When you're out shopping to outfit your dorm room, everyone wants to tell you what to buy. Furniture stores, office supply stores-they all have lists of dorm room essentials. Yet, there is always something you need to buy that wasn't on any of the lists. So, while checking off your list of mundane items-shower shoes, extra long twin sheets, waste basket-consider these less thought of, but just as necessary, items for a well-equipped freshman year.
Apple cutter: Yes, it sounds completely unnecessary, and in all reality, it is. Still, owning an apple cutter will make your life a lot easier. Apple cutters are cheap and the benefits of these slick devices are many. First of all, it is a lot easier to divide an apple into pieces with one of these bad boys than with a plastic knife from Bear's Den. As a hidden perk, the core slides out neatly, too. Second, guillotining an apple has stress relieving qualities during cram time. One final perk of these strange tools is their ability to attract floor mates to your room. When you're the one with the apple cutter, everyone (or at least those who eat apples) will be knocking on your door. Instant friend-maker.
Vibrating alarm clock: Alarm clocks are obviously vital dorm accessories. In fact, having multiple alarm clocks is advised, because it is highly likely that at some point in your college career you will accidentally sleep through that important class. One of your sleep disturbers should definitely be of the vibrating variety. For some models the entire clock goes under your pillow; others include vibrating disks to place under your pillow that are attached to a larger clock unit. Either way, the clocks literally shake you awake, and are amazing because they don't beep in an annoying way that wakes up a grumpy roommate.
Flashlight: Continuing on the theme of "things that help you avoid roommate tension," a flashlight is an incredibly useful thing to have in a dorm room. Flashlights are great for those nights when you come back to find your roommate already asleep and you need to find your homework that is due the next day. Additionally, flashlights are rather handy for late night adventures and for dramatic retellings of scary stories. For greater versatility, check out the hands-free flashlights that are worn on head bands, often found at outdoor supply stores.
Moccasins: Any form of slipper can protect your feet from the floor while you are in your dorm. Moccasins, however, have a touch of class in addition to a high comfort quotient. Perfect for those late night hall gatherings, moccasins are comfortable, warm and chic.
Boy band/ teen queen pop: Please note-this music is not to be used as background music for parties, to woo an attractive co-ed or as inspiration for that poem you have to write for EComp. Rather, this music is to be utilized to encourage floor bonding. You may come from all over the world, and from all different backgrounds, but once you turn up some *Nsync on your iTunes, differences are forgotten and spontaneous dance/song parties begin. Instantly, New Neighbor Fear syndrome goes bye, bye, bye.
Microwave safe containers: These are probably on the lists you've seen everywhere else, but they are nonetheless incredibly important to mention because, strangely, Residential Life doesn't like it when students blow things up in the microwaves. Actually, there is one thing even more important to have than the containers themselves: knowledge about what is and isn't microwaveable. Cup of noodles? Microwaveable. Oats that were supposed to become oatmeal, but you forgot to add the water? Not microwaveable.
Electric tea kettle: Having one of these in your room will save you those oh-so-long trips down to the common room microwave, and will make tea parties much more practical. These beauties heat up water in minutes, and are thus excellent for tea, hot chocolate, soup and just about anything else that says "just add water."
Tap light: Sometimes, it's just really hard to climb into bed. Enter the tap light, a marvelous creation that is both practical and fun to use. Tap lights often come with adhesive and can be easily attached to a bedpost or other convenient surface. At night, all you have to do to ensure that you don't trip on piles of dirty clothes and books is gently tap the top of the light. Ta-dah! A safe path into bed is instantly revealed. Also, due to their stationary nature, it is really, really hard to lose a tap light.
Toys: Stress balls are so cliché. But let's face it-college is going to involve a little bit of stress. For those hair-pulling, teeth-gnashing moments, it is awfully nice to have something around that makes you happy. The solution? Invest some dough in some toys to go on your desk. Stock up on childhood favorites like Play-Doh, water games and Legos to make those cramming breaks slightly more bearable. For more active stress relief, consider investing in some dart guns for yourself and floormates. Chem lab goggles can double for protective eyewear when the dart wars get a little intense.
Of course, you also should consult some of those regular lists to make sure you have sheets, towels and all that jazz. Just don't forget the little things that are less necessary, because it is the little things that really make your dorm room feel like a home away from home.
