For many students, August marks the start of back to school shopping for new kicks and 3 ring binders. But those living at college for the first time must also think about the creature comforts of home that’ll not only be sorely missed, but make studying, entertaining and general everyday living more enjoyable. Of course you can buy things after you arrive, but why spend the money on something when you already have it at home?

So I’ve scanned the web to compile the best ideas out there to create the ultimate “1st Year Dorm Life Survival Kit.”

First off – thanks to Scott from Ohio State University for his ideas:

• Flip flops: These are must-haves to battle the unknown on shared dorm shower floors. Anyone who’s experienced dorm life can confidently say, don’t take your chances.

And thanks to About.com for these ideas:

• Quarters – One word: LAUNDRY. ‘Nuff said.

• First aid kit – Just the basics like band-aids and Neosporin will do.

 

• Sewing kit – If this isn’t your style, see our earlier suggestion about Duct Tape ; ) 
  
• Extension cords – Even though dorm rooms can be on the small side, there are usually a only a limited number of outlets fixed to the wall. To ensure you can make your “room vision” come to life, have an extension cord handy to give you a few extra feet of reach. You can use the duct tape to secure the wire to a wall or floor.
• Small fan – You’ll be thankful to have one of these if your dorm building doesn’t have central air. Open the door, crack the window, kick on the fan and breathe.
• Umbrella – Don’t have a car parked right outside your dorm? Live on a huge campus and your next class is a half-mile away? Grab an umbrella and you’ll make friends fast.As great last minute add-ons, Alex from Rider University submitted the following suggestions:
• A Rug – Alex notes his dorm room rug really gave his place feel more like home.
• Mini Fridge – To keep food and drinks cold and fresh for late night snacking, hanging in for the night or when you just can’t make the time to run to the caf between classes.And even though College for me was almost 16 years ago, I wanted to finish with my own timeless suggestion:
• Paper towels - You don’t know what went on in your new room before you got there, so give it a good once over and get rid of the dust and gunk before you move your stuff in. They’re also good to keep around in case of the unintended drink and food spills. Nothing like running down the hall to get a paper towel as your orange Crush seeps deeper into your keyboard.

 

Got some other suggestions to make this even more of the “ultimate” 1st year Dorm Life Survival Kit? If you think of something we missed, leave a comment and let us know! Your dorm room should be a comfortable refuge to study and play as you prepare for a great post-college career.