Residence Necessities

Alpine

I'm going away to University in September, like I'm sure many here are, and while I've got some basic things to take with me to my dorm - linens, clothes hangers, clorox wipes - what else should I pick up from Target or Ikea or some place like that?

Just some guidelines: I can't bring any large furniture or file cabinets or anything, because everything in the room has already been pre-treated with a fire retardant. I already have a fridge in our dorm suite's kitchenette, and a range. No oven though. We have our own washroom in the suite - two of them actually between the four of us.

I have no knowledge of what my roommates are bringing, so I assume we'll decide a week or so into the year whether we want to split a TV or a microwave or stuff that will be used by all of us.

So, advice? What was absolutely vital to you at school? What could you have done without?

BlochWave

Computer? Laptop would be preferable if you have the option(unless you already know and trust your roomie)just don't leave it anywhere by accident 'cuz you better believe it's gonna get stolen

Feral

A good general rule to go on is anything that is not tied down or locked up will disappear at some point.

In that vein, how many people are you sharing your fridge with? Just the other three suitemates?

Improvolone

Don't share costs, because then who gets the item at the end.
Plastic drawers and tables and shit may seem useful and cheap, but you'll throw them away the second you can.
Don't get "dorm room sized" things, they are fucking useless. Like a small ironing board for instance... yuch.

Smug Duckling

I highly suggest getting a printer unless you already have one. They are more useful than you can possibly imagine. Same goes for basic office supplies, but these I assume you have: staplers, hole-punch, scissors, etc.

Having some kind of phone is also incredibly useful.

Do you have any dishes? Also vital.

If you are sharing a bathroom with people you don't know, get flip-flops to wear while showering. These will save your feet from any potential warts.

Just a few ideas. But remember, you can get anything you need later anyway, as long as it's not too big. I have been living in residence since last September, and I haven't really missed anything overly. One thing that helped a lot was the university sent a guide to what to bring to residence. It helped and identified a lot of stuff that I hadn't thought of.

Alpine

Sorry, I'll add in that I already have the big university essentials: Great laptop, printer, I've got about 100 pencils and pens, other office supplies. ie; The things that were pretty obvious. Laptop lock too, and a small lock box.

Also, you mentioned plastic storage: I was thinking I would bring like baskets that I would store under the bed, a place for things like, well, things I don't want kept in the open, and for things like jeans and clothes I can't hang easily in the closet.

PorkChopSandwiches

Coffee Maker.

DiscGrace

things I can think of:

-Laundry hamper and/or basket
-Detergent and dryer sheets
-Dishes and silverware and cups/mugs
-Stackable plastic bins or crates (for books, clothes, dishes, games, toiletries, whatever you need to stash)
-Alarm clock
-A shower caddy, or one of those shower shelf things that fits into the corner so you can put all your soap/shaving cream/shampoo stuff on it
-If you plan to be doing some cooking: measuring cups and spoons, at least one pot and pan, spatula, large spoons, a mixing bowl, couple pieces of tupperware
-A floor or window fan is probably a good idea
-A body pillow is a good investment - comfy on the floor, in bed, to be carried around to other places you wish to recline. If you plan to be toting it around, a pillow case for it is an excellent idea.
-How's the lighting in the room? Are you going to need an extra floor lamp or something? The dorms I lived in sure did.
-Small white board for the outside door, or to leave notes for roommates.

WuckFarcraft

You haven't talked to any of your roommates yet? Usually it is easier to decided who is buying the TV / Fridge / Microwave / other things before you go.

Gorgeeen

A next generation George Foreman grill.

Wintersleep

Laptop, office supplies, especially notebooks. If you're anything like me (an obsessive compulsive perfectionist freak), you go through a lot of paper. I would also recommend a large case of Redbull/Rockstar/Full Throttle for all your energy needs. Painkillers for headaches. Condoms in case you get luckier than I did.

I will also recommend bottled water since the water in residence is usually shit.

variant

Instead of bottled water get one of those Brita jugs.

Your school should also be sending you a list of essentials sometime soon.