Dorm Room help

[poppe]

Hello, going to college soon and i'm just curious what you all think I need to bring for my dorm room. Here is my list:

(No particular order)

1. Hand Towels
2. Hard Drive (2X) + External Enclosure - for video back up
3. Speakers (5.1 surround)
4. Widescreen Monitor for TV and MBP usage.
5. Shampoo/conditioner/face wash/ etc.
6. Case to hold Shampoo/conditioner/face wash/ etc.
7. Shower Curtain
8. Soap Dispenser
9. Bathroom Rug
10. Surge Protectors
11. Storage Containers for under the bed
12. Bed Risers
13. Shoe Hanger or stacker
14. Laptop Tray for when in bed
15. Backpack + Sleeve
16. Flash Drive (1 gig probably)
17. Portable Hard Drive for transfering video from computer to computer
18. Tall Lamp
19. Daily Vitamins
20. Clorox Wipes
21. Mini Vacuum
22. Trash Can
23. Clothes Hamper
24. Detergent
25. Air spray thing (preferrably one of the timing ones)
26. Duct Tape
27. Envelopes and stamps
28. Dish Soap
29. Plastic plates and cups
30. Batteries
31. Wall Hooks
32. Paper clips
33. Kleenex boxes
34. Legal Pads
35. Note pads
36. Markers/highlighters/Erasers etc
37. Thing to hold things in #36
38. Umbrella
39. Shelves or something that has shelves
40. Flip Flops for shower
41. Pocket Tool (Wrench, Knife, screw driver, and a TV all in one!!)
42. Super Glue
43. Sewing Kit (for when the Freshman 15 takes its toll)
44. Flashlight
45. Ear Plugs
46. Burnable DVD/DVD DL/CD
47. Cases for #46
48. Drying Rack
49. Printer

What else can you all think of?

 

[ChrisBrightwell]

3. Speakers (5.1 surround)

I'd scratch that in favor of some solid headphones, personally.

2. Hard Drive (2X) + External Enclosure - for video back up
17. Portable Hard Drive for transfering video from computer to computer

Why can't these be one in the same?

30. Batteries

Get some high-capacity NiMH if you can.

44. Flashlight

LED keychain flashlights are great.

46. Burnable DVD/DVD DL/CD
47. Cases for #46

I'd recommend some paper sleeves instead of plastic jewel cases.

Are you going to have a roommate? It looks like there's a lot of potential for showing up with two of something like a bath rug.

 

[yellow]

You forgot #1. Beer.

 

[Tanglewood]

14. Laptop Tray for when in bed

40. Flip Flops for shower

What else can you all think of?

Unless you see yourself using the laptop tray A LOT you might not want to bring it since you'll have limited storage in the first place.

#40 is an absolute must. You don't want to know what has been on those shower floors.

If you have a laptop make sure you have a lock to secure it to the desk. You don't want it walking away on you.

Do you know what comes with your room? When I lived in the dorms the room came with a microwave, mini fridge, a bed, a desk (with drawers), a bulletin board, closet, and shelving unit. I know each dorm is different.

Other than that it looks like you have a pretty good grasp on what you need.

You forgot #1. Beer.

^That goes without saying!

 

[Timepass]

like others have said dump the 5.1 surround sound since space is limited and go with a good set of 2.1 speakers.

Also you dont need the shower currutin so it can g and it would just be a waist of space.


I would like to add get a one of the multiple fileing thing folders (it expandble and has like 20 or so slots great for storing test and work in. you be surpised at how offen you need to pull that stuff out).

Also get a 3 ring binder for each class and a 3 hole punch. Great way to store work and notes for each class. It been a great tool for me ever since I started it.

 

[Leareth]

Add to list:

-painkillers- when you need them they are too expensive on campus...
-good table light
-extra pillows and a blanket or two- turn your bed into a sofa...
-something to hang on walls
-coffee/tea maker- some dorms don't allow these but you can make mac-n-cheese in them.
-multihead screwdriver- one of those where everything is in the handle
-black felt to mark all your stuff
-alarm clock
-small laundry detergent for handwashing clothes in emergency
-surge protected extension cords- always more electronics then plugs...
-cork board and tacks
-throw rugs if you have lino floors
-garbage bags...

 

[mactastic]

Mini Fridge.
And personally I'd replace an umbrella with a shell of some kind, but that's just me.
I'd also reconsider the large monitor, unless you have plenty of room in your dorm.

 

[andiwm2003]

#1: Beer
#2: cable lock for you laptop unless you want to use #42.
#3: credit card

 

[Killyp]

Now I'm just being thoughtful about this, and I know it could be offensive to some, so don't be offended! Taking a packet of condoms might be a good idea to. You know what they always say at those sex edu talks. I don't know about you, what you want to do in terms of <ahem> it, but it is just a good idea just in case, you never know...

PS, mod please remove this if you feel appropriate...

 

[scem0]

Where will you be attending? UT? If UT Austin, then which dorm? I'm in a dorm at UT Austin now, I could give you some pointers .

If you are traveling a ways I wouldn't bother with some of those things like a bathroom carpet. Less is more often-times when it comes to dorm rooms.

Shower curtain probably isn't necessary unless the school specifies that they don't provide one. The one in my dorm cannot be replaced, and it's a nice shower curtain so I wouldn't replace it anyways.

Don't bring too much, chances are your dorm room will be small.

e

 

[Cameront9]

I second the need for good laptop lock.

Is the Bathroom part of the dorm room or communal? if the latter, you likely won't need a shower curtain or a bath rug.

My advice (especially if traveling far): Don't bring a lot of this stuff. Get moved in, live in the dorm for a week, and then see what you want/need. Then get thee to Wal-Mart and buy it. Chances are you really won't need a lot of things you thought you did...I know it was that way for me in College.

 

[poppe]

Hey thanks guys, haven't finished reading all posts yet, but I need 5.1 speakers because I'm a film student and would like to be able to position where exactly each sound comes out and how loud...

And yeah the hard drives probably could have been considered together, but They will be seperate. I will have one stationary for the sole purpose of backing up computer and all my videos, while the portable will be so I can take a single video clip with me to work on the G5's on campus, or the avids or what ever. So I didnt...
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If you have a laptop make sure you have a lock to secure it to the desk. You don't want it walking away on you.

Do you know what comes with your room? When I lived in the dorms the room came with a microwave, mini fridge, a bed, a desk (with drawers), a bulletin board, closet, and shelving unit. I know each dorm is different.

Ok i'll scratch the laptop tray thing.

I'm definitely getting a lock along with the iAlarm, and Undercover.

What comes with my dorm: Mini Fridge, Microwave, Bed Desk and i think an actual stove! (Saw it in pic don't know if that was the deluxe package or whatever)
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I forgot to add on my list but you guys reminded me, I'm getting some logitech bluetooth headphones most likely also.
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like others have said dump the 5.1 surround sound since space is limited and go with a good set of 2.1 speakers.

Also you dont need the shower currutin so it can g and it would just be a waist of space.


I would like to add get a one of the multiple fileing thing folders (it expandble and has like 20 or so slots great for storing test and work in. you be surpised at how offen you need to pull that stuff out).

Oh great Idea!! And about the shower cutrain. I don't know if I do need one for sure, I just know my girlfriend who is going to Chapman University had to buy one with her dorm mates. So I thought I might
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Add to list:

-painkillers- when you need them they are too expensive on campus...
-good table light
-extra pillows and a blanket or two- turn your bed into a sofa...
-something to hang on walls
-coffee/tea maker- some dorms don't allow these but you can make mac-n-cheese in them.
-multihead screwdriver- one of those where everything is in the handle
-black felt to mark all your stuff
-alarm clock
-small laundry detergent for handwashing clothes in emergency
-surge protected extension cords- always more electronics then plugs...
-cork board and tacks
-throw rugs if you have lino floors
-garbage bags...

Oh yeah I didn't even think about those. And I coudln't remember what a cork board was called. Thanks alot!!
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Mini Fridge.
And personally I'd replace an umbrella with a shell of some kind, but that's just me.
I'd also reconsider the large monitor, unless you have plenty of room in your dorm.

What is a shell?
And I dont know if I'll do the monitor. It'd just be nice to have so I can play some Gcube and when I watch Movies and what not.
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Now I'm just being thoughtful about this, and I know it could be offensive to some, so don't be offended! Taking a packet of condoms might be a good idea to. You know what they always say at those sex edu talks. I don't know about you, what you want to do in terms of <ahem> it, but it is just a good idea just in case, you never know...

PS, mod please remove this if you feel appropriate...

Good ole Sam's Club 1000 pack haha. Just kidding.
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Where will you be attending? UT? If UT Austin, then which dorm? I'm in a dorm at UT Austin now, I could give you some pointers .

If you are traveling a ways I wouldn't bother with some of those things like a bathroom carpet. Less is more often-times when it comes to dorm rooms.

Shower curtain probably isn't necessary unless the school specifies that they don't provide one. The one in my dorm cannot be replaced, and it's a nice shower curtain so I wouldn't replace it anyways.

Don't bring too much, chances are your dorm room will be small.

e

Oh thanks acctually heading to California. I really thought about doing Austins film school. But I decided to try and go out to hollywood and see where I coudl get.
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Alright thanks guys so much!! Thanks for all the advice. I'll keep in mind that Less is more... I'm hoping that I can use my parents Sams club card in California. That way when it fits I can get huge amounts of htings for so cheap!!
Any other stuff you recommend?

 

[mactastic]

What is a shell?
And I dont know if I'll do the monitor. It'd just be nice to have so I can play some Gcube and when I watch Movies and what not.

If you're wavering on the monitor, just leave it behind at first and see if you are having withdrawls.

A shell is a thin waterproof jacket. I prefer them because they don't turn inside out in the rain, plus you don't need a free hand to hold them; but then again you can't offer to share them with the cute girl going your way who's stuff is getting wet...

Like I said, that's just a matter of preference. I had to carry tons of stuff around and could rarely afford the extra hand.

Might wanna get some earplugs in case your roommate's a snoring machine too.

 

[scem0]

Cali, eh?

That'll be a blast .

Well, my recommendation is not to bring much at all. Shipping it back after your spring semester will suck big balls. I go to school in New York and I'm all about minimizing what I bring to my dorm. Not only will space be limited, but you'll find that you won't want or need most things. The only things I brought that I couldn't live without were:

my computer
bed sheets
cell phone
bars of soap (liquid gels runs out quick and is expensive)
towels
comfortable shoes

Find a dollar store once you get there. You can buy yourself a bowl, a plate, a knife, a fork, and a spoon there. That's all you need. You can wash them out in the sink of your bathroom. You can also get really cheap toiletries there.

e

 

[w_parietti22]

3. Speakers (5.1 surround)
4. Widescreen Monitor for TV and MBP usage.
27. Envelopes and stamps

What else can you all think of?

3. I'd get some really nice white noise headphones instead. That way other people can hear/ get annoyed by your music.
4. I would make sure its small... nothing above a 20"
27. Why? are you planning to write letters?

Adds:

1.) Airport Express (?) - Allows you to configure your dorm how you want it and you can use you MBp on your bed w/o cables etc.
2.) Ethernet cable
3.) Small P&S camera.

 

[cslewis]

A steam iron? Wrinkled clothes aren't that nice...

 

[adk]

Well, son, I don't recall seeing clothes on that list j/k


On the serious side, you may want to buy a cheap vacuum. My freshman dorm had one POS vacuum to lend out to its 1000 or so residents.

 

[ZoomZoomZoom]

I think you're overthinking things. Check to see what your university provides, to make sure you're not bringing stuff that's going to sit around. (For example, your dorm room probably comes with a trash can.) Also, you might not need to bring stuff that can be shared, like vacuums. No need to bring things that can easily be bought, like stamps. Space is limited, and being able to stay simple & organized is valuable.

Myself? I'm bringing:
Clothes
Computer + accessories
Laundry basket (this is valuable beyond belief)
A few basic writing utensils / notepads
Hygeine kit

And that's probably about it. Maybe forgot one or two things, but there's not much needed. Oh, and I wouldn't advise bringing bowls or plates or eating utensils. While it's nice to be able to microwave some food in your room when you're hungry, disposable stuff is the way to go. So much easier and cleaner. (Unless if you're in one of those sweet dorms with kitchens and all.)

 

[timerollson]

Have you talked to your roommate yet? And, do you know how large your dorm room is going to be? I ask, because you may not want to bring all of that stuff. During my freshmen year, I was in a forced triple, but one of my roommates wanted to be an ass, so she brought her entire room with her, leaving incredibly little space for me and our other roommate. What an ass she was...

I'm an out-of-state student, so all I bring is clothes, my laptop and my printer. Fortunately, my brother lives in the state I attend school, so he keeps my television, dvd player, mini fridge and my microwave. Once I arrive at my residence hall, I buy hygiene products and other small items at local stores. I order decorative things like posters, lights online. My dorm room is pretty minimal and because of this moving out has always been easy.

Oh..and as a sidenote:
Lay down some ground rules within the first week. Apparently, some 18 year olds who go to college for the first time have never learned how to clean up after themselves or the definition of "personal property". Just an FYI.

 

[Koodauw]

Honestly, the thing I got the most out of was a cheap disposable camera for pictures of stuff on move in day, and all the people you meet. Looking back on them, I treasure those pictures more than anything else i brought that day.

a water gun is never a bad idea either.

 

[OutThere]

a water gun is never a bad idea either.

mos def.

you'll be wanting some pranking strike force. water balloons are nice as well.

What I've found after living in dorms for 4 years: you'll only wind up using about 1/3 of the crap that they put on pre-configured lists, and it's a waste of space, time and energy to take it. Take a moment to actually consider each and every item on the list, and imagine at least 3 times when you would definitely want to have it.

For example, my list for college highly recommended a bathrobe. WTF? Useless....but it seems that my friends who didn't go to boarding school are treating the list their schools are giving them as a list of absolute necessities.

 

[pknz]

-coffee/tea maker- some dorms don't allow these but you can make mac-n-cheese in them.

Please explain how you make MacCheese (Im assuming you mean Maceroni Cheese) with a Coffee/Tea maker?

 

[jdechko]

Please explain how you make MacCheese (Im assuming you mean Maceroni Cheese) with a Coffee/Tea maker?

Yeah, I was wondering the same thing. I guess you'd put the noodles in the pot and let the coffe maker heat up the water and dump it in with the noodles. The hotplate that keeps the coffee warm might provide enough heat to aid in cooking the noodles. Then you can dump the noodles and water into a bowl and stir in the cheese powder. I guess that's how its done.

 

[Spanky Deluxe]

Do you yanks still do the whole shared rooms thing, especially with all that space out here! Only the minority of University students over here live in shared rooms.
I bought a 5.1 system for my room at Uni. Big screen too. Yeah I splurged. Do you know how big the rooms'll be? I thought I took loads but the room ended up being three times as big as I thought it would be and it looked kind of empty.

Oh, have you mentioned a network cable? Seems dumb but we needed one. Also a bottle of Sambuka helped me out in the first week (to socialise, not to drink on my own) and a set of screwdrivers is always useful - people's **** tends to fall apart and people always seem to go round asking for screwdrivers.

Don't forget your phone charger.

 

[realityisterror]

#40 is an absolute must. You don't want to know what has been on those shower floors.

Tell me about it.

reality