As a high school graduate, there is nothing more exciting than getting ready for college in the fall. You will be moving out of your parent’s house for the first time and will have the first true taste of freedom. You will meet new friends, experience new things, and start making your way into adulthood. However, while going to college is a thrilling experience, it can also be quite scary and nerve-wracking.
Table of Contents
Everyone Is Nervous Before Their First Semester
If you find yourself worrying about what college will be like, you are not alone. Everyone has their doubts and concerns, and if they say they don’t, they are lying. The truth is, everyone is nervous and unsure of what to expect. One of the hardest things to figure out is what you actually need to bring to college. Luckily there is plenty of information out there to show you the ropes.
So if you are a college freshman staying in a dorm, here is everything you need to bring.
Comfy Bedding
Unfortunately, you cannot rely on your dorm room’s bed to be very comfortable. Therefore it is essential to pack the comfiest bedding you can find. Remember your dorm will be your own home away from home, so it is crucial to pick comfy pillows, sheets, a mattress egg crate, comforters, and other blankets to improve your space.
Storage Containers
Dorm rooms are typically small, so you will have to get creative to organize all of your stuff. Consider bringing storage containers to easily store extra clothes, blankets, snacks, and other belongings under your bed, closet, or bathroom. The more organized you are, the easier your dorm room experience will be.
Mini Fridge
While you will likely eat most of your meals in the university center cafeteria or food court, having a mini fridge is essential for quick meals or midnight snacks. You can keep your favorite drinks cool and even store some leftover home cooking from when you go back home to visit.
Microwave
What’s the point of having a minifridge if you don’t have a microwave? While you won’t be able to cook full-on meals, a microwave is essential for warming up leftovers, heating up microwave dinners, and making small snacks like dorm room nachos.
Shower Shoes
Never ever shower without shower shoes. You most likely will not have your own bathroom and share the showers with many different students. According to studies, showering without foot protection in public showers like those in dorm rooms can lead to infections like athletes’ feet, warts, and HPV. Shower shoes or flip-flops dedicated to showering will help keep your feet off of the gross shower floor.
Alarm Clock
While there are alarm clocks on every smartphone, there is a chance your phone may be stuck on silent or turned off while you are sleeping. The best way to ensure you are never late to class is by relying on an old-fashioned alarm clock to wake you up.
Television and Firestick
Just because you’ll be at college doesn’t mean you won’t have time for TV. You’ll want access to your favorite shows and movies to wind down after class or for a rainy Saturday morning. In addition, you most likely will only have basic cable in your dorm, so it is essential to bring a smart TV or get a firestick to stream your favorite shows and movies.
Cleaning Supplies
Remember, you won’t have your mom to clean up after you anymore. To keep your dorm room fresh and clean, you’ll have to do all the dirty work yourself. Consider bringing the essential cleaning supplies like all-purpose cleaners, detergents, soaps, brooms, mops, and more.
Be Prepared
While you may be nervous about going to college, everything will work out just fine as long as you are prepared. Make sure you pack all the essentials, and most importantly, enjoy your experience because it goes by fast.
Featured Photo by Zac Gudakov on Unsplash
