It’s that time of year again! Summer is slowly coming to an end and a new school year is right around the corner. Lots of parents are starting to take their soon-to-be college students shopping for the dorm room necessities. But shopping for college is slightly different than shopping for the earlier years of school. Previously, all you had to do was walk down the back to school aisle at your local big box or grocery store and stock up on pencils, paper, pens, binders, etc. Heading off to college is slightly different… especially because a lot of these new college students are starting to fend for themselves. This means cooking, cleaning and laundry. Now these students are looking at purchasing compact appliances, bedding, lamps, etc.

What types of compact appliances do you need for college?

1. Microwave
College students want to be able to make food on the go. What better way to cook quickly than in a dependable Microwave? Yes, the common area in the dorm may have a microwave but having your own means you’re not waiting in a microwave lineup. You will be able to heat up left overs, popcorn, tea, etc. all without having to leave your room while in an intense study session.
2. Small Refrigerator
A compact refrigerator is a no brainer for a dorm room. Some students opt in for a meal plan but a mini refrigerator comes in handy to keep drinks and snacks cold and on hand. A recommended Danby 1.7 cu. Ft. refrigerator is very standard and appropriate for a dorm room setting.
3. Coffee Maker
Late nights and early mornings happen in college. Having a coffee maker in your room is not a bad idea just in case there isn’t a 24 hour coffee place nearby. You may want to consider purchasing a single-cup maker to reduce overall waste, especially if you are in a single room.

What else should you consider put on your check list?
1. Bedding Musts
Sheets are the obvious but you may also want to consider purchasing a mattress pad. Sometimes dorm room beds need a little extra cushion.
2. Bathroom Necessities
In this category, towels are the given but you will also want to purchase flip flops (you will likely be sharing a shower with multiple people), a bathroom caddy to hold all of your supplies such as shampoo, soap, tooth brush, tooth paste, etc. This will only make the trip to and from the bathroom smooth, ensuring you don’t lose anything along the way.
3. Desk – the standards
You will not want to forget a lamp for those all-nighters, post-it notes for reminders, white board so you don’t miss any midterms or assignment deadlines.
4. Laundry
Laundry? First year college students do not think about doing laundry when making a list. A laundry bag is something else to consider – this will make the trip to and from the laundry room super easy! Detergent is the obvious but purchasing stain remover isn’t a bad idea either!

Leaving home isn’t always easy! Hopefully we have been able to help you out with a list of the necessity appliances and other things you won’t want to forget!