College students heading off to school have to outfit an entire dorm room or apartment. These items will make the transition smoother.
By Julia K. Porter, Reader's Digest
Adhesive wall hangers
With the tight space, you’ll want to stay neat. But one of the most important parts of making your space your own means hanging pictures and posters. Brigit Nemitz, a junior at Grace College in Winona Lake, IN, recommends adhesive strips that easily detach (check out damage-free Command Strips) for hanging things. You can find types that will put a hook on the wall for towels, bags, bathrobes, and jackets.
Pack some pain relievers
One of the things college students tend to neglect is their health. Some headaches and common ailments can be remedied with hydration, proper nutrition, and fewer cups of coffee or Red Bull; for other ailments, you’ll need a pain reliever—Bennett says it’s an essential cureall for her. Whether you have a fever or a headache, Aleve can do the trick.
Paying for college is a pain—here are ways to save for college, from parents who didn’t take out loans to pay for their kid’s education.
Paying for college is a pain—here are ways to save for college, from parents who didn’t take out loans to pay for their kid’s education.
You’ll need headphones
If you’re used to having a quiet place to study or read, college can be tricky if you aren’t planning to be in the library 24/7. Between shared living space and common areas, it can be hard to find a quiet space of your own. “Whether you’re studying in a loud room, have an obnoxious roommate, or just want some quiet in the lounge, these are your best bet!” Bennett notes. You can go high-end like these Bose wireless headphones, or choose a good set at a great price like this SONY pair.
Be ready to print
Though some colleges offer free printing, Lindsey Higgins, a senior at Columbia College in Chicago recommends purchasing one to keep in your room. “This saved my roommates and myself on days when we had either forgotten to print something or were running late that morning to an A.M. class,” she says.
A step stool will come in handy
Zainab Mirza, a student at American University in Washington, DC notes the importance of bringing a step stool to college. You never know when you’ll need to store things in unique places and it’s “very useful for accessing high shelves or hanging things up.”
Keep a fold-up chair at the ready
Numerous college students Reader’s Digest spoke with mentioned the need for extra seating. Consider having a bean bag chair or a folding chair (and use your step stool if necessary) for your friends and classmates that stop by.
Bring a small fan
They’re good for staying cool and for blocking out unwanted noise. Jessica Porter, a recent graduate from IUPUI in Indianapolis, notes that when she lived in a dorm at her previous university, the rooms were “small and cramped with only one window,” and the room could really heat up. You may not be able to control the heat in cooler months and you may find you need some air in February as well! Consider a tower fan like this one that won’t break the bank or take up a lot of space!
See more at: Reader's Digest
