Here are a few things freshmen might have forgotten to pack during the hustle and bustle of moving from home. These are also a couple of suggestions for what to leave with Mom and Dad.
A comfortable mattress pad or pillow top
When freshmen first move into the residence halls, they might find that their extra-long twin bed just isn’t as cozy as their bed at home. To make the bed more comfortable, try adding a thick pillow top to cozy it up. Since freshmen are living in a limited amount of space, a comfortable bed is a great way to make their room more inviting. The extra mattress padding can also help keep beds warmer during the winter.
Space savers and organizers
Plenty of storage containers and bins can help create extra space, especially in areas such as a closet or desk, where one can make the most of vertical space by stacking or hanging organizers.
Supplies such as print cartridges and other replacements
Items such as printer ink and batteries for calculators or other electronics will be needed throughout the year, and freshmen may not realize how quickly they will be in need of replacements. Although these items are available in the El Corral Bookstore on campus, students can usually find a larger variety of items and lower costs at other stores in San Luis Obispo.
Additionally, since not all freshmen have their own cars to get around, it can be easier to stock up at the beginning of the year so that they’re not scrambling to purchase all of the supplies they need later.
A Fan
Even during colder days, residence hall rooms can become stuffy with two or three students sharing a space.
An extra set of sheets (or two)
Since this is the first year students are living on their own, freshmen might find that they don’t get around to washing their linens as frequently as hoped. To make things easier, having an extra set of sheets allows students to have fresh sheets between washes. A flannel sheet set is also a smart purchase for students who know they tend to get cold in the winter.
A few plastic bowls, plates and utensils
Even though freshmen eat at Cal Poly dining facilities for most meals, it’s nice to have some utensils for eating cereal, snacks or take-out in their room. Although there is a kitchen in the residence halls for students to use, sometimes it can be easier for students to have their own utensils and plates.
Shower sandals
Make sure to bring an extra pair of inexpensive rubber flip-flops specifically for the shower. Not only are these great for a communal bathroom, but they also come in handy when walking from the shower back to the dorm room.
Removable tools such as wall hooks and double-sided tape
Since residents cannot insert nails or screws into their walls, it is better to purchase items that are easily removable for hanging posters, pictures and other decorations. On that same note, remember to bring posters and pictures for decorating the room!
An extension cord and/or surge protector
Especially since some rooms house three students, having an extension cord ensures that all residents will be able to plug in all of their electronic devices. Specifically, sometimes in triples it is difficult to reach all available outlets, and extension cords help to eliminate this problem.
Remember…
Don’t bring everything you own
Rooms in the residence halls are not huge, and there will be future opportunities to pick up things from home. Instead of bringing everything, freshmen should bring what they think they’ll use in the next few months, and leave other items, such as clothes for colder weather, at home.
Parents can always send an extra jacket or two if the weather becomes colder than anticipated, or students will have the opportunity to bring more clothes to school while they’re home for Thanksgiving or winter break. Students should also be reminded that smaller things they forget at home can be easily purchased in San Luis Obispo.