One thing students worry about is what they should bring to college. Luckily, millions of people have gone through the process before and have tips on how to handle the situation.
Shower shoes are a top priority of bathroom necessities. Flip flops, clogs and water shoes are just a few examples of what could work best. This is something most people would not use at home but will appreciate in a communal bathroom.
A robe is a similar necessity. Most dorm showers are in communal bathrooms and are shared amongst residents. Robes provide a nice extra degree of privacy while also being a cozy addition to a nightly routine.
Students should bring any hygiene products they use at home. This includes shampoo, soap, contact lens supplies, lotion and anything else one may need. A shower caddy is great to carry these products from the dorm room to the bathroom. There is a big debate on whether mesh or plastic caddies are better, but the consensus is mesh is better for storage, while plastic is easier to hold and clean.
Hair products can also be included in this category. Hair ties go missing quickly and having extra won’t hurt. A tip for those who know their roommates prior to move-in, discuss what products each could bring and share. For example, if one roommate prefers straightening their hair and the other curls theirs, they each only have to bring one and can share the other.
Shoe racks may also be simple to share as an individual may not need all the space for themselves. This will prevent shoes from creating clutter in the compacted shared space. Amazon sells a white four-tiered shoe rack for $9.98; however, the price varies due to color and size.
Organization in general is important. Rolling carts serve as easy storage shelves, as do desk organizers. They can be used for school supplies or makeup and hygiene products. Clothing organizers, which Amazon sells for $16.99, are good for tidying drawers in dressers.
Some residence halls provide sinks and mirrors inside dorm rooms, but most do not. Bringing one or two mirrors for the room reduces the number of visits to the communal bathroom or opening the camera app to check one's hair.
Dorm lighting isn’t the best. Bringing a lamp makes it easier to do homework at a desk or relax in bed with a dim light on. For big readers, a clip-on reading light may be helpful.
In addition to bad lighting, the dorms have limited outlets. A power strip with USB and USB-C ports is going to be useful when everything is dead. Amazon sells one for $9.99.
Heating and cooling are dependent on personal preference. The units in rooms are often reliable, but residents are generally unable to change the temperature. Those who get hot easily should bring a travel fan. Amazon carries a USB-powered version for $18.86. Most residence halls will not allow heaters, so those who run cold should bring socks and blankets.
Laundry baskets and bags with straps and wheels are convenient for the walk from residence halls to laundry rooms. Amazon sells one with a front pocket for $16.99.
At Ohio University, the beds are extra-long twins, so residents may need to get a new set of sheets. A mattress topper is also helpful for getting a good night’s sleep. Walmart carries one for $39.99, and Amazon offers another for $74.99.
Washing dishes can be a daunting task. While residents can use disposable dishes for the whole year, it is cheaper to get reusable plates and dishes from places like IKEA.
Other miscellaneous things people forget include umbrellas, sunglasses, warm clothes and even backpacks. Be prepared for all types of weather during the semester as it gets cold quickly in Athens. Scissors, bandages and tape are also easily forgotten.
Making sure one has everything for college is important, but also remembering replacements can be bought is helpful. Bring what matters the most and have a great freshman year.
