As seniors prepare for college, it’s more than just going to school. They are preparing for life independently. A college education is very important, but so is the space you spend your time in. That’s why I found the top 10 most recommended items for college.  

Number one: Storage.  

In college the dorms are very small, you share your space with another student. This means that there is limited space for all your things. Having storage for clothes, shoes, coats and other things helps keep your space tidy and organized. No one wants a roommate who keeps all their clothes on the floor. 

Number two: Power strip.

In most dorms outlets are very limited. Having a place to charge your phone,  computer, and any other device is simply not realistic. Having a power strip gives you more outlet availability for both you and your roommate. Bonus points if it’s a longer extension cord length. The odds that you have an outlet near your bed is very low.  

Number three & four: Shower shoes and catty.

 At most universities and in most dorm buildings you will have a communal bathroom. Not the most tidy clean sounding bathroom… but, having shoes ONLY for the bathroom can help. Ben Perman said “Those showers are dirty, you need shower shoes”. It’s also ideal to have a catty or some sort of shower bag to hold all of your shower necessities. Holding all your things in your arms going back  and forth everyday sounds like a hand full. Having a bag can help lessen the load. Keeping you clean and having your things tidy and together is ideal. 

Number five: Head phones. 

Most college students have recommended a nicer pair of noise canceling headphones. Finding a quiet place to study isn’t always easy. Having a quiet environment is best for studying and staying locked in is best.  In college grades and studying are very important. Having a helpful resource like headphones can up your study experience. 

Number six: Water bottle. 

Having a reusable water bottle available at all times is nice. Most campuses have refill stations around campus. This saves money on always buying bottled water from gas stations or other places. So you save money and save plastic water bottles. Sounds like a win win to me. 

Number seven: Quiet, smaller fan. 

During the nicer weather the dorms feel stuffy and hot. Having a fan to help cool and circulate the dorm is nice. But since the dorms are on the smaller size, the size and volume of your fan does matter. You need a fan that isn’t supper loud bloating while you try to sleep. That’s just not fun or enjoyable. With the size of your dorm being small also keeping limited space in mind. Don’t have a bulky giant fan take up valuable space. 

Number eight: Mattress topper and cover 

Highly recommended from a freshman at the university of IOWA a nice THICK mattress topper. Lexi Harlan IOWA freshman said “ a mattress topper is a need, non negotiable”. If you want great peaceful sleep in your dorm you need a mattress topper to cover your rock dorm beds.  Along with a mattress topper you need a cover. You have no clue who slept on that bed before you.  Hannah Mills said “ you cant go to college without a mattress tight cover, so cover that up”. Keep your things clean, no one wants a dirty bed. Not very appealing for sleep time.

Number nine: Reusable hooks. 

You need peel and stick hooks, lots of them. They are a necessity but they do fall easy so make sure you get a large amount of hooks. It may seem silly but hooks were recommended by many college students. Lexi Harlan said “ you have a lot of stuff you hang but, they do break easily so making sure you have back ups is nice”. Hooks are needed to dry towels, hang a coat to save valuable closet space, and even hang a purse. They are very useful in dorm life.

Number ten: iPad or computer. 

An iPad or computer with lots of storage is definitely a needed piece of technology. Almost every class, if not every class, students are required to take notes and do work sheets. Having them online keeps everything neat and organized, this prevents you from losing important info and notes you take in class. A lot of classes also require lots of typing such as an essay. Having an iPad with a keyboard or a computer makes that available and easy for you. 

Having these items could help you with college experience. Going into the next chapter of life is important because it shows growth and independence. Let’s be prepared.