Dorm basics: a checklist of items for your room on campus

Before move-in day, it's always a good idea to take a tour of your university so that you not only see the campus, but the size of the dorm rooms. That will give you a general idea of how much room you will have for your clothes, furniture and electronics. Here are some of the essentials you'll need for your dorm room?

CLOTHES

* Pack for all seasons. Know your location and the average weather conditions.

* If your dorm is in an area that is cold, then pack jeans, long-sleeve shirts, sweaters and socks. It's always a good idea to bring at least one business outfit and one formal outfit for special occasions. Winter coats, scarves, gloves and hats are good for the first semester. When you go home for spring break, you have the opportunity to take home winter clothing and trade them for your summer clothing (shorts, skirts, sandals, sleeveless T-shirts).

* You will need an umbrella.

BEDDING

* 2 comfortable pillows

* Pillow covers

* Mattress pads and items to sanitize and freshen your sleeping area (you never know who occupied the bed before you)

* Blanket and comforter

* A Bed-in-a-Bag is great!

* Laundry supplies

* Laundry basket/hamper (one that you can easily transport)

* Dishwashing detergent

* Iron

* Dorm ironing board

* Hangers/closet organizers

Bedding and towels are high on the necessity list for college dorms. (Costco, from $29 to $59.)

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COMPUTER AND PRINTER

* Laptop is best for students.

* Printing paper

* Ink

* Batteries

Laptop computers, such as colorful Dell Inspiron, are a must-have for college students. ($499 and up)

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

* Comfortable book bag or messenger bag for classes

* Notebooks

* Paper

* Calculator

* Pens, pencils, highlighters

* Dictionary/thesaurus

BATHROOM

Needs will vary, depending on whether you have a private bath or a communal bathroom. In either case, items should include:

* Bathrobe

* Soap/body wash

* Washcloths/towels

* Toothbrush/toothpaste

* Brush, combs, razors, etc.

* Shower tote (a bag used to carry shower supplies to and from the communal bathrooms)

* Shower curtain (if using a communal bath, this will be unnecessary). If you have a private bath, contact college/ university to see if shower curtains are available.

ELECTRONICS

Here are a few appliances that will be useful, although the items that individual residence halls permit vary from campus to campus. The following, however, are probably acceptable:

* Small microwave

* Television (For mobility, look for a TV with a screen no larger than 20")

* DVD/VCR

* Alarm clock with battery backup. This is a must. Alarm clocks with a built-in nap button are highly recommended.

* Phone. Most dorm rooms have a phone connection, so students can bring a portable phone. Some students choose to use their cell phones because, even if they have a dorm phone, phone cards are generally needed to make off-campus calls.

* Portable fan

* Small refrigerator

* Surge protector

STORAGE/KITCHEN

* Storage lockers/trunks. They are great for transportation and will be used throughout your college years.

* Storage containers (various sizes for storing different items)

* Bowls, plates, silverware, and cups for those late-night ramen sessions.

CLEANING SUPPLIES

* Hand vacuum (if room is carpeted)

* Broom, mop

* Cleaning supplies (sponges. disinfectant spray, all-purpose cleaners, etc.)

* Trash can/trash bags

* Quarters for laundry

PERSONAL ITEMS

Your dorm room will be your home for most of the year, so liven it up with personal touches that can make your surroundings more comfortable and cozy.

* Photos (family, friends, etc.

* Posters/art

* Lamps

* Rugs

* First-aid/emergency Kit

Well-equipped dorm rooms have microwave ovens, such as this Hamilton Beach Talking Microwave ($79.96), and television sets, such as Emerson 20" LCD TV with DVD player ($324), both at walmart.com.

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Emerson iPod clock radio with remote provides entertainment in a small package. (Target, $69.99)

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Bissell Flip-Ease all-in-one vacuum and mop comes in handy for dorm-room cleanups. (Target, $47.49)

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COPYRIGHT 2007 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning