Dorm Life
YOUR ROOM. YOUR SPACE. YOUR FIRST HOME AWAY FROM HOME.
YOUR ROOM. YOUR SPACE. YOUR FIRST HOME AWAY FROM HOME.
YOUR ROOM. YOUR SPACE. YOUR FIRST HOME AWAY FROM HOME.
Welcome to your first college dorm.
One room. Two beds. Two desks. Approximately three electrical outlets. And somehow, you've arrived with enough belongings to furnish a small apartment.
Don't panic.
Your dorm room setup doesn't need to look like the ones on Instagram. Instead, it should be a space where you can sleep, study, get dressed, enjoy some questionable late-night food, hang out with friends, and occasionally retreat from the world.
Here are some essential college dorm tips to help you make it all work.
BEFORE YOU BUY ANYTHING
YOUR ROOM. YOUR SPACE. YOUR FIRST HOME AWAY FROM HOME.
YOUR ROOM. YOUR SPACE. YOUR FIRST HOME AWAY FROM HOME.
Having a big sale, an on-site celebrity, or another exciting event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.
Before embarking on your enormous dorm-shopping expedition, it's essential to gather some college dorm tips and find out exactly what your college already provides for your dorm room setup.
Most dorm rooms will include the basics like a bed, mattress, desk, chair, and dresser or closet, but remember that every college and residence hall is different.
Check the following dorm essentials:
- Your mattress size; while Twin XL is common, don’t assume that’s the case everywhere.
- What furniture is already provided in your dorm.
- Whether beds can be raised or lofted to maximize space.
- What appliances are allowed and prohibited in the dorms.
- Whether your room comes with air conditioning.
- What storage space you will have available.
- Whether bathrooms are private, shared, or communal.
- What items you’re expected to share with your roommate.
And most importantly:
Talk to your roommate before you both arrive, especially if you're planning to bring a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker.
12 THINGS YOU ACTUALLY NEED... ...AND 10 YOU REALLY DON'T
Our LAOC essentials include:
Mattress topper: Possibly the single best purchase for your college dorm setup you'll make.
Two sets of sheets: Because laundry and good intentions don't always happen simultaneously.
Good pillows: Your bed will transform into a bed, sofa, reading chair, and occasional dining room.
Laundry bag: Preferably one you can actually carry.
Shower caddy and shower shoes: Communal bathroom? Trust us, these are dorm essentials you won’t want to forget.
Approved surge-protected power strip: Check your college rules first.
Long phone charger: Because the outlet will be exactly where you don't need it.
Under-bed storage: Empty space in a dorm is valuable real estate for your college dorm tips.
Desk lamp: Your roommate will appreciate this at 1 a.m.
Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated in your dorm room setup.
Basic first-aid supplies: A must-have for college life.
Small fan: Particularly useful if your dorm considers air conditioning an unnecessary luxury.
WHAT DON'T YOU NEED?
An entire kitchen.
Your entire wardrobe.
A giant television.
Ten towels.
Enough snacks to survive an apocalypse.
Every school supply ever invented.
Expensive furniture.
Twenty decorative pillows.
Anything your college prohibits.
And most importantly...
You don’t need a $2,000 Instagram dorm room.
Make it comfortable. Make it practical. Make it yours.
Dorm Life: Essential Advice and Tips
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