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The Complete Slob's Guide to Dorm EquipmentNov 15 '00 (Updated Jan 07 '01) Write an essay on this topic.If you were anything like me, you were a messy pig when you lived with your parents. Now, you're on your way to college, and though you'd never admit it, you secretly hope you won't make a mess out of your place in the dorms. The following is a list of things to bring, from a reformed pig. Stick to this list, bring only the things on this list, bring nothing more than what's on this list, and you'll never be embarrassed to bring friends, or friends into your room: ---Sleeping, because sometimes you have to.--- -One set of sheets, probably in Long or Extra Long Twin size. Universities overprice sheets, so go to a store like Macy's or Sears, and ask the clerks to show you to the LT section, which is usually hidden away. I recommend buying jersey sheets that feel like T-shirts. Mmm. Note: Don't bring more than one set of sheets. Bringing more than one set won't make you any cleaner; in fact, the second set will probably clutter things up worse in your closet. Just be sure to wash them more than once per semester. -A comforter. People sit, eat, and stand on your bed. 'Nuff said. -One pillow and two pillowcases. Pillowcases can get dirty quick. Store the extra one in a closet shelf. -A blanket. -An alarm clock. Fancy clocks are appealing, but frankly, they're too big and too easy to break. I recommend a $10 clock radio with a big display. ---Food, because dining halls suck.--- -One set of eating utensils. That is, one fork, one knife, one spoon, just for you. And remember to wash them immediately after eating. Buy more utensils if moving into a apartment-style dorm. -One large unbreakable mug, for drinking soda, juice or anything else. Don't buy porcelain. Been there, broke that. -A few (3+) small plastic tumblers for friends to drink from. Albertson's sells these for 69 cents each. -A few microwaveable plastic plates, for pizza. -A bowl for cereal. -A sponge and a small dish soap bottle for washing plates (and removing graffiti from walls). -A small box of baking soda so the fridge doesn't smell. Also, it can be used as a detergent, or an antacid. -Salt with or without shaker. Best condiment money can buy for 50 cents. -Plastic wrap for storing pizza in the fridge. -Big tupperware-style tubs for keeping snacks crunchy. Also good for storing stuff that doesn't fit anywhere else. -A fridge. Usually cheaper to buy than rent. $80 gets you a little fridge box. (If you want one, wait until you've moved in, then buy it online from staples. They'll deliver it to the dorm for free!) If your roommate has one, and doesn't mind sharing, then optional. -Microwave. Often the only cooking appliance allowed in the dorms. I don't have one, but some people like to cook a lot. Note: Some people prefer disposable paper cups and plates. I think they're bad for the environment, too crushable, too bulky, and a waste of money. Just wash the stuff off in your bathroom sink, and you'll be fine. ---Deskstuff, because you're there to study (Ha!).--- -A computer. The most important tool for any student. If you don't have one, seriously consider investing about $400 in a cheap desktop model. A cheap printer is good too, but you can always print from other computers. Having to ask other people to borrow their computers at 2 am gets old fast. -Paper. Buy a pack of college ruled paper, and a pack of plain white printer paper. -Writing implements. A set of pens. A set of pencils. A highlighter. Leave the crayons at home. -A small hand-operated pencil sharpener. (You don't need an electric one.) -Books related to your major or your classes. Leave the mystery novels behind. You won't be reading them anyway. -Thumbtacks for putting stuff on the wall. -A small whiteboard to hang on the door so people can leave messages. -Scissors. -Scotch and duct tape. -Stapler. -A notebook or two. ---Entertainment--- -The TV. If you have a TV to take, do it. If not, don't stress. You'll be watching your roommate's telly, or the ones in other people's rooms soon enough. (Consider a TV card for your computer. I'm running a Voodoo 3500, and it's been heavenly as far as space saving.) -A cordless phone with answering machine. -A book-style CD holder. Don't you dare bring your CD collection in jewel cases. That's a mess waiting to happen. -A surge protector with a large number of plugs. ---Laundry--- -Clothes you can actually wear. Consider a couple of sweatshirts, and lots and lots of underwear. (pants optional). -Liquid laundry detergent. The powder stuff doesn't work well for me. -A piggy bank to collect quarters in. You'll need them for the laundry machine, as well as bus fare, and such. -Dryer sheets for unstatic-clinging clothes. -Sandals for showering (to avoid funguses) and evacuating when some moron pulls a fire alarm. -Two laundry bags. One for whites. One for colors. Presorting makes things so much easier. (Optional: a laundry basket) -One of those pink sticky lint catchers, in case your dorm is dusty, or your washing machines suck. ---Personal care.--- -Toothbrush and toothpaste. I accidentally left mine at home. -Deodorant. -An electric shaver. Good for quick shaves when the bathroom is too full. -Hair gunk. -NyQuil and DayQuil and Tylenol, in pills so they can't spill. -Tissue paper for NyQuil nights. -Soap, shampoo, and a towel or two. -Etc. Use your best judgment. ---Don't bring--- -Video game consoles. I play on my computer, or not at all. Consoles are very big and cluttery. Leave 'em behind, unless you're addicted. -A sound system. Surprised? If you have a computer, buy it some decent speakers, and just play your mp3's and CD's from your CD-ROM drive. A boombox is just a space waster. -Teddy bears, if possible. -Weird boxes and shelves, unless you're really going to use them. Most slobs wind up turning those fancy organizing boxes into more mess. Finally, organize your stuff at the start of the semester, and stick to it. Leave all of the things you can't bear to throw away at home, and when in college, be ruthless about throwing things away. Most other things you might want to bring (screwdrivers, etc.), you can just borrow from friends; in fact, you follow this list, and try not to stray from it, you're guaranteed to have a neat and tidy year, and a quick move-in. After all, you don't have to carry or clean up things you don't bring.  |
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