Hi,
I will be entering UCLA as an international freshmen in Fall 2016. I got assigned a single shared bath for my dorm. While reviewing the list of “What to Bring” for UCLA dorm (which I got as a mail from UCLA store), I found out that some things on the list were, in my opinion, not necessary. Would you recommend them or not? Do you currently have these items or not?
- Mattress pad
- extra-long twin sheets
- comforter
- throw rugs
- drying rack (do they not have automatic dryers?)
- first aid kit
- scissors (I'll be majoring in math, and doesn't have much interest in art classes, though I don't hate them. do I need scissors?)
- dishware/silverware
- mini vacuum (don't they have people regularly coming in to clean the room, or is that service only for bathroom? Or do they come in at all?)
I know the question is kind of subjective, but what would you recommend bringing/not bringing? You can just list the numbers.
Thanks!
@Grativity my recommendations/what I had in college:
- Yes, definitely get a mattress topper. Noticeably softer and more comfortable than without one. I got a cheap topper from Target for about $10 and it made a big difference.
- Yes. I tried putting a standard twin fitted sheet and it barely fits the TXL, meaning it will come loose often. I got a fairly high thread count set from BB&B.
- Yes, or some sort of blanket/quilt or whatever you feel most comfy with.
- Your choice, I had one simply b/c someone else gave it away. It might make the room feel cozier.
- I didn’t have my own drying racks.
- Yes.
- Yes, you’ll never know when you need them. You can get a cheap pair for a few bucks.
- If you anticipate cooking a lot in your dorm, yes. Otherwise, probably not necessary.
- I didn’t have a vacuum in my dorm room, but there was one in the janitorial closet. Dorms are not hotels.
Another thing I might add that is often overlooked is lighting (lamps, light bulbs, etc.). Dorm lighting is often not good, and you can really create a more relaxing dorm room by simply using light as you choose.
You don’t necessarily need to bring any of those with you since you’re international and luggage space will be at a premium. There’s a Target in walking distance (a bit of a long walk or a short uber) where you can pick up most everything on your list, and also Amazon for small stuff like scissors and utensils if you later decide you need them.
The most important thing on your list is sheets. Yes, you need twin XL. Those may be worth packing if you’re flying in solo and moving directly into your dorm so you won’t be sleeping on a bare mattress the first night. Otherwise if your parents are coming out with you and renting a car, I’d just wait until you arrive and hit Target and Bed Bath & Beyond to pick everything up (assuming you’re going to sleep in a hotel the first night).
Besides the sheets I’d say you’ll probably need a comforter or blanket for winter, but initially it’ll be pretty hot for the first month or two. The mattress pad is optional for additional comfort but you’ll probably want one.
Don’t stress about it too much. You’re not moving to the jungle. This is LA and Westwood, one of the biggest and richest metro areas on the planet. And Amazon can ship anything you need to your PO Box or an Amazon locker (IIRC there’s a locker in Hedrick) within 1-2 days.
As a parent whose daughter just graduated in June and had the same single/shared bath:
- Mattress pad - not necessary but you can purchase at Target/Amazon
- extra-long twin sheets - DEFINITELY NEED
- comforter - some sort of blanket or comforter is needed, can be purchased at Target/Amazon
- throw rugs - not needed
- drying rack - yes they have dryers, do not need a rack, you can use a hangar and hang items
- first aid kit - may be helpful but not necessary as the RAs and help desk will have one
- scissors - go to the dollar store and get a pair
- dishware/silverware - not required but you may want a place setting to use for leftovers
- mini vacuum - RAs have a large vacuum that you can borrow
Agree with lamp. Also need extension cords and power strip.
You will not be happy sleeping on a plastic covered mattress.
You need sheets and a number to the recommendations listed above.
You need scissors since a LOT of your purchases NEED scissors to open the packages.
Go online to the Bed, Bath and Beyond store. http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/page/College
Look at the college dorm necessities page. Your main items will be bedding. Preorder your items. If you go to the store, they do run out, so preorder and they will prepackaged your order and hold it for the date you’ve specified. Then, you go to the store to pick it up, or you ask about delivery.
My children had plastic cutlery and plastic containers that they used for carting dorm food up to their rooms.