Dorm Essentials

(You May Not Have Thought Of)

by Andrea Ramos

So you’re off to college, huh?! For most of you, that means dorm lyfee. Yippee! Nothing says fun like sharing 250 square feet. YAY! SUPER, FUN and GREAT!

Okay, I’m done.

It is going to be different if you’re not used to sharing a room. But take heart. Many have come before you, and we’re doing fine! (Well, most of us.)

Here are some tips for what you’ll need in your dorm/first year. Things you might have not considered…

1. An Ottoman (or small step stool)

If you’re living in a UF dorm, chances are you bed is going to be really high off the ground. Like, really high. They’re like that so you can maximize the storage space underneath. (i.e., fridge under bed?!) You’ll need an ottoman so you don’t have to hurdle onto your bed each time you want to go to bed. Just trust me. This will help you so much.

2. Brita Pitcher

You’ll want to have a Brita pitcher to always be stocked up on water. (Side note: Most Americans are chronically dehydrated. Make sure to drink ½ your bodyweight in ounces daily! But I digress.) It’ll help you not have to travel down your dorm hallway to get a drink from the water fountain.

3. Shower Caddie

You don’t have the luxury of leaving your bathroom stuff in your bathroom anymore, so a shower caddie is super important! Get one with a handle. You’ll think it looks super dorky, but I promise, you’ll be thankful you have one. Plus, everyone has one. So you’ll be dorky together. #UF19 #StrengthInNumbers

4. Umbrella

It rains in the fall. You don’t want to be that kid who comes into class soaking wet and then has to sit in the air conditioning. Just pack an umbrella and keep it with you at all times. You’ll thank me.

5. Business Casual/Professional Attire

In your first year, you’ll most likely apply to join a campus organization. In that application process, you’ll be asked to have an interview. For that interview, you’ll need either business casual or business professional attire. Investing in a good suit/business casual attire is smart. Especially when you are home and can have your parents give you advice. What you don’t want to happen is realize on a Thursday night that your Friday morning interview requires you to dress up. Because…uhhhh, nightmare!

6. Mattress Pad/Foam Topper

Campus mattresses are not the most comfortable. So get a foam topper! You’ll have a little softer mattress for a more relaxing night’s rest. Yayy for sleep quality!

A lot of it will be trial and error for you. You know, figuring out what you’ll need or whatnot. But these 6 things are definitely ones I learned very quickly that I would take advantage of during my time in the dorms.

It’ll be fun though. Different…but fun. You’ll look back and remember these days fondly. Or maybe not. Who knows? But they are part of the experience. So enjoy them!

Andrea Ramos (UF c/o 2013) was a University of Florida Preview Staffer in 2012 and is now a full-time team member at NS4L.