I can’t believe August is already here; it feels like summer just started yesterday. Fall is right around the corner and for a lot of people that means it’s time to go back to school! Being in grad school gives me a bit of freedom as far as living arrangements go, but I do remember when I lived in a dorm. I had some of the best times in my freshman dorm at UT Tyler. I remember being a bit scared when I found out that I’d be living in a dorm, not sure of what to expect from a roommate and not sure of what I even needed to bring!
Well as the old saying goes, you live and you learn and I’d like to share a few things I’ve learned.
It’s been a while since I’ve been in a dorm and I don’t exactly remember what was on the list of “school supplies” issued to incoming freshmen; but fear not because I’ve teamed up with Walmart and Kleenex to share my list of 10 dorm room essentials!
1. Bedding – I’m not sure about you guys, but my bedding says a lot about my personality. The right bedding (style and material) can go a long way. I still have my bedding from freshman year (yes, I’m aware that it’s 8 years old and that I no longer have to sleep in a Twin XL bed) and still bust it out whenever I have company over at my apartment. Oh, and don’t forget to buy a pillow top for your mattress, you’ll thank me later!
2. Bedside lamp – For those late night study sessions when your roommate is asleep or even late night reading in bed.
3. Command strips – These are life savers! My dorm had cinder-block walls so I couldn’t hang anything without these!
4. Planner – I’m a digital girl, but it’s always nice to have a paper planner for those times you want to have that backup.
5. Keurig – These weren’t around when I lived in a dorm, but I can’t survive without it now. Coffee will be an absolute must for those late night cram sessions and early morning classes.
6. Storage bins – You’ll need at least two of these for all the free shirts you’ll be getting. Go ahead and do yourself a favor and invest in a few more!
7. Docking station for your iPod/iPhone/Phone – This can double as both an alarm and a mini party station. Sometimes you need to let loose and having your tunes in your room will help!
8. Laptop – I feel like this one is kind of self-explanatory. I’ve never seen a laptop listed on a school supplies list, but I feel like they should be. Would you rather spend all of your time in the university’s computer lab or do that work from your own computer?
9. Bed rest pillow – I didn’t discover these until recently and I’m kind of bummed I didn’t have one when I was in undergrad. I can’t tell you how many nights I sat propped up against a wall in my bed because I got tired of working at my desk. Sometimes you need a change of scenery to finish a term paper, or you might just want to have a Netflix marathon from your bed. Either way these little things come in handy!
and last, but certainly not least
10. Kleenex – I know what you’re thinking. Really? Kleenex? But yes, it’s an absolute must for dorm rooms! There are at least 50 people on a floor and the common cold spreads like a wildfire! Not only do they help you keep your germs to yourself, but you can use them as make-shift coasters and dead bug picker-uppers. I had to do that a few times during an East Texas winter. What’s so great is that Kleenex has designs that fit perfectly when whatever decor you want in your dorm. Fun colors, chevron, ovals oh my! They’re on trend, super functional and budget friendly thanks to Walmart. Like I said, you can thank me later!
This post was sponsored by Kleenex and Walmart, but my love for their dorm style is all my own!
