Okay, since, as I thought I would be, I feel rather drained and don’t want to even try to write anything intellectual, I thought I would post a question for all my (super) amazing readers to respond too. Easy question that doesn’t require much thought (we all need days like that lol 
)
So, my question is, what is/was the item/s that you brought to college that was the most useful? I have like, 3 different lists (one from Staples, one from Target, one from my college..) of what to bring to college. I’m getting slightly jittery because I only have around two weeks left to buy all the stuff I need (since I work 5 days out of 7, I have about 4 days total to shop). I mean, don’t get me wrong, I have actually got a lot of the stuff that I already need- I’ve got my shower caddy, trash can, plates and cups, laundry bag, towels, shower wash, toothpaste and brush, hairdryer, etc.. I just bought one of those FLEX notebooks.. omg, so worth the $12, it’s so cool and seems a lot sturdier than the normal binders that I buy…
Here’s my list of crap that I still need to buy: The Yellow highlights are what’s on my college’s list, so I figured at the very least I should buy them (and the * = required)
Bedding
- 2 Pillows
- 2 Pillowcases
- 2 sets of standard twin sheets
- Twin comforter/bedspread
- Blankets
- Throw Pillows
- Mattress Pad*
Décor
- Picture Frames
- Picture hanging supplies
- Dry Erase Board
- Door Mirror
- Removable adhesive hooks
Lounge
- Extra seating
- Side Table
- Floor Lamp
Electronics
- Surge Protector
- Alarm Clock
- Mouse
- Ethernet Cord/cable (12′)
- Printer & Printer Paper
- Ink
- Blank CDs
- Jump Drive
- External Hard Drive
- Router & Adaptor
Study
- Clip on Bed Lamp
- Stapler & Scissors
- 3 Hole Punch
- Pencil Pouch
- File Folder Organizer
- Desk Organizer
- Cash Box or Safe
Kitchen
- Can Opener
- Utensils
Cleaning & Laundry
- Fabric Softener
- Broom & Dust Pan
- Duster
- Air Freshener/ Room Diffuser
- Disinfecting Wipes
- Dish wand/ scrub brush
- Sponge
- Drying Rack
Storage
- Bookcase
- Shoe Rack
- Hangers
- CD/DVD storage
- File Cabinet
- Crates
Don’t Forget
- Batteries
- Ear plugs
- Umbrella
Notebooks
- 3 2 Large Flex notebooks
Other
- Sticky Flags
- Tabbed Dividers (FLEX)
- Reinforcements
- Clear Sheet Dividers
- Laptop Lock
- Extension Cord
Okay, that’s a reallyyyyyyyyyyy long list, I know. I just figured I would put everything I could possible think of, just in case. I’m probably going to take $200 out of my bank account tonight so I can shop and start buying. I’m prettyyyy sure $200 won’t be enough, but I’m hoping my parents can front me a little more- especially considering I can start buying my textbooks, and the required reading alone (not including study guides) comes to a minimum of $500- that pretty much takes out all of my checking account (and that’s without the $200 taken out, I know I’ll be getting a pretty good check from work which will be around $200, so I think I’ll be okay)
So yeah, If you were bored enough to read through my list, if there anything I forgot? Or is there anything that I probably won’t need? Any opinions, please lol. I’ve only even been in one of the dorm rooms once, so I kinda know the size of the room, but still.. I’m probably going to wait to buy some of the stuff until I am actually in the dorm.
ugh.. so much to do… And I still have to read the summer reading 
.. I just can’t believe it’s coming so soon! Only around 2 more weeks… gah…
Well, on the plus side, Breaking Dawn TONIGHT!!!!!!!! wooot!! ( I am planning on making a post- yes an actualy post- about why my inner feminist can have seriously problems with the books, but for some reason I still fucking love reading them anyway.) And.. I MADE T-SHIRTS! woo! Emuhlee, our other friend (whom my readers have never heard of before lol) Nikki, and I will be like triplets! I’ll definitely try and get some pictures! yay!
Anyway, point of post? Dorm room shopping advice.
Bed Lifters, you can get them at Target. Then it is easier to store stuff under your bed. Closets are never ever big enough
And the art wall gum stuff if they have the no holes rule:)
By: Ena on August 1, 2008
at 3:14 pm
If you are sharing a shower, DEFINATLY get flip flops to wear in the shower!! College showers are gross for sure!
By: Melissa on August 1, 2008
at 5:33 pm
hey, i’ve been lurking here for awhile and decided this was an impt. post to comment on, since i would have loved advice when i was a freshman. regarding everything you highlighted, you will definitely need them. other things that are good to have include extra seating (b/c desk chairs provided by school are uncomfortable), adhesive hooks, a desk organizer, a lightweight vacuum, other cleaning supplies, batteries, and an extension cord. for displaying photos, i like the french board. you also might need utenisls (if you plan on eating in your room) and a jump drive or blank cds (some profs like to have a digital copy of a paper). you might want to wait before buying over-the-door hooks, because the door might not close with the hooks on. also wait to see what kind of bed you have before getting a clip-on desk lamp, because some beds aren’t compatible. side tables and floor lamps may also be too much, considering that there is very limited space in the dorm. i hope this novel of a comment helps!
By: Kat on August 1, 2008
at 11:38 pm
If you can afford ‘em, a microwave and minifridge (unless that’s part of the ‘etc’ list of things you have). Those were invaluable when I was living the dorm life.
Also, I’d recommend instead of a file cabinet, getting a set of those ‘cube’-shaped storage thingies that Target has, for which you can buy pull-out/collapsible baskets. I don’t know your organization style, but it seems more practical than a file cabinet even if you’re super-together and wanting to divide your notes/classwork into folders by subject. That way, should you decide to do things differently, it’s more versatile. Plus, you can go for cute different colors with the cube thingie.
Those hanging closet-storage thingies are good too– there’s a version for shoes, and others for things like folded clothing/towels.
Flip-flops for wearing in the shower, if you share the shower with more than one other room (and even then, sometimes if it’s just one– depends on your suitemates).
As far as the picture hanging supplies go, be sure about what your walls are made of– many dorm rooms feature cinderblock walls, that don’t take things like tacks/nails. If you CAN use nails, get something to match your wall– if it’s white, then something like spackle or even white toothpaste can work for covering up holes you leave.
A corkboard with thumbtacks also can be handy, especially if you have pictures/cartoons/flyers you want to keep and hang up, either as a reminder or for more long-term decor.
Does your dorm room have air conditioning? I went to public universities and mostly was without A/C; if there is no A/C, then one of those in/out vent fans would be good for your window. A desktop fan is also nice– even one that could clip onto your desk’s edge for space-saving.
Get a couple of surge protectors, so you don’t overload your one. Best to have one for each outlet area, since you can’t use normal extension cords (have to have a grounding plug).
Overall, with storage, you probably want things to save you space like the aforementioned cube storage and all.
Also, with books, don’t buy them before classes start– you’ll probably be able to get them at the bookstore the first week, but sometimes you also don’t NEED the book for the class, depending on the professor. Some will say the book’s just a recommendation, some will have changed their minds about which book you need but were too lazy to change the syllabus. Most profs will excuse not having your book for the first week or two because many students depend on financial aid, and they don’t receive their checks/deposits for at least a few days.
It also can give you time to look at places like half.com for your book, which will almost always be cheaper than the bookstore (even with shipping), though be sure to match ISBN numbers and get the specified edition of your book. I accidentally got an International version of one of my books, and I was fortunate that it was identical to the American– but that doesn’t always happen! Now, you can’t always sell books back to the bookstore unless you bought them there, but some campuses have more than one and not directly connected to the University. I’ve sold back online purchases, myself.
Good luck, and may the Force be with you! I don’t miss having a roommate, but I kinda miss living in a dorm, oddly enough. It’s a different world there, and something pretty neat. Also, if you have a roommate, hold off on some of the things like cleaning supplies– you might decide to go in together for those since you’d both use them, and find out what she’s bringing too. Sometimes you just need one microwave, if you want one of those.
Sorry the comment is long, and if I say things you’ve already thought of! I was trying to think of thing from my college days. Also, I love your blog and wish something like this had been around when I was a teenager (graduated HS in ‘97).
By: Alchematrix on August 2, 2008
at 8:23 am
That looks like a pretty good list, so far. I would take a couple extension cords and surge protectors because I know our dorms had about 2 wall outlets for 67bajillionty things that needed electricity, so we scrambled around town looking for them and of course they were sold out everywhere. Same with fans, if you need one.
Making the room feel lived-in is really important. Does your dorm have carpeting? Ours didn’t, so a pretty throw rug can help. Also, lots of dorms I’ve seen have ugly-ish carpeting, and anything to make the place feel less sterile helps. Pictures, posters, “christmas” lights or rope lighting, fun curtains, a tapestry/spread for the wall (if you’re a giant hippie like me, these take up a lot of wall space and look pretty groovy http://www.fullmoonloom.com/abouttapestry.html).
Also, a coloring book and crayons can go a long way in relieving stress and making new friends. Just sit out in the hallway with it, and you’ll have a small crowd within 10 minutes.
A little travel sewing kit can really help. Some zippylock bags or some of those little disposable Gladware containers are nice for leftovers.
Also, make lots of space for papers. You’ll probably have less paper floating around than when I was in college because I know lots of stuff happens digitally now, but you’ll have syllabuses, articles, handouts, papers you wrote, grade reports, bills, etc etc etc, and you’ll need a place to put them. Otherwise, they’ll end up piled on your desk, in a backpack, or on the floor.
I’m so excited for you! I know I don’t really know you, but I had so much fun in college after having a miserable time in high school. I’m projecting my fun onto you!
By: Carleigh on August 2, 2008
at 12:49 pm
I think you are very well organized, I haven’t collected half the stuff I need to bring yet. I am renting my first apartment and when I was there yesterday all I remembered to bring was a teapot. I recommend bringing a ton of sweats and comfy clothes for around the dorm and an electric kettle if there isn’t a communal one.
The female lead in Twilight (Bella) disappoints me like twice a chapter because she is such an incredibly weak and pathetic victim but I’m still reading. I think maybe I’m hoping it will inspire me NOT to be like that… I also enjoy the dramz .
By: jane on August 2, 2008
at 2:01 pm
Oh my gosh, you HAVE to get a fan for your room. A lot of college dorms don’t have air conditioning, and it can get super hot in there. I’m not in college yet but I’ve been to several camps during the summer at college campuses and it gets sooo hot it’s almost unbearable. A good 7- or 9-inch fan is totally necessary and doesn’t cost that much either.
Good luck!
By: Sarah on August 3, 2008
at 1:06 am
Seriously the best things I took to university were a laundry basket and a clothes horse. I had to carry my stuff down three flights of stairs to the laundry and the dryers cost £1.60 a go, when I could dry my clothes in my room for free. Good luck with all your packing, btw!
Oh, and a bottle opener or three.
By: Gracie on August 3, 2008
at 7:22 am
Here’s what I found when I first went away to college (wow, that was ages ago):
By trying to take everything I needed, I ended up taking a bunch of crap I never used. I wish I had taken less. Unless you’re going to be living out in the middle of nowhere, you can easily buy stuff later, as you need it.
(By the way, there’s something screwy — at least on my machine — about the comment box in both Firefox and Safari in OS X Leopard. The right edge of the box is cut off.)
By: calculusdude16 on August 3, 2008
at 12:51 pm
Everyone has such great suggestions! I agree with the above commenter who mentioned waiting a bit until you actually get there to buy a lot of the stuff. Sometimes you find that some things are included in the room, or you just don’t need others and then you don’t have to find a place to store the stuff you don’t need
If there’s an Ikea nearby, I’d suggest hitting up the “as is” department for pillows and rugs and stuff like that. I got a weird looking stuffed bug for $1, and three pillows for $8 each (they were just on display, so obviously I washed them, but still! 8 bucks!). It might also be nice to have a plant in your room, they tend to liven the place up a little. Until you kill them, anyways (I had one in my room and it definitely kicked the bucket within a week).
It’s always nice to remember that you’re not alone – the first years on your floor are in the same boat as you most likely, and the older residents will probably be more than willing to help out/pass on any handy advice. It’ll be so much fun!
Good luck and keep us posted!
By: Mikhaila on August 3, 2008
at 2:15 pm
I’d just like to add that I edited my post – I went shopping with my mom on Friday! We went to Target (I swear I’ve been there every day of the week!) and I spent around $136, which came down too around $126 with my Target Discount (I may not be remembering correctly…. The total disount was $13, but then tax was $6…). So, as such, I striked through all the stuff that we bought there. I plan on going shopping with my dad for the electronics type stuff, because my grandma said she would buy me a printer and any other accessories I needed. I’m hoping to do that on Monday. (Can everyone tell how exciting I find all this? lol)
And as for the fan and Trashcan and minifridge stuff, I already bought it awhile ago so I never bothered to put it on my list.. I probably should’ve noted that lol. And I can’t have microwaves in my dorm (SUCK!) so I’m not bothering to buy one. I guess you can only have a microwave if it’s one of their microwave/fridge combinations from this one company. That is made of LAME.
I think that I’ll work on my “college” blog today, to get it started, and maybe I’ll take some pictures of all my crap I have sitting in my room (for some reason it makes me happy to see all my future living stuff infront of me. lol).
By: lovemeformexox on August 3, 2008
at 2:47 pm
I think I have to second that everyone has so many good suggestions! I’m seriously tempted to print them all out for reference!
Ena – I looked for the art wall gum stuff and couldn’t find it! Or the Bed Lifters! Maybe I just don’t know where to look… I shall have to ask one of my fellow Target employees..
Melissa, I am definitely stocking up on my flip flops lol.
Hi Kat! Just to let you know, I LOVE comment novels- they are best! (and, yes, as you can see from many of my previous posts, I am a very advice asking type ‘gal). I was thinking about bringing my desk chair that i have at home, but I wasn’t sure wether I should or not. My mom was like “they have chair there, don’t they?” and I just flashed back to the rather uncomfortable looking wooden chairs. I guess I will wait until I come home to decide if I want to bring my chair. Ugh, I reallyyyy want a desk Oraganizer, but I have no idea what to look for! I just stocked up on rechargeable batteries- they cost more, but I think they are worth it. (This may be a dumb question- but are Jump drives the same thing as flash drives?). I hadn’t thought about the door hooks or bed lamp! It’s a good thing you mentioned it, as I hadn’t thought about the bed lamp not fitting. My mom kept telling me, whenever I saw something I wanted, that we should wait until we see how big the dorm room before we buy it. I was all “Fineeeeeeeeeeeee”. But I suppose she was right.
Alchematrix – Actually, I was thinking about getting one of the cube thingies! I only have file cabinet on my list because it was either on the Target or Staples list of stuff to bring to college, and I just copied those lists and put them together. Like I said above, my mom is making me wait to buy a lot of stuff, side tables/awesome cube thingies included. I seriously need to find some of these hanging closet-storage thingies! I keep hearing about them, but I havn’t seen any yet (again, this may be due to me looking in the wrong places). I was thinking of bringing my corkboard that I have hanging in my closet now, but I already bought a magnetic erase board type thing (though maybe I could bring both). Sadly, my college does not have air conditioning in the dorms, so I have a small circle shaped fan that I got just a few months ago. It works really well, actually. As long as it is close to me, even it’s really hot, I don’t notice.
I just bought a two pack of surge protectors (each with 6.. ugh.. plug in thingies or whatever they’re called lol)! My mom said we have extension cord at home, but I don’t really believe her lol. I actually just found out what books I need, and there are a few that says they are “REQUIRED” and a few of my Anatomy ones are labeled “STUDY AID”, and the bookstore said that you should wait until you get to class to buy those. I found 3 of my books on Amazon for much better prices than the bookstore, but I still want to buy my Anatomy Books new, as I plan on keeping those for a long time. I’ll have to check half.com out, I totally forgot about that site! 
Thank you so much! As I have said above, I love me some comment novels! Make my day happy! All your advice is really helpful (everyone’s advice is really helpful, and I truly appreciate it)
By: lovemeformexox on August 3, 2008
at 3:08 pm
Carleigh – I definitely feel better about buying 2 surge protectors. I bought a two pack for like $9, each with 6, uh, surges? lol. I was going to just buy 1, since I saw a 1 pack for like $3- much cheaper. But I just went ahead and got the two pack, just in case.
Making the dorm feel lived-in is what I am really looking foreward to! I can’t wait to have my own space (granted I will be sharing it, but still!) The comfortor I got came with a small rug, so I do have atleast that. I don’t think the dorms had carpeting, atleast the room I was in. I’ve got my posters all packed – Hairspray poster, 2 Charlie and the Chocolate Factor posters, and a Pirates of the Caribbean 2 poster. hmm, I wonder if I can get some small lantern type lights? That would be awesome. 
A coloring book sounds like a great idea! I had thought about the sewing kit, but then I thought “When would I use it?”. I mean, if I need to sew something, I could just wait till I visit home next and get it fixed then. Or maybe I’m just not sure what else to use it for. I seriously NEED to get a desk organizer! I’m not looking foreward to having so much stuff to organize and not having anything to organize it in. My mom said I should wait to see how much room I have though. UGH. I don’t like waiting! And then I told her that all the cool stuff will be sold out by that time! 
Thank you so much! Project your fun away lol! I can’t say my time in High School was miserable, I have some great friends that I am still talking too (and some, thank god, that I am no longer talking to!) and I loved all my teachers. I guess I just hated that drama and all the stupid crap that went with it…
Jane – You have made me remember that I seriously need to stock up on sweats and pajamas, because I have no sweats whatsoever (I have sweat shirts, but not bottoms), and my pajamas aren’t really the most fashion foreward.
and I totally agree with you about Bella. I really wish I hadn’t noticed all the things I notice about her now. I’d have to re-read the first book, but I thought she wasn’t AS bad as she is now. But maybe I am wrong about that. Though I agree, I do love teh dramz! Whilst reading Breaking Dawn I kept getting irritated at her, since this was the first time I had read a Twilight book with a feminist outlook. I am definitely going to make a post about it in the future, because it is something I would like to just rant about. But it still couldn’t stop me from reading the books. I just hate knowing that now I love them a little less, with this new outlook. I just can’t love them like I did before. And, seriously, I GET IT! EDWARD IS FUCKING GORGEOUS! HE DAZZLES! WE KNOW BELLA, SO SHUT UP! I would rant about the 4th book, but I’m betting a lot of people havn’t finished it yet (because they are fucking crazy like me and stay up till 5 this morning finishing it). Okay… I’m done ranting lol. bottom line – I totally agree with you Jane! ..(and I need some sweats! lol)
Sarah – I am totally stocked up with my fan! Bring on the heat! (lol. Or not, I hate the heat).
Thank you!
Gracie – I’m sorry, this may be a dumb question, but what is a clothes horse? Is it like a drying rack thing (guessing from talking about how expensive dryers are)? Sorry if I’m being either A) ignorant, or B) stupid. I’ve just never heard of that before.
But I do have my laundry bag (yay!) and I have a can opener!
calculusdude16 – You and my mother think alike, which is a good thing. She is making me wait to buy a lot of the stuff on my list. Makes me impatient, but I know she’s right. I’m just one of those people who would rather have more than enough rather than not enough. And I’m not sure about the comment box- I’m back on my home PC with AOL so I can’t see it on my laptop (DAMN YOU DIAL UP!). If it is still like that once I get to college and can use the internet on my laptop, I’ll see what I can do.
Mikhaila – oooo I havn’t been to Ikea in forever! Actually, I’ve only ever been there once, and I don’t remember a thing about it lol. I was going to buy pillows at Target- they had eco friendly bamboo pillows for $7.99!- but they were all out when I went to buy them. lol, me + plant = dead plant. Well, maybe i’m overreacting, I’ve never had to take care of a plant (other than in 9th grade for Biology) so maybe I’d be a good plant mommie. Thanks so much for all the advice, and I will definitely keep everyone posted!
By: lovemeformexox on August 3, 2008
at 3:30 pm
A college near mine required the combo fridge/microwaves, too. There was actually a good reason: they had old dorms with crappy wiring, and running both a microwave and a fridge at once was a fire hazard. The combo “microfridges” automatically turned off the fridge while the microwave was running.
(Some of my friends kept a contraband microwave around anyway.)
By: calculusdude16 on August 4, 2008
at 1:53 am
I liked having a kettle to make tea / instant noodles / hot chocolate, etc. Also, I used plastic crates to lift my bed up off the floor, and it was the BEST. IDEA. EVER. Added a ton of storage space.
By: Julia on August 4, 2008
at 8:45 pm
Hi! You seem well prepared – not sure if it was mentioned yet but you may want to get a little waterproof carrier bucket w/ a handle to store and carry your shampoo/conditioner, soap, wash cloth, razor, etc. to the showers with you. It keeps your shower/bath supplies all in one spot. On your way to the shower room, just grab it and go. I’ve seen cute carrier buckets in Target – they come in all colors, sizes, etc. I remember it kept me organized in school, this way you’re not soaking wet in the shower and thinking “aw crap, I left my razor/soap/whatever back in my dorm room.” It’s all right there where you need it.
Good luck with school, I’m sure you’re going to have a great time there!
By: jen on August 5, 2008
at 3:23 am
hi there, so I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time, and I really do enjoy it! I have yet to comment, but as a 3rd/4th year female Uni student who lived in dorms for 1st year, I have some expertise on the topic!
I didn’t read through all the other comments, so I’m not sure if someone mentioned this, but yuo will almost definitely need a bathrobe! At my first year school, the shower area was FAR from private, with both males and females walking down the hall with the chance of seeing you in your towel. All the girls on my wing had bathrobes that make it a lot comfortable to walk down the hallyway without worying about your towel slipping down. I’m not sure how your washrooms are laid out, but that’s definitely important!
Other than that, I’d say my general advice is purchase less than you think you may need. If you are like most first year students, you are giong to be 100% inundated with new experiences- most will not involve your dorm room! There are parties to be attended, all night study sessions, movie nights, lectures, laying in the grass, etc etc etc- spend as little time in your room as possible, your experience will be more fulfilling if you are out and about, trying new things! That said, of course you want your (and your roomies’) space to be comfortable and home-y, just don’t go overboard!
Oh, and a good secret I found- milkcrates (cheap, sometimes free) make GREAT bookshelves/storage areas because they can be stacked, and then hidden with tapestries and used as sidetables. Also in times of desperation (;)) they can be used as seats, albeit not very comfortable ones…
Do you have a day planner/calendar yet? I recommend buying one with lots of space for each day and carrying it with you to all of your classes. Also a good thing to do is sit down after your very first day with all of the syllabi from your courses- and write in all the due dates and exam dates for the entire term. I promise it will help during mid-term or term paper crunch time!
I also found a whiteboard helpful to have in my room to make quick notes to myself about appointments, assignments, phone numbers, etc.
As well, lamps were a good investment for me, as the dorms usually have fluorescent lighting. IF you pull an 8 hour study session in your room, and your eyes are sensitive like mine, you will be seriously hitting the Tylenol bottle with a major headache.
Good luck with it all- it’s such an exciting time in life, and I hope you aren’t overwhelmed with it- remember to relax and enjoy!
By: theflyingace on August 8, 2008
at 11:50 am