Living in the Dorms: Useful Items to Bring
A Loft Tray
Surprisingly, the most useful thing I brought to college was a plastic loft tray that I bought at Target while thinking “I doubt I’ll use this…but it’s on sale, so why not?”. By the end of the year, I had received over twenty offers from other people living on my floor who wanted to buy my loft tray off of me. I never sold my tray, because it was easily my most useful dorm room accessory. A loft tray is just a small plastic tray that clamps on to the side of a lofted or bunked bed.
If you think you may have a lofted or bunked bed in your dorm room (if you have room mates, it’s highly likely that you will have a lofted bed in order to free up space in your room), I’d suggest investing a few dollars in buying a loft tray. I loved using my loft tray to put my glasses and cell phone on while I was sleeping so that I could have them nearby without worrying that they’d fall off my bed during the night.
A Mattress Pad
Another great item I brought to college was a mattress pad for my bed. In dorms, all the mattresses are the same and you don’t get a choice whether your mattress is firm or soft. If you’re like me and prefer a softer mattress, it’s a good idea to buy an inexpensive mattress pad (about $10-$15 at stores like Target) to put under your sheets in order to achieve a more comfortable nights sleep.
Shoe Organizer
If your dorm room has a limited amount of space, I’d recommend getting a hanging shoe organizer that can go over the back of your closet door, or hang inside your closet. Half way through my freshman year, I got a shoe organizer that hung inside my closet. I was amazed at how much closet space I saved by using it!
Plastic Shower Caddy
If you have a shared bathroom/shower in your dorm (as most dorms do), you’ll need something in which to transport all your toiletries and shower supplies from your room to the bathroom and back. I suggest a plastic/water resistant caddy that won’t get ruined easily if you take it into the shower with you.
Power Strips and Extension Cords
In dorm rooms there tend to be a limited amount of electrical outlets. I brought a power strip with me (which created additional outlets) and a couple basic extension cords. This allowed me to plug in multiple items (ex. clock, cell phone charger, camera battery charger, iPod charger, laptop, desk lamp, fan, mini fridge, T.V., DVD player) from anywhere in my room.
Microwavable Plates and Bowls + Plastic Utensils
Before going to college, I bought a bunch of inexpensive hard plastic plates and bowls to have in my dorm room so that I could snack on food if I ever got sick of the dining commons (which I did). However, I didn’t realize that having plastic bowls and plates wouldn’t allow me to heat up food in the microwave that was in the lounge area. I suggest bringing microwave-safe bowls and plates.
As far as utensils go, I preferred to use plastic spoons, forks, and knives that I could throw away after using. I hated having dirty dishes pile up in my room, so cutting back on having dirty utensils by using plastic ones was great for me.
Extra Storage or Space Savers
Dorm rooms are commonly small and cramped (especially if you’re sharing a room with other students), so getting some form of storage or shelves in your room wouldn’t be a bad idea. I purchased some collapsible plastic cubes from Costco that I set up in my room and used to organize all my books, CD’s, DVD’s, snacks, plates, bowls, cups, and other miscellaneous items. Using some sort of stackable container or organizer allows for more room in cramped living quarters.
The Bottom Line
The secret to living with ease in your dorm room is to avoid clutter. Do so by using extra storage space and various types of organizers. However, the easiest way to avoid a cramped room is by bringing what’s necessary and leaving clothes you’ll never wear, or items you’ll never use, at home.
Living in the dorms can be a great experience, so make the most of it and enjoy!
