Comments on: What To Bring To College- Dorm Room Essentials

By: Una

Una — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:13:08 +0000

As an international student, I could only bring two suitcases with me from home my freshman year, and so I had to buy a lot of stuff. Though I think a lot of these tips are good, there are definitely differences between dorms.

My dorm had a common room with a TV, DVD-player and kitchen (including microwave, kettle and fridge). I used the common room TV or my laptop form all my TV/movie needs (besides, TVs are time drains). We were also not allowed to bring microwaves, hotplate or anything of the sort, and I never needed it because there were some in the common area that I could use. I did get a mini fridge though, as food in the common room fridge would consequently be eaten by drunken floormates. I also never needed quarters for laundry, as we had a pre-paid card system.

Stuff I really appreciated having:

- Two sets of sheets
- Mini-fridge
- Printer (I don’t think I would have saved anything by printing at the library – pluse I could print and run, instead of linging up for a computer to print from)
- Comfy chair/bean bag chair/futon – if you want to hang out in your room too – also great for doing your first read-throughs)
- Posters, pictures and keepsakes

And it’s true you don’t need to bring all your clothes – at least not first time round

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:40:07 +0000

I agree that a cofeepot is a must!!! It is not only good for coffee but if you just heat water up in it then you can use it in your cup of ramen, to make tea or hot chocolate etc.
Remember to bring two sets of sheets, tons of quarters for laundry, an airtight container to stash your snacks (then you can hide them under your bed or in your closet from moochers if neccessary), jump drive is a must!!!, it is a good idea to have your own printer and extra paper and ink that way if you finish your paper right before class you can print it off in your room and not have to hope to be able to somewhere else, I also suggest some personal decorations (check with your school to see what you can do – some let you tack stuff up but many will only let you use that putty stuff) because it just makes you feel more like you are at home- your new home

By: O'Reilly

O'Reilly — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:12:57 +0000

Try to get cheap everything! Chances are, things will be “borrowed” and/or destroyed before you move on. Walmart’s the place for cheap. Even for that cell phone that’s gonna double as an alarm to get you to class on time. Check out the pre-paid TracFone w/ pretty decent Motorazr v3a and other models. For just $45 a month you can engage in UNLIMITED gab and text fests. No contract. No strings. No gouging. Leaves a little extra cash to trash the Ramen once in a while.

By: * Money Hacks Carnival #76 – The Fun Money Facts Edition

* Money Hacks Carnival #76 – The Fun Money Facts Edition — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 04:15:29 +0000

[...] Budgeting with Mvelopes Personal posted at Christian Personal Finance Blog.Studenomist presents Checklist For College Freshmen- Dorm Room Essentials posted at Studenomics.com — A list of all of the essential purchases you need to make before [...]

By: RB @ Richby30Retireby40.com

RB @ Richby30Retireby40.com — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 14:13:39 +0000

Wow, that’s quite a packed dorm you got!

You need a love couch man and a corner to hide all your junk when you bring the lady back. Women love a clean room!

By: Roger

Roger — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 06:44:30 +0000

Ah, the list of things to bring to college; one of those traditions for incoming freshmen to go over, carefully research and consider, and ultimately find something that wasn’t covered or that they forgot. I’m going to assume that, in addition to all the listed items, everyone remembers to bring clothing, bedding and bathroom supplies, and silverware and flatware (even if all you eat is Ramen noodles and cafeteria food, having access to some forks and plates for when company comes over is a good thing). My best suggestion is to have at least one nice suit/dress suit. Even if you’re a freshman and years away from having to interview for a possible job, a good suit (with dress shirt, tie, and everything else you need to look fancy) is a must. You never know when a dance or other event that requires you to look sharp will arrive. (Plus, if you join something like a public speaking team, as I did, having a suit (or suits) on hand will be a god send.)

By: Stephanie PTY

Stephanie PTY — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:04:13 +0000

Oh! Something big I forgot: don’t forget to coordinate with your roommate, if you’re going to have one. Hopefully your college will send you their contact info ahead of time. My roommate and I split up who would bring the mini fridge (her) and who would bring the TV (me) and other things like that – things you don’t need two of in a room.

Of course, you might be able to get away with not getting the TV at all, if you watch most of your stuff online via Hulu or network websites, and you have a decent computer monitor. Most computers have DVD players now too, so you’d be mostly all set – especially if your monitor has inputs to hook in video game consoles!

By: Studenomist

Studenomist — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:15:40 +0000

Thanks for the comments, it makes me realize even more what I’m missing out on by living at home while in college.

@Craig I imagine many late nights with the video games!

@Stephanie Maybe I should have written 2 can openers. One for you and one for the moochers lol.

@ FB Good strategy on not having a tv. I wish I could only drink tea and no coffee. I love the caffeine boost in the morning too much.

@Dee Yes we both have the exact same elaborate alarm system. I used my cell phone, my laptop, and have my Mom or girlfriend call me.

By: Dee

Dee — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:12:05 +0000

An alarm clock!

When I had those bright and early finals I would set my cell phone alarm (my usual waker-upper), a real alarm clock and have someone call me (like my Mom).

It’s so easy to ignore the cell phone alarm, but when you have a final that would be tragic.

By: FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com

FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:02:19 +0000

Oh I forgot the kettle. Huge must have. Esp with food packets.