Dorm Room Essentials for International Students
Not very long from now, I'm going to pack my life in a couple of suitcases and a backpack and take it across the world to move into a college dorm room.
I've seen college move-ins on TV (not really, just on Gilmore Girls) and read about them in (fiction) books and (real) blogs. They talk about people mass-buying things from stores and then piling garbage bags of stuff in pickup trucks and driving over to the college.
To which I say: that sounds like a lot of work. (It is. They're moving into a new place.)
However, these people live in the US and go to college in the US. They likely have a lot of stuff at home to take and the local know-how to get a truck or van to move their luggage. Even if we - international students - have things at home we can take, we need to figure out what to pack in our baggage (because airlines have a limit) and what to buy there. Also as international students, Indian universities may be a little different from American ones, so we first need to figure out what we need before we decide where to get it.
So, I decided to post a list of dorm room essentials- the things that we, according to the students I've talked to, need to have for our dorms. A lot of these items can be bought either online, or once you get to your college town/city. If you have space in your suitcase, you can take your favorite pillow or blanket to remind you of home. Some stores have websites where you can create an account, buy products online, and have it delivered when you move in. So here's my list:
BEDDING
You're...probably going to have to share a communal bathroom with a lot of people.
You probably are super excited about this category.
That's it for now. Let me know if you think I missed anything!
I've seen college move-ins on TV (not really, just on Gilmore Girls) and read about them in (fiction) books and (real) blogs. They talk about people mass-buying things from stores and then piling garbage bags of stuff in pickup trucks and driving over to the college.
To which I say: that sounds like a lot of work. (It is. They're moving into a new place.)
However, these people live in the US and go to college in the US. They likely have a lot of stuff at home to take and the local know-how to get a truck or van to move their luggage. Even if we - international students - have things at home we can take, we need to figure out what to pack in our baggage (because airlines have a limit) and what to buy there. Also as international students, Indian universities may be a little different from American ones, so we first need to figure out what we need before we decide where to get it.
So, I decided to post a list of dorm room essentials- the things that we, according to the students I've talked to, need to have for our dorms. A lot of these items can be bought either online, or once you get to your college town/city. If you have space in your suitcase, you can take your favorite pillow or blanket to remind you of home. Some stores have websites where you can create an account, buy products online, and have it delivered when you move in. So here's my list:
BEDDING
- Twin XL sheet sets - 2
- Pillows - 2
- Extra pillowcases
- Comforter
- Blanket
- Mattress protector (this is a protective covering that keeps dust, allergens, and other stuff from getting into your mattress)
- Foam topper (this is a layer of foam you put on top of the mattress, it makes it more comfortable)
You're...probably going to have to share a communal bathroom with a lot of people.
- Shower caddy (to put your soap, shampoo, etc in)
- Bath towels - 2
- Hand towels - 3
- Laundry basket (not technically shower related, but still)
- Chappals. As in flip flops. Because unfortunately you might have to walk through wet bathrooms. (Yeah. Ew.)
- Laundry detergent - pods, liquid, or powder (you can get pods in the US)
You probably are super excited about this category.
- Extension cords/power strips
- Batteries
- Chargers - one regular, one extra long (you should get new ones because Indian plug-points have a different shape and voltage from American ones)
- Clip or tabletop fan
- Desk lamp (clip if possible) - 2 (the clip ones are generally more convenient and take less desk space. I want one for my desk and for beside my bed)
- Cleaning spray
- Paper towels
- Clorox wipes
- Hangers
- Storage boxes or plastic drawers (for clothes and other things)
- Knife and cutting board
- Plates, glasses, mugs, bowls + cutlery (if you want to eat a fruit, or drink some tea/coffee/water, or Morning bowl of cereal perhaps?)
That's it for now. Let me know if you think I missed anything!
Comments
Post a Comment