College Handbook: The Chico dorm room/apartment checklist

Nobody wants to experience a flash of panic their first day living on their own, whether it’s in a residence hall or an apartment.

This list includes the “bare necessities” you should have on move-in day.

Dorm essentials

Flip flops:To protect your feet from whatever’s lurking between the tiles in the residence hall shower floor.

Shower caddy: So you can carry all your hygiene items to those showers without making them touch the floor, either. I’d suggest buying something that’s easy to clean, otherwise it’ll get rusty or moldy.

Microwave/mini fridge: You’re not always going to want to eat at the dining hall. Having a fridge for milk and energy drinks and a microwave for heating up leftovers from Tea Bar or Madison Bear Garden (The Bear) is always a wise choice.

Sleep mask and earplugs: If you’re a heavy sleeper, you’ll be fine. For the rest of us, however, many sharing close quarters with a stranger for the first time, sleeping is an adjustment. If you’re lucky, your roommate and you will have the same sleep schedules. If you’re like everyone else, you won’t.

Mini fan: Works great for drowning out a roommate’s light snoring or sleep talking. Keeping you cool is a bonus.

Mattress pad/foam and mattress protector: Every dorm room mattresses has got to have an interesting history. But it’s not one you want coming into direct contact with your skin. I’d suggest getting a protector designed to keep bed bugs at bay and a foam topper or pad, unless you don’t mind your back being as stiff as your mattress.

Bedding: Your dorm room doesn’t come with sheets or blankets, so don’t forget those. In Chico, it’s usually a twin XL size you’re looking for, but it’s always wise to check with your residence hall.

Hangers for clothes: The dorm room that I lived in had a wardrobe with shelves and a rack to hang your clothes on. If you have a lot of clothes and they don’t all fit, my suggestion is to just leave some at home or donate.

First aid items:Everybody gets boo boos. No shame.

Tool kit: It’s a good idea to have a basic toolkit anywhere you live. I’ve never regretted having duct tape, either.

Surge-protected power strips:We all have 50 electronic devices nowadays so getting one of these is essential. There are wall plug-ins with USB charging ports, but it’d be a good idea to figure out if those are acceptable at your residence hall, first.

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Lamp/battery-powered candles: Your roommate and you likely won’t have the same schedules (see “sleep mask/earplugs” above), so getting a lamp is a great idea. That way you can stay up late studying and you don’t have to leave the ceiling light on, which is bright and makes it impossible for many people to sleep. Candles aren’t an essential item, but if you’re into mood lighting or want to impress your first college date, don’t light a real candle. A room in Chico State’s Whitney Hall was scorched from an unattended candle years ago, with smoke and water damaging nine other rooms. It’s not worth it.

Laundry carrier and detergent: If the laundry leprechauns haven’t already stolen enough of them already, you’re bound to lose a sock or two if you balance your clothes on your arms while walking down the hall or the stairs to the laundry room.

Washcloths and towels:I guess you could air dry, which means you and your roommate are either going to be fast friends or it’s going to get really awkward really quick.

Apartment living

Toilet paper: Avoid having to soil a washcloth or something else you own — bring a buffer roll or two from your previous place if you don’t think you’ll have time to get some TP on move-in day.

Shower curtain, plastic liner and hooks: If your apartment has a glass sliding door or some other fancy entryway to the tub, obviously ignore this one. It’s not fun to forget this when you don’t have that, especially after a long, sweaty move-in day (Chico Augusts are hot!). Some apartments have a shower curtain rod already installed, some don’t, so check beforehand if you can.

Cleaning supplies: A broom, vacuum and mop are good examples. Something to scrub the toilet with, and a plunger. A dish brush for scrubbing dishes, and soap for cleaning dishes and your hands. Laundry detergent. These things can add up, but if you have the money and space to buy in bulk you’ll thank yourself later, because you can save quite a bit of money.

A mattress/soft sleeping surface and pillow: Unless you like sleeping on the floor, this is probably a good idea.

Things to cook with: plates and bowls, silverware, pots and pans, olive and canola oil, tin foil and saran wrap, and tupperware, food storage bags or containers for leftovers. It can be a big hassle to forget any of these things after you move.

Can and bottle openers: Don’t let anything stand in the way of you and a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale or can of chili.

Ice cube trays:If you are going to have your own magical refrigerator that makes ice for you, I envy you. I’m willing to bet you won’t, so invest in ice cube trays. They are more cost effective than buying ice all the time.

Laundry basket:Sure, you can let your dirty clothes pile up on the floor like a savage, or you can put them in a container like a sensible adult. This especially makes sense if you don’t have a washer and dryer in your apartment unit.

Garbage bags and a trash can:Self-explanatory. Don’t be nasty.

Basic furniture:Every apartment is different. I decided not to buy a bookcase because I had enough room in my closet to put my books on its built-in shelves. I personally like less furniture, because it makes your apartment look bigger and less cluttered. Here are basic pieces to consider:

• Couch/love seat/futon

• Book shelf

• Dresser

• End tables (for the living room and bed room)

• Bar stools or a table and chairs

• A TV stand or wall mount

• Desk/desk chair

Tool kit:It’s a good idea to have a basic toolkit anywhere you live. I’ve never regretted having duct tape, either.

First aid items: Everybody gets boo boos. No shame.

Washcloths and towels:I guess you could air dry, which means you and your roommate are either going to be fast friends or it’s going to get really awkward really quick. If you live on your own, just know that your cat also has feelings, and can’t unsee things.

Appliances: Some of these may not be necessary because your apartment will have them already. Here are basic ones to make sure you have, whether you buy them or they come with your new place:

• Microwave

• Toaster/Toaster oven

• Oven

• Refrigerator

• Coffee maker: Don’t try to argue with me that this isn’t essential, I’ll just laugh at you.