College knowledge for dorm shopping

Get your first-year student ready for the dorms

Here are some key essentials, based on Oregon’s two largest universities of OSU and U of O. The general consensus from parents who have been there is to not buy too much at first.

• Shower caddy | Water drainage is key, and so is a hook because setting down a caddy on the floor of a shared shower gives the ick. Make sure it’s tall enough to hold full-size shampoo/conditioner bottles.

• Shower shoes | Look for ones with drainage holes and traction. Slides and flip-flops without holes can be less stable in a shower environment, plus they retain water and make funny squishy noises.

• Laundry bag | A backpack-style laundry bag is perfect for schlepping clothes to and from the laundry room…or home for the weekend.

• Surge protector | Look for one with a 15-foot cord, a flat plug-in that sits flush to the wall, and with USB ports for charging all the devices.

• Moving bags | These durable moving bags are one of the best purchases you can make. They are inexpensive, hold a ton and are far easier to maneuver than cardboard boxes. Bonus: they fold flat for easy storage.

• The right sheets | The beds provided by most dorms are an unusual size: extra-long twin. Make sure you buy the right size.

• Closet space savers | Closet space is tight. Thin or multi-hook collapsible hangers can help.

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Mind the sales tax.

We have it easy here in Oregon, without any sales tax on our purchases. However, the majority of other states have it, so factor around 7% more into your budget. You will still have to pay destination sales tax if you buy online while in Oregon, then ship to another state.

Check the university’s housing policies

You may or may not be able to use those nifty Command products on the walls, depending on the university’s housing policy. At OSU, only finishing nails or thumbtacks are allowed, yet at U of O, you can use velcro removable-style ones.

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