Ease your transition to college dorm life by bringing a few familiar, treasured items from home. Comforters, blankets, pillows, sheets, and curtains will all ensure you get a decent night's rest.
Fabric shower curtains also work well for windows. Bring area rugs, a desk lamp, book light, lap desk, portable laptop case or holder, boom box, CDs, DVDs and cases. Don't forget your laptop.
Foldable butterfly canvas or team sports' chairs are comfortable and compact and can be stored in the closet when not in use. Hang a chalkboard on the wall to log test dates, class schedules or important projects and family visits. A portable fan, air humidifier or vaporizer will help circulate or purify the air and keep your lungs healthy.
Remember to take items that will assist you in maximizing and organizing your dorm room. Be creative and utilize every corner. Attach shelves to walls--just not directly over your head in the bed--hang plastic bag shoe holders on doors even if you don't have enough shoes to the spaces. Use them for bagged snacks, socks and undergarments.
Buy plastic containers that fit under the bed. Store clothes, blankets, sheets, towels, school supplies or electronics in them. Use recycled materials to cut down on cost and still stay organized. Empty shoe boxes, clean milk cartons or bird cages and old plant pots or mailboxes all work great.
Pay attention to your body's requests for natural sustenance. A miniature refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker and electric sandwich press all provide quick, convenient ways for you to appropriately eat or drink and stay on a budget. If the meal can be prepared in a traditional oven it can also often be cooked in a toaster oven. Healthy appetizers, individual pizzas and garlic bread are all suitable examples. Ask your dorm-mates to consider a group membership in a warehouse club. Purchasing an entire month's necessities in one trip such will help keep budget conscious students on track with spending by getting rid of the need for weekly store visits.