In just a few short months, you’ll begin preparing to go to college. In addition to the tuition, books, housing, and food, you’ll be spending a pretty penny on supplies needed for life in a residence hall. Plan ahead by adding these dorm necessities to your holiday wish list.
- Desk lamp: For when you need a little more light to work in your room.
- A good backpack and school supplies: A planner, pencils, pens, highlighters, notebooks, folders, post-it notes, index cards, stapler, scissors, tape, etc.
- A laptop.
- Two sets of extra-long twin-size bed sheets: If there is an accidental drink spill at midnight, you can easily swap out the sheets and deal with the mess in the morning.
- A fan: In case the temps are warmer than you prefer, or at least for the white noise while you sleep (another option for this: noise-canceling headphones).
- Kitchen utensils: A couple microwaveable bowls and plates, a silverware set, and a small container of dish soap and dish scrubber.
- Mini fridge: Keep your snack fuel close by!
- Single-serving coffee maker: This will be much cheaper, and more accessible, than spending money at the coffee shop on campus. Caffeinate quickly!
- First aid kit and over-the-counter medications: A pair of tweezers to get out a sliver, a bandage for an accidental cut. And, the first time a nasty cold comes knocking, you’ll be thankful you have easy-to-grab cough drops and NyQuil. Remember the seasonal allergy meds, too!
- Extra storage: Consider collapsible cubes to store food, clothes, and other essentials.
- Weather-appropriate clothing: Time for a rain jacket, boots/waterproof shoes, and warm winter coat. This holiday season is the perfect time to find a nice new pair of gloves and a wool cap.
- Professional outfit: Don’t get caught off guard by an unexpected presentation or job interview. Get something simple: a nice pant and light-weight shirt could work in another weather season. Remember the shoes, too. Get something comfortable in case you have to be on your feet or walk a long way.
- Bathroom Essentials: Get ready for communal bathrooms! A shower caddy can keep all your items stored in one place and easily transported. A hard-bottom one will allow you to put it on the floor if the shower doesn’t have a hook for a soft-sided caddy to hang. Also, some cheap shower shoes will save you from a future fungal infection.
- Cash: As tempting as it will be to spend it now, do your best to save gift money and earnings from a part-time job. This can help buy necessities in the future.
Take advantage of the season of gift-giving by sharing this wish list with those who care for you. They’ll be impressed by your planning skills, and it will be less of a blow to your budget when it’s time to start buying necessary college-going supplies next summer. Happy holidays!
By Kristin Ageton