Back to School 2011: 8 Dorm Essentials You Didn't Think You Needed

Classes started at Stony Brook on August 30, and those who live in the residence halls are in the process of settling in. Most long-time residents already know what to bring, but for newer students, here's a list of essentials both on provided lists and off.

1. Twin XL Sheets

This bears repeating. Mattresses and beds at Stony Brook are a little longer than usual – each one is 80 inches in length. You might have regular twin-sized sheets already, but they will not fit exactly right. Shelling out for twin-XL sheets is a great investment for four years (or more) in the residential quads.

2. Mattress Pad

At the same time, you probably do not want to be sleeping directly on a mattress that has seen several semesters' worth of students, sheets or no. You may end up curling up in the indentation left by generations of students before you, and that's just unnerving. Invest in a mattress pad – it will save you peace of mind.

3. Shower Shoes

Have a pair of waterproof flip-flops, especially in corridor-style dorms such as Roosevelt, H and Medelsohn Quads where residents share a floor-wide communal shower. It may be a shower, but after a dozen people have used it, it won't be pretty. A pair of flip-flops or slippers that you wear specially for taking a shower will save you a lot of grief when the bathroom looks like a warzone.

4. Extra Towels

Speaking of showers, one towel will likely not be enough. Have at least one other on hand – if you're late to a class or a meeting, desperately in need of a shower and the towel you usually use smells like the vomit your roommates used it to clean up the night before, you'll always have a backup. You may also want to look into new roommates.

5. Laundry Bag

Have a place to keep all your dirty clothes (that is not the dorm room floor) as well as a convenient way to bring your laundry to the wash. A mesh or cotton bag large enough to stuff a good chunk of your clothes into, that you can fold and store when not in use, will make your life easier. Moving two weeks' worth of clothes from the third floor to the basement where the washing machines is a chore, but a laundry bag can make it easier. A large black (clean) garbage bag can serve in a pinch, but something permanent is a great investment. And don't forget the quarters!

6. Hot Pot or Coffee Maker

Microwaves, toaster ovens, grills and hot plates are off-limits in campus residential halls outside of the kitchen. If you end up craving cup o' noodles while you're up studying at 4 a.m. and you don't live in a suite with a kitchen, you will wish you had a hot pot or a coffee maker to heat up water while you return to work. Keep in mind that only coffee makers with automatic shut-off are allowed.

7. A Water Pitcher with Filter

Long Island tap water may be safe to drink but it sure doesn't taste good. Besides, you may not want to take the risk, and boiled water takes time, both to heat up and to cool. A water pitcher with a filter saves both money and the environment, meaning you won't have to constantly buy bottles of water. Just fill up the pitcher and leave it in your fridge; you'll have cool, clean water to drink at any time of day (unless your roommates finish it off without refilling).

8. Reusable/Heat-resistant Water Bottle or Thermos

In the same vein as No. 6, have a Thermos or a reusable plastic bottle on hand. In dining halls, you will be able to fill your own bottle with tea or coffee at a discount from using the provided paper cups. You can also fill up at any of the water fountains around the campus, or bring your own water around. If you have decided on a coffee maker, you will not have to trek to the closest store for your morning buzz of caffeine.