8 Dorm Essentials (You Probably Forgot About)

Emily Maranto

If you’re a planner, you’ve checked every classic dorm essential off your buying list. If you’re a procrastinator (like me), you might be wondering if LSU dorms are even furnished (don’t worry, they are).

Either way, we know you’ve seen those “essentials” lists. So, we’ve researched what they didn’t tell you: all those things you need for your dorm that no one’s told you about. Until now.

Dish Organizer

You’re probably well stocked with cute mugs, minimalist plates and your mom’s old utensils. But where will you store them? A dish-drying rack. Dish organizers come in all shapes and styles. A simple and space-efficient design ensures that you make the most of limited space. Place it near the sink in your room if you have one or on top of that mini-fridge (you’ve bought that already, because where else can you store your gumbo?).

Extension Cord

You might think you’ll have enough electrical outlets. Think again. Between lamps, computers, mini-fridges and TVs, dorm room plug-ins run out faster than the snacks your great aunt sent in your care package. You or a roomie may have packed three different Xboxes or four different curling irons. To keep the peace, we recommend at least one extension cord per person.

Overhead Shoe Organizer

Between rain boots, sneakers and slippers (you know, the ones you never use but can’t throw away), a dorm room closet can go from bare to Miranda’s shoe closet in “The Devil Wears Prada” in no time. An over-the-door shoe organizer will keep your closet floor clear for your laundry basket, backpack and seasonal storage (that big coat you’ll need for Louisiana’s annual three days of winter). If you and your roomie don’t have lots of shoes, you can share a shoe rack and get another over-the-door organizer for snacks (Oops! Ramen) or hygiene products.

Card Games

We’re definitely (not) talking about more than just “Cards Against Humanity.” Card games are perfect for meeting people on your dorm floor and procrastinating during dead week. Board games are clunky and expensive, and nothing beats a classic game of “Go Fish.” Or playing “Cards Against Humanity” and realizing you’re the only one who thinks you're funny. Regardless of how funny you are, don’t want to miss the opportunity to make even more memories after a late-night cookie run or after bingewatching “The Office.”

Small Fan

Temperature preference should be a top question for roommate matching. We’re serious, because 72 degrees is relative. You’ve probably packed a fluffy blanket and have bought an LSU sweatshirt, but many new students forget the fan. It’s a perfect addition after you’ve walked to the Union and back and you’re certain it's

Clothes Steamer

Ironing is so 20th century. And it’s prohibited on LSU’s campus. A small steamer might seem like a waste, but just wait until you have that interview for your first on-campus job and your lucky pencil skirt is all wrinkled. Or you finally found the game-day jersey that’s been hiding in the closet, just in time for the biggest game of the season. Wrinkles show up on the big screen in Tiger Stadium, so we’re saving you potential embarrassment.

Mirror

The time is 8:43 a.m. You have a 9 o’clock class. You roll out of bed and rush to the Quad, only to find that you’re wearing three different shades of purple. To avoid this grape catastrophe, we recommend a full-length mirror – one of the most forgotten items on move-in day. Not only does a full-length mirror preserve your fashion sense (and dignity), it also makes your dorm room seem larger and more inviting. Get an overthe-door mirror to save even more space.

Reed Diffuser

We’re sure you always smell fresh, but your dorm room may not. Candles, wall plug-ins and incense are all prohibited in dorm rooms. Between leftover pizza and avoiding laundry, your small, shared space can end up smelling like the student line to get into Tiger Stadium on a Saturday evening. Avoid the first-year funk (because we can’t help you with the freshman 15) with reed diffusers. They’re small and inexpensive and will last longer than your first college relationship.