Dorm Essentials

<p>Any suggestions? Hoo's ready for college (thanks to Shoe)?</p>

<p>Bring less than you think you need. That amount may even be too much.
Plastic-stacking-drawers from Target/BB&B are great because you can see what's inside, stack them all up in a corner, and use them for whatever.
I highly suggest a fridge. Microwaves aren't as crucial because usually someone on your floor has one, but it is good to have.
Those 3M Command hooks are excellent and they leave NOTHING on your walls (and I have purple ones at home)
Bring a dolley-cart to move junk in. It helps, a lot. Little children can be useful as well.
Don't let helpers carry in expensive or heavy junk. That way, when you lose it, it's your fault. But that chance severely decreases if you handle that stuff.
I think they provide trash cans in first year dorms. Consider bringing another and use the extras for recycling (you have to walk the same distance to the trash and recycling bins, and you'll go through a TON of paper/plastic)
Power strips are vital
Bring stuff to stick on walls. I found these really cool things called WallPops where you basically peel and stick and they have cool colors (yes, dark blue and orange too). Posters do well too.<br>
I suggest a carpet.
A clip reading light is nice to stick on a bed to read at night...in bed...</p>

<p>that's all for now, folks</p>

<p>bring a tape measure.</p>

<p>And a hammer. And duct tape.</p>

<p>Bring snacks, and a wide variety of them. You will get very bored with yoru snacks if you have a crapload of microwaveable popcorn. I know this sounds simple, but mix it up a little. Bring some stuff that is microwaveable and can be warm, as well as colder snacks and traditional things. I got really bored with my snacks really fast...</p>

<p>bring a parent or two.</p>

<p>yeah tools are good because someone will need them for something. Just a simple small toolset with some screwdrivers and a hammer or so.</p>

<p>younger siblings (ie. Dolly-cart :)</p>

<p>
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bring a tape measure.

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<p>What would we use it for?</p>

<p>When you re-arrange a room, doing a craft project, whatever. I've come across a few times where I need one and don't have it and it's sucked.</p>

<p>Also, pillows, lots of pillows, are great. People/you will often hang out on your bed, and pillows are great for leaning against the wall.</p>

<p>What kind of blanket would you suggest? I know it's gonna be pretty hot the first little bit, but in the winter do you need much more than a light blanket?</p>

<p>Learned this from another thread. If there are going to be helpers to move you into the dorm (other than your family), label every item with your name, dorm room #, and cell phone. That way, if anything gets misdirected or of there is miscommunication, the item will end up in the right place, or someone will call the student's cell phone. You can buy removable ID labels that can be printed with the info and then easily removed. Also, if you have helpers, make sure and tape containers (drawers, boxes) shut so they don't come open when someone picks them up the wrong way (or drops them). I agree that you should move expensive or fragile stuff yourself (you might even want to label these items in some way as well so they don't get taken by accident when you're not looking).</p>

<p>for tape measure: if your planning on buying stuff when you get there because you don't know about space i.e. storage units, rug, etc.</p>

<p>Canuck: most people leave their windows open in the winter because it gets toasty in the rooms. You probably only need a sheet and a comforter to be fine. I brought an extra blanket just in case, but really haven't used it outside of when our power went out a few times this winter or using it outside for something to lay on in the grass.</p>

<p>Seriously, they burn you up in the winter... don't plan on needing too much to cover yourself with.</p>

<p>No AC in the summer, lots of heat in the winter...someone really doesn't like it cold.</p>

<p>pshh. who doesn't have AC in the summer ;)</p>

<p>Hey a friend of mine is going to make me a custom room rug today. What size should I ask him to make it. </p>

<p>I think 6 x 9 is what the bookstore sells, but I was thinking about making a little longer to end up closer to the door. Six feet seems to be the amount of space between the beds. I just don't remember whether I should make it 11 feet long or a bit longer.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>I have a huge comforter I'm bringing down anyway. I wasn't at all satisfied with the tiny little blanket I got at Orientation. Somehow, I've never felt too hot -- if heat really bothers me, I just sleep on top of it. :)</p>

<p>haha ehiunno, you bask in your ac while we cook with fans</p>