Transitioning from high school to college, is a significant change and step in someone’s life, and most, including myself, didn’t know what to expect. The summer before my freshman year, I watched every Youtube video possible on what the dorms looked like and what to bring to college, from clothes to kitchen utensils.

Here are some simple dorm room essentials starting with the bedroom, a rug! Rugs help give the space a little bit of color and life; honestly, the rooms can be a little dreary looking. A PSA from experience, they are easy to wash if you have any spills, such as a late-night microwavable mac and cheese. Another essential is a mattress topper! I cannot stress this enough; the mattresses are not so comfy, and the toppers definitely help. If you are short like me, you’ll need a stool! To maximize space in your room, the best option is most likely to raise your bed. They are pretty darn high, so a stool is a must need. One of my favorite things in my room was a shelf that my dad built to sit on my dresser, it was perfect extra storage. For extra closet space, a shoe rack is a definite yes! Especially, if you love shoes as much as I do.

Next, the bathroom; a shower head caddy/hanger is a necessity! They are great to store shampoos, body washes, and more. The best thing I had in my bathroom was a laundry basket for towels, because my towels were already separated ready to wash.

Now to the kitchen, if you ask anyone in college, they will say a Brita to filter your water is a must-have. If you love being organized like I do, bring baskets for your pantry! They help so much with turning your dorm into an organized space. The dorm room fridges also are not like the ones back home, they do not have an ice dispenser. Ice cube trays are something that I probably would have never thought of bringing, but they are essential.

When it comes to the living room, couch covers, couch covers, couch covers! The couches in the rooms are so old and have stains on them. Covering them up makes the space look so much nicer, and you may actually feel comfortable sitting on them after. A TV in the living room is also a great way just to have a movie night with your roommates or binge-watch your favorite show.

Dorms can actually be not half bad! I lived in the dorm Centennial Place, and I am able to look back and say it was pretty great. Make the most of it! Meet the people that live in your hall! Freshman year is something you only experience once, so have fun and try new things! You may learn more about yourself than you ever knew. Georgia Southern is a great school and has so many opportunities to get involved! From going panhellenic, having a position in a sorority, to volunteering with Serve 912, there are so many ways to meet new people! You may even find your new favorite hobby or activity along the way!

With love, 

Hailey Hallman Fall ’20