You’ve probably started to see the Sunday ad from the department stores advertising sales on the dorm room essentials; 50% off this and 20% off that. They may appear to be great deals, and quite frankly the lime green, pink polka-dotted picture frame may actually be an essential to some, but for most people much of what you see advertised is stuff you just don’t need.

To help you plan, Joe College has comprised a list of some of the basic necessities for your college dorm room.

• Alarm clock - Mom isn’t there to wake you up anymore.
• New linens - Be sure to check with the schools about bed measurements. Most freshman beds are twin long. Obviously be sure to bring a few bath/facial towels as well.
• Cheap sandals - I’m sure you’re already aware what these are for, but if not, go into your dorm shower without them and you’ll quickly understand why you should have them.
• Area rug - If your dorm room is not carpeted (many aren’t), this will help keep the dust balls from rolling around your floor and will give you something besides a cold floor to step on.
• USB drive - It’s becoming more and more standard for computers to only use USB as a way of transferring information. This is also a way to back up files you don’t want to lose incase your computer crashes.
• Chargers for all your electrical items - you will need to recharge your phone, iPod and computer.
• Laundry detergent - Unless you go home every weekend, you will need to do laundry. If you don’t know how, I’m sure you will be able to find someone willing to help, but you should supply the detergent.
• Storage bins - Be sure to tour a dorm room at your school first to be sure of what size is appropriate for your room. Generally ones that can slide under the bed are good choices.
• Notebooks, pens, calculator, etc. - All your basic necessities that aren’t much different then high school. However, don’t wait to purchase these from the college bookstore unless you want to pay an inflated price for a folder with your school emblem on it.

There are more exciting things to consider bringing – like microfridges, futons (if your creative and space allows), and much more comfortable desk chairs, but those are all for you to consider on your own. Make sure to check-in with your roommate on these, and any other items, to make sure you aren’t duplicating (do you really need two irons, two dvd players, etc.?).

Avoid halogen lamps when looking for a desk light. These tend to have cool designs and look fun, but they are illegal at most institutions. Also if you are planning to hang curtains, be sure to check with your school to see if they will offer an opportunity for them to be “dipped.” This is typically required in order for them to be flame resistant.

Hopefully this helps you as you begin packing up. Are there other “essentials” I have left out? Post them in our comments section!

Packing it up,

Rich