www.studentadvisor.com
Top 10 Tips & Tricks for Back To School
1
Capture and organize class notes, research, and ideas in one place with OneNote 2010. You can even insert audio clips, videos, screenshots, and emails from classmates.
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Work together with classmates, or review your term paper with mom while she’s on a business trip, using co-authoring in the Word Web App.
Include people outside of the classroom by delivering your next group presentation via the Broadcast Slide Show in PowerPoint.
6
Show off your work! Embed your presentation (PowerPoint) or science experiment data (Excel) into a blog post with just a few easy steps.
5
Use Word for more than just your standard paper. New charting and graphing tools make it easy to add graphics that illustrate your point, or search thousands of free templates at Office.com to create dazzling posters and flyers.
Use OneNote 2010 for your next 30page biology paper, and experience first-hand the benefits of having your research, notes, bibliographical information and ideas in one easy-to-view location.
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Last minute changes to a Word or PowerPoint document are easier than ever with Reorder Objects in Office for Mac 2011.
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Quickly crop photos in Word and PowerPoint. You can also edit audio and format videos within PowerPoint — no special media editing software needed.
On a tight budget? Let Excel help you manage your expenses. You can even deter impulse shopping by checking your budget on-the-go with Excel Mobile 2010 (Office
8
Mobile is not included in Office 2010 or Office for Mac 2011)
Can’t focus with emails and IMs popping up? Maximize your on-screen space in Word 2011 for Mac with Full Screen View, letting you focus on your reading and writing.
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Higher education students can purchase Microsoft Office Professional Academic 2010 or Microsoft Office for Mac Academic 2011 at a discounted price of $99.95. For more information about these products and other time-saving tricks check out www.office.com.
[ Editor’s Note]
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR STUDENT REVIEWER TOP PICKS LABLED WITH OUR “BEST OF STUDENTADVISOR AWARD!
Dear Readers – Welcome to the 2nd annual StudentAdvisor.com Ultimate Dorm Living Guide 2011! Every year millions of students pack up their lives and head off to college. Moms and dads everywhere will hold back tears while hoping their child brought everything they’ll need to transform a small cinder block space into a “slice-of-home” for the next 9 months. But the transition from house to dorm doesn’t have to be jarring. That’s why we’ve packed our Ultimate Dorm Living Guide with some of the best, most affordable and “college student tested and approved ” dorm room items. And, we’ve included some of the coolest products to make your dorm room the envy of all. Parents – you asked and we’ve listened. For this year’s guide we’ve created the ultimate shopping list every parent needs when dropping your kid off at college (see pg. 6). Emotions run high as the semester begins. Whether you’re a freshman for the first time or a returning student after years away - this guide is for you! For help during the transition we spoke with leading college expert Kelci Lynn. Kelci not only gives the inside scoop on the “turkey dump,” but also what one item you can’t live without at college (see pg. 54). To learn more about all things college, I invite you to explore the rest of StudentAdvisor.com, the definitive destination for trusted college conversations. Get help from our college advisor network by registering your profile and participating in our discussion groups. Stay up to date with the latest college news by connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter. Don’t forget to check out the StudentAdvisor blog too! It’s all available to you on StudentAdvisor.com, your free online resource for college discovery. So, are you ready to see this year’s must-have college dorm items? Get that shopping list started with 2011’s Ultimate Dorm Living Guide!
Dean Tsouvalas Cheers!
CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR STUDENT REVIEWER’S TOP ‘MUST HAVE’ DORM PRODUCTS
Dean Tsouvalas Editor-In-Chief Dean@StudentAdvisor.com
Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
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CONTENTS 6
About.com’s
8
arly Morning Essentials E When you’re stuck with an 8 AM class, there are a few things you just can’t live without.
College Expert Kelci Lynn Answers Top 9 Q’s
10
ake Your Bed M Your tiny dorm bed will serve many functions beyond a simple place to crash. These are the bedding “must-haves” for any dorm.
14
eep It Clean K College students have never had a good reputation for being tidy. Five products to help you break that sloppy stereotype.
18
ress Me Up D For the days when sweatpants or PJs don’t cut it, here are the closet essentials for keeping your best clothes looking fresh.
22
D eck the Walls
26
H eat it Up
Perfect decor for your walls and hanging posters and pictures to make your dorm room yours.
46
lugged In P The latest tools, toys and accessories to satisfy your inner gadget junkie.
ight the Freshman 15 F When you can’t make it to the gym here are a few products to keep you on the right track.
50
hill Out C Get used to living without AC and stay cool at school.
52
Going Green Green is the new black and ecofriendly products for college are in!
56
afety First S Leave for school prepared to keep you and your valuables safe from theft or danger.
58
The
B ehind the Scenes
34
Best
An inside look behind our Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
Headphones For College Students
Thomas Frank, Founder of CollegeInfoGeek.com shares how to tune out noise and into your college experience.
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C how Down
Whether you’re looking for good snacks, or just for some food storage, here are some of StudentAdvisor’s favorites for the new school year..
StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
Sure to sizzle your campus life!
Ultimate College Dorm Room Checklist
Boston University Student, Megan K. shares her list of the Top 50 things you should bring to school; As well as a list of what not to bring.
ADVERTISER INDEX: CLICK TO VIEW AD
THE TEAM
TRUSTED COLLEGE CONVERSATIONS
Brian Carr | Publisher
ONLY ON
bcarr@studentadvisor.com Babson Alum | College Parent
Dean Tsouvalas | Editor-In-Chief dean@studentadvisor.com Stonehill Alum
Todd Klapprodt | Senior Director of Product tklapprodt@studentadvisor.com University of Colorado-Boulder Alum
Ashley Wallace Jones | Assoc. Product Manager ajones@studentadvisor.com Endicott College Alum
Sam Coren | Content Producer scoren@studentadvisor.com Northeastern University Alum
Marica Gallicchio | Community Manager mgallicchio@studentadvisor.com Wheaton College Alum
John O’Connor | Lead Web Developer Northeastern University Alum
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CONNECT WITH US
222 THIRD STREET | CAMBRIDGE, MA 02142 PR INQUIRIES: pr@studentadvisor.com
SALES INQUIRIES: sales@studentadvisor.com Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
[5]
[ The College Transition ]
About.com By | Dean T. | Editor-In-Chief | StudentAdvisor.com
S
tudentAdvisor had the delightful opportunity to catch up with About.com Guide to College Life’s Kelci Lynn. Our discussion ranged from a roommate contract to the turkey dump and even the most important item to bring to college that many students forget. StudentAdvisor: Freshmen often experience a bit of “dorm shock” when they walk into their room for the first time and see cinderblock walls. How should parents and students deal?
apply, to figure out where to go, get all the logistics worked out, so to walk into a new place that is scary is great -- that’s what you sign up for. Scary doesn’t have to be bad. It’s part of a new life and you need to view it as exciting even though it can still be shocking. StudentAdvisor: What are some of the dos and don’ts when you are meeting your roommate for the first time?
Kelci Lynn: Often the dorm room is smaller than their room at home, older than home, isn’t as maintained as home. And it’s not home; it’s something new and different. Trying to re-create home can be really challenging. Students are making a new life and it should be new and different.
Kelci Lynn: Do create a roommate contract. Most campuses have something called a roommate contract where they will give you a prewritten list of issue to agree upon like ‘don’t think about eating my food’ or ‘it’s OK if you eat my food’. The goal of this is so students can work out the basics of personal boundaries, space and respect. There is a partnership to starting a roommate relationship.
I have such faith in them because they want to try new things; they took the initiative to do well in high school, to
Even if the school doesn’t have a “roommate contract,” use the idea to start a discussion with your
roommate. When you’ve lived with siblings you can scream at them, but then have a calm breakfast the next morning. It doesn’t work with a roommate usually. Don’t let issues fester. Talk with your roommate and address things early such as ‘I’ve got classes early so it’s important to have the lights out.’ Proactively addressing issues early will start your relationship off on the right foot. StudentAdvisor: Why is a good idea to have a positive relationship with your Resident Assistant/Advisor? Kelci Lynn: Make an effort to get to know your hall staff because there are ranges of issues that can come up where they will be helpful to you. It could be something as simple as you are locked out of your room or it could be a few months into the semester and there is a family emergency and you don’t know
Kelci Lynn
College Expert | About.com Kelci Lynn has nearly ten years of full-time experience working HAVE MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COLLEGE TRANSITION?
with and at colleges, in positions ranging from a college
LET US KNOW
Occidental College and an M.Ed., with an emphasis in Higher
admissions adviser for teenagers in foster care to a Program Officer at a consortium of twelve colleges in the Midwest. Kelci has a B.A. in English and Comparative Literary Studies from Education Administration, from Harvard University.
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StudentAdvisor.com
[ The College Transition ]
where to go for help. You don’t have to be best friends with your RA to leverage this valuable resource. StudentAdvisor: What are some tips for getting to know other people in your dorm? Kelci Lynn: Get out of your room. I cannot stress this enough. That can be scary and terrifying but everyone is new. Go to orientation events even if they are lame and you are exhausted. After orientation get out of your room and engage with other people at clubs, social events. I was shy and it wasn’t easy, but getting involved made a difference. Taking a little step of courage to get out of your room can be hard in the first few weeks, but it makes the rest of your year as well as the rest of your time in school so much easier. StudentAdvisor: One topic we often hear on StudentAdvisor.com is what are the shower dos and don’ts? Kelci Lynn: Do have basic respect -- which means don’t take super-long showers. Privacy may look different than the privacy that you are used to. People may be coming in and out, they are talking, and someone is in a stall next to you. Do clean up after yourself such as removing hair out of the shower. Small little things like that will help avoid potential conflicts. StudentAdvisor: What should you do if you find out that you just don’t get along with your roommate?
Kelci Lynn: Well it’s rare, but if you feel afraid of your roommate, you need to speak to hall staff right away. The more common conflict situation is that you don’t have to be friends, but you could be roommates. In most cases, there is a waiting period so you can get to know your roommate. However, you need to talk to your roommate if you feel there is an issue or speak to your RA who can help mediate a situation. If it can’t be
“Often parents get more involved when they feel disconnected to their child. You just can’t go four months without talking to your parents.” Kelci L. | About.com
resolved then usually the Hall Staff will make accommodation. StudentAdvisor: We hear a lot of talk about helicopter parents. What should a student do they feel their parents are calling too much? Kelci Lynn: You need to set up a schedule with your parents such as ‘we will talk once a week and I’ll send an email once a week or more frequently if that is what you want’. Often parents get more involved
when they feel disconnected to their child. You just can’t go four months without talking to your parents. StudentAdvisor: What is the “Turkey Dump”? Kelci Lynn: This is incredibly common between high school boyfriends and girlfriends when you get back together during your first break (usually Thanksgiving). It’s a common time that couples break up and you need to understand that it is a part of you all evolving and growing. StudentAdvisor: What is the most important thing students should bring to school? Kelci Lynn: Time management system is critical– some students go old school and use a calendar while others will use their phone. But it is vital that you bring a good time management system. I think students get sidetracked by roommate problems, am I going to gain the freshman 15, will I miss my boyfriend but the whole goal of college is to graduate with a degree. You need whatever tools to help ensure your academic success. And if that means your laptop and a notebook, or a highlighter and your iPad, or knowing that you need to study in quiet and so you need to reserve a spot in the library. That type of knowledge is critical and students can forget that. You can always buy a can opener, but you can’t buy yourself more time or a better grade.
TURKEY DUMP: verb:
1. WHEN A HIGH SCHOOL ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP (OR ANY PRE-UNIVERSITY RELATIONSHIP) IS ENDED RIGHT AROUND THANKSGIVING
HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED THE TURKEY DUMP? HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS? LET US KNOW!
Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
[7]
[ Early Morning Essentials ]
2. Casabella Shower Caddy
Ideal for organizing and carrying your shower supplies to and from the bathroom.
8
$
www.casabella.com
W
hen you’re stuck with an 8 AM class, there are a few things you just can’t live without. These products will help you get out the door on time - though we can’t guarantee you won’t be yawning!
1. iLuv® Vibe Plus Dual Alarm Clock w/Bed
Speaker Shaker for iPhone Model iMM178 - Black Perfect for the chronic over-sleepers, this alarm clock wakes you up in two ways: by playing your favorite music from your iPod and by shaking your bed.
60
$
www.i-luv.com COMES IN MULTIPLE COLORS!
3. Compaca Cosmetic Storage
A simple, easy way to organize your cosmetics and jewelry on your dresser. The clear plastic makes it easy to see where everything is.
25
$
www.umbra.com
“ Even great for a kitchen since it includes speakers, a clock, an alarm, iPod capabilities, and an AM/FM radio.” Evan D. | McGill University
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StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
[ Early Morning Essentials ]
5. Black and Decker 5-Cup Coffee Maker
We tested six different coffee makers, and this was the clear winner. Compact and affordable, this 5-cup capacity coffeemaker is perfect for any budget-conscious barista in a dorm or apartment. If you are living with a group of friends, the 12 -cup coffee maker is for you.
15
$
www.blackanddeckerappliances.com
4. Lacoste Essential/Sport Gift Set
This set comes with two Lacoste fragrances and the Braun Mobile Shave M-90 - the whole grooming package, this would be the perfect gift for an imageconscious college stud.
79
$
www.ezgear.com
“ It really does keep your beverage cold for 12 hours, and the best part about it it is that it’s completely spill-proof.” Alison F. | Boston University
“ The perfect size & easy to use. With ‘auto brew’, I can wake up to fresh-brewed coffee every morning.” Sam C. | Northeastern University
6. AUTOSEAL® West Loop
Stainless Steel Travel Mug
This coffee mug keeps drinks warm for up to 4 hours and feature AUTOSEAL® technology that automatically seals the lid between sips, saving textbooks and laptops from coffee spills.
20
$
www.gocontigo.com Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
[9]
[ Make Your Bed ]
Make your I
n college your little dorm bed will serve many functions beyond a simple place to crash. Part couch, part storage space, part study station central – you’ll be spending a good amount of time on that Twin XL mattress. So why not do everything you can to make it a comfortable and convenient space? Here you’ll see what the StudentAdvisor team found to be bedding “must-haves” for any dorm.
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ollege Mini-Futon C This College Mini-Futon solves that age old problem of running out of places for everyone to sit in your room. While it’s not the ideal sleeping solution for taller students, it does make for a handy second couch.
“ Perfect size for any dorm room and it might actually be more comfortable than the actual bed at school!”
Cost: $160
www.dormco.com
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StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
[ Make Your Bed ]
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ise ‘N Stor Bed Risers R Bed risers are an excellent way to gain more storage space under your bed. Rise ‘N Stor revamps a dorm room staple by providing an extra storage container availible in lime green or grey. Cost:
20
$
www.evriholder.com
3
ed Post Shelf B Stuck on the top bunk or a lofted bed? This bed post shelf is a quick and easy night stand replacement for your night time book, alarm clock, glasses or contacts. Cost: $10
www.dormco.com
4
ogi Support Y Working from your bed doesn’t have to end in nasty laptop burns on your legs! The Yogi Support pillow is available in 11 different colors and features a zippered, removable cover for easy cleaning. Cost: $90
www.yogibo.com Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
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[ Make Your Bed ]
5
“ I’m sending my freshman daughter to school with this mattress cover… peace of mind is priceless. ” David K. | College Parent
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Protect-a-Bed
Who knows how long those mattresses have been in the dorms for and what their history holds? Gain some piece of mind and slap on Protect-a-Bed’s mattress encasement, mattress protector, and a pillow protector before putting on your swanky new bed sheets. Cost: $100
www.protectabed.com
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StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
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Puresleep® Mattress Pad Twin XL
Out of all the mattress pads the StudentAdvisor team reviewed this was by far the most comfortable. Even better? It’s made out of odor-eliminating material to fight the smell of dorm funk! Cost: $60
www.therapedic.com
Twin XL College Plush Comforters
Having a cozy comforter can quickly transform any run-of-the-mill dorm bed into comfort central. Our student reviewers couldn’t get enough of Dorm Co’s plush comforter made out of 100% microfiber. Leave the teddy bear at home and snuggle up with one of these - you won’t be dissapointed! Availible in 16 different colors from Dorm Co.
Cost: $60 www.dormco.com
“ Once you wrap yourself up in this blanket you’ll never want to leave!” Thuy P. | Emerson College Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
[13]
[ Keep It Clean ]
E
very one has ‘animal house’ moment, but these products will be sure to transform your room back just in time for your parents visit.
1
1. D C35: The Dyson Digital Slim™
If cost is not an issue, this Dyson Digital Slim was a huge hit during testing. Need something a bit more powerful for those grungy college carpets? The DC35 has a digital motor and anti-static carbon fiber brushes to remove the fine dust particles. Carbon fiber has anti-static properties and the brushes on the Digital Slim™ reduce the build up of static charges while attracting fine dust for improved pick up. The brush bar also has stiff nylon brushes to pick up ground-in dirt from carpets. It’s a handheld vacuum that has a detachable, long-reach wand-a 26 inches long, lightweight aluminum wand attaches directly to the machine to convert it from handheld to slim vacuum cleaner. Cost: 300 www.dyson.com $
2. Bissell Lift-Off® Floors & More
The Bissell Lift-Off has a detachable hand vacuum to easily clean hardto-reach areas like under that bed. Easily clean all floor types by powering the brush on or off. Best of all, it’s cordless so you don’t have to worry about tripping over it at 4 AM when you’re cleaning up your roommate’s broken potato chips. Cost: $70 www.bissell.com
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StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
2
S P ON SORED B Y
Make the Most of Your College Dorm Room
Making a Clean and Comfortable College Bed
By | Rachael Risinger | Bed Bath & Beyond®
A
re you looking for great solutions for making your college bed as clean and comfortable as possible and ideas to help maximize the space in your dorm room?
Here are some great tips. When it comes to protection and comfort for a dorm room bed, think layers. First, start with a bed bug mattress protector that completely encases your mattress to keep dust, dust mites, allergens and bed bugs out of your mattress. Next layer on a mattress pad which protects the mattress and adds comfort and softness. For support, choose a foam mattress topper, which lies directly on top of the mattress protector, or top it all off with a fiber or featherbed, that creates a pillow-top that’s soft and cozy.
Space Saving Tips
To maximize dorm room space, the trick is to make the most of every inch. Look for pieces that multi task, like an ottoman that doubles as a seat and storage. Items like a bedside caddy that hang off the side of your mattress and bed lifts that raise your bed inches off the floor, make room for extra storage that can help. A dorm room space saver that fits over the bed also adds extra shelving space. To save space in your closet, use a set of slim hangers to create uniformity and fit more clothes. Then, use a double hang closet rod that adjusts horizontally and vertically to find the right fit in the closet. Simply hang on the existing closet rod and now there is twice the space. Then hang shoe and sweater shelf organizers to expand your closet space.
ed Bath & Beyond, the college shopping experts, have the tools, tips and solutions to make shopping for college as easy and B stress free as possible on the “Shop for College” tab at www.bedbathandbeyond.com/shopforcollege. A copy of their College Checklist is available in your local store and online. They also offer a great service to help get your stuff to college. You can shop for all your dorm room essentials at a store near home and pick up everything up at a store near their school. Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
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[ Keep It Clean ]
3 3. P ronto Plus® household spray Don’t let the bed bugs bite this semester with any infestation. While some colleges and universities are taking steps to guard their dorm rooms from a problem, many students and parents are moving in armed and prepared with over-the-counter sprays like Pronto Plus.
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Cost: $3 travel size - $8 reg. size www.prontoplus.com
4. BISSELL® Stomp ‘N Go™
Students may like Stomping their stains away....Innovative one-of-akind pad cleans carpet messes with just one STOMP
This works great and really picks up the stain – but then you might see the rest of the carpet needs cleaning too! Nolan C. | Northeastern University
Cost: $5 www.bissell.com
5. Dorm Room Scents
Dorm Rooms can smell funky to say the least. With tight quarters, dirty laundry and worry if your roommate showers, the smells can be unpleasant. Dorm Room Scents are available in over 25 fun and alluring flavors.
COMES IN SEVEN SCENTS!
Cost: $8 www.dormco.com
Georgia Peach • Peony • Sweet Pea Lilac • Tropical Hibiscus • Cherry Blossom
5
• Tarte Au Citron
PSST! – THIS IS THE ONE THAT WE
TESTED AND IT SMELLS LIKE COOKIES!
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StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
YUM!
Bissell Featherweight Vacuum
Fight that dirty dorm floor with this compact, lightweight vacuum from Bissell. No bags makes cleaning it out quick and easy. It’s basic, but does the job just fine for tile or hardwood floors.
Cost: $20 www.bissell.com
“ This little vacuum is perfect for any college student. It takes up hardly any space at all and makes cleaning hard floors a snap.” Catharine S. | Brown University
Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
[17]
[ Dress Me Up ]
1
W
hile a lot of college students have perfected the roll out of bed and go look, there are some occassions when you need to look your best. For the days when sweatpants or PJs don’t cut it, here are the closet essentials for keeping your best clothes looking fresh.
1. Huggable Hangers
Tired of your nice clothes slipping off your hangers and onto the floor? Try Huggable Hangers, the velvety hangers that clothes cling to. These slim hangers, which come in a variety of colors, take up less room than bulkier hangers and will keep your clothes on the hangers and off of the floor. Cost: 36 www.hsn.com $
2. U mbra’s Dublet Closet Rod
This adjustable chrome-plated incloset hanging rod easily creates additional storage and adjusts both in width and height. Cost: $20 www.umbra.com
3. B lack & Decker First
Impressions® Cord Reel® Iron A standby that every college student should own, this iron takes the guesswork out of steaming garments by adjusting automatically to the steam level appropriate for a full range of fabrics. In a rush? The unit also features vertical steaming to knock wrinkles right off the hanger. Cost: $25 www.blackanddeckerappliances.com
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StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
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[ Dress Me Up ]
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4. D owny Wrinkle Release
Let’s face it: Few college kid irons. But, with Downy Wrinkle Releaser, you can at least pretend you didn’t roll out of bed in last night’s clothes. Simply spray DWR on your clothes and use your hand to rid the t-shirt of any hint of wrinkle. Cost: $3 www.downy.com
5. C lothes & Go
Packing for college is not a one-time deal. Students will need to pack for college, pack to come home for breaks, pack up at the end of the year and pack again to go back for the fall semester. The fastest and easiest solution to avoid boxes and taking clothes off hangers is Clothes & Go. Cost: $20 www.dormco.com
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Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
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Shark® Press & Refresh™ Garment Care System
Ideal for a busy college student, the Press & Refresh removes wrinkles with just one pass. Ready within a minute, the Press & Refresh uses tap water and includes a Vertical Press Pad to replace bulky ironing boards.
Cost: $100 www.sharkclean.com
“ A fantastic way to keep the shirts looking fresh and clean between trips to the dry cleaner. If you hate ironing as much as I do, I would absolutely recommend purchasing the Shark.” Ross M. | Champlain College [20]
StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
[ Dress Me Up ]
6. P ajama Jeans
Pajama Jeans! For those times when you pulled an all-nighter and want to roll out of bed and want to be comfortable, but not look like you just did. The Pajama Jeans are pajama bottoms that look like jeans but feel like pajamas. So you can be comfortable and not sacrifice your popularity at school!
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Cost: $40 www.tvtopten.com
“ Lots of college students wear sweatpants to class....so if you are going to do it..you might as well do it in style.� Laura L. | Simmons College
Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
[21]
[ Deck the Walls ]
D
orm rooms walls are typically drab and impersonal. If you need some help brightening up your walls, look no further. These products are perfect for decorating your wall to make your dorm room yours with out the cost of wall repairs.
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Phototrax - Dorm
Wall Photo Hang
Display photos on your wall without ruining them with tape or stickers. Keeps photos in a straight line for a streamlined decorating look.
2
Cost: 13 $
www.dormco.com
eisenthel Ribbonboard R Keeping loose papers under control is a snap with the new reisenthel ribbonboard which features a system of elastic bands to keep papers, photos, and memorabalia in place. A key hook at the bottom keeps your keys in place! Cost: $25
www.reisenthel.com
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StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
3
orm Tape – Blister Pack D Dorm tape sticks on walls, concrete blocks, glass, metal just about anything and easy to remove. Tried, tested and true. Cost: $5
www.command.com
Wizard Wall
Gone are the days of needing clunky dry-erase boards that are too small and require mounting strips. Wizard Wall is a Static Cling Dry-Erase Sheet available in sections from five to 40 feet long.
Cost: $15 www.dormco.com
“ It’s really cool! Wizard Wall sticks right to the wall so you don’t have to worry about making holes you’re going to have to fix, trying to hang a whiteboard.” Nicole P. | Boston College
Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
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[ Deck the Walls ]
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mbra’s Rings Corkboard U A set of three cork bulletin boards that nest within each other so you can create your own layout on your wall. Cost: $30
5
www.umbra.com
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StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
cotch® Restickable Strips S Scotch Restickable Strips are ideal for sticking posters or photos to your wall without the damage that tape might cause. Cost: 3 $
www.scotchbrand.com
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ommand Strips C Poster strips and picture hanging strips are key for hanging wall décor in your dorm room. Cost: $3
www.command.com
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Follow StudentAdvisor on Facebook and Twitter for the latest college reviews, rankings and advice from admissions experts, parents and alumni
facebook.com/StudentAdvisor
[ Plugged In ]
1 T
oday’s college student is more connected than ever. Here you’ll find the latest tools, toys and accessories to satisfy your inner gadget junkie.
1. Blackberry Playbook 16GB
BlackBerry PlayBook is an essential tool for tech savvy college students looking to thrive in the college environment. Whether navigating Frosh week, exploring the new campus, working on class projects or keeping in touch with friends and family back home; this powerful and ultra portable tablet is ideal for every occasion. At less than half an inch thick, with a 1GHz dual core processor, it’s both ultra-portable and ultra-powerful, so you get high performance at every turn: stunning multimedia, true multitasking, and access to the whole Internet. Cost: $500
us.blackberry.com
2. N eo-i iPod/iPhone dock projector
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StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
Just pop you iPod or iPhone in the docking bay, and, voila, you have your own mini movie theater to display your photos, videos, and movies onto any wall, bed sheet or screen in sizes up to 120”. It’s built-in 16-watt stereo speaker system delivers ample audio, and the Neo-i also has inputs for connecting gaming consoles, DVD players, computers, and still/video cameras. The Neo-i travels easily (it’s only 2.2 lbs and fits into just about any backpack or shoulder bag. Cost: $450
www.optomausa.com
[ Plugged In ]
4
3 3. C onserve Valet Smart USB Charging Station
“ I love the front screen and all its functionallity. It’s even light enough to carry around campus.”
Always feel like you’re running out of USB ports to charge your portable devices? Belkin’s Conserve Valet Smart USB Charging station can charge up to 4 devices at once and shuts off automatically once everything’s full. It also helps you keep those cords neat. Cost: $40
www.belkin.com
4. U ltra-slim External DVD Writer
As more students choose netbooks over bigger laptops, the lack of an optical drive for reading or writing CD’s and DVD’s will come back to haunt them. Samsung’s external DVD writer comes in seven fun colors including pink, blue and yellow. It can also operate off USB power.
5
Sara A | Merrimack College
Cost: $50
www.samsung.com
5. S amsung ST700 DualView Digital Camera
This clever little point and shoot camera has a front facing LCD screen so you can quickly snap a shot of yourself with your new college buddies. A 16.1 Megapixel image sensor and a 26mm 5x optical zoom lens will keep you looking sharp. Cost: $280
www.samsung.com Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
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[ Plugged In ]
6 8 6. M icrosoft Office Pro Academic 2011
If there’s one piece of software that’s on your shopping list it better be Microsoft Office Pro Academic 2010. Packed with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher and Access apps, Office Pro Academic 2010 equips students with the tools they need to make the grade this fall and soak up their college experience stress-free. Cost: $80
www.microsoft.com
7. G E J1470S Digital Camera
The convenience of a built-in, flip-out USB plug in the GE J1470S makes sharing photos and charging a camera easier than ever before. Plug it into your laptop wherever you are, whether it’s the classroom or the dorm room, to instantly access all your pictures without having to carry a mess of cables all around the campus. This camera is perfect for students to take anywhere, from football games to parties, and fits easily in a pocket or purse. It also includes all of the advanced features, such as smile detection and image stabilization. Cost: $120
www.general-imaging.com
8. A rpeggio, Bluetooth-Compatible FastCharging Keyboard for iPad and Mac
7
Looking for a solid keyboard for your iPad or Mac? This feather light wireless Bluetooth keyboard can be used from up to 33 feet away—creating new opportunities to remotely manage a class video presentation or dorm room music/video apps from an iPad or compatible device. The Arpeggio keyboard has a rechargeable lithium battery and features an automatic sleep function to preserve the tablet’s power. Cost: $60
www.thejoyfactory.com
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StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
Jenny Ruth Binger Susquehanna University
Connect
John Massena Greenville College
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Marie Schwartz Teen Life Advisor
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Jesse Monroe Meredith College
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Tim Dawson
Harrisburg University of Science & Technology
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Stephen Jennings
Eckerd College
Career Advisor
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John Sullivan
Jon Hooton Dallas Baptist University
Rachel Balows University of Denver
Michael True Messiah College
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Robin Pendoley Gap Year Advisor
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Kara Humphrey Truman State University
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Robert Mack Motivation Counselor
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Lisa Burns
Sewanee: The University of the South
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Amie Hoff Health & Fitness Advisor
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Courtney Sampson Internship Advisor
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Cheyne Wago Misericorida University
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Beth Fredericks Parenting Guru
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Phillip Benoit Millersville University
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Paul Dillon Franklin and Marshal
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Jon Walmer
Susie Watts
Jeff Gawronski
Lebanon Valley College
Trine University
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Lacey Gilleran Sacred Heart University
Suzanne Shaffer College Prep Advisor
Susan S. Jones
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Heather Doyle York College of Pennsylvania
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Advise
Taylor Scott
Stacy Hughes
Simmons College
Neumont University
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Tyler Socash University of Rochester
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[ Plugged In ]
9
“ Being on a city campus rarely gives you the time to stop and recharge your phone. This is a must have for the on-the-go student.” Jeremy L. | MIT
10 9. J uice Pack Air
The iPhone is as common on campuses as textbooks. Students will love the mophie juice pack air for doubling the time they can study, search the web, listen to lecture podcasts or connect with friends on one battery charge. Perfect for the on-the-go student who can’t be tied down to a wall charger.
3G/3GS: $50 | 4: $80 http://www.mophie.com
10. L ivescribe Echo SmartPen
It is the perfect note taking tool for college, not only can you record your professor while they are giving a lecture, you can upload your notes and share them with classmates. Cost: $100+
www.livescribe.com
11. S ony Streaming Media Player With Wifi
11
The little black box can turn any TV into a Smart TV. By simply plugging in the Streaming Player with Wi-Fi, you can wirelessly stream movies, TV episodes, videos and music from Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, Hulu Plus and more to your existing TV via your college’s network. There’s even an app that’ll turn your iPhone, iPod, or Android phone into a remote control! Cost: $100
www.sony.com Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
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[ Behind the Scenes ]
DOZENS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY HELPED STUDENTADVISOR TEST THE BEST DORM PRODUCTS OF 2011. THEY TASTED, STEAMED, POKED, LAUGHED, STUCK THINGS TO WALLS AND SOMETIMES SAID THE PRODUCTS WERE JUST “PLAIN SILLY” TO FIND THE ULTIMATE COLLEGE PRODUCTS. AND THEY DID STILL MANAGE TO HAVE A TOTAL BLAST.
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StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
MOST L U STED AFTER DORM CO ’S M I NI FU TON ( ABO VE) A N D DECADENT COMFORTER . W E A L SO N OTIC ED M ANY L ON GIN G G LANC ES AT DYSON’S HI G HTECH B L A DELESS FAN ( B EL O W ).
[ Behind the Scenes ]
( AB O V E ) S AM , STU DE NTADV I S O R ’ S EDI T O R I AL G U R U , WIS H E D S H E H AD T HE LIV E S CRI B E S M A RT PEN AS S T UDE N T S GUS H E D AB O UT WHAT THE Y L I KE D AN D T RA S H E D W H AT T HE Y DID N’T. E V E RYO N E WAS FAS CI N AT E D WIT H T H E S E F L O R CAR P E T S QUAR E S .
OUR TESTERS COULDN’T GET ENOUGH OF THE SHARK PRESS & REFRESH (ABOVE) – A CLOTHES STEAMER THAT TOOK CARE OF SOME NASTY WRINKLES WE TESTED – AND THE MYRIAD OF EXERCISE GADGETS FOUND IN THE FITKIT (BELOW).
Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
[33]
[ Best Headphones ]
By | Thomas F. | CollegeInfoGeek.com
I
t’s not always practical to blast music through speakers in a dorm room. You’ve probably been listening to those same old iPod earbuds for most of your teenage years, so you might be thinking, “Why would I need different headphones?” In fact, those stock earbuds sound terrible in comparison to a good pair of “cans”. They may be small and fashionable, but good-sounding they are not. Now, I’m not going to be an elitist audiophile and say you should never use stock earbuds again; in fact, I use mine every day at the gym and when I’m walking to class. They are, in one word, adequate. However, if you’re looking for sound quality or isolation, they just won’t cut it. That’s where our headphone guide comes in. There are tons of quality headphones out there that most people don’t know about. In fact, if you asked the average person what they consider to be quality headphones, you’ll almost undoubtedly hear them say either “Bose” or “Beats By Dre”. Bose headphones aren’t bad. They’re really not. In fact, most people think they sound absolutely amazing – and for good reason. Compared to iPod earbuds, they really
are fantastic. The only problem with Bose headphones is that they’re overpriced for the quality you get. Beats By Dre headphones, on the other hand, aren’t worth buying at all. At $350 retail, these overly bass-heavy phones are so overpriced that you might as well be giving your money to a Nigerian prince. Essentially, all these headphones have to offer is the name of an artist that’s trying to salvage his career by creating a way for you to play other people’s music. Luckily, those aren’t the only two options. There are plenty of other headphones that are great for students, and this guide aims to show you the best ones we’ve found. When evaluating headphones for this article, I really only had two criteria in mind: • They had to sound great • They had to be less than $130 Other criteria, such as portability, noise cancellation, and comfort will vary in importance from student to student; with that in mind, I tried to pick several headphones, each of which will fit a different preference.
Thomas Frank
Founder | CollegeInfoGeek.com
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT OTHER
“GEEKY” PRODUCTS FOR COLLEGE? LET US KNOW
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StudentAdvisor.com
College Info Geek is a college blog that publishes tips on studying, technology, great music, and lots of other student-related topics. He is currently a junior at Iowa State University studying MIS and speech communication, and spends a lot of time letting his duties as an RA raise his cortisol levels to astronomical heights. You can Connect with him on Twitter!
[ Best Headphones ]
Audio Technica ATH-M50: $115 on Amazon The ATH-M50s are unique on this list because of their closed design. The closed nature of the headphones means that these are hands-down the best for noise isolation. If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that will allow you to escape the noise created by roommates, friends, or drunk people in the hallway, read no further and buy these. Aside from the great isolation the ATH-M50s provide, you also get great bass, mids, and highs. These are great all-around phones for sound clarity. The ATH-M50s are studio monitors, which means that they provide a much more accurate sound profile than many other headphones. Headphones that are not monitors are usually engineered to sound “brighter”, or more pleasing to the ear. Nonetheless, these are a great choice for music. One issue you may run into with the ATH-M50s is comfort; since they are closed headphones, they tend to clamp onto your head tighter than most open headphones. Personally, I didn’t have this problem, but some people do. If you do run into this issue, a good fix is to stretch the headphones out for a night by putting them on something like a computer case or some upright books. Like most quality headphones, these require a “burn-in” period before they reach their full potential. Upon buying them, you’ll find they already sound incredibly better than what you’re used to; however, after a few hours they get even better (the bass in particular benefits from burn-in). All in all, the ATH-M50s are the best headphones on the list for studying and escaping noisy environments. Out of all the headphones I own, these are the ones I turn to most often – precisely for those purposes.
Standout Features: Closed design, superb isolation, minimal noise leakage, great bass Recommended For: All situations requiring isolation; noisy environments
Grado SR80: $99 on Amazon The SR80s sport a retro look that is either awesome or too akin to a Sky Captain-inspired robot, depending on your opinion. I think they look awesome, and I would be completely comfortable wearing them in public. Speaking of comfort, these headphones are a treat to wear. They’re not as awe-inspiringly comfortable at the AD700s, but their lightweight body and minimalist headband make them very nice on your head. The only possible nitpick is that the cups aren’t very big, so the drivers touch your ears. This might bug some people, but I’ve had no discomfort from it.
Standout Features: Open design, retro look, lightweight body, great bass Recommended For: Rock, rap, pop – anything with a beat. Grado makes fantastic headphones for rock music. The sound that comes out of these is punchier, more raw, and much more direct than what you’d get with the AD700s. If you don’t care much about isolation, these are for you. Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
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[ Best Headphones ]
Audio Technica AD700: $91 on Amazon Another fine pair of phones from Audio-Technica, the AD700s are a large set of headphones with an open design and a rather unorthodox look. The first thing you notice when looking at them is the colors; purple cups with gold/cream trim is not the usual color combination for headphones. Another unique feature is the “3-D Wing System”, which replaces the usual headband that most headphones have. The system features two hinged wings that act as a band. These wings are well-padded and are super-comfortable; in fact, these headphones are probably the most comfortable that I’ve ever worn. One comment a lot of people make about these headphones is that you forget you’re wearing them after a while. Yes, they’re that comfortable. Aside from comfort, the standout feature of the AD700s is their soundstage. Soundstage refers to how engrossing the sound is – if you imagine yourself in a concert hall, soundstage would refer to where you were sitting. Most headphones will put your a few rows back; these put you right on the stage. The soundstage is just absolutely fantastic. Sound envelops your head in a complete 360 degree radius, which makes these headphones a fantastic choice for movies and games. When I bought these, I tried them out first by playing a few rounds of BioShock; I found the environmental sounds to be much, much more engrossing than they ever were coming through speakers or other headphones. As for music, these headphones are best for genres outside of rap, rock, and pop. That’s because the bass in them isn’t fantastic, so music with a hard, driving beat won’t make the same impact that it would coming out of other headphones. However, the clarity of the highs and mids is great with the AD700s. Acoustic music and movie soundtracks in particular sound great coming though these.
Standout Features: Open design, “3-D Wing” headband design, very wide soundstage, incredible clarity Recommended For: Movies, video games, music other than rock/rap/pop
Sennheiser HD518: $127 on Amazon Sennheiser is probably the most recognized headphone maker that you won’t find at Best Buy. They’ve been making quality headphones for years, and I know many people who swear by them. The HD518s are one of the newer models Sennheiser has released, and I was lucky enough to be able to test out a pair owned by one of my friends. The first thing I noticed about these is that they fit a lot tighter than the AD700s or the SR80s – in fact, they’re almost as tight as the closed ATHM50s listed above. Still, they do feature an open design, which means you won’t have as much noise isolation. My take on the HD518s is that they are a compromise between the AD700s and SR80s. They are much better than the AD700s for rock/rap/ pop, as they have much stronger bass. However, they have a much, much wider soundstage than the SR80s (although still not near as wide as the AD700s). If you can’t decide between those two aforementioned models, go with these. You won’t be disappointed.
Standout Features: Open design, tighter fit, great bass, wide soundstage Recommended For: Buyers split between the AD700 and the SR80
Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
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[ Chow Down ]
S
ometimes, dining hall food just doesn’t cut it. Whether you’re looking for good snacks, dietary needs or just for some food storage, here are some of StudentAdvisor’s favorites for the new school year.
Black & Decker® 10-Speed Blender This heavy-duty die-cast blender from Black & Decker® with Perfect Pour™ spout to deliver the goods (like smoothies, shakes and salsas!) is dishwasher-safe and has removable parts, that are sure to make you a mix-master in no time. Cost: $30
www.blackanddeckerappliances.com
“ Easy to use. Perfect for protein shakes and smoothies, especially when you are on the go and need something quick.” Bridget L. | Salem State University
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StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
[ Chow Down ]
Annie Chun’s Ramen House Soup Singles Packs A more authentic and healthier version of ramen noodles, with no powder and no preservatives. Ready in just five minutes, and in three unique flavors, Soy Ginger, Spicy Chicken and Spring Vegetable, Ramen House is the perfect option for a light meal or a snack.
3pk for $6
www.anniechun.com
“ Yummmmm!” Ashley J. Endicott College
Nocciolata A chocolatey, hazelnut spread made with all natural ingredients, nothing artificial, and no nasty palm oil. Best of all it does not need to be refrigerated so you can keep it right there on your book shelf or take to the library with you. Great on bread, crackers, cookies, but best right out of the jar! Cost: $6 – $7
www.wondawedge.com Tupperware One Touch Reminder Canister Sets The special viewing window in the front of these containers reminds you when contents are running low. The containers are liquid and air tight! Cost: $40
www.tupperware.com
Thai Kitchen Rice Noodle Cart Inspired by traditional noodle cart vendors lining the streets of Bangkok, Thai Kitchen Rice Noodle Carts let you experience the unique flavors & aromas of Thai cuisine in your dorm or on-the-go. Cost: $2
www.thaikitchen.com
Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
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[ Chow Down ]
Tupperware Microwave Rice Maker This container lets you both cook and serve rice in one container. Place ingredients in the container base, add the insert, snap on the cover, and microwave. For a healthy, quick, delicious meal in minutes, this can’t be beat! Cost: $30
www.tupperware.com
“ Living off campus this made cooking meals a whole lot easier.” Josh G. | New England Institute of Art
Tupperware Super Cereal Storer This large-capacity container holds 20 cups/4.8 L of your morning favorite and lets you see exactly how much is left at a glance. The virtually airtight seal eliminates staleness, keeps contents safe from insects, prevents waste, saves space and keeps cabinets tidier than boxes. Cost: $20
www.tupperware.com
Simply Asia’s Heat & Serve Noodle Bowls An easy way for consumers to experience the great tastes and smells of their favorite Asian restaurant at home or in their dorm in minutes Cost: $4
www.simplyasia.net
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StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
[ Heat It Up ]
HEAT It Up R
eady to heat things up? Whether you’re trying to stay warm in a drafty residence hall or figuring out a way to heat up a cup of ramen here are a few items to take with you to college that can help.
1. Lasko My Heat®
Going to school in a chilly climate? Keep your feet warm during those late night cram sessions with Lasko’s compact My Heat personal space heater. Cost: $20
www.laskoproducts.com
2. Black & Decker
Convection Countertop Oven If your residence hall allows you to have a toaster then you’ll be glad to own this Black & Decker countertop convection oven. This oven features a large, easy-view glass door, quartz heaters, dual-position rack slots and a large capacity that can fit a 9” pizza. Bake, broil, toast and warming functions add versatility to the mix, while convection airflow circulation has been strategically designed to quickly and consistently cook food evenly every time. Who doesn’t love a nicely toasted PB&J at 3 AM? Cost: $40
www.laskoproducts.com
3. Frank’s® RedHot®
Can’t get enough spicy food? College students love to put Frank’s RedHot on wings, pizza, eggs and other munchie-foods that are eaten during a sporting event or as a late night snack. Cost: $3
www.franksredhot.com
4. Fagor Countertop Induction burner 2-piece set
The set includes the impressive Countertop Induction Burner with a newly designed panel and a Fagor 9.5” Cast Aluminum Skillet. The new 2-pc package is specifically designed to assist the beginner in familiarizing themselves to the world of induction cooking. Cost: $100
www.fagoramerica.com
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StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
“ Great for staying warm when you and your roommate can’t agree on the same temperature” Ben B. | Wesleyan University
Our student testers were evenly split between the two George Foreman Grills. Those will smaller spaces preferred the The Champ while those living off campus lusted after The Next Grilleration especially when they learned the 2 grills were removable and dishwasher-safe.
George Foreman The Next Grilleration
George Foreman Grill The Champ
Cost: $50
Cost: $30
www.georgeforemancooking.com
www.georgeforemancooking.com
Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
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[ Heat It Up ]
Black & Decker Smartboil® Plus 1.7-L Programmable Kettle
Hot features and a cool, stainless steel design? Talk about putting kettle to the metal. That’s the idea behind this Black & Decker® kettle with easily programmable settings that heat water to the perfect temperature for tea, cocoa, instant coffee, noodles and soups in a snap. A one-touch lid release button and stay-open hinged lid make for fast, worry-free pours while auto shut-off and boil/dry protection keep you out of hot water by combining ease-of-use with ease-of-mind.
Cost: $50 www.blackanddeckerappliances.com
“ Whether you are making coffee, instant oatmeal or soup, this boils quickly and with the auto shut-off I don’t have to worry about setting off alarms.” Denise M. | University of Massachusetts Lowell
Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
[45]
[ Fighting the Freshman 15]
The “Freshman 15” can creep up on you if you’re not careful, so it’s best to go to college prepared. Utilizing your campus gym is the best way to stay healthy, but if that’s not enough, here are a few products to keep you on the right track.
1. FitKitDORM
A portable exercise kit perfect for students in tight spaces. Includes an exercise band, resistance tube, jump rope, and stability attachment. Cost:
$
30
www.fitkit.com
2. MIO Energy Pro Watch
A strapless heart rate watch that provides you with your heart rate on demand…now you can finally know how hard you’re working out when you’re out on your run! Cost: $120
www.mioglobal.com
COMES IN 3 COLORS!
3. Stainless Steel Scale
When all you need is to track your weight, this classic stainless steel scale will do the trick. Cost: $30
www.taylorusa.com
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StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
STAY MO
[ Fighting the Freshman 15 ]
4. U mbra’s Pongo
Portable Ping Pong Set Turn that dorm desk into the site of an all out table tennis tournament! This nifty portable ping pong set includes 2 ping pong paddles with retractable handles, portable net, 2 ping pong balls and a drawstring pouch for storage and transport. The weighted net can be set up on any smooth surface table up to 72”. Cost: $40
www.umbra.com
OTIVATED
5. Cal-Max Scale
If you’re looking for some help dropping a few extra lbs, or trying to gain some weight, this scale is the perfect choice. The Cal-Max provides the amount of calories you need to consume daily to maintain your current weight. Cost: $30
www.taylorusa.com
6. BOWFLEX
Body Fat Scale If you’re a serious fitness buff, this scale is for you. The BOWFLEX estimates body fat, body water and muscle mass, and can be set to normal or athlete mode. Cost: $50
www.taylorusa.com Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
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[ Fighting the Freshman 15]
Vibram FiveFingers Komodosport
Love to run? Runners all over the world can’t get enough of Vibram’s minimalist FiveFingers shoes. They’re also great for yoga, hiking, playing ultimate, or simply walking around the quad. Our student tester’s loved the barefootwithout-being-barefoot feel.
Cost: $100 www.vibramfivefingers.com
“ I love that FiveFingers are light-weight, yet have all the protection you need for running around outside. They’re perfect for any student who loves the outdoors!” Joe Lacroix, Merrimack College” Joe L. | Merrimack College
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StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
[ Chill Out ]
M
any freshmen moving into residence halls this Fall will have to get used to living without AC for the first time. Staying cool can be tough in your tiny room, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few products that are guaranteed to help you keep you from overheating.
Dyson Air Multiplier 10’’ Table Fan Finally, the fan of the future is here! This bladeless fan from Dyson uses air foil technology to produce a steady stream of cooling air. You won’t get any chopping or buffeting like you would with conventional fans. It also oscillates and tilts to accomadate any position you need it in. Cost: $300
www.dyson.com
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StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
[ Chill Out ]
PackIt Freezable Personal Cooler / Tote Freezer space becomes a precious commodity during college life. Whether you’ve got a teeny icebox in your mini-fridge or have face off with roommates in your apartment, the Packit Freezeable Personal cooler will come in handy - just fold it up nicely in your freezer and take it with you on the go. Go to a big football school? You’ve got a new tailgating buddy and his name is PackIt. Cost: $20
www.packitcool.com
Lasko Box Fan There’s no easier way to quickly cool down a stuffy dorm room than by using a big old box fan. The compact design of this one made by Lasko is perfect when trying to save space. Cost: $20
www.laskoproducts.com
Cool Bar TMulti-functionality is key to maximizing space in any dorm and the Cool Bar does a great job as a cooler and a coffee table all in one. Our student product reviewers couldn’t believe how sturdy, yet light weight it was. Cost: $80
www.keter.com
Lasko Desktop Wind Tower® Looking for a more affordable desk fan solution? Lasko’s Desktop Wind Tower occupies less than 6’’ of space and provides full coverage oscillation. You can also position it in a way that doesn’t blow any papers across your desk. Cost: $25
www.laskoproducts.com
Ultimate Dorm Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
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[ Going Green ]
Going Green D
id you know that green is the new black? Today there are a slew of options for buying eco-friendly products for college.
1. Lunchopolis by Enviro Products
Brown bags and plastic baggies are so grade school. Enviro’s Lunchopolis are perfect for the hungry college student looking to take a little extra grub back from the dining hall. Ranging in a variety of colors, each Lunchopolis lunchbox comes with a drinking bottle and modular containers that are all reusable. Cost: $30
www.lunchopolis.com
2. VosFlips
Shower sandals are a dorm must-have, so why not choose footwear that spreads the love? VosFlips are 100% recyclable natural rubber sandals and for each pair sold the company vows to give a pair of footwear away to a person in need. The social initiative is implemented in partnership with Soles4Souls, the international shoe charity. Cost: $20
www.vosflips.com
3. Flip N’ Sip Nature Bottle by Enviro Products
Enviro’s line of BPA-free and stainless steel water bottles that are perfect for reducing the cost and litter created by non-reusable plastic water bottles. With BPA-free bottles, you can avoid harmful and toxic chemicals that are found in conventional plastics. Each stainless steel bottle is eco-chic and has one of the best functioning caps in the market. Cost: $12
www.enviroproductsinc.com
4. Casabella Lint Roller With Recyclable Handle
This isn’t your grandma’s lint roller. The handle on this puppy is made from 100% recycled soda bottles. With an easy-to-replace adhesive roll, keeping your clothes lint-free has never been more convenient.. Cost: $100
www.fagoramerica.com
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StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate College Dorm Guide
[ Going Green ]
Saky Sacks
Every student needs a reusable bag - not something just for the grocery store but to carry extra books, laundry, for use as a shopping bag or tote, something for the pool, gym or anything else life throws at you. Saky Sacks are strong enough to easily carry 25 lbs, fold up for easy storage and portability and are washable! Saky Sacks can also be recycled. Saky Sacks速 is proud to announce its support of Ocean Futures Society, an organization whose mission is to explore global oceans and inspire and educate people on acting responsibly for its protection. Saky Sacks速 will donate 10 percent of the net proceeds from website sales of the Spotty Saky to Ocean Futures.
Cost: $50 www.sakysacks.com
Ultimate College Dorm Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
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[ Going Green ]
5. Yube Cube
SModern, stylish, and easy-to-assemble: eco-friendly Yube Cubes are made out of panels that are practically edible - they are made from sugarcane after the juice has been extracted. The frames are made of woodlite - a moldable thermoplastic mixed with fiber made from bamboo, the renowned renewable wood resource. Perfect for feeling good about organizing your college dorm room, and flexible enough to fit your unique space. Cost: $30
www.yubecube.com
FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE!
Ultimate Dorm Living Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
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[ Safety First]
Safe+y First College campuses aren’t always safe, so make sure to leave for school prepared to keep your valuables, and yourself, safe from theft or danger.
1. Fire Gone – Dorm Fire Extinguisher
An easy, portable fire extinguisher ideal for college or off campus life. You never know when your roommate will think it’s a good idea to see if your sofa is flammable, so it’s better to be safe than sorry! Cost: $15
A place to keep your valuables safe. Just lock them in the vault, and lock the vault to your dorm furniture. Cost: $15
www.dormco.com
PSST! – OUR
FRIENDS AT DORMCO SAY THIS IS A TOP SELLER!
www.dormco.com
3. Minimate Shredder
from Staples A compact and lightweight shredder perfect for any college student who wants to stay organized. Small enough for the desk and easy to move around from room to room. Cost: $50
www.staples.com
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2. GoVault
StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Living Guide
4. Porta Pocket
A strap-onto-the-body carrying case system that safely and comfortably keeps small valuables and other essentials handy while minimizing theft, loss and inconvenience. Perfect for running. Cost: $20
www.portapocket.com
Small. Sleek. Secure. A compact shredder that works where you need it. • Portable, space-saving design for easy identity protection • Shreds 6 letter-size sheets • Includes comfort-grip handle • Easy to empty with bottom-empty bin
Limited quantities also available in plum (906428) and white (906429). Order from our in-store kiosk or at staples.com.
Available exclusively at Staples.
Easy to empty, no more spills
[ College Checklist ]
The ULTIMATE College By | Megan K. | Boston University | StudentAdvisor.com Intern Things You Can Buy at School • Personal Care Items: Shampoo Conditioner Face Wash Razor, razor blades, and shaving cream Hair care products Hair elastics, Bobby Pins Deodorant Moisturizer Lotion Toothbrush Toothpaste Mouthwash Dental floss Nail clippers Nail file Tweezers Q-Tips • School supplies: Notebooks Pens Pencils Folders Index Cards Textbooks • Over the counter medications Ibuprofin Dayquil/Nyquil Cough Drops Allergy Medication Daily Multivitamin Neosporin Band Aids Hydrogen peroxide Rubbing Alcohol Microfridge Bed Risers Water Filter Printer paper Paper towels Snacks (Popcorn, Oatmeal, Pretzels, Granola Bars, Almonds, Ramen, Easy Mac)
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StudentAdvisor.com | Ultimate Dorm Guide
Paper plates, cups, bowls, and plastic silverware Laundry Detergent, Dryer Sheets, and stain solution
Bedding Mattress Pad Pillow Twin XL Sheets sets (2) Comforter Armchair pillow An extra blanket
Clothes Everyday clothes (as many as you’ll need) Clothes to go out in at night Clutch or crossbody bag for parties Rain Jacket Rain Boots Flip Flops for the shower Winter hat, gloves, and mittens Lots of underwear Bathing suit Gym clothes and sneakers A dressy outfit for presentations, interviews, or formal events Lightweight jacket Winter jacket (if you live in wintery areas)
Cleaning Supplies Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Vacuum Dust pan and brush Air Freshener Iron/steamer
Food Storage Chip Clips Two water bottles (one for water, and one for sodas, juices, and other drinks) Plastic Tupperware Plastic container to keep food in Coffee tumbler Two mugs (one for drinking, one for food)
[ College Checklist ]
DORM Room CHECKLIST Toolkit Small hammer and nails Phillips and Flat Head screw driver Swiss Army Knife (Maybe) Flashlight Hooks Scissors Lock Duct Tape Scotch Tape Command strips and Scotch Stickables
Computer Laptop USB Hub Laptop case Charger Printer Ink Cartridges External Hard Drive Flash Drive Extra Battery VGA and DVI cable adapters Microsoft Office
Organization Laundry Basket Hangers Over the door shoe rack Under bed storage
Personal Drivers License Passport Credit or Debit Card Student ID Yearly Agenda Copies of your birth certificate and SS Card
Electronics Cell Phone iPod or mp3 player Headphones Camera TV, DVD Player, and TV stand Favorite DVDs
Personal Care Wash cloth (2) Hand towel (2) Bath towel (2) Shower Caddy Hair dryer, straightener, curling iron Hair brush, comb
Miscellany Towel you don’t care about Humidifier Area Rug Blanket Full length Mirror Desktop lighted mirror Alarm Clock Small duffle bag for weekend trips
What to Leave at Home • Hot Plates • Birth Certificate and Social Security Card • Dictionaries and Thesauruses • High school yearbook • Ironing board • Tons of personal reading books
Click Here to Download a PDF version of The Ultimate College Dorm Checklist.
Ultimate Dorm Guide | StudentAdvisor.com
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