The nuances of dorm life are something that can be almost unimaginable to the uninitiated. There is intuition required to correctly time your shower to avoid being in the stall next to the guy who is tall enough to see over the wall, and poise when walking into the bathroom at 3 a.m. and somehow running face-first into someone else. These are things that I hardly considered prior to moving in two weeks ago.
Arguably, the most foundational of these experiences is the moment when, in the very first week of school, you realize that you need about 20 things that you have never considered essential ever before. I cannot count the number of times my friends have texted me bemoaning an item they lack, nor can I count how many times I swore up and down that I had packed something despite its clear absence. Despite the wide variety of packing lists and ads for “college must-haves” that are plastered across every big-box store, somehow, there are always things that get missed. I hope to give you a short, but meaningful reminder of a few things that I have found debilitating to live without.
Electric Kettles
The holy grail in terms of staying sane — despite professors’ best efforts — is an electric kettle. Useful for making tea, coffee, instant ramen and getting that one random stain out of your new white shirt, electric kettles are a staple of dorm life that everyone failed to mention to me prior to move-in day. They can be picked up at most large stores like Target and Walmart, and come in a wide variety of sizes — perfect for both the instant oatmeal enjoyer and those prone to drinking entire pots of coffee before 9 a.m.
Mugs
In a similar vein to the kettle, I have found that mugs are far more essential and versatile than I imagined. Having at least three mugs on hand would be my recommendation, though I have heard arguments for even more. Landen Olsen, a fellow editor for The Mossy Log, argues that more than three are useful for guests, and also allow the owner to have “one for each day of the week.” The combination of their microwave-safe nature, the ease of transportation and the utility as both a vessel for life-sustaining caffeine and a variety of other knicknacks has made my mug collection invaluable to dorm life so far.
Alternative Lighting
Smaller area lighting can transform a dorm room from the blank aesthetic of a barren cell to the whimsy of a small forest cottage. I would highly recommend a desk lamp, especially since the desk lighting included in many of the campus dorms seems to be created in an attempt to erase every speck of shadow. In contrast, alternative lighting may cast a warm hue that is much easier on the eye. Fairy lights can also liven up a space and create a lovely ambiance — something especially whimsical when placed under a lofted bed. Any form of alternative lighting is a great way to add some personality to your space. If students are interested in new lighting without breaking the bank, many lovely lamps can be found at thrift and discount stores for relatively affordable prices.
Alternative Seating
To accompany your new lighting, why not grab some alternative seating? Bean bags and blankets can make the perfect cozy study or movie night spot, while remaining transportable when you inevitably bring them to a friend’s dorm to hang out and then leave them there by accident. Poufs can also be quite useful for storage and creating a cozy seating space. If one has a lofted bed, the area underneath can be turned into a haven to crash in after a long day. Though these alternative forms of seating may not be as essential as say, a mattress topper, personally, my bean bag has been the best part of my dorm room.
The composition of your dorm room is ultimately up to you. Whether you already own all of these items and are shaking your head in disappointment at these recommendations, or have none of these things and are now considering getting a kettle or a couple more mugs, I would encourage you to do all you can to make your dorm the most comfortable and convenient place possible. There is far more than just instant ramen and polyester sheets in this world, and I, for one, am very grateful for that.
Author
About the Author
