Now that everyone's been moved in for a couple of days, people are starting to figure out what they need - and what they don't need. Here at The Towerlight, we're happy to help those of you that are still trying to determine what to have in your dorm room.
Lights: Having light in your room is incredibly important not only for seeing, but to create a pleasant atmosphere in the evenings. A dark room is dreary, depressing, and unwelcoming - so let there be light!
Desk lamps are a good place to start, especially if you don't have one already. A good place to go is Bed, Bath and Beyond, where they have a large variety of desk lamps to choose from with a price range of $10 to $80. The lower-priced ones are just your average desk lamp, while the higher-end ones have an iHome for your iPod built in. I went to Target and got one that has an organizer at the base - so that I can keep my desk supplies in order - that retails for $24.99.
For those of you who want some extra lighting - or if you live in Residence Tower like me, and don't have an overhead light - floor lamps are the way to go. Target has a large variety of floor lamps to choose from, but I've seen a lot of people go with the multi-armed one.
-Carrie Wood
Decoration: The boring white walls of any dorm room can be easily jazzed up without breaking any of the dorm rules regarding usage of thumbtacks. The first thing any room needs is photographs, but what's worse than a desk cluttered with picture frames? A great way to display your photos while conserving space is by making a decorative collage on your wall. Using double-sided tape or mounting putty (which can be purchased at any office supply store), arrange photos not only of your college experiences, but also of your family and friends back home. The easiest way to feel connected to the people you've left behind outside of Facebook is through
Another decorative necessity is anything bearing a Towson logo. You're finally in college! Let your Tiger pride show through decorative pillows, blankets, pennants, and even Tiger stuffed animals, all which can be purchased in the university store.
-Lauren Slavin
Electronics:
Most of what you need for gadgets is fairly obvious. Dorm rooms come barren of everything students need. Phones, televisions, alarm clocks, battery-powered toothbrushes-those are all sold separately. Hopefully you already have most of those things in your room (especially the toothbrush). If you don't, get them.
Also, extension cords are not permitted in dorms. Power strips are. However, as adapters and power bricks build up, it can become hard to manage. I recommend the Power Squid (available for $15.95 from PowerSquid.com, Amazon.com, or many other stores). It takes the strip model and breaks it up into five branching outlets, kind of like, well, a squid.
On a similar note, cable ties may also be a good investment to reduce clutter.
Also remember to bring a DVD player. No money for movies? No problem. Tiger Reels, located on the first floor of the University Union, offers free movie rentals to students. As long as you return videos on time, it beats Blockbuster.
-Tyler Waldman
Desk: Although you should probably have this part figured out by now, having a neat and organized desk is important. You should have everything you need to study within arm's reach once you sit down, so try to make sure you don't let your desk get cluttered with papers, magazines, food or whatever else there may be. You should have a lamp, your computer, a printer and some kind of organizer on your desk.
That doesn't mean you can't have fun with your desk, though. As part of the housing policy, you're not allowed to have pets in your dorm - unless that pet is a fish. Goldfish aren't the best choice; a goldfish can literally poop itself to death (because of the poison the droppings create as it decomposes) if kept in too small of a tank.
Instead, go with a betta fish. They're good-looking fish and are easy to take care of. In order for it to have room to swim, make sure to buy at least a 1-gallon tank. You can buy everything you need - fish, food, tank, decorations and more - at either Petco or PetSmart for about $40. Avoid the so-called "Betta Kits" though, as they're nothing but a cramped space for the fish.
-Carrie Wood
Storage: The drawers in the desks supplied in your dorm room are thin and can hardly hold more than a few notebooks. The space under your desk, however can be utilized for more than just a place to push in your chair. A small set of portable drawers (Such as the Andy drawer unit casters from IKEA - a retail value of $24.99) can easily be hidden away while still holding your books, papers, or even clothing and shoes if you've run out of space in your closet and dresser.
-Lauren Slavin
RSS Feeds
Be the first to comment on this article!