For the first-year college student, heading away from home and out on your own is both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking. While the extra freedom is fun, it brings along with it some extra responsibility. To make your foray into the college world a bit easier, consider a few of the following helpful hints.
For every student who crams too many items into their dorm room, there's another student who forget to bring everything from a blanket to an alarm clock. Knowing what items are essential can make packing up for college far easier, so before you pack, check out your university's website and see if they have a helpful list of must-bring items. There are probably things on that list you never considered, and the website also can give you helpful information about the size of your room and the furnishings and amenities included in each room. Most dorm rooms include at least a bed, mattress, desk and chair, as well as a closet. Some have a bathroom shared by just two rooms, while others have bathrooms and showers shared by a floor of students. Once you know all of this, begin making a list.
Your packing list should be broken down into several different areas, from clothing to bedding to laundry items and toiletries. If you have a communal shower, a plastic caddy, flip flops and a robe are very handy items to bring. You also will need sheets, towels, blankets and pillows. Laundry items that you will need include laundry bags and probably a small iron, as well as detergent, fabric softener and quarters for the machines. You also should learn how to actually wash your clothes if you don't know how to do that important task yet. If you will be needing prescription medications, be sure to set that up as soon as possible with a local pharmacy or opt for a mail order service, which will allow meds to be mailed to your dorm or home, depending on where you will be.
You also will need a good quality backpack that can carry heavy books, school supplies and a laptop or tablet or both. A tablet or book reader is an excellent purchase to consider. Some textbooks are available in e-format, which makes toting around textbooks a great deal easier, and this format is sometimes less expensive. In addition, if you love to read, a tablet allows you have a whole library right at your fingertips.
Dorm rooms are generally pretty basic, so a few luxury items can be a fun addition that makes life a bit easier. For instance, a little mini fridge and a compact microwave are great if you can afford them. Often you can purchase these items used from students that have just graduated or have moved into an apartment. If you don't want to invest in these items, you can still purchase an electric kettle so that you can make coffee, soup and other items using hot water. If your room is big enough, consider bring a comfortable chair or even a futon or large bean bag.
While having all of these items, makes dorm life much more palatable, there is always the dread of having to haul everything back to your house for summer vacation. However, most of these items can be stored for very little cost at a local East Lansing storage facility. These facilities often offer mini storage units that are ideal for college students. Find a secure facility that is well-lit and completely fenced, as well as having 24-hour security monitors.
Of course, summer only lasts for a few months, so it's crucial to find a mini storage company that offers weekly or month-to-month lease options. Some companies will pro-rate your first month's rate. Obviously, students often have limited finances, so also try to find a storage facility that offers discounts for students. It also is wise to select a location where you can have access to the unit 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For every student who crams too many items into their dorm room, there's another student who forget to bring everything from a blanket to an alarm clock. Knowing what items are essential can make packing up for college far easier, so before you pack, check out your university's website and see if they have a helpful list of must-bring items. There are probably things on that list you never considered, and the website also can give you helpful information about the size of your room and the furnishings and amenities included in each room. Most dorm rooms include at least a bed, mattress, desk and chair, as well as a closet. Some have a bathroom shared by just two rooms, while others have bathrooms and showers shared by a floor of students. Once you know all of this, begin making a list.
Your packing list should be broken down into several different areas, from clothing to bedding to laundry items and toiletries. If you have a communal shower, a plastic caddy, flip flops and a robe are very handy items to bring. You also will need sheets, towels, blankets and pillows. Laundry items that you will need include laundry bags and probably a small iron, as well as detergent, fabric softener and quarters for the machines. You also should learn how to actually wash your clothes if you don't know how to do that important task yet. If you will be needing prescription medications, be sure to set that up as soon as possible with a local pharmacy or opt for a mail order service, which will allow meds to be mailed to your dorm or home, depending on where you will be.
You also will need a good quality backpack that can carry heavy books, school supplies and a laptop or tablet or both. A tablet or book reader is an excellent purchase to consider. Some textbooks are available in e-format, which makes toting around textbooks a great deal easier, and this format is sometimes less expensive. In addition, if you love to read, a tablet allows you have a whole library right at your fingertips.
Dorm rooms are generally pretty basic, so a few luxury items can be a fun addition that makes life a bit easier. For instance, a little mini fridge and a compact microwave are great if you can afford them. Often you can purchase these items used from students that have just graduated or have moved into an apartment. If you don't want to invest in these items, you can still purchase an electric kettle so that you can make coffee, soup and other items using hot water. If your room is big enough, consider bring a comfortable chair or even a futon or large bean bag.
While having all of these items, makes dorm life much more palatable, there is always the dread of having to haul everything back to your house for summer vacation. However, most of these items can be stored for very little cost at a local East Lansing storage facility. These facilities often offer mini storage units that are ideal for college students. Find a secure facility that is well-lit and completely fenced, as well as having 24-hour security monitors.
Of course, summer only lasts for a few months, so it's crucial to find a mini storage company that offers weekly or month-to-month lease options. Some companies will pro-rate your first month's rate. Obviously, students often have limited finances, so also try to find a storage facility that offers discounts for students. It also is wise to select a location where you can have access to the unit 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
About the Author:
Joyce McIntosh enjoys helping people with storage options. For more information about a storage facility East Lansing or to discover self storage Bath units, please go to the StateMiniStorage site today.
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