Getting organized is the key to getting comfortable
Apr 11 '00
Hmm the big debate- how much of home to bring with you to college. I found that this depends greatly on how far away you plan on going. I went to school 1,000 miles from home so my choices were a little limited, especially since my first year my parents wouldn’t let me take a car to school. It was what I could fit in suitcases or afford to ship home. But, these are some guidelines for what I felt was most convenient and important for me to have in my dorm room. (Some of the larger items were covered by my roommates!)
First step in deciding what to take is scoping out your new room. When you did your campus visit (and you all did that right?) you should have taken a look at a room in the dorm where you planned on staying. Did you take a look at your closet space or lack thereof? This little cubbyhole is where you are going to have to store the majority of your stuff, so remember- it is not just your clothes that will have to get crammed in. With that in mind, here are some ideas of stuff to load up on on that last parents-paid trip to Wal-Mart. (Hopefully you can do this once you get to the college town to cut down on packing it from home.)
1. Storage containers.
The number one thing in my mind are storage containers- and I mean all kinds. I found under-the-bed plastic clear containers to be very helpful- I usually stored my off-season clothes in these to get them out of my closet. There are many types of hide-away boxes you can find at Wal-Mart that are designed to help organize small spaces. We have a store in town called Closet Concepts, and that is all they do! They will have tons of ideas. Other helpful storage containers:
Shoe storage- the kind that lay in the bottom of your closet or hang over the door. You simply will not believe how much room your shoes will take up in your precious closet space.
Stackable boxes- many college kids use milk crates- these are great for storing items. Be sure you stack them to make a shelf arrangement so you can reach into each one. Otherwise, get ones with wheels so you can move them out of your way. (I had one called “Mr. Cart” that had 3 bins and wheels. It worked great.)
A shower bucket. Even if you do not have to share a bathroom and showers with the whole floor, a plastic bucket is great for storing your shampoo, etc. It makes it easy to keep your stuff together so you can find it easily in that just-woke-up stupor, and it will keep it out of your roommates way.
An aside: also bring shower slippers- flip flops that are plastic and you can wear in the dorm showers. Even girls- you will not believe how gross it is going to get……
2. Refrigerator/Microwave/Toaster. If you can afford one of these (look to hitting seniors that are getting rid of their stuff) it is simply awesome. I had a microwave and one of those little refrigerators and they were life savers. They do not have a whole ton of room, but enough for a half gallon of milk, some butter, mayo, cheese slices, ham slices- just enough you get you some cereal in the morning and a snack late at night.
A microwave also made life a ton easier. Today’s grocery is full of great things you can make in the microwave- and many do not have to be stored in the freezer. (ex- instant oatmeal, ramen noodles, cup of soup, etc.)
A toaster is the same way- you can toast an english muffin for breakfast or make yourself a sandwich on toast. Of course, these items are all governed by what you are allowed to keep in your dorm room. If your college disallows these things, then don’t have them- they are probably a violation of the fire code and your school will not hesitate to punish you (and probably take the items away.)
3. A Lock Box.
I cannot stress the importance of this one. I used it to store my checkbook when I was not using it, my jewelry, and important papers I did not want to lose. I think I got one at Wal-Mart for $20 and it was fireproof and had a key. College dorms are not a secure place- we always had people running in and out and you just do not want to take the chance that someone could steal something important from you. Most of us would probably trust our roommates, but if you are rooming with someone you do not know, it is even more important to have a lock box. Plus, it will help you keep track of important papers like transcripts or letters from home that you just do not want to lose.
4. Momentos from home.
Lots of people go off to college and think that they are starting a new life and do not need to bring any reminders of home with them. I really disagree. When I went to college at the age of 18, I took my blankie I had since the day I was born, tons of pictures and even my high school yearbooks (OK so that was kind of dumb). Not because I was lonely or homesick- in fact I was never homesick for a minute- it was because I wanted to remember home and the people I left behind. And if you do get lonely, you may appreciate these items even more as a way to keep home close to your heart.
5. Electronics.
Here I am talking about a TV/VCR/Stereo. I had each of these in my room and I was very glad I did. I like to listen to music and watch a little TV sometimes and it was nice to know that I did not have to share the dorm TV down in the lobby with 400 other people! Plus I could have friends over to watch a movie and pop some popcorn in my microwave. I did not personally own all of these things- I had a good friend I roomed with 2 of my 4 years and we worked it out that she brought the items she had (a TV and microwave) and I brought the VCR and stereo. If you can get it to work out this way, then you do not have to buy all of these things. And I might want to advise you NOT to take a TV if you are naturally shy or have problems making friends. Not having a TV will force you out onto campus or at least your next door neighbor’s room to make some friends.
Of course I have left out clothes and all that kind of stuff. But you didn’t need me to tell you that did I? The most important thing to remember is that in a college dorm room the more organized you are the better you will feel. Get organized and use the little space you have wisely. After all, this will be home for at least the next 4 years!
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