Each year thousands of high school graduates enter into the independent world of college life. For many college freshman leaving home for the first time can be a fun and exciting experience.
However, dorm life is not quite like home and can be a tough adjustment for some young people. Yet, with a few added comforts, dorm life can indeed feel more like home.
Every college student will indeed need the "basics" _ items such as notebooks, pens and pencils, calculators, backpacks and textbooks, yet in addition to all of the basics, there are several items that may not occur to the recent high school grad that could make college life all the easier.
According to Shannon Gregory, a graduate of Unatego High School and a student at the University at Albany, there are several things that college freshmen can take along with them to make dorm life feel a bit more like home.
One of the most important items that each student should have is a computer. Whether it be a desktop or laptop, a computer is a necessity for college freshmen, or any student for that matter, she said.
Computers are used in virtually every aspect of college life _ from essays and research to e-mailing professors, family and friends. "It would be very difficult to get everything done if you did not have access to your own computer," she added.
Along with the computer, be sure to have a printer and paper as well.
Many freshmen attending college for the first time may find it daunting to move into a small space that is typically shared by two or more individuals and still have enough room for all of their supplies and clothing.
One way to get around living in a small space, said Gregory, is to purchase "bed risers" _ which are heavy-duty plastic risers designed to be placed under each leg of the bed. By raising the bed higher up off of the floor, additional storage space is created underneath. To keep items clean and secure when being stored under the bed, purchase several long, thin storage containers designed specifically for under-the-bed storage. These containers can hold anything from winter clothes and coats to blankets, shoes, plasticware and nonperishable food.
Along with bed risers, plastic dressers are a great option for extra storage space. They are small enough to fit into tight corners yet sturdy and large enough to hold several items. Since they can be hung on a closet door, hanging shoe bags are great for added storage space and can hold several small miscellaneous items along with shoes.
Small microwaves and dorm-size refrigerators are great to have, if allowed by the college one is attending. According to Gregory, having a microwave in your dorm room can really come in handy especially when classes and/or jobs may interfere with the set hours that are held by the dining halls on campus. Microwaves also make late-night study dates a bit easier as well _ having the option of being able to heat up a cup of coffee or soup is a wonderful thing. "I always try and have microwaveable food available in my room," Gregory said.
Toiletry items are a must for each college student and at times can be overlooked by the college freshman. Items such as shower shoes and a shower caddy make getting ready in the morning much easier. Having all of your supplies, such as shaving cream, razors, soaps and shampoos along with lotions, hair products, cotton balls and cotton swab all in one location is very convenient and compact, Gregory said.
As far as being able to clean your room goes: "be sure to take a small broom and dust pan," Gregory said, and maybe some basic and simple cleaning supplies, along with laundry soap and dryer sheets.
A few other items recommend by Gregory include a mattress cover, sheets, blankets, towels, washcloths, an alarm clock, fan and a clothes hamper for dirty laundry. "And don't forget the quarters for laundry," Gregory said.
There are several items used for comfort and relaxation, Gregory said, items such as miniDVD players and DVDs, an iPod or other mp3 players and cell phones or calling cards.
Another good idea is to get a lock-box to hold valuable items, she said.
So if you or someone you know is venturing off to college this fall, be sure to take along all of the basics. Just don't forget to take along the shower shoes, alarm clock and quarters _ lots of quarters for laundry day.
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