No one likes stinky people.
That’s right. You don’t have these essentials, you’ll more than likely be stinky and no one likes that. So here are some items that you should seriously consider bringing with you.
1: The essentials for bathroom cleanliness.
Here’s the stuff that you’ve already got or already know you’ll need. How do you know about these items? Easy. Look into your bathroom. What’re the things you use everyday? What are the things you use at least once a week? What’re those things you use once a month, every month? Alright, that’s what you bring (if you rarely use it, meaning less then twelve times a year, leave it.)
I’m talking about shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, body lotion, etc. These are the things that you should already have so bring them! When you get to your dorm, or as you are packing, divide the items that you use in the shower or the ones that can only be strictly used in the bathroom from the ones that can use outside the bathroom or the ones that you don’t use daily. Store the latter items into a out-of-the-way place, such as the top cabinet of your closet or a drawer that isn’t in constant use. The other items will be dealt with in the next bullet.
2: Rub-a-dub-dub in the small, community shower.
Unless you lucked out and are going to an amazing college, chances are that as Freshman, you got selected to house in the more crappier of dorms. And crappy dorms equal community baths that are usually down the hall so here are some things you’re going to need to make the walk a little bit better.
An extra large towel, a towel wrap, or even a standard bathroom is something that all of us walking to the shower should consider investing in. Trust me, the last thing you want is to walk out of the bathroom to go to your room, and your towel slips right in front of a member of the opposite sex.
Shower shoes are a must. You may be the cleanest being in the world but that does not mean your shower mates are. Your shoes do not have to be the ones that are made for showers or even water shoes. An old pair of flips flops will suffice if you don’t want to get foot fungus.
Remember those items you use everyday that we discussed earlier in the post? This is where they go. In a carrier to take with you from the dorm to the shower. A mesh bag that you have 
lying around the house, that bucket in the garage that’s used to clean the cars every once in a while, or grocery totes are great (and cheap) alternatives for those who, like me, didn’t feel the need to buy a special bag. Of course, you could always get the consumer route and buy one from Bed, Bath, and Beyond , Walmart , or even Target, all ranging from about four dollars to ten. You may also want to find cases for your toothbrush, bar soap (if you prefer this method of cleaning), and Q-tips. As a hint, look at the travel section in most mass merchandise retailers like Target and Walmart.
lying around the house, that bucket in the garage that’s used to clean the cars every once in a while, or grocery totes are great (and cheap) alternatives for those who, like me, didn’t feel the need to buy a special bag. Of course, you could always get the consumer route and buy one from Bed, Bath, and Beyond , Walmart , or even Target, all ranging from about four dollars to ten. You may also want to find cases for your toothbrush, bar soap (if you prefer this method of cleaning), and Q-tips. As a hint, look at the travel section in most mass merchandise retailers like Target and Walmart.
Remember, though. Step out of the “College Essentials” isle and travel down the others. I found my shower caddy in the coloring book isle for a fraction of the cost!
3: One More Important Thing: Towels!
3: One More Important Thing: Towels!
Yes, these are some important dearies. It doesn't matter how clean you are if you put on your clothes dripping wet. I know I mentioned before that an extra long towel is good if you don't want to buy a bath robe or towel wrap but here are the recommended towels needed in the case of a robe.
Get at least two to three bath towels, hand towels, and wash clothes. This is a bare minimum. I'm only bringing two of each because I use one towel for a week. If you're a person who has to have a fresh towel everyday or an extra one for your hair, then compensate for that. Just remember, in a dorm, you have limited space.
Bath towels are a no-brainer but why a hand towel? Or even a wash cloth? Well, on those times when you're going to the bathroom to brush your teeth or wash your face, carrying around a full towel will get irksome. It's just easier to bring a wash cloth to scrub your face (if you're in to it) and a hand towel to dry off.
Also, if you’re going to bring towels from home, make sure they’re in tip-top condition: no holes, bleach stains, or runs in the elastic.
4: Your clothes are dirty . . .
Okay, kiddies. Your clothes are going to get dirty. It’s a fact of life. But fortunately, there are methods in wish you can reverse this most heinous of actions!
First off, see what kind of laundry detergent your mother uses. It could just be the thing that helps you in a foreign environment if you Jammies smell like home. Once that is done, buy a small bottle of it. Also, get a box of dryer sheets. They’re not just for the dryer. Stick them in
your drawers to help your clothes smelling fresh and not like wood or in your closet. They can even be used to pace amongst your folded pair of sheets to keep them smelling fresh.
Invest in a small drawstring laundry bag. Hampers are nice but if you live in a small space, as dorm’s tend to be, a drawstring bag can easily be hung in your closet or on the edge of your bed. See if you can find one that has a side pocket big enough to hold your detergent and dryer sheets. Ladies, for those delicate items, such as panties and bras, buy a delicates bag with a drawstring on it and keep it next to the laundry bag for easy toss.
Also, check to see if your college has laundry rooms and whether they take coins or, like many schools are gravitating to, a pre-paid laundry card usually included with your student ID. Regardless of the one, stock up on laundry money and keep it away from your regular spending. The last thing you want to happen is to need to wash your clothes but you don’t have the correct money method to do so.
Of course, if you live close to home, you could omit the laundry detergent and dryer sheets, and every weekend or so, wash your clothes at home while you’re visiting the family.
As a word of advice, try to get in a regular laundry schedule. Every two weeks should be enough if you bring enough clothes but what ever is best for you, figure that out and stick with it. Don't forget to add sheets and towels into this schedule too! It should be around the same schedule you have at home. And for those who tend to loose buttons or rip their clothes easily, get a small sewing kit and learn how to patch things up!
5: Final Word.
These are my suggestions, not set-in-stone directions. Always remember to modify hem to fit your own individual needs.
All pictures were taken by me in my bathroom and on top of my television. I am not promoting any of the items seen in the photos. They just happen to be what I use.
I hope this article has helped and as always, feedback is more than welcomed.
Sincerely,
Ran
Ran
1 comment:
I'm SO excited for college... these articles really help :)
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