The dorms are not for everyone. Maybe it took you a year of living in them to figure that out, or perhaps you knew it from the beginning. Either way, you are now faced with the daunting task of moving into your first apartment. Luckily, we’ve put together this first apartment checklist. Once you have found your place, think about this list of things you need to make your first apartment a home.
Bed
If you only manage to get one thing into your new place for the first night, make it your bed. You don't want to have to move the rest of your stuff in with an achy back. Your bed will likely determine how you set up your bedroom, so it is a good idea to get it in early on anyway.
TV
Any interior decorator will tell you that you don't want your television to be the main focus of your living room… but you're in college! You are going to get to know your television really well. Also, your new pad probably is not going to be huge, so a large television may dictate a lot about how your living room is set up.
Trash Cans
OK, so you were excited about getting your new TV set up, but now you need some essentials. The demand for garbage receptacles will become readily apparent soon enough.
Couch
The couch is a crucial element of any college apartment. Its strength lies in its versatility, with the potential to serve as a desk, dining area, or extra bed. Don't spend a fortune on your sofa, because it is going to take a lot of abuse. Really, that is a good rule for just about everything in college.
Shower Curtain
Another less-than-exciting item that will become absolutely necessary. You'll be glad you had your first apartment checklist when you can jump in the shower at the end of your move without flooding your bathroom.
Horizontal Surfaces
Kitchen tables, coffee tables, and desks are all good for eating and studying. They will also inevitably pile up with an assortment of items which you acquire so that in two years you can dig through the layers and piece together a history of your college experience.
Kitchen Supplies
By now you are probably pretty hungry. Cooking for yourself can save you a lot of money, so having the proper equipment can be helpful. Then again, it doesn't take much to make ramen noodles.
Next Article: Finding a Roommate