Preparing to join Colorado State University – or any other university – can be overwhelming. From ensuring that you have all the admission documents ready to pick the right apartment for your semester, your checklist can go on and on. For your stay to be comfortable, however, you ought to carry a few essential items.
These items include toiletries, electronics, stationery, beddings, and even snacks. This list of necessary items for a college apartment can be long, and forgetting a crucial item is easy. That's why this blog is here – to provide you with a college apartment shopping list to ensure that your stay is nothing but smooth.
Before purchasing anything, it is essential to confirm with your college about everything that is allowed and what isn't. College boards tend to have strict laws and health codes. Some might allow specific types of microwaves, while others will prohibit specific fridge sizes. Of course, this might not matter if you are living off-campus.
It could also help to consult other CSU students on the 'must-haves' and 'don't bothers', especially if it is your first time in your new college apartment. They could easily provide you with a list of general items and those that are specific to your living space.
If you are renting an apartment in Fort Collins, it could be ideal to observe the seasons as Northern Colorado can have sweltering summers and freezing winters. Choose heavy clothes and light clothes to stay comfortable. Also, look for ways to reduce your packing space. For instance, split your shopping list into items you can buy within the vicinity of your university and those that you need from home.
Lastly, be sure to read your housing contract carefully. The nitty-gritty details of the contract could spell out everything that is forbidden within your apartment complex. It will also inform you more about your new living situation, so reading it will help you plan your college apartment shopping list. Most importantly, when looking for apartments for rent in Fort Collins, keep an eye out for apartments that are in line with your needs.
Your health and personal hygiene matter. If your aim is to have a 4.0 semester, taking care of yourself is the first step. There are studies that show the link between great personal hygiene and academic performance. Besides bringing along toiletries, you could need to pack a caddy if you are using a common bathroom with your roommates.
Since accidents can happen anytime, packing a first aid kit is essential. You never know when you may need those bandages. You should also include any medication you typically need into your list.
If you plan on giving yourself a haircut, shaving your beard, or applying hair products, adding the necessary products to your list is essential. Some of the general items you might need are (non-gender specific):
Understanding your living space and situation is essential when picking your beddings. That’s why you need to be quite thorough when looking for apartments for rent in Fort Collins. Will you be living with a roommate? How much space will you have for yourself? What other furniture do you need in your room?
While you might want to have a large bed and mattress, it could complicate how you set up the rest of your room. You need a study table, a closet or storage space, and even a shoe rack. Pick your beddings with all this in mind. Some necessary items for a college apartment to include in your list are:
Understanding the expected weather during the semester is essential since you wouldn't want to pack unnecessary clothes. Be sure to ask around about weather patterns if you are new to the place. Another thing to consider is how you will do your laundry.
While doing laundry isn't exciting, it is necessary. You should start with picking the right detergent for the job. Something easy on your clothes is ideal since harsh detergents will reduce their lifetime. As for storing your clothes, you don't have to own a closet.
In some cases, your closet space might not be enough to display and store your favorite clothes. A great option would be to invest in a clothing rack. Some essential items to carry into an apartment include:
You could be renting an apartment in Fort Collins for an entire year, meaning that each decision concerning shopping for a college apartment matters. Why not make yourself feel at home? Among the best ways to turn your new apartment into a home is to add some personal touch to it. Something that might seem as trivial as an area rug could bring life into any dull space.
You can also use posters to showcase your interest through your walls – a great conversation starter. If you paint or draw during your free time, consider creating a private exhibition in your apartment. The more you feel comfortable at your new home, the easier it will be to make friends and perform well academically.
Your décor pieces can also serve a functional purpose. For instance, you can look for a couch that compliments the rest of your apartment's décor. Consider adding these items to your list:
It can be tough to adjust to classes during the first days. Having the right classroom supplies can help keep you focused and productive. Why not carry along some pens and a notebook? While you could make do by typing class notes on your laptop, owning a notebook is essential. Studies have shown that noting things down by hand does help with memory retention. Some of the necessities to carry include:
Your laptop isn't the only electronic you might need for your school year. You also need some headsets, especially if you will be attending some of your classes online. It could also help you listen to your favorite music while resting or even jogging. Since you might have multiple electronics like your laptop, wireless headsets, and smartphone, a single power outlet might not be enough to keep everything charged and ready for use.
Consider bringing along a power strip – preferably one with a cord that can reach your bedside. Going wireless might be ideal for most electronics. Besides looking sleek, wireless electronics are convenient in that they aren't as restrictive. Consider adding the following items to your college apartment shopping list:
When shopping for a college apartment, the kind of snacks to buy will depend on whether or not you are living off campus. Living in an off-campus apartment will require that you cook for yourself. While some schools allow students to cook within in-campus apartments, this is not always the case. Find out where you lie in this situation before adding any foodstuff to your list.
You will definitely need to pack food to cook after those long days at class. On the other hand, you will need to purchase snacks to make your new apartment feel like home. Snacks could be helpful after those long nights of studying. You know the kind of snacks and food you prefer eating, so here is a list of items that will make indulging in them easier:
The more comfortable you are at school, the easier it will be to focus on your studies. While you can always buy most of these items within the vicinity of your campus, carrying them from home is better as you know where to easily find them. Create a comprehensive list of the items you need for an easier time at school and to make the shopping process easier.
Our team is here to help you find your next home. Feel free to call and schedule a showing or start your search right here.
