What you do and don’t need to buy for college
All these stores are trying to convince you that you need this and that, but how do you know what you’re actually going to use and what’s going to end up in the trash bin by the end of the semester? I’m going to cut through the BS that everyone’s trying to sell you so you can determine for yourself what you should buy for your first semester of college. (Note: I won’t comment on items on a store’s list that I’m ambivalent towards, or assume people know are necessary.)
Find their checklist here.
Pillow protectors/bedbug protection: I bought similar things for people with allergies (me), but I have no clue if these kinds of products actually work. I’d say it depends on how particular you are about your bedding.
Mattress pad and foam topper: 10/10, would recommend
Note: If you’re willing to stretch it out, a twin sheet set would fit over your twin XL mattress.
Futon: Uh… Good luck getting it to fit is all I’m going to say.
Wall clock: What are this?
Wall art/picture frames: I’d highly suggest decorating, unless you already hate your roommate and know you won’t spend any time in your room.
Door mirror: Just make sure it doesn’t end up being a fun house mirror (my roommate and I are still stuck with ours).
Decorative pillows: They just gather dust and get in your way all the time. But be my guest if you don’t actually plan on sleeping in your bed.
Pig out (well played, Target):
Microwave: if you’re allowed, then absolutely (if not, hide it for inspections). It really broadens your dinner options from chips to top-of-the-line microwave pasta.
Mini-fridge: YES. Easily accessible food is what college is all about.
Pizza cutter: Do they expect you to bake your own pizza?
Toaster/toaster oven/blender: Put these on hold for an apartment.
Broom, dustpan: Who are you, Cinderella?
Dish towels, cleaning caddy: Skip it.
Power strip: Multiple. Just don’t set your room on fire by having too many.
Laptop desk: Burn your thighs while lying on your bed with your laptop like a normal person.
I pretty much agree with everything on the list except the body wrap, but that’s just me.
TV: My roommate and I entertained a lot of people in our room with movie nights. Otherwise, we’d watch Say Yes to the Dress together while eating breakfast when we both had a 9 am class (awww). We’ve used our TV quite a bit collectively, but again, it depends on if you and your roommate are able to share it like adults and if you spend time in your room.
Duct tape: I’ve…never…needed…duct…tape…
First aid kit: Surprisingly enough, it’s come in handy.
Here’s their list of college essentials.
Mattress topper: I’d highly suggest a mattress topper — unless you (understandably) don’t want to find other people lying and sitting on your bed all the time because it’s so comfortable. Or you don’t want to get a good night’s sleep (if you plan on sleeping). Extra note: From what I hear the egg crate foam topper isn’t very comfortable.
Body pillow: If you want a body pillow, find a significant other and koala them instead. It’s much cheaper.
2 sheet sets: Personally, I’ve gotten by with one sheet set for two years. But then again, I’m good with doing my laundry weekly. If you anticipate months between washes, I’d spring for a second set.
Quilt: A quilt? Do you want to bake cookies for the floor and host weekly bingo nights, too?
Alarm clock: You probably have a smart phone. That has a clock. Problem solved, no alarm clock necessary.
Black out panels: You can block out the light, but you can’t ignore the sounds of the people you live with.
Bedside caddy: You’ll probably have a bedside table.
Underbed storage: I mean, if you want to. I’m pretty organized, and I got by with the provided drawers (behind which lay miscellaneous, forgotten things).
Double closet rod and garment storage: How many clothes are you bringing, dude?
Hand vacuum: Please, for the love of all things good in this world, CLEAN YOUR FLOOR. You can probably rent a vacuum from campus housing to do this.
Other unnecessary things: closet organizer, cap/purse organizer, drawer organizer, sewing kit, tool kit (meh, it comes in handy maybe twice a year)
Hooks: YES TO THE COMMAND STRIPS. Just read the instructions for removal.
Desk lamp: if the desk provided doesn’t have a light.
Wastebasket: The room has one most likely.
USB drives: If you didn’t already learn this in high school, then carry them around EVERYWHERE.
Fan: I have a personal vendetta against fans — my roommate kept hers on all night for the first month-plus of freshman year (with the windows open), and despite my protests, kept it up sophomore year. But if you foresee hot summer nights with no air conditioning, go for it. Just be considerate in your usage.
The only other thing worth mentioning is the beanbag chair. That cracks me up. You can’t get more “college” than that, I suppose.
Um, I actually had most of these things.
Plates, bowls, cups, mugs, utensils: Unless you’re going to be too lazy to wash them and end up leaving them to grow mold for a couple weeks (insert side-eyeing my suitemates), I’d recommend getting them.
Water bottle: reusable, BPA free please!
Water pitcher: Unless your school has water stations or you’re just badass and don’t mind tap water.
Can/bottle opener: Bed, Bath & Beyond knows where it’s at
Bag clips: Suck it up and roll that sucker up (then forget about it and find your stale chips a month later, and have a serious moment of considering if it’s worth eating).
Coffeemaker: I mean, if you’re serious about it, then sure.
Electric kettle: if you don’t eat oatmeal or ramen or drink tea, I’d skip it.
Food storage: Yeah… *insert guilty face here*
No to the slippers and electric toothbrush.
Scale: Unless you want to be severely disappointed all the time, then just say no.
Laundry hamper and basket: They expect you to need both?
Drying rack: Just get creative — everything in your room has the potential to be an ace drying rack.
Iron/steamer/ironing board: I don’t get it.
Before going to Walmart, Target, etc., you should check out if there’s a Facebook group where people at your school can advertise things they’re selling — you can often find good deals on mini-fridges and appliances there.
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