With the kick-off to a new semester, I thought it would be appropriate to do a series of posts called “College 101”: it is everything to know whether an incoming freshmen or a burned-out senior, and then some.
First off, the basics: towels, bedding, laundry hamper, hangers, batteries, feminine products, hairdryer, straightener, curler, pictures, cosmetics, snacks, clothes, laptop, stationary, electronics, clock, backpack, retainer, trash can, books, calendar, Brita Pitcher
First off, the basics: towels, bedding, laundry hamper, hangers, batteries, feminine products, hairdryer, straightener, curler, pictures, cosmetics, snacks, clothes, laptop, stationary, electronics, clock, backpack, retainer, trash can, books, calendar, Brita Pitcher
What they don’t tell you that you WILL need:
*A mirror, be it a full-length or a cosmetic mirror (or both), lots of times dorms don’t have mirrors. Wal mart has then for under $5.
*Christmas lights. The lighting in dorms is harsh, so if you want a lofty, cozy vibe, these are perfect. PLUS there may be nights were your roommate wants to sleep, but you want to read, and these are easy compromise. Visit your local Dollar Store or craft store if you want longer strands.
* Desk Lamp, pretty obvious, but again, the lighting is bad. Target carries nice ones, and sometimes you can find them at discount places like Marcs or Big Lots.
* Over-door shoe rack: my personal lifesaver these past three years. Wal Mart $8.00.
* Plastic bins/ carts: For $10- $20 at Target, you can get a roller 3-Drawer cart that is perfect for makeup and hair items. It stores nicely in your closet or can double as a nightstand. At Wal Mart, they have flat ones that go under the bed that are perfect for t-shirts or PJs.
* Bookshelf. Just a small one. Dorms don’t provide them, but they are incredibly helpful. I got one from Ikea that you assemble yourself, but is all I need
* Décor. It depends on the look you want, but there are so many ways to have fun. My roommate and I had painted these initial letters, and check out this SHOWER CURTAIN from cafepress.com that makes a beautiful tapestry! Don't be afraid to buy items such as cute candles, coffee table books, fur and sequin throw pillows and floral arrangements. And check out my DIY Jack Daniel's soap dispenser.
* Command Hooks and Strips: hang everything on these. Literally everything.
*Lap Desk: For those nights you want to study in bed. Again, Target.
*Piggy Bank: because I can promise you the loose change will accumulate faster than your homework will. I got my little Eiffel Tower one from Francesca's. I also used an old tea tin as one. Feel free to do a DIY one as well!
*Cute Travel Mugs: for days when you want to take coffee to-go to class with you. You can get these from AliExpress or you can make your own on Redbubble.com.
*Bottle Opener: because it’s college. Check out these cute ones from Pottery Barn (that you can hang on your wall with a Command Hook!)
*Can Opener: Don’t be that person running all around the halls trying to ask for one because they can’t open their Campbell’s soup.
*Cork board and Post-its: for important memos. I have tried for years to use a planner, but I never end up using it past a week. Post-its are good.
*Cute Kitchen Items: Who says kitchen utensils have to be boring? Check out these ADORABLE molds for jello or cookies and this Chanel cookie cutter from kitchenjukebox.com!
*Curtains/ Room Darkeners: They dorms provide curtains or blinds, but a lot of the times they don’t prevent light from coming in. If you prefer a darker room, head to Target and buy some black curtains. In my dorm, we were not aloud to use rods, so I hung mine up with paper clips and clothespins. Worked perfectly!
*Suitcase with Wheels: For if you want to take a weekend trip, plus it is convenient for moving clothes in and out. I found a beautiful set at TJ Maxx.
* Three-Layer Cake Stand. Why? It’s perfect for perfume and jewelry! Try amazon.com or even a local antique shop.
*Muffin tin: a lot of easy recipes can be made using muffin pans, like mini casseroles or frozen items. Also, you know you’re going to want to bake cupcakes. I got a nice-sized one from Anderson’s Market, or any grocery store.
*Small Safe: I am not saying don’t trust your roommate, it is more of a precaution for times when he/she might have friends over that you don’t know. You never know with 18 year olds! I bet you’d be pretty upset if your designer sunglasses or last wad of cash got stolen, yes? Keep valuables locked away.
So that’s it for the “decor” section, stay tuned for DIY crafts, easy recipes, and perfect party attire =)
xoxo
-A
xoxo
-A
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