Being the end of July, and with dorm room shopping at an all-time high right now, places everywhere are advertising their college and dorm room supplies. Most future college students don't go in with a clear picture of everything they want/need (and if you do, then I highly admire you!). Everyone wants the best and nicest things, but as a future college student, you need to learn to be frugal. Know when to splurge and when to buy the cheapest you can find. Here, I will be giving some of my must haves for college.
1. Laptop
In my opinion, one simply cannot go to school without a laptop or computer at least. You will need a laptop to take to some classes, to type papers (ugh!), to research, to keep in touch with family and friends, etc. Sometimes, the school library computers are not always an option to use and this is when laptop or computer is essential.
Recommendation: Apple MacBook Pro, $1,119. A laptop is the #1 item I think every college student should splurge on. Now, I know a MacBook is not always an option to some people, but be wise when choosing a laptop or computer because, if invested wisely, it can and should last through your
entire college education and even on to grad school or into the work place.
2. Bedding Set and Sheets
There are SO many bedding sets (and comforters and duvets and duvet covers) out there that it can make you go crazy trying to find the perfect one suited for you. If you read my earlier blog post about finding the best deals for college online, you know that I bought my bedding at Overstock.com on sale for $49. Overstock has a ton of name brand bedding sets for super cheap and super cute! I also
found while shopping at Bed Bath and Beyond that their bedding tends to run sorta high because they sell pieces separately. However! There was one really neat thing that I found on their site (listed below).
Recommendation: Moda Dorm in a Bag, $59.99,
Bed Bath and Beyond. The neat thing about this is that it comes with a complete bedding set plus 2 pillows, 2 towels, and a hamper! Bedding is something that you do not have to splurge and you can find such great deals out there for it.
3. Shower Caddy
This is a MUST if you are living in a dorm with communal bathrooms. Find a good sized caddy that can hold your shampoo and conditioner, razors, shaving cream, and soap. Caddy's are a good way to keep your bath products organized so that you can get in and out of those dreaded communal showers QUICK! ;)
Recommendation: Shower Day/Night Caddy, $7.99,
Bed Bath and Beyond. The thing I like about this is you can specifically organize it with your day products into one big caddy and then it detaches into a smaller caddy for your night products. Plus, it's durable hard plastic so it's perfectly fine to go right into the shower with you.
4. Storage Containers
These are essential for storing and organizing EVERYTHING you bring with you to college. Plus, the good thing about storage containers is that you can find them in all different kinds of shapes and sizes which is perfect for dorm rooms.
Recommendation: Sterilite Large Tall Modular Drawer Set of 3, $40,
walmart.com. I love the shelving type storage units. I chose the large and tall set because it is replica to a set of drawers you would have in your own bedroom at home because the are long drawers.
5. Alarm Clock
This is one item that every college student should have, no matter what. Please people, do not rely on your cell phones to get you up every morning. I used to use my cell phone to get me up and would have to set 2 alarms because I would sleep through it. The famous "My alarm on my phone didn't go off" excuse will not get you through college very well. Invest in an alarm clock. They're cheap!
Recommendation: Timex® Extra Loud Alarm Clock, $9.99, Bed Bath and Beyond. I actually bought this item today while browsing Bed Bath and Beyond for what seems like the 10th time looking for dorm stuff. What I particularly liked about this alarm clock is that it has 2 settings, Regular and Extra Loud, for even the deepest sleepers. It also has a backup battery in case the power were to go out in the middle of the night and turn of the alarm. Two great features for only $10!
Extras:
- extension cord(s)
- earplugs
- Aspirin
- hangers
- day planner
and my personal favorite..
- a good reusable coffee mug. :)
xoxo,
-College Girl
