Going off to college is both a very exciting and frightening thing.  There is so much to think about when first going off to college.  You may be wondering about your future room mate, how hard classes will be and what you will need for your dorm room.  To make things a little bit easier, below is a list of items to consider for your future college dorm room.

• Let’s start with the bedding.  Most colleges will supply you with a bed.  What you will need are the sheets, blankets, pillows and a mattress pad.  Just think of what you use at home to make a comfortable bed.
• Next you will need your bathroom items.  Bring along your shampoos, conditioners, body washes, deodorant, perfumes and colognes. Also your toothpastes and toothbrushes. Be sure to bring anything you might use for your hair like irons, hair ties, brushes and so on.  Just think of this as a vacation, what do you usually pack?  Just pack more than you would for a vacation.
• You will also need your kitchen supplies. A small refrigerator is great to have.  Since your space is limited, you will need just a little one.  This is great to keep all your cold items like milk, yogurt, and any left over dinners in.  Also don’t forget your dishes.  You will need bowls, cups, utensils, and plates, although only bring about 3 of each or your dorm room will be crammed.  Just wash them when you’re done, but be sure to supply yourself with dish soap also.  A microwave is also very important.  Take a good look at your home kitchen and see if there is anything important that you’re leaving out.
• You can’t forget your clothes.  Be sure to bring lots of hangers, because usually there is only one small dresser.  Try not to over pack with your clothes ladies, bring just a good amount.  Just remember to bring some laundry detergent!
• Since you’ll be doing a lot of homework and studying you will need some type of entertainment.  Computers are great because not only do they supply music, DVDs and the Internet they are very useful when doing homework.
• Bring some comforting items, whether it’s pictures from home, your blankey or a stuffed animal.  It always feels good to have that homely feeling.  Going away can be rough at first so make sure you keep your favorite items with you.
• The last item that you may want to consider is a safe.  These are nice to have so you can keep any extra money, and your personal/expensive items safe.  Often college students like to party so it’s important to watch out for your belongings.  Just keep this little safe under your bed and no one will even know.

All these items may seem so overwhelming but they really aren’t.  Be sure to give yourself enough time to plan and get things ready.  Like I stated above, pretend you’re going on vacation what items would you bring with you?  Just bring more than you would for a vacation and add a few items and you’ll be fine.  College is a great way to learn responsibility and can be very fun and an easy way to make friends.  Have fun!