As a first-year bachelor’s student who is experiencing independent life for the first time ever, no one can truly ever fully prepare you for the struggles you may encounter. Everyone is bound to make errors, common mishaps, or straight-up dumb decisions. It is inevitable as mistakes are an integral part of the learning process. That being said, I really wish someone handed me this little “cheat sheet”.
Elfi’s dorm shopping list
For your room:
-Cleaning supplies. If you aren’t sure where to start, I’d recommend a basic aerosol sanitizing spray, some cleaning cloths, toilet cleaning fluid, multi-purpose wipes, and laundry pods. These supplies will get you through the first month until you figure out what other stuff you will need.
-Large sturdy laundry basket. If you live in dorms, this is a must-have. Carrying your load of laundry in a paper COOP bag proves itself to be impractical very quickly. The minute the paper bag rips and your clothes embrace the cold dirty floor, you will be wishing you had initially bought a sturdy basket.
-Many adhesive hooks. You will always need to hang something up. From your towel to that one item you have no space for anymore.
-Small travel sewing kit. Clothes rip, and as a universal rule, they rip in the most uncomfortable situations. It’s always a good idea to have this in your dorm, as you may save yourself or a fellow friend from an eternity of embarrassing memories.
-Slippers. Unless you feel very at home and wish to use communal shower spaces barefoot, having slippers is always a great thing.
-Extension cords. The power outlets in the dorm may not be comfortable for you, so having extension cords can really make your life easier and your outlets more accessible.
-Batteries. As a general rule of thumb, batteries disappear the second you need them. Prevent this by purchasing a pack beforehand.
For yourself:
-Bandages. The number of times you will now use a knife has increased exponentially, and so has the probability of nicking yourself. Stay safe and stock up on band-aids!
-Blow dryer. This is more applicable to people who have longer, thicker hair but this item has saved me from walking out in the cold with damp hair MANY times
Miscellaneous:
-Scotch tape. You never know what you will need to stick, and it’s better to have it around than miss it
-Cotton. It is a multipurpose item, perfect for stuffing into ears when your roommate is a particularly noisy sleeper
Everyone’s experiences are different. However, I really hope this aids you in one way or another during your stay in Estonia. Happy Studying!