College is an exciting new phase of life but one you must take time to prepare for. Along with being ready academically, it is important to come prepared with living essentials. I went around and asked a few freshmen what things they could not live without their first year, or what they wish they would have packed. From their answers, I have compiled a list of things every incoming freshman should bring with them to college!
Trying to figure out what to pack before moving into your residence hall can be overwhelming. Luckily Tarleton State has already provided a few things in your room including furniture. Your room includes:
- Micro-fridge (mini refrigerator/microwave combo)
- Extra-long twin bed and mattress (Centennial, Hunewell/Annex, Legends, Legacy, Honors Shared Doubles, Texan Village)
- Full-size bed and mattress (Integrity, Traditions North & South, Honors 2 Bedroom Suites and Apartments, Texan Hall)
- Desk and chair
- Nightstand
- Small dresser
- Closet
- Window blinds or shades
1. A Fan
If Texas was known for one thing it would be the heat. This is why it is so important to bring a fan. Either a small desk fan or a box fan, just some form of extra cooling. A fan will help you control the temperature of the room, and provide some noise blocking to help you get more restful sleep.
2. Surge Protector Strips
Tarleton State does not allow extension cords in the dorms. It is crucial to bring surge protector strips if you have multiple devices you want to plug in. Surge protectors are easy to find and can be bought anywhere from Walmart to Amazon. Make sure you have surge protectors and not extension cords so you do not get a violation during room checks. For a complete list of what you may not have in the dorms click here.
3. Command Hooks
When moving into your dorm you will want to personalize it, which is great! But you can not put any holes in the wall. The best way to hang things like pictures and curtains in your dorm is command hooks. These come off the wall without taking paint which will ensure you do not get fined at the end of the year.
4. Big Trash Can
It may sound silly but with the amount of food you will be eating in your dorm and the friends you have over to hang out, that tiny trash can you bought just for yourself is not going to cut it. I would recommend a standard-size trash can if you do not want to be walking to the dumpster every day to throw out your trash. Also, pick up a smaller one for your bathroom just in case.
5. Filtered Water Pitcher
While Stephenville has pretty good water, you definitely want to bring some sort of water filter for your drinking water. The typical staple I saw in every dorm was a Brita. This is an easy way to filter water and makes sure you have good drinking water while staying on campus. You can also easily store it in the mini-fridge (included in every dorm) to make sure you have ice-cold water.
6. Black Out Curtains
The sun in Texas is no joke. When it comes blaring into your room at 6:30 am, it is not a fun time. That is why I recommend getting blackout curtains. Not only will they help you get a good night’s sleep but it also makes taking naps much easier. Trust me. I did not have blackout curtains my first semester and I was miserable. You can find them pretty much anywhere and an easy way to hang them is with command hooks. An alternative to curtains is just getting yourself a small eye mask to block the light from your eyes when you sleep.
7. A Mattress Topper and Protector
Getting a good night’s rest is crucial to putting your best forward. This is why it’s important to make the bed whatever is comfiest for you. Also, getting a mattress protector to go on top of your mattress makes sure you are not ripping the foam and protects your mattress from food and drink spillage.
8. A Lamp
The lighting in college dorms can be a little harsh on the eyes, especially after a long day of classes. A lamp with a warmer tone lightbulb will definitely help your head after a long day and it will make the room look homier overall. Lamps are also good for right before bed when you need a little light but do not want your whole room lit up.
9. Extra Pillows
You will be sitting up in bed A LOT so it is a good idea to have extra pillows to lean against. Extra pillows are also good to shove between your bed and the wall when you sleep to ensure your pillow does not fall down.
10. Shower Caddy
Sharing a shower with someone also means sharing shower storage. A portable shower caddy is a great place to keep your shampoo, conditioner, soap, razor, etc. This way you can keep all of your stuff in one place and you do not have 20 items on the floor of your shower.
11. Anything You Need to Make it Feel Like Home
Dorm rooms are blank and an opportunity to express yourself. You will be living there for most of the next year so it is important to make it feel comfortable. Decorations and pictures from home are a great way to do this. These can also help ease the transition into college and make you feel less homesick.
12. Basic Essentials
Don’t get too wrapped up in the little things that you forget your essentials like bedding, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and maybe even some plastic dishes for heating up food in your room.
Getting ready for college might seem overwhelming, but having these essentials will help to set you up for success. Whether it’s a comforting picture from home, new comfy bedding, or even cleaning supplies for your dorm, it is essential you try your best to make this dorm feel like home. Setting up a space for yourself will not only help you be a better student, but it will improve your whole college experience.