Senior Necessities for College
Many seniors are experiencing graduation weekends and savoring their last “senior summer” before they leave the nest. I’m so proud of the many amazing young people I’ve been blessed to photograph over the years, and I feel a little bit like a “proud mom” as I watch them graduate. One thing I’ve heard many seniors mulling over is their list of things needed for college. Packing to leave home is such a new and essential part of moving out, but it can also be overwhelming. Here are some of our best tips when it comes to what you actually need to begin gathering and packing:
-A steamer or iron and mini ironing board: You will be surprised with how often you will need an iron or a steamer. There will be many professional occasions when you will need to be wrinkle-free, such as job interviews, student government, sorority events, or meeting with advisors. If you can, coordinate with your roommate(s) to see who has an iron or steamer because you will be able to save space if one of you is willing to share.
-Any space saving devices: Things like bed risers and plastic storage bins will be incredibly helpful if you are living in a dorm room. These things can double or even triple your storage space. We recommend an airtight bin for any food or snack products, in order to avoid ants or bugs getting into your stuff. We also recommend racks that hang on the back of the door, such as shoe holders or hooks. Plastic or metal holders can be used for hats, clothes, athletic wear, and backpacks, if you choose not to use them for shoes.
-Earplugs, eye mask, sound machine: You definitely want to check with your roommate if you are going to be running nature sounds or any other loud machine, but sound machines can be a great way to drown out the noises that come with living in a dorm or apartment. A fan can also be a less annoying option if others prefer not to use a sound machine. If you’re a light sleeper, earplugs and an eye mask can help you feel more rested and have less distractions.
-A handheld vacuum: A small, handheld vacuum is a great alternative to a large, unwieldy one, and you’ll find its useful for your car and your room. Choose one that plugs in or has rechargeable batteries in order to save a little money on expensive batteries. This is another great item you can share with a roommate if needed. Consider investing in a small duster as well to keep your space clean and tidy.
-A single serve coffee maker: If you have the space, a single cup Keurig is very slim and can save you a bunch of money on takeout coffee from Starbucks. The pods can even be found at discount stores like Big Lots or TJ Maxx, and the smallest version of the machine is only about as wide as a cup of coffee, because they don’t have the larger reserve for water (saves a ton of space). If you are the only roommate with one, we guarantee you’ll also be pretty popular on long study evenings! ;)
-Power strip: You’ll discover pretty quickly that if you’re living in a dorm or apartment, there are never enough outlets. Be sure to check the voltage and requirements for your outlets, and then invest in a great power strip to give you plenty of room for your phone chargers, laptop plugs, and lamps. Don’t forget to buy one with surge protection to protect your electronics. If you don’t have enough outlets for extra lighting, you can purchase battery style lights from Amazon to increase your lamps without additional outlets.
These essentials will make your college transition easier and less stressful, and you can save money by keeping an eye out for them a few months before you leave!
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