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When I finally moved out on my own to go to college, I was more than ready to have my own place. Having my own kitchen and my own apartment really opened up my life. Cooking and cleaning up after myself and being able to entertain more guests was like a dream come true. Decorating my new living space and making it feel like home as well as discovering new ways to make life easier are decisions I still enjoy making to this day. To conquer college stress and make your life easier the following are must haves for your dorm room, apartment, or house.
- Dishes
If you are going to eat you’re gonna need dishes. I suggest getting an inexpensive set of new dishes. Having a set that matches makes storage easier and looks neater. If you are planning on entertaining guests having a new set of dishes makes for a more enjoyable experience.
- Cookware
You are also going to need cookware. Same as with dishes I suggest purchasing an inexpensive new set.
- Spices
Unless you like your food bland and flavorless you are going to need some spices. I suggest buying a spice rack that also comes with spices. You can pick up more as needed.
- Crock pot
Buying a crock pot when I moved out was one of the best decision I made. When you get up in the morning you can throw in some meat and vegetables and have dinner waiting for you when you get home. Cooking in a crock pot is a great way to save time.
- Microwave
You’ve got to have a microwave. If your place doesn’t have one be sure to go out and get one as soon as possible. When you are a student and living on your own your schedule can get hectic and you won’t always have time to make food on the stove.
- Blender
Who can live without fruit smoothies?
- Juicer
Juicing fruits and vegetables will help you stay healthy and keep your body loaded with all the nutrients you need to stay sharp and focused.
- Cleaning supplies
Life is dirty. Just about everything you do at home creates a mess. In order to stay on top of things get a good multi-surface cleaner, floor cleaner, dish/laundry detergents, and bathroom cleaner. You will be surprised how quick mess piles up and how much it can stress you out.
- Extra lighting
With all the studying you are going to be doing you are going to need lots of lighting. Be sure to buy floor lamps and desk lamps. It is really hard to stay focused on your school work when you have to strain your eyes to read. Studying in the dark becomes even harder when you are tired.
- Pictures & wall art
To make your house feel like home you are going to have to decorate it a bit. Throw up a few pictures of the people you care about here and there. You can also give your home some personality with wall art.
- Fake plants
Fake plants are great decorations. They can make a room look more lively and you never have to water them.
- Bedding
I suggest buying new bedding before you move out. Make sure you have at least a couple sets of sheets and pillowcases. Having an extra blanket is a great idea too.
- Computer
I don’t even think it’s possible to go to school these days without a computer. Make sure your computer is in good working order before you move out for college. If you are buying a new one, I strongly suggest purchasing a protection plan. Not having a computer can really make your life difficult.
- Audio recording device
An audio recording device can really come in handy. Recording lectures and making notes you can play back later really helps when you are studying. Being able to play back your notes and lectures when you are driving, at the gym, or relaxing by the pool is a great way to maximize your time.
- Smartphone
If you can’t afford an audio recording device but you have a smartphone don’t worry, there’re about a dozen recording apps you can use. Having a smartphone is just about as important as having a computer.
- Schedule
Now that you are on your own you are going to have to get really good at managing your time. Create a schedule and allow time for going to school, studying, work, cleaning, and fun. I like to use Google Calendar because I can access it anywhere. Creating a schedule will help you stay on top of everything in your life. Putting it all into a calendar means you will never miss a thing. Whether its loading/unloading the dishwasher, taking out the trash, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning the kitchen, bathroom, or keeping track of assignments and tests, creating a schedule that you can access easily will significantly reduce your stress.
For the most stress-free back to school experience possible, sign up for Amazon Prime Student. For students entering college, it’s the best thing ever. Amazon Prime Student helps students save money throughout the school year. Everything on my list and then some can be purchased on Amazon. If you sign up now, you will get free two-day shipping on thousands of movies and TV shows, exclusive college deals, and more! When you aren’t studying, you can entertain yourself with Prime Video, listen to over a million songs with Prime Music, store unlimited photos with Prime Photos, and enjoy one free pre-released book a month with Kindle First! You get all that for half the price of a regular Amazon Prime membership. After sign up its just $49 a year!
I used to hate the campus bookstore. Buying books on campus can be painfully expensive and time-consuming. Purchasing your text books through Amazon Prime Student can save you stacks of cash and completely eliminate the need for you to waste your time in line. You can have your books shipped right to your doorstep! The best part is if you sign up now there is no cost for six months courtesy of Sprint!
Amazon Prime Student can save you money on everything you need to start and be successful in college. If you are going out on your own for the first time, you should totally take advantage of Amazon Prime Student. You can save money on everything you are going to buy anyway and don’t have to go anywhere to get it. Parents can also save big with an Amazon Prime membership. With Amazon, everybody wins! Click the following image for Amazon’s 2016 College Checklist.
What are you most excited about this back to school year?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
They are all very helpful hints when starting out on your own.