpful to keep on hand.
Power Strip / Surge Protector
On average, a college dorm room has four to six electrical outlets. With appliances, computers, a television, and cell phone chargers, there are often more things needing electricity than outlets. Power strips not only help to protect electronics and appliances, but have more plugs than the wall.
Odds and Ends Bathroom Supplies
Everyone remembers those days showering at summer camp. College dorms, while completely different, call for the same common sense as a camp shower, which means flip flops and a shower caddy. These are especially helpful for dorms that have community bathrooms for each floor instead of each room or couple of rooms sharing a bathroom.
Dorm life can be crowded and frustrating at times, but by following tips from housing and residence life offices can help make the experience more memorable.
For more ideas on what to bring to college, check out Associated Content's recommendations for things all students will need before heading off to college.
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