10 Essentials for the College Dorm
Now that my son is getting ready to head off to college I have got to ensure that he gets some important items checked off his to do list. I’m not talking about buying clothes or toiletries which are critical of course. Luckily we have been through the boarding school experience and learned about essentials like the appropriate winter gear, the first aid kit, and the need for an unending supply of socks.
If ever there was an advantage to boarding school is the preparation it gives for college. These items I’m now focusing on are just stuff that makes life in your room easier and neater because space is notoriously limited in dorm rooms, a kid needs to feel comfortable away from home and his space should be conducive to studying and resting.
1. Risers – These are great for creating extra storage space, something that is more often than not in short supply in college dorms. You put them under the legs of your bed and presto more space for all your excess stuff. An added benefit: your room will look so much neater.
2. Storage Trays – For all the space you created under your bed. I like those transparent containers as they allow you to see exactly what is stored where.
3. Stackable Hangers – Some dorm closets can really test your storage skills, not to mention your patience. Stackable hangers can help out here. They take up the same space as a regular single hanger but they can allow you to store five shirts. Great space saver!
4. Fan – My son has to have this item. Luckily they have so many on offer you most likely will find one that is inexpensive. The only caveat I would add is that you get an oscillating one -the one that moves – as it allows for better air flow. Apart from making you feel a little better when the weather warms up these can also make heaters function more efficiently and that soothing sound can even help you to sleep better.
5. Lamp and Bulbs – You will need a desk lamp. It has not been unheard of for the room light to go kaput for whatever reason and even when they are working they aren’t usually the best quality lighting and college is all about studying right?
6. Alarm Clock – College affords big kids a freedom the likes of which many of them have never seen before. They will stay up until 5 am just because they can. It will therefore be critical to have some reliable means by which their eyes will be forced open. My son loved the alarm clock radio in boarding school so that he could set it to blast on his favorite radio station. Eyes flew open. Maybe he didn’t get a shower but he sure got to his 8:00 am class. Remember to keep spare batteries if necessary.
7. Mini Fridge – This is ideal to store water, juice, fruits, that half pizza pie left over from the spontaneous festivities of the night before or the pork fried rice you ordered in on Sunday. Money is usually an issue so a fridge not only ensures that cold water is available but also that leftovers are preserved nicely.
8. Adhesives/Hooks – You will want your child’s room to remind him of home. If they are going from Jamaica to Missouri, they will probably love a poster with beaches and palm trees beside another of Bob Marley, but colleges hate it when you damage their walls. So find the right adhesive. Avoid those that bond to the surface so tightly that they leave gouges in the wall on removal. The 3M command strips are great. They are available in hooks, cord clips, decorating clips, spring clips, picture hangers and poster strips and best of all they allow you to attach posters, hang pictures…
9. Calendar/Planner – They will need to keep track of assignments, tests, meetings and all manner of activities without mom to remind you. Some kids haven’t yet gotten the knack of organizing their lives. It takes practice and the huge magnetic calendars or desk planners help to get the job done. Oh and if you buy one of those jumbo non-magnetic ones, you can hang it with the hooks we told you to buy. Another item on your wall that completes that distinctive study feel.
10. Drying Rack – To avoid laying a wet towel or wash rag on their roommate’s bed, or leaving it folded on a shelf, this tool is indispensable. You can also hang sweaters here because you know the dryer can reduce it to toddler size or your swimwear. What is great is that many of these racks are foldable and can be stored right under the bed where your risers created extra space.
O. Daille Nation-Ashley known to her friends as Dee is an Attorney/Mom who uses the skills she has learned in both fields to advise parents, kids and any other interested persons about self improvement or just to share her own experiences in case it might help another CEOMum. You can catch her posts at CEOMum and Power Of Attorney: Not Happy Hour At The Bar
