Lovelyish

I definitely brought DVD’s because some times you just want to watch a movie. I also wish I would’ve brought an iron. Extension cords were a must too, and many of my friends had printers.

My iron and ironing board were essential as I had to wear business clothes a lot and so I needed nicely pressed pants, etc. Also, vacuums and extension cords are a must!

Other than that, I think this was a good starting list.

@wildchildofthebluemoon@xanga - DVDs are perfect for procrastination haha

Long extension cords were pretty useful (at my school) because only certain locations in the library had open outlets. Certainly not enough for every student to have one.

So why would you not bring cd’s/dvd’s if you’re going to be LIVING in a dorm room?  I agree that having shelves and shelves might be a bad idea, but if you get a cd holder (folder type, not shelf) and put them in that, why would you leave them behind?  And a lot of libraries make you pay per page of something you have to print, so it would just be cheaper in the long run to have a printer, wouldn’t it? Vaccuuming is just clean living and most people don’t want to live in a pig pen.

The DO list seems good . . .the don’t list seems a little off. 

I think a printer is kinda necessary especially if you have a lot of papers to write, handouts/notes/powerpoints to print, projects to print, etc.

Some dorms have restrictions on candles, cords, light bulbs, and other things. (Potential fire hazards.)

I agree not bringing an entire wardrobe, just the bare essentials. And bringing clothing back home during breaks, and bringing other clothing when break ends and the semester starts up again Appropriate clothing for the changing seasons.

CDs are good to have, something to listen to. Maybe not bringing gaming systems and other expensive gizmos. (Valuables could get stolen.)

I think your “don’t list” depends on the type of dorm you live in. If you have carpeting, you probably want a vacuum. If you have a lot of electronics and few outlets, you’d want a long extension cord. If your campus/dorm doesn’t have easily accessible printers (mine did), then you probably need a (small) printer. I also have a print allocation which was included in tuition whether you used it or not, so having a printer wouldn’t have saved me any money.

Don’t bring a printer or extension cables?… interesting… 

I took a printer, but the printing was factored into my college fees and printers were pretty easily accessible. I can count on one hand the number of times I used my personal printer. I do think that you should bring cleaning supplies as well cuz, that’s just gross! And, I know that they frown upon this but every year it became essential to have drain cleaner because living with 3 girls who all have long thick hair will clog your drain at some point. Only if your have an en suite bathroom, though. The community showers can fend for themselves haha.

(Warning: Tangent) I used to clean the community area of a dorm suite I shared with 3 other girls every weekend or every other weekend. They cleaned it like twice MAX. And you know what they did when they cleaned it? Took photos to post on Facebook. I’m like “I didn’t know that you cleaning was newsworthy?” 

I’m not agreeing with the don’t bring list. 

I disagree with pretty much everything on the “don’t” list. I wish I’d brought a printer, and long extension cords are a must when your dorm/room only has a few sockets or power outlets. What’s wrong with bringing DVD’s and memorabilia? There’s nothing wrong with remembering your old friends and memories, and sometimes, there’s nothing like curling up in bed with a favourite DVD to make you feel better.

If someone offers you their microwave & mini fridge for 50 bucks, DO IT! I wish I had; would’ve saved me a good $150!!

I’d definitely bring…

Printer. A reliable one. It is rare these days to have professors print out random readings for you; you have to do it yourself. Also, during midterms and finals… there are so many people crammed in the library, so good luck finding a printer (plus you have to pay for it). It’s essential to bring a printer, because your roommates and friends will get tired of you using theirs, and the library’s aren’t always available.

Power strips. You have like two outlets in the bedroom… and you have to share them. So, bring a power strip to have more places to plug in laptop chargers, cell phone chargers, etc.

Alarm clock. A good, loud one. If you miss your first day of classes at most colleges, you’re dropped. It’s a good idea not to miss a single class… because it’s not worth it in the end. Always go to class, and if you miss class because you didn’t wake up for an alarm you didn’t have, that’s not good.

Vacuum. It doesn’t have to be huge, but the floor will get pretty dirty in a semester without cleaning it. And there’s nothing like stepping on lots of dirt, bugs, and random bits of food or whatever while you’re trying to grab a snack to study.

Radio. It’s good to have tunes around while you’re just hanging out, relaxing. It’s a good pick-me-up and those are always welcomed in college.

Something to make you happy. A picture, a teddy bear… whatever it may be, you need something to pick you up when you’re down. It’s hard being away from family and home, so having something of comfort to make you smile is much-needed.

I wouldn’t bring…

Extra storage. Bookshelves, big containers, etc. You have no room for them, and you’ll just fill them up with more stuff you’ll have to move again. Don’t do it. Not worth the trouble.

Wardobe you don’t wear. If you haven’t worn it in a while, don’t bring it. College is about being comfy and getting good grades. Wear what you’re happiest in, because on a Monday morning when you didn’t get enough sleep, you’re not going to be caring about fitting into uncomfortable clothes you hate… just a t-shirt and shorts. Bring that, not heels and a pair of jeans you haven’t fit into in a year.

Doubles. Talk to your roomie(s) about what they’ll bring, and what you should bring. There’s no need for three microwaves and two toasters. ALWAYS HAVE YOUR OWN FRIDGE, THOUGH!!!

I’d say an alarm and an iron at the very least are important.
Depending on your classes… you may need to look presentable for presentations, ect.

Why would you not bring a vaccuum?!?! My dorm has carpeting and we have to clean the floor before we leave for the holidays.

Check with your school about fridge and microwaves. My dorm came equipt with them. Because it is a dorm, there is no stove. But again check with the school and which dorm you will be in. Our newer dorms have a common area where you can use a stove.

And DVDs are a must. I live in a small town and there are no video rental places. The nearest redbox is a mile away. Also make sure someone in the room brings a TV.

Still bring an iron.  There will be times when you need something ironed. I got myself a travel sized ironed and it has worked wonders. I just use my desk as an ironing board.

If you bring a printer make sure it can do both color and B&W. I have limited access to a color printer at school and there were times I wish I had my own.

Also get in contact with your roommates during the summer. Find out who will be bringing what and what everyone needs to chip in for.

Yes to DVDs, entire wardrobe (ESP SHOES!), vaccuum (the dorm ones are awful!) and long cords! Not sure where you went to school, but these are things everyone needed!!!

But more importantly if you’re going to school: GO GREEK! Proud Alpha Gamma Delta sister here!!

Glad I don’t have to worry about this anymore since I have my own apartment.