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Old 07-12-2011, 10:22 AM   #1
JoanneS
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Dorm Room Necessities

I'm hoping you guys can help me make a list of what I should try to get for my DD's first dorm room.

We already have the basic linens: sheets, comforter, blanket, towels, hamper. She's not allowed to have anything like a microwave, hotplate, popcorn maker, or anything that generates heat.

It's been a long time since I've been in a dorm, and when I was, it was an apartment type dorm with a kitchen, living room, and our own bathroom. I don't want to send her with too much, but I want to be sure she's comfy.

Thoughts?
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Old 07-12-2011, 10:33 AM   #2
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Less is more! That's my big piece of advice. Match the towels to the sheets, that makes both together one load.
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Old 07-12-2011, 10:34 AM   #3
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I'm going through the same thing. Some things I've thought of include, school supplies, waste basket, basic first-aid, bucket for shower things, flip-flops for shower, laundry stuff, paper goods such as napkins, paper plates/cups, paper towels, closet organizers. It's also a good idea to find out exactly what the room comes equipped with & what the roomates want to bring/share, too. Fortunately for my DS, we live 10-15 minutes from his school, and it literally is on the way to DH's job, so if he forgets anything or doesn't need something, it will be easy to transport.
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Old 07-12-2011, 10:47 AM   #4
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I remember that my dorm room didn't have an over head lamp. I had a desk lamp and a tall, freestanding lamp that gave off a lot of light.
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Old 07-12-2011, 11:23 AM   #5
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I remember that my dorm room didn't have an over head lamp. I had a desk lamp and a tall, freestanding lamp that gave off a lot of light.
Ours had a light in the ceiling, but it was worthless. And rude if your roommate was trying to sleep. So I was going to suggest a desk lamp, and something that would clamp on the bed frame for reading alone.

We couldn't have hot plates or popcorn poppers either, but hot pots and irons were okay. I ate a lot of instant soup freshman year!

Do you have measurements for the dorm furniture? My dad built me a bookcase that fit around my dorm desk. There were no shelves in the room, and that was the only way I could store things without taking up extra floor space.
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Old 07-12-2011, 11:27 AM   #6
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What about an over the door shoe organizer just like people recommend for WDW or a cruise? Lots of pockets to put stuff in. I remember my dorm room had practically zero counter space. Of course, this was back in the stone age (1983), LOL!
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Old 07-12-2011, 11:39 AM   #7
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I agree-less is more. Do not overdo it. There are stores everywhere and these days all the same stores.

If I remember, your DD is going to school in New York state. Check the school website carefully for do's and don't's. NY has some pretty restrictive state fire policies.

If you want to save a few dollars, Target has a large back to school department in July and August. Come September, the put everything on clearance. My DS got lots of bargains for his grad school apartment in early September.

Probably the best thing any of my kids got and used was a rolling, plastic bin set-DS1 still uses his.
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Old 07-12-2011, 11:40 AM   #8
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Oh, and Downy wrinkle release is great for those days when ironing just isn't possible.
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Old 07-12-2011, 11:41 AM   #9
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And buy cheap towels. The big thick ones don't dry and get smelly.
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Old 07-12-2011, 11:59 AM   #10
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Alot of people put the beds on risers so they can store stuff under the bed for more room. My dd just spent a week on the campus of St Cloud State and the dorm room was so tiny and was for 2 people.
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Old 07-12-2011, 12:08 PM   #11
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Don't forget the little things, like a can opener and tupperware.

If you can loft the beds, even a little bit, she'll have so much extra space for storage.
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Old 07-12-2011, 12:15 PM   #12
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My daughter gets a lot of use out of her bedside bag. She puts glasses, TV remote (yeah, I know!), pens, etc. in there if she doesn't have a nightstand. Fits over the bedleg or tucks under the mattress. Also, I'm sure your DD's school already told you, but a lot of schools are doing extra long twin beds, so make sure you get the right size sheets!
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Old 07-12-2011, 12:23 PM   #13
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If I remember, your DD is going to school in New York state. Check the school website carefully for do's and don't's. NY has some pretty restrictive state fire policies.

Yes yes yes - you do want to check all the rules from the college. Trust me, if there is a fire "drill" at 2am, they will toss each and every room looking for anything against the rules because no one wants to be up at 2am!
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Old 07-12-2011, 12:30 PM   #14
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Small refrigerator? I would think laundry sheets would be easier and take up less space. Lots of quarters for laundry? Power strip for all the computer stuff. Drawer liners. Hangers. I would get a pop up hamper. Things that make your trips to Disney easier, prob will work well in a dorm room too.
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Old 07-12-2011, 12:42 PM   #15
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Here's a great check list College Checklist - Bed Bath & Beyond We saw a model dorm room setup using some of this stuff at the College of Charleston when we stayed in their dorms during Speletto.
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