The FRESHMEN 15 You Want to be a Part of- The REAL College Checklist

Kristen Bollinger
Aug 9, 2018
3 min read

Every incoming college freshman is v very nervous that they will be one of the victims of the notorious FRESHMEN 15. I am here to tell you the freshmen 15 you will want to be a part of. After my extreme trial and error of a college first year, I have collected a checklist of 15 things that I find is the most necessary for freshmen dorm survival. I know all of the stores are giving out these extremely long lists of everything they insist that you need but in reality you aren't even going to need half of that stuff. I was lucky enough to have an older brother who went through the notorious college dorm experience first so he was able to give me insight on exactly everything I needed and didn't need.

1. HEADPHONES

So you don't irritate your roommate with your study jams.... unless you both are into the same music and can rock out together. I feel empty if I don't have my headphones with me when I leave the house. Headphones are an absolute must have for walking to classes, late night library study sessions, and even during classes.

I personally recommend gabba goods headphones! They look just like Beats, are bluetooth, and are only a fraction of the price. You can find them anywhere from Amazon to TJ Max.

Checkout these BOMB Study Playlists on Spotify:

(Students also get a discount on Spotify Premium)

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2. SHOWER SHOES

I really cannot stress this one enough. Just do it and you will definitely thank me later. Do not invest a lot of money into these. I honestly just got the cheapest pair I could find at Walmart.

3. PRINTER

So you don't need to pay $1.00 per page you print... like I did my first semester... also be careful to only tell very trusted and close friends you have a printer or you WILL be taken advantage of.

4. AMBIANT LIGHTING

Not only is this a necessity for your adorable Insta pictures with the girls before a night out, but it will also make your room feel less like a jail cell and more like a home. (Neon Lights, Desk Lamp, Fairy Lights, etc.)

5. FAN

Because colleges tend to think that keeping the heat on from October to May is a good idea.

6. WATER BOTTLE and other reusable dishes. My favorite water bottle for college is Swells because they are not only cute but durable! It is important to stay hydrated so I recommend carrying water with you everywhere you go. It is also free to fill up at the numerous water fountains around campus. REUSABLE water bottles and other dishes yes are a hassle to wash but they are better for the environment!

7. LARGE CALENDER

It took me a long time to realize what a necessity this was. I can't imagine a time without it. I also carry around a planner for homework but a large desk or wall calendar is more helpful for me because I am an extremely visual person. I like being able to see my whole month planned out and it makes it easier to make changes and add updates. Target has some really cute ones currently.

8. EXTENSION CORD

9.PHOTOS

This is the best way to feel less homesick. Photos are a great way to decorate that is very personal, unique, and inexpensive.

---> Cute and nontraditional ways to hang photos here

10. SCENT CONTROL

Trust me, this is a must in the musky freshmen dorms filled with some kids who haven't learned the importance of personal hygiene yet. Air Fresheners, wax warmers (easy fix to candles not being aloud), wall plug-ins, pillow sprays, or essential oil diffusers (my personal favorite) are all good options for this. It is important to create a healthy and relaxing environment for yourself...you also don't want to be the kid with the stinky dorm room lol.

11. FAUX PLANT / SUCCULENT

---> Checkout our blog post on why GREEN is an important color to incorporate into your living space here

Faux plants and succulents are a perfect way to bring life into your college dorm without the responsibility of remembering to actually take care of it. There are so many different shapes, patterns, and colors to really personalize your room.

12. SHOWER CADDY

13. MOVABLE CARTS

Perfect for organization and easy to move around. They can even be used as a nightstand!

Checkout PB Teen and Bed Bath and Beyond for cute options!

14. MINI FRIDGE

Some colleges provide mini fridges but if your's doesn't I highly recommend getting one. Walmart has some good deals and be sure to get one with a freezer!

15.DESIGN KIT

Yes, this does exist! It is literally everything you need for an organized, trendy, and healthy workspace for your desk. Take 2 Decorating is now selling Design Kits!! Stay tuned to our blog next week for more details about the Design Kits.