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Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Since We Asked Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend August 12, 2006 Dorm Survival College beckons, and so do the stores; Here's what you really need By Liz Seymour The Washington Post Retailers begin their annual sales push early, telling college kids what they need for life in the dorm. Judging by the recommendations from Bed Bath & Beyond, Linens 'n Things, the Container Store and so, so many others, entering freshmen need to buy, buy, buy. Every mini fridge, lava lamp, shower caddy and beanbag chair is touted as a survival requirement. We took a reality check, consulting four Washington Post summer interns who finished college just a few months ago. Forget what the stores say. Forget what your mom says. Heed the wisdom of people who somehow graduated without matching sheets and comforter or a cordless blender. We've got advice for those hoping to create their dorm's social gathering spot, and for separating the necessary from the needless on back-to-school shopping lists. We discover that the hardware store might be the place to find the most useful stuff, and even suggest that — shocker — you wait to buy things until after you arrive on campus and see your room. In other words, we'll tell you what you really need. And don't. Advertisement Sheet sets: Check first, but most dorms use extra-long twin sheets. Mattress pad: This can help soften what will undoubtedly be a cheap and uncomfortable mattress. Mine had a plastic cover on it, but an eggshell pad really helped. Complete bed ensemble: Skip the package deal. You don't need the extra throw pillows, and the cutesy matching patterns will sicken your roommate. Down comforter: It's more expensive than a plain comforter, but worth the investment for the extra comfort factor. Blanket: Probably overkill for your bed if you have a down comforter, but I kept one around for guests. Bed pillows: I got cheap ones and had to replace them within a year. The extra money to buy decent ones will be well spent. Backrest: Some people found these helpful for reading, but I always thought they were stiff and uncomfortable. Alarm clock or clock radio: This is obvious. Spending extra money to get one that played CDs made me much cheerier in the morning than the mechanical beep would have. Accent / Area Rugs: They'll be cheap and readily available around campus, so wait until you know whether your room is carpeted or has cold tile like mine was. Toss Pillows: The more extras like this you have in your room, the more cluttered it will feel. Bed elevators: These can be fantastic if you need extra storage space, but not all dorm beds will work with them. Fan: If your dorm isn't air-conditioned, this is a must. Shower tote: You'll definitely need one of these. Open baskets work better than the ones with all the different pockets. Flip-flops: Don't ever step in a shower at college without them. I'm serious. Electric toothbrush: Nine out of 10 dentists like them, but you can't leave them sitting in a communal bathroom. First-Aid kit: Great idea. I was always the one knocking on doors looking for a Band-Aid. Hamper: Don't get fancy; the cheap ones that stand up but fold flat are best. Iron: My mother made me get one, and I used it once in four years. Ironing board: It'll take up way too much room. Part of college is learning to be resourceful, so if you must iron, use your desk or the floor. Drying rack: The back of a desk chair can work wonders. Electric razor: Every guy I knew said this was a huge help. Several of my friends kept them in their backpacks and shaved while walking to class. Mugs: Get a nice ceramic one for late-night study sessions and the insulated travel variety for that 9 a.m. class. Coffee maker: Typically, anything with an open heating coil isn't allowed in your room. Hope the dining hall coffee isn't too terrible. Blender: You definitely won't have the room or the time to use major appliances. Wait until you have your first apartment. Can opener: Buy one that has a bottle opener attached — to use after your 21st birthday, of course. Water bottle: Everybody on campus will have a Nalgene-style bottle, and it's definitely cheaper than buying bottled water. To fit in completely, put a bumper sticker on yours advocating your favorite cause. Computer chair: The smartest decision I made freshman year was buying a padded desk chair for about $50. Backpack or messenger bag: Consider investing in a smaller one than you used in high school, since you'll no longer have to carry all your books at once. Desk lamp: Test several before you buy one to make sure the light isn't too harsh. Floor Lamp: Garish fluorescent lighting is standard in dorm rooms, so definitely buy one of these. But keep in mind that most dorms outlaw halogen because it's a fire hazard. Surge protector: You'll definitely need one by the time you plug in your computer, printer, speakers, alarm clock, lamps, etc. Lounging chair: My best discovery was a "butterfly chair" for $10 or so. It folded up in the corner when I wasn't using it. CD/DVD storage: Don't try to display your CD collection on a shelf or rack. Keep them all stored in a binder instead or just burn your music onto your computer. Computer/TV Shelf: If you have a TV, it's easiest to put it on top of the refrigerator or bookshelf. Flashlight: Another item that mothers think you need, but I can't imagine why. It's college, not camp. Posters: You'll need some, but unless you want your room to look like everyone else's, stay away from the one from "Pulp Fiction," the one with John Belushi in the "College" sweatshirt, the one from "Abbey Road," and Van Gogh's "Starry Night." You'll thank me when three people on your floor have the same ones. Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. 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