Holiday breaks are the absolute worst, right behind summer break. Your parents, especially if they pay for your tuition, believe that they are completely in charge of you like they were when you were in High School. You believe that you're independent and can make decisions for yourself since you've been living on your own for months just fine without them.
But here's the thing:
You can't tell them how you feel (like you're suffocating, that you want to go back to school, that you don't want to go to church with them on Christmas [apparently that happens]). You have to roll with a LOT of punches. If you're like me, and your parents are older and their minds are starting to go a little bit, you kind of have to just smile and nod and let their craziness just roll off your back. If the only thing they ask you to do is go to church with them on Christmas, GO! They aren't (usually) still around to go to church with you every Sunday, so they don't even know if you're going anymore. Even if you're not going anymore and they ask that of you, do yourself a favor and just go with it. They'll really appreciate it and it will save you a world of suffering.
Whatever you do, do NOT tell your parents that you're tired of being home, EVEN IF YOU ARE! I made this mistake at Thanksgiving time, and let me tell you, it is still biting me in the butt! That, and I also called my boyfriend and vented about it and, right in the middle, I realized my mother was listening because, oops, she started crying... AVOID THIS AT ALL COSTS!!!! It's not worth it.
Spend time with your parents. You may think that you know everything and that they don't understand you, but really, you don't understand them if you never hang out with them. I realized that my dad is one of the funniest people I know just by playing a round of Scattergories with him and my mom. I also realized that I don't mind being at home so much by spending more time with my parents.
So, let it be known, that I am 100% advertising SPENDING TIME WITH YOUR PARENTS/FAMILY!!!! (This goes for all ages, but college age especially since, well, the fight for independence thing)
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Black Friday
All I have to say: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SALES AND BUY LINENS AND APPLIANCES FOR COLLEGE ON BLACK FRIDAY!!
Monday, November 17, 2014
Where The Heck Is That Haul You Promised?!
My friends, one lesson you will learn as you get into college is that there is very, VERY little time for the things you want to do (even though there is, what's more important, blogging or Netflix? That's what I thought).
So, I promised a dorm haul, like, probably something like four months ago. It doesn't even feel like this semester happened! But, alas. It has! So, here's the deal. I'm only hear until Tuesday next week, then the following week starts finals. However, I have a three day weekend between my Friday finals and the one final I have the following Tuesday. During that break, I refuse to spend ALL that time studying, so instead I will finally do the long-awaited dorm haul.
So-o, weekend of the 14th of December, LOOK OUT!
So, I promised a dorm haul, like, probably something like four months ago. It doesn't even feel like this semester happened! But, alas. It has! So, here's the deal. I'm only hear until Tuesday next week, then the following week starts finals. However, I have a three day weekend between my Friday finals and the one final I have the following Tuesday. During that break, I refuse to spend ALL that time studying, so instead I will finally do the long-awaited dorm haul.
So-o, weekend of the 14th of December, LOOK OUT!
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Relationships: Breaking The Bad Thoughts
If you're like me and have bad experience after bad experience pretty much consistently in your past and are finding yourself in a relationship with someone good for once, I have some advice for that (I'm just a little advice machine today, I should start an advice column).
If you've ever experienced the whole "He's way too good for me," "I don't deserve him," or "He deserves better than me" thing, believe me when I say you need to calmly express that feeling to him (try hard not to cry) and let it go. I say "let it go" in stead of "let it out" for a specific reason -- if you just let it out, it doesn't go away. I've learned that over the past two years of my relationship (in no timely fashion, might I add). You need to try to let it go because it's not only you the thought is hurting. If he cares for you the way my boyfriend cares for me, he gets just as worked up about it (whether he shows it or not -- though don't necessarily take him brushing it off as him hiding it. Every guy is different).
Especially if your boyfriend has been hurt, himself, by someone else before you, too. The only good it will do for you to hold on to that is to push him away (and I would think that's not a good thing). So, for when those moment arise when you feel like you are completely unworthy of his love and affection or you feel afraid he's eventually going to leave you "because everyone else did," you have to try to change your way of thinking. Try thinking instead how blessed you are that, at very least for the moment, he chose you and right now, he wants to be with you. Not somebody else who, you think, would be "more compatible." Because if you find yourself in a situation where on 98% of topics you click better than you do with anybody else, it's highly unlikely that there is someone more compatible.
If your partner has verbally made the sincere decision that they want you and not somebody else, hop on that train and ride it. Because making a life-long decision like this is scary -- no, it's terrifying. But think about it like this: you could be so afraid of losing your partner that he ends up actually leaving, or you could push that fear aside and embrace the journey (and him leaving becomes exponentially less likely)!
If you've ever experienced the whole "He's way too good for me," "I don't deserve him," or "He deserves better than me" thing, believe me when I say you need to calmly express that feeling to him (try hard not to cry) and let it go. I say "let it go" in stead of "let it out" for a specific reason -- if you just let it out, it doesn't go away. I've learned that over the past two years of my relationship (in no timely fashion, might I add). You need to try to let it go because it's not only you the thought is hurting. If he cares for you the way my boyfriend cares for me, he gets just as worked up about it (whether he shows it or not -- though don't necessarily take him brushing it off as him hiding it. Every guy is different).
Especially if your boyfriend has been hurt, himself, by someone else before you, too. The only good it will do for you to hold on to that is to push him away (and I would think that's not a good thing). So, for when those moment arise when you feel like you are completely unworthy of his love and affection or you feel afraid he's eventually going to leave you "because everyone else did," you have to try to change your way of thinking. Try thinking instead how blessed you are that, at very least for the moment, he chose you and right now, he wants to be with you. Not somebody else who, you think, would be "more compatible." Because if you find yourself in a situation where on 98% of topics you click better than you do with anybody else, it's highly unlikely that there is someone more compatible.
If your partner has verbally made the sincere decision that they want you and not somebody else, hop on that train and ride it. Because making a life-long decision like this is scary -- no, it's terrifying. But think about it like this: you could be so afraid of losing your partner that he ends up actually leaving, or you could push that fear aside and embrace the journey (and him leaving becomes exponentially less likely)!
Friday, November 7, 2014
College Food, Dorms, Relationships, and Other College Stuff
Food
Please, whatever you do, do not assume that College food is much better than high school food. The only food that's actually "better" is the completely unhealthy stuff they serve like pasta or burgers. Believe me when I say it is the most impossible thing to figure out in any timely fashion how to eat well with Campus Dining.
Dorms
You know how mom keeps saying "the dorms are smaller than you think?" SHE'S UNBELIEVEABLY RIGHT! Take your room (no matter how small it is) and shrink it by at least half, and that's about the size of most dorm rooms. And in most of them you're expected to share with someone else. Expect: flies (fruit flies, nats, nasty big flies, etc), spiders, cleaning on a weekly (or twice weekly) basis, lots of laundry, and many other inconveniences. Expect your roommate to be a slob and to leave nasty wet towels in your microwave until it smells of mold and mildew and you don't realize it until you open it and feel like you need to barf at the grossness that is your roommate's habits.
Relationships
Expect little of your partner -- especially if you or the both of you are transitioning either as a freshman or grad school or wherever you or your partner are at. Because it is a very unrealistic expectation to think your partner should be emotionally and mentally together their first semester - even three or more months in. Believe me. It's that big of an adjustment for people. And the only solution is time.
Registration
Registering for classes is quite possibly the most frustrating experience for freshmen like me who are neither as dumb as a rock and need to be in counseling sessions to make sure they're doing well or even be in remedial classes (there's nothing wrong with having to take remedial classes, so don't think I'm hating on remedial classes) nor quite had high enough test scores to be in honors. Because the students in the remedial classes and the students in honors get to register within the first week of registration, if not the first day. Where as the rest of us not-so-special students have to wait until the last week, or even the last day of registration to choose classes, meaning what? That we get last dibs, or as I like to think of it, the "left-overs." Because by the time our registration day comes around, all the classes we wanted to take are filled up and the only thing you can do is redo your schedule for the eighth or ninth time and pray that those classes don't get filled up, too, before you can officially register for them.
I'll have more rants for you all later. Good luck on all your endeavors!
Please, whatever you do, do not assume that College food is much better than high school food. The only food that's actually "better" is the completely unhealthy stuff they serve like pasta or burgers. Believe me when I say it is the most impossible thing to figure out in any timely fashion how to eat well with Campus Dining.
Dorms
You know how mom keeps saying "the dorms are smaller than you think?" SHE'S UNBELIEVEABLY RIGHT! Take your room (no matter how small it is) and shrink it by at least half, and that's about the size of most dorm rooms. And in most of them you're expected to share with someone else. Expect: flies (fruit flies, nats, nasty big flies, etc), spiders, cleaning on a weekly (or twice weekly) basis, lots of laundry, and many other inconveniences. Expect your roommate to be a slob and to leave nasty wet towels in your microwave until it smells of mold and mildew and you don't realize it until you open it and feel like you need to barf at the grossness that is your roommate's habits.
Relationships
Expect little of your partner -- especially if you or the both of you are transitioning either as a freshman or grad school or wherever you or your partner are at. Because it is a very unrealistic expectation to think your partner should be emotionally and mentally together their first semester - even three or more months in. Believe me. It's that big of an adjustment for people. And the only solution is time.
Registration
Registering for classes is quite possibly the most frustrating experience for freshmen like me who are neither as dumb as a rock and need to be in counseling sessions to make sure they're doing well or even be in remedial classes (there's nothing wrong with having to take remedial classes, so don't think I'm hating on remedial classes) nor quite had high enough test scores to be in honors. Because the students in the remedial classes and the students in honors get to register within the first week of registration, if not the first day. Where as the rest of us not-so-special students have to wait until the last week, or even the last day of registration to choose classes, meaning what? That we get last dibs, or as I like to think of it, the "left-overs." Because by the time our registration day comes around, all the classes we wanted to take are filled up and the only thing you can do is redo your schedule for the eighth or ninth time and pray that those classes don't get filled up, too, before you can officially register for them.
I'll have more rants for you all later. Good luck on all your endeavors!
Another One On Roommates
Oh, boy, has this semester been... well, ridiculous. I've come to realize so much in so little time (most of which I will address in another post). The issue I'd like to address is a post-move-in realization on roommates:
They all stink (not really, just most of them).
Let me start with the fact that my beloved roommate just loves telling the truth about how she never parties, or drinks, or smokes, and let's not even get started on how much she just ADORES obeying the DRY-CAMPUS rules (especially the ones where it specifically says, "Don't bring alcohol bottles of any kind into your room or else both roommates will be written up.") My roommate is so considerate, she'd just never want anything bad to happen like getting both of us written up before the end of our first semester!!
(PLEASE NOTE THE HEAVY SARCASM OF THE PREVIOUS PARAGRAPH!!!)
It couldn't even be some frilly alcohol. Oh, no. Had to choose Vodka - any kind. Name any kind, I bet you it's hiding somewhere in our room amongst her things.
So, here's my NEW advice to any incoming freshmen ANYWHERE -- if you have any preconceived notions about your new roommate, they're probably right. If your roommate looks a little sketchy on their FB, they're probably a sketchy person. (Although this does not always go for everybody, it's always good to be safe and go with your gut!) So, what do I say about this?
1. GO WITH YOUR GUT!!!
And, more importantly, be honest with yourself. If you sincerely have a problem with your potential future roommate partying every weekend, DO NOT decide to room with someone who responds "Only sometimes" to the question, "Did you ever party in HS?" 99% of the time, this means "All the time, but I don't want you to think poorly of me." And what does that translate to? They know that what they're doing is potentially a bad trait to have, but they're not about to change their habits!
2. Be honest with other people!
If you are talking to potential roommates whether through your school's FB page or whatever other means of communication, don't use generic "I want to become best friends or even SISTERS with my roommate!" in a "10 things about me!" list. First, that's not telling people much other than you have unrealistic expectations of College (such as only having school 3 days a week -- AVOID THIS AT ALL COSTS! IT WILL SCREW YOU OVER!!!) If you're going to add a list of information about yourself, DIG DEEP!!! Use more information like "I don't party and need someone who doesn't want/need to either" or "I dislike social interaction but want friends" or even "I'm a vampire and hate light when trying to sleep." (I wouldn't suggest being weird, though. People generally don't like odd people.)
3. Do not expect to become best friends with your roommate.
This is a very rare thing to happen. I'm talking extremely rare. There's more likelihood that someone would hit you and actually have to pay your tuition than you becoming best friends with your roommate (that whole "if you get hit by a car, the person driving has to pay off your tuition" thing is a myth, btw.) For example, my roommate and I thought we were a match made in heaven -- had all the same sleeping needs, we liked the same foods, we liked the same TV shows... now we can't stand each other's guts and neither of us can wait for her to move out next week. It's nothing truly personal, we just have more major differences than we do similarities (most of those similarities being along the lines of what kind of cheese we like with our tortilla chips).
4. Do not share your personal items if it will bother you when your roommate starts using them without permission.
I originally thought, oh, my mom and I always shared a blow dryer and straightener at home, it'd be no different with her. IT IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!!!!!!! As if the alcohol weren't enough to make me be upset with my roommate, it kind of pushed me over the edge when I found my straightener in her desk drawer. And it shouldn't have bothered me. But, if you're like me and are extremely possessive, you'll understand where I'm coming from when I say I was feeling the whole "Don't touch my stuff without asking or I'll scream" feeling.
In conclusion, Roommates. Don't get your hopes up too high. And thank the Good Lord if you end up with a half-way normal roommate. Good luck, my friends!!!
They all stink (not really, just most of them).
Let me start with the fact that my beloved roommate just loves telling the truth about how she never parties, or drinks, or smokes, and let's not even get started on how much she just ADORES obeying the DRY-CAMPUS rules (especially the ones where it specifically says, "Don't bring alcohol bottles of any kind into your room or else both roommates will be written up.") My roommate is so considerate, she'd just never want anything bad to happen like getting both of us written up before the end of our first semester!!
(PLEASE NOTE THE HEAVY SARCASM OF THE PREVIOUS PARAGRAPH!!!)
It couldn't even be some frilly alcohol. Oh, no. Had to choose Vodka - any kind. Name any kind, I bet you it's hiding somewhere in our room amongst her things.
So, here's my NEW advice to any incoming freshmen ANYWHERE -- if you have any preconceived notions about your new roommate, they're probably right. If your roommate looks a little sketchy on their FB, they're probably a sketchy person. (Although this does not always go for everybody, it's always good to be safe and go with your gut!) So, what do I say about this?
1. GO WITH YOUR GUT!!!
And, more importantly, be honest with yourself. If you sincerely have a problem with your potential future roommate partying every weekend, DO NOT decide to room with someone who responds "Only sometimes" to the question, "Did you ever party in HS?" 99% of the time, this means "All the time, but I don't want you to think poorly of me." And what does that translate to? They know that what they're doing is potentially a bad trait to have, but they're not about to change their habits!
2. Be honest with other people!
If you are talking to potential roommates whether through your school's FB page or whatever other means of communication, don't use generic "I want to become best friends or even SISTERS with my roommate!" in a "10 things about me!" list. First, that's not telling people much other than you have unrealistic expectations of College (such as only having school 3 days a week -- AVOID THIS AT ALL COSTS! IT WILL SCREW YOU OVER!!!) If you're going to add a list of information about yourself, DIG DEEP!!! Use more information like "I don't party and need someone who doesn't want/need to either" or "I dislike social interaction but want friends" or even "I'm a vampire and hate light when trying to sleep." (I wouldn't suggest being weird, though. People generally don't like odd people.)
3. Do not expect to become best friends with your roommate.
This is a very rare thing to happen. I'm talking extremely rare. There's more likelihood that someone would hit you and actually have to pay your tuition than you becoming best friends with your roommate (that whole "if you get hit by a car, the person driving has to pay off your tuition" thing is a myth, btw.) For example, my roommate and I thought we were a match made in heaven -- had all the same sleeping needs, we liked the same foods, we liked the same TV shows... now we can't stand each other's guts and neither of us can wait for her to move out next week. It's nothing truly personal, we just have more major differences than we do similarities (most of those similarities being along the lines of what kind of cheese we like with our tortilla chips).
4. Do not share your personal items if it will bother you when your roommate starts using them without permission.
I originally thought, oh, my mom and I always shared a blow dryer and straightener at home, it'd be no different with her. IT IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!!!!!!! As if the alcohol weren't enough to make me be upset with my roommate, it kind of pushed me over the edge when I found my straightener in her desk drawer. And it shouldn't have bothered me. But, if you're like me and are extremely possessive, you'll understand where I'm coming from when I say I was feeling the whole "Don't touch my stuff without asking or I'll scream" feeling.
In conclusion, Roommates. Don't get your hopes up too high. And thank the Good Lord if you end up with a half-way normal roommate. Good luck, my friends!!!
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
What You Really Need To Bring To College!!
What I've learned over the last (nearly) 12 months of looking into what I may or may not need, I have discovered one very important lesson: You only need what YOU need! The best thing you can do for yourself is start early and look at a ton of different lists! Compare what is similar (usually there are basics that everyone needs), then throw in the extra things they didn't mention that you know you need and eliminate things that they say you need but really don't!
So what am NOT giving you is what I think you need, but rather what I think I need so that you can compare (and my reasoning for each item)!
***Notes of Advice:
- Consider the space you have, not necessarily what you WILL (or will not...) have! And by this, I mean the space you'll have in the car(s) you're taking with you!
- Use as many Ziploc Space Saver Bags as possible! THEY ACTUALLY WORK!! And save a LOT of space in the car (hence the "they actually work" comment!)
- Listen to your parents/gardians. Whether you like it or not, they (usually) know what they're talking about.
- Consider the distance of your school and the things that can wait to be bought until you get there (especially if you have a long ways to go and can't go home often or if your school is in the middle of nowhere). If you're close to a Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, etc. you should be able to get toiletries, medicinal items, feminine products (if they apply to you), and other similar products can wait until you arrive.
- Consider where you'll be living. If you'll be living in a dorm room (like I will be), look into what the school will provide you with (bed, desk, dresser). My school provides the three items listed in parenthesis and the beds are loft-able, so I have a large amount of under-bed space (they loft six-feet up... I'll be getting a work order for a railing).
Now to the good stuff:
Bedding:
- Comforter, size Twin XL (self-explanatory)
- Extra, warm blanket (I'll be in South Dakota, so it gets very cold, very quickly. Consider the location of your College or University. If it doesn't get below 50 degrees at night ever, you probably don't need an extra blanket. If you get cold naturally (like I do), maybe consider extra-warm socks. However, if you'll be close to a tundra like I will be, consider the extra blanket!)
- Sheets ([two sets, size Twin XL] - two sets because it's just easier when you're doing your wash, as per usual when you're home. Plus, laundry takes a while. You don't, however, need more than two. If you get a comforter set, sheets should come with it, so you should only get one extra set of sheets.)
- Two Pillows (I sleep better with either two extra-firm pillows or with no pillows. It just depends on the day. Choose depending on your comfort levels).
- Pillow Protectors (One for each pillow)
- Mattress Pad (A mattress pad prevents you from having to worry too much about bed bugs and prevents you from really having to go through the trouble of getting a "bed bug protection kit" as suggested on Target's [and many other's] College Checklist)
- Mattress Topper (I chose a memory foam mattress topper, but if you're like my boyfriend and have a pretty bad back that goes out every once in a while if you're not sleeping on something firm, a mattress topper may more may not be for you.)
Desk: (Please note that 99.99% of this section CAN be bought after moving in! Really, all of this stuff can be bought after moving in, but the purpose of buying everything in advance is for financial alleviation and to calm your worries, anxieties, and excitement) The reasoning for these items is for homework, projects, etc.
- Paperclips
- Rubber bands
- Stapler
- Staples
- Sheet Protectors
- Loose-leaf paper
- Binders (depending on how many classes you're taking. I have five)
- Spirals (see note above)
- Tab dividers (one set per binder)
- Pencil Sharpener
- Pens
- Pencils
- Backpack (should be able to fit a laptop inside for convenience)
- Top-of-desk Organizer
Electronics:
- Desk Lamp
- Fan
- Laptop
- Laptop charger
- Printer
- Printer attachments & plug-ins
- Printer Ink the will fit in your printer (THERE ARE DIFFERENT SIZES!!)
- Cell phone
- Cell phone charger
- Surge protector power strip
- Mini fridge (check with your school if you can rent one, although it may be cheaper to buy one because at some colleges it costs $50 per semester to rent and you can buy one for about $75)
- Microwave (This and the mini fridge only need to be brought by one roommate, especially considering the space you will (not) have)
- Toaster
- Iron
- Speakers (for your computer)
- (If you need a TV, here's where I'll include it. My roommate and I are choosing to just watch our TV shows on our computers, so it's not really part of my list entirely)
- Headphones
Organization:
- Under-the-bed storage boxes (I'm using two shallow boxes, one to contain my winter clothes, the other to contain cleaning items once I move in. I also have an air-tight container for eventual food storage)
- Hanging Shoe Organizer (it's up to you which kind to get; I'm using one that goes on the tension rod in the closet because it's what I'm used to from home)
- Hanging clothing organizer (Also one that hangs from the tension rod. I'll be using it mostly for the over-abundance of shirts I'm bringing because the drawer in my room only has three small drawers for... well, everything else)
Medicinal Items, Toiletries, and Feminine Products:
- Advil/Ibuprofen
- Advil Cold & Sinus
- Saline Nasal Spray
- Cough Drops and Sore Throat drops (they do different things. I know. Shocking)
- Tums (THESE SAVE MY LIFE!)
- Bandaids
- Shampoo (2)
- Conditioner (depends on your hair, but I'm bringing 2. I also happen to use conditioner as shaving gel for my legs - I've found it makes my legs smoother after I shave as well as makes the shave last a day longer than usual.)
- Pads with wings (for over-night. Wearing tampons over night is a HUGE no-no!)
- Tampons
- Face wash (I use Cetaphil Oil Control because it's very gentle and works wonders on difficult make-up!)
- Make-up Remover Wipes (for the stubborn eyeliner)
- Degree 48-hour Motion deodorant
- Toothbrush
- Floss
- Toothpaste (I got Crest sensi-relief because it whitens while staying sensitive on the teeth and gums)
Miscellaneous:
- Ironing Board
- Shower Shoes
- Chair (this, along with futons, are NOT necessary. They're just... very, very nice to have!)
- Cups (2-4)
- Plates (2-4)
- Bowls (2-4)
- Mugs (2)
Decorations:
I'm an amateur painter, so I'm bringing some things I've painted, photos, and chords/medals and my decorated grad cap from graduation to decorate around my desk. This is just an area for your personal touch. Bring posters, bring art, bring whatever will make your room feel more personal. Just be conscious of your roommate - if it can be considered inappropriate, think about not bringing it if you don't know your roommate or, if you do, double check to make sure they wouldn't be offensive. You're sharing a room - both of you need to be respectful of each other.
This, for the time being, is all I can think of. I will, however, do an ENTIRE Dorm Room Haul once I move in on August 22nd. I will see if my roommate will let me take a picture of her side of the room, but I'm not going to invade her privacy. So. ANYWAY. That is all for tonight. Enjoy your college shopping!!
So what am NOT giving you is what I think you need, but rather what I think I need so that you can compare (and my reasoning for each item)!
***Notes of Advice:
- Consider the space you have, not necessarily what you WILL (or will not...) have! And by this, I mean the space you'll have in the car(s) you're taking with you!
- Use as many Ziploc Space Saver Bags as possible! THEY ACTUALLY WORK!! And save a LOT of space in the car (hence the "they actually work" comment!)
- Listen to your parents/gardians. Whether you like it or not, they (usually) know what they're talking about.
- Consider the distance of your school and the things that can wait to be bought until you get there (especially if you have a long ways to go and can't go home often or if your school is in the middle of nowhere). If you're close to a Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, etc. you should be able to get toiletries, medicinal items, feminine products (if they apply to you), and other similar products can wait until you arrive.
- Consider where you'll be living. If you'll be living in a dorm room (like I will be), look into what the school will provide you with (bed, desk, dresser). My school provides the three items listed in parenthesis and the beds are loft-able, so I have a large amount of under-bed space (they loft six-feet up... I'll be getting a work order for a railing).
Now to the good stuff:
Bedding:
- Comforter, size Twin XL (self-explanatory)
- Extra, warm blanket (I'll be in South Dakota, so it gets very cold, very quickly. Consider the location of your College or University. If it doesn't get below 50 degrees at night ever, you probably don't need an extra blanket. If you get cold naturally (like I do), maybe consider extra-warm socks. However, if you'll be close to a tundra like I will be, consider the extra blanket!)
- Sheets ([two sets, size Twin XL] - two sets because it's just easier when you're doing your wash, as per usual when you're home. Plus, laundry takes a while. You don't, however, need more than two. If you get a comforter set, sheets should come with it, so you should only get one extra set of sheets.)
- Two Pillows (I sleep better with either two extra-firm pillows or with no pillows. It just depends on the day. Choose depending on your comfort levels).
- Pillow Protectors (One for each pillow)
- Mattress Pad (A mattress pad prevents you from having to worry too much about bed bugs and prevents you from really having to go through the trouble of getting a "bed bug protection kit" as suggested on Target's [and many other's] College Checklist)
- Mattress Topper (I chose a memory foam mattress topper, but if you're like my boyfriend and have a pretty bad back that goes out every once in a while if you're not sleeping on something firm, a mattress topper may more may not be for you.)
Desk: (Please note that 99.99% of this section CAN be bought after moving in! Really, all of this stuff can be bought after moving in, but the purpose of buying everything in advance is for financial alleviation and to calm your worries, anxieties, and excitement) The reasoning for these items is for homework, projects, etc.
- Paperclips
- Rubber bands
- Stapler
- Staples
- Sheet Protectors
- Loose-leaf paper
- Binders (depending on how many classes you're taking. I have five)
- Spirals (see note above)
- Tab dividers (one set per binder)
- Pencil Sharpener
- Pens
- Pencils
- Backpack (should be able to fit a laptop inside for convenience)
- Top-of-desk Organizer
Electronics:
- Desk Lamp
- Fan
- Laptop
- Laptop charger
- Printer
- Printer attachments & plug-ins
- Printer Ink the will fit in your printer (THERE ARE DIFFERENT SIZES!!)
- Cell phone
- Cell phone charger
- Surge protector power strip
- Mini fridge (check with your school if you can rent one, although it may be cheaper to buy one because at some colleges it costs $50 per semester to rent and you can buy one for about $75)
- Microwave (This and the mini fridge only need to be brought by one roommate, especially considering the space you will (not) have)
- Toaster
- Iron
- Speakers (for your computer)
- (If you need a TV, here's where I'll include it. My roommate and I are choosing to just watch our TV shows on our computers, so it's not really part of my list entirely)
- Headphones
Organization:
- Under-the-bed storage boxes (I'm using two shallow boxes, one to contain my winter clothes, the other to contain cleaning items once I move in. I also have an air-tight container for eventual food storage)
- Hanging Shoe Organizer (it's up to you which kind to get; I'm using one that goes on the tension rod in the closet because it's what I'm used to from home)
- Hanging clothing organizer (Also one that hangs from the tension rod. I'll be using it mostly for the over-abundance of shirts I'm bringing because the drawer in my room only has three small drawers for... well, everything else)
Medicinal Items, Toiletries, and Feminine Products:
- Advil/Ibuprofen
- Advil Cold & Sinus
- Saline Nasal Spray
- Cough Drops and Sore Throat drops (they do different things. I know. Shocking)
- Tums (THESE SAVE MY LIFE!)
- Bandaids
- Shampoo (2)
- Conditioner (depends on your hair, but I'm bringing 2. I also happen to use conditioner as shaving gel for my legs - I've found it makes my legs smoother after I shave as well as makes the shave last a day longer than usual.)
- Pads with wings (for over-night. Wearing tampons over night is a HUGE no-no!)
- Tampons
- Face wash (I use Cetaphil Oil Control because it's very gentle and works wonders on difficult make-up!)
- Make-up Remover Wipes (for the stubborn eyeliner)
- Degree 48-hour Motion deodorant
- Toothbrush
- Floss
- Toothpaste (I got Crest sensi-relief because it whitens while staying sensitive on the teeth and gums)
Miscellaneous:
- Ironing Board
- Shower Shoes
- Chair (this, along with futons, are NOT necessary. They're just... very, very nice to have!)
- Cups (2-4)
- Plates (2-4)
- Bowls (2-4)
- Mugs (2)
Decorations:
I'm an amateur painter, so I'm bringing some things I've painted, photos, and chords/medals and my decorated grad cap from graduation to decorate around my desk. This is just an area for your personal touch. Bring posters, bring art, bring whatever will make your room feel more personal. Just be conscious of your roommate - if it can be considered inappropriate, think about not bringing it if you don't know your roommate or, if you do, double check to make sure they wouldn't be offensive. You're sharing a room - both of you need to be respectful of each other.
This, for the time being, is all I can think of. I will, however, do an ENTIRE Dorm Room Haul once I move in on August 22nd. I will see if my roommate will let me take a picture of her side of the room, but I'm not going to invade her privacy. So. ANYWAY. That is all for tonight. Enjoy your college shopping!!
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