With graduation right around the corner, seniors are beginning to prepare for life after high school. Some students plan on enlisting in the military, going to trade school or taking a gap year. However, many students are planning on going to college in the fall. Preparing for college can be extremely difficult, especially dorm shopping. Many students are going far away, making it unnecessarily stressful for students to choose what to bring and leave.
Mini fridges and kitchen appliances
While mini fridges and kitchen appliances can be bulky and take up a lot of space, they are still essential to bring. These appliances provide a more private space for students to store and prepare food, in comparison to utilizing communal facilities. Having these appliances can also save money by not having to rely on dining halls or takeout. These appliances can be expensive, however, you can split the cost with your roommates if they want the appliances too. Some people recommend bringing an air fryer to school with them. If you plan on bringing an air fryer, I recommend checking your school’s dorm rules before purchasing. In addition, college students recommend bringing as little amount of kitchenware (plates, bowls and utensils) as possible, as it takes up space and becomes tedious to clean.
User-friendly laundry basket
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but many people persist in bringing a standard laundry basket to school, leading to students struggling to do laundry. Most universities have the laundry facilities in the basement or on the lower floors. So, many current college students recommend getting a backpack or wheeled laundry basket. These options alleviate the struggle of dragging a regular basket around.
Air purifier and humidifiers
Consider buying an air purifier to help improve the air quality of the dorms. Dust, allergens and viruses are common in these small spaces, so having an air purifier can help improve health conditions of the occupants. Humidifiers in particular help prevent dry air and reduce respiratory illness. Dehumidifiers prevent mold or mildew which can lead to respiratory issues, as well. These essentials help keep students healthy and ready for class.
First aid kit and medicine
This one may seem obvious, however, at home you typically don’t have to worry about stocking medicine or first aid items. Having this available allows students to respond to illness and minor injury instantaneously, rather than waiting and having symptoms escalate.
Extension cords/extra outlets
Most dorms have a limited amount of sockets available in rooms. Bringing an extension cord will allow you to have extra space for you to charge devices or plug appliances in. Many students recommend a flat plug extension cord to save space, in case the plug is near a bed or closet.
These essentials are just the tip of the iceberg. I recommend consulting with current university students or searching online to make sure you have everything covered when moving into a dorm room. In addition, before you hit the road, create a checklist so you don’t forget anything. Good luck!
