What you need to survive University of Idaho’s dorms

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Moving into the dorms can be a daunting task, especially for the majority of freshmen who have never lived on their own before. Dorms may seem like a short and temporary living situation, but in several months at the University of Idaho,  dorms become students’ homes. And in that home, students need items for both comfort and functionality. All dorms are unique, but some things come especially in handy on UI’s campus.  

Fan

Moscow may be known for its long winters, but the summer heat is no joke. Especially in Wallace Residence Center, having a good fan can be a lifesaver. Coming back to a cold room after exploring the large campus is a welcome relief. 

Shower Shoes

Sharing bathrooms isn’t always the most sanitary thing. Particularly in the Theophilus Tower, wearing sandals in the shower is a must. Although the cleaning crew does a great job maintaining the communal bathrooms, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Organizers

Without the old setup of my childhood bedroom, while getting used to campus life, I found myself relying on various organizers to find a sense of order. A plastic basket for dirty dishes, command hooks for jackets and a file holder for class notebooks. Many small ways to organize my things helped me tackle the bigger picture of my room.  

Bed Risers

Bed risers help free up space, especially in the Tower. Wallace has bunk beds, and the Living Learning Communities have lofted beds. In the Tower’s shared rooms the two beds can hold a lot underneath to better utilize space.

Water Filter

The dorms aren’t known for refreshing water. Students in Wallace and the Tower tend to find alternative sources or make adjustments to the tap water. Using my Brita filter helped me adjust from the crisp fridge water back home without solely relying on The Hub’s soda fountain.  

Disinfectant Wipes

College kids aren’t exactly known for tidy rooms and spotless desks. During my time in the dorms, my roommate and I had quite a few spills. Admittedly, we’ve also had some mysterious sticky spots. With a supply of wet wipes, cleaning a mess can be made easy. One thing I’ve learned from dorm living, convenience is key. 

Air Fresheners

Sometimes the dorms carry a questionable stench. Sealing the windows tight in winter leads to smells lingering in a room for far too long. An air freshener can help cover or get rid of bad smells in the absence of scented candles, which are banned in dorms. 

Lights

Less of a necessity than most other things on the list, but some fairy lights can improve the mood of your dorm. With Moscow’s long winter months and short winter days, it can stay dark for a while. Having some fun lighting help counter the gloominess of the colder season.

Ear Plugs/ Noise Cancelling Earbuds

This is a problem I haven’t personally encountered but is a frequent complaint among students in the dorms. Earplugs could come in handy during roommate horror stories or when living with someone who snores too loudly. No matter what the reason, having a pair of earplugs or earbuds can help you rest in peace. Also, if your roommate is more courteous, thin walls in the LLCs can make it difficult to tune out the noise.

Pictures

Being far away at college from childhood friends and family can make people homesick. Having physical photos helps bring a sense of familiarity to your room. Pictures pinned to your bulletin board or taped to the wall are uniquely yours. Hopefully, in the coming months in Moscow, you can add even more. 

No matter how many dorm shopping lists you read ahead of time, there will always be something you aren’t able to foresee. 

There is a lot of planning when it comes to moving out. Sometimes, the best way to deal with things is to wait and see what comes your way. After all, everyone’s time in the dorms is going to be a bit chaotic.   

Haadiya Tariq can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @haadiyatariq