Look for the Bare Necessities

At the word “dormitory,” what comes to mind? Your college room? Roommate? Dorm food? Good memories, or bad? (Feel free to comment below). Right now, for me, it’s a lot of nerves. And a big shopping list.

Ever since orientation, I’ve been thinking a lot about my future room. I think this has to do with move-in day drawing near, and the experience of staying overnight in Cheyenne-Arapahoe during orientation. As I said in a previous entry, I’ve only ever lived in one house (well, except when I was a baby), and only ever called one room “mine.” Quite honestly, the idea of living in a very tiny space with a near-stranger is pretty scary. I’m the kind of person who has the tendency to nest - I like to have my little space to call home, a space that is very personalized and comfortable. I know that it’s going to take a lot of work to make my half-a-dorm-room feel like home, but more and more, I’m starting to look forward to this challenge.

As I’ve lived in Boulder for a number of years, I know that there’s a simple rule: at the end of August, avoid Target like the plague. Our little downtown store turns into mad-house central when the students arrive. I actually find it rather funny that I will without a doubt be one of these students this year. But, that doesn’t mean I can’t do a few preparations beforehand. There’s only one thing stopping me. I’m finding it rather difficult to stock my dorm room (and shared private bathroom) when I have no idea what the rooms look like. No idea the arrangement, size, capacity… nada.

This sample picture of Arnett Hall is all I have to go on.

Arnett Hall is one of the most-recently renovated buildings on campus, which is rather nice, I must admit. It looks quite spiffy in the pictures I’ve seen. I was assigned to a double room that shares a bath with another double, which I like. I’m excited to see what the room will be like. Arnett Hall is closed due to security and constructions reasons until we move-in, so I won’t know until August 20.

That said, multiple catalogs full of dorm essentials have been taunting me, so I’ve been buying the few things I’m sure I’ll need or will be able to take back. I had fun picking out necessities like towels and sheets, and odds and ends that I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to use. My mom made me a fabulous first-aid kit, which I’ll definitely be bringing. In particular, I had fun picking out organizational items at the Container Store college night sale last weekend. (They may still be having an event like this in the future where you live. Check here to find one near you).

In all, I’m rather glad that the rest of move-in day and the following weekend will allow more time for shopping. I’ll need to head out with my roommates to choose things we’ll all need, to stock the bathroom, and to buy anything I had to wait on. I do find it rather reassuring to see a steadily growing pile of supplies downstairs. These small preparations - seeing the sheets I’ll sleep on next year, the pillow that will sit on my bed - makes college feel more real and yet, at the same time, more manageable.

Overall, I must say, I can’t imagine the difficulty of moving to a brand new town and having to not only find your way around, but also needing to purchase all of the college essentials in a reasonable way. So, I’d like to do anything possible to help. Here’s a run down on college supply places to shop at once you get here:

Target: I think it’s safe to say that you will definitely visit Target at least once in the first few weeks of school. They really carry everything, from dorm basics to toiletries to snacks to entertainment. If you find you have a “miscellaneous” list, this is probably the place to visit, or at the very least, a great place to start. You’ll find most of what you need here, and probably won’t break the bank. And, they’re not only centrally located right on Pearl Street, but backed up by a Super Target a few minutes down the highway in Superior.

The Container Store: This is a new addition to the area, and great if you have specific organizational needs and a bit of time to shop. Located out in the Broomfield’s FlatIron Crossing mall, you’ll need a car or a quick bus ride to get there, but you’ll certainly be able to find any containers, organizational wonders, hooks, and hangers at reasonable rates. Check out their website to see if they have what you need.

Bed Bath and Beyond: Another college student mecca, you’ll find some great steals at this store, located near Target on 28th Street. This is a great place to find linens, kitchen essentials, and odds and ends. They’re stocked to the max with dorm items already, so be sure to check it out.

CU Book Store: This almost sounds too easy, but we’re blessed with a wonderful resource right in the UMC. The CU Book Store not only has all our textbooks and CU clothing, but computers, software and related accessories, school supplies, fashion clothing lines, and other essentials. Stop by for Boulder essentials like a Nalgene water bottle, Reef sandals, CU hat or a school calendar.

If you have any specific questions about Boulder shopping, feel free to ask me, and I’ll do my best to help. Other than that, I want to put a call out for dorm-related stories and advice, especially from anyone who’s already been to college. How did you decorate and stock your room? What made it feel like home? What did you like or not like about it? Any tips or tricks? Wild stories? Let me know in the comments section!

That's all from me for now. Cheers :)

This blog is sponsored by the CU Book Store.