For seniors, high school is coming to an end, and college is just around the corner. But that also means it’s time for college shopping! For some, shopping for college can be extremely exciting and fun, but it can also be stressful. But don’t worry- there are plenty of resources to help your college shopping experience be easy and efficient. The key is to focus on the essentials that will make your dorm space comfortable and functional.
Before you go shopping, you want to create a budget and make a list. Going in blind may end up in overshopping, undershopping, or forgetting some of the most important items.
When shopping, it’s important to start with the basics, including bedding, storage, and school supplies. A good mattress topper can make a big difference. Sleep is crucial in college, and dorm beds aren’t the most comfortable. For storage, items like under-bed storage bins, hangers, a storage ottoman, and a rolling cart are perfect for making the most of limited space.
“A rolling cart is perfect for organizing snacks, toiletries, study supplies, books, you name it. Its mobility makes it super practical for any dorm room,” writes Angie Arias with Dorm Therapy.
Power strips are another must, especially since there may not be many outlets in your dorm. These strips will be helpful for lamps, fans, chargers, and much more.
If you’re sharing a bathroom, a shower caddy and quick-dry towels will make your communal life a little less difficult. “This shower caddy has plenty of space for all your shower essentials, and it’s made of durable mesh that dries quickly,” notes Arias.
Once you have the essentials sorted, think about how to make your space feel like home! Lighting in dorms is not great, so find the lighting you prefer that will help you wind down after a long day, whether that’s LED lights, string lights, or a desk lamp.
Briella Duhaime, a freshman at the University of Hartford and former student at Torrington High School, believes that personal touches are very important to make the room feel like home. “You spend most of your time in the room; you want it to be comfortable,” says Briella. She adds, “I got a tapestry for my walls and pictures to hang on the walls, as well as little fake plants to make my space feel clean.”
After almost two semesters of college, Briella has realized what items she needs the most and which ones are not quite as important. Some items she recommends are a trash bin, extra lights, slippers, a vacuum, an umbrella, extra hygiene products, a laundry bag, a mini fan, tissues, a lot of paper towels, and a lot of storage bins.
Briella’s tip for incoming college students? “Don’t over shop! I bought a bunch and don’t use half of it. Buy when there are sales, and you don’t need much more than you have at home.”
Dorm shopping is one of the first steps in getting ready for college, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Enjoy the experience of shopping for something new for your own new room. Focus on the essentials and those personal items that will make your room a little cozier and comfortable. While a dorm may not feel like home right away, the right setup can make the transition a little easier. Remember, if you ever forget anything, you can always add more!
