[Meet Margaret. She's a recent high school grad gearing up for her first year at Yale. We'll check in with her every week to see what she's doing, who she's Facebook stalkin', what she's packing, and what new college surprises she's tackling (or freaking out about) next. Oh, to be an incoming freshman again....]

Dorm shopping is kinda like going on a safari. Not just because there are waaaay too many sheet sets out there with zebra print on them (you guys, zebra print can be totally cute, but no doubt it also is reminiscent of Austin Powers’ sex pad which is kinda less than groovy…unless that’s what you’re into), but also because it is so overwhelming and exhilarating you kinda don’t know what to do with yourself.

I mean, with “I Heart College!” Bed, Bath & Beyond ads hitting your mailbox every week, it’s hard not to buy that cushioned toilet seat or $26 stainless steel trashcan. I just wanna look super fly come college time and every little thing counts, even a steel trash receptacle.

But from the mouth of a wise woman (my mom): “Darling, if you really want it we can get it. But don’t be stupid.” Real talk: We all want to walk into college with swagger, but a steel trash can probably will not accomplish that. Nor will a cushioned toilet seat, much as your ass (or face, after a long night at the frats) would beg to differ.

So fellow freshmen, unless you’re Emma Watson and have Harry Potter cash to blow, let’s consider what we really need before we get sucked into Target’s cute dorm deco displays:

-Sheets: You could potentially be using these sheets all 4 years, so make sure you get ones that will last. Feel the sheets before you buy them. A lot of times, sheets will be incredibly cute but ultra scratchy, which isn’t exactly prime for helping you sleep. Also consider the fact that your bedding probably has a high chance of getting gross stuff on it (Spaghetti-O’s, Easy Mac, barf…..), in which case a snowy white comforter may not be your best option. Quality is important when it comes to sheets; don’t waste money buying multiple crap bedsets rather than just buying one nice bedset.

-Trashcan: Quality is not so important here. Find a decent looking plastic one. (Editor’s Note: Avoid a mesh one. Just trust me on this.)

-Hangers: Tiny shared closets and too much clothing? Get attachable hangers; they enable you to hang more clothes than you normally could, saving you valuable space.

-Laundry Hampers: Plastic basket or mesh bag? Up to you. You can put folded clothes back into the baskets… but the mesh bags are easier to hold, take up less space, and are more flexible to allow a month’s worth of clothing to be stuffed inside.

-Picture frames and the like: Get them at TJ Maxx or a similar store. They have pretty high quality and cute picture frames there, but at a much lower price. Just remember: you won’t be able to nail ‘em in the walls, so don’t go too crazy stocking up.

-Shower caddies: They all accomplish the same thing and are generally pretty durable; don’t blow your cash on these. THEY WILL BE ON THE NASTY SHOWER FLOOR.

-Chairs: A lot of dorm rooms are kinda small so figure out if you can fit a chair in before you buy one. (As a sidenote, so many colleges have stores nearby where you can buy things to furnish your dorms. You may want to wait until you move-in to see if you need/have room for things like a chair, a rug, a futon, etc.)

-Storage boxes/racks: In a room this small, you’re going to need to be organized. But when it comes to storage boxes/racks/organization ish, plan ahead what you’ll use each one for. That will make unpacking – and living – a lot easier. And don’t go too overboard. We’re never as organized in real life as we picture ourselves to be.

-Desk Lamp: Living with a roommate, this is a major essential. Look for one that won’t overheat your area (fluorescent bulbs usually help with that) and can be adjusted for different lighting conditions. Try not to be tempted by totally cute but totally overpriced modern art desk lamps. It’s hard, I know.

-Decorative pillows: Okay you don’t really need them. Yes, they look so cute.  I know. Yeah, the ones from Anthropologie are amazing. But let’s be honest. No.

The mere thought of shopping for college fills me with a great deal of excitement. I picture myself hopping from Bed, Bath and Beyond to Target to Harmon Beauty Supply, loading up a shopping cart with the essentials, some indulgences, and those must-have cutesy items to make my dorm room feel like home. My mother and I are all smiles and giggles as we go from aisle to aisle, looking like we walked straight out of The Donna Reed Show (except with up-to-date outfits, of course).

And then we actually go shopping.

You see, my mother is the Jewish mother. She makes all other Jewish mothers look negligent. Although it is purely out of the kindness of her heart, when we go shopping, she seems to be stocking up for an underground bomb shelter. She goes for the ultra-massive-enormous bulk pack instead of the three or four I’ll actually use during the school year. She does not seem to understand that I’m not going away forever; there will be times during the year when I’ll come home with an empty suitcase, only to fill it up with more supplies for my room. Plus, every store I could possibly need is within walking distance from campus.

Don’t get me wrong: I love my mother and appreciate all that she does for me. But the words “restraint” and “reasonable” are not part of her vocabulary when we go shopping. For example, an exchange in the middle of Harmon Beauty Supply on the subject of Q-Tips:

Me: Picks up 375 count box
Mom: Get two more boxes.
Me: …but I won’t need that many.
Mom: You don’t want to have to come back here and buy more to bring up after Thanksgiving.
Me: Wonders how anyone can go through 375+ Q-Tips in three months
Me: If I really need more, I can buy them up at school.
Mom: Long-winded speech about being over-prepared and not underestimating one’s needs, followed by “Now, let’s get four or five big pumps of Purell for your room.”
Me: Dumbfounded

This may seem like a very trivial conversation, but it’s just one of the many that I was forced to endure as we strolled through the aisles at Harmon. Now, like many, I subscribe to the belief that it’s better to be safe than sorry, but there is a difference between caution and irrationality. Whenever I try to steer my mother away from toeing the line between the two (or, rather, completely crossing it), I always end up with three boxes of 375 count Q-Tips and four pumps of Purell. Jewish mother-y-ness wins.

I guess this is just my mother’s last mothery hurrah, since I’ll be leaving soon and she won’t have a child at home anymore (unless you count my dog, whom we’ve spoiled for years). I try to look at it as an annoying yet endearing habit, proof that my mother cares deeply for my welfare at school and doesn’t just see this as shipping me off in September and severing all ties and responsibilities to me. But, really, three boxes of 375 Q-Tips? I love you, Mom, but how dirty do you think my inner-ears really are?

I’ve started preparing for my post graduation depression/emo stage. I’ve bought the tissue boxes and I’ve prepared the soundtrack (Seasons of Love on repeat). But I also made a proactive step of creating a list of things that I know I absolutely won’t miss- that way when I’m putting on my fifth layer of black eyeliner and tattooing tears on my face I’ll remember that there were some bad things about college.

STUDYING

I always start my studying with a lot of energy and excitement. I have blank flashcards stacked next to fresh pens and my unwrapped books. I put on my fake glasses and start poring over the material faster than I can highlight. Three minutes into this invigorating “studying” process I’m bored. I only have two more tests left and then I will never ever have to study ever again. Never again will I have to eat breakfast, check my e-mail, and simultaneously flip flashcards and mumble answers to myself.

GROUP PROJECTS

I’m currently in the process of making a student film with three of my (soon to be former) friends. It’s a disaster. Nothing is worse than four creative unorganized people who always think they’re right. I’m a control freak so I like to do things my own way and get things done on my own schedule. Whenever I complain to people about how much I hate group projects they always bring up that I will have to work “well” with people for the rest of my life. I disagree. Hermits never do group projects. And hermit is a new profession that I’m currently researching.

MY FURNITURE FROM THE PAST FOUR YEARS

When I did my Bed, Bath, and Beyond shopping spree four years ago my Mom kept saying, “I hope you love this stuff because you’re going to have it for the next four years.” I rolled my eyes at her and was like duh I’ll always want a neon pink trash can and a Hawaiian print bed spread. And now four years later I still do have all the same things that I came to college with so long ago (except for the whiteboard that someone drew a permanent marker penis on the 2nd night of college). I’m so sick of staring at my lime green shoe organizer and high school pictures (don’t even recognize those people anymore) and I’m insanely excited to start throwing all that stuff away.

MY LONG COAT

Syracuse is downright freezing and I’ve never regretted buying my floor-length coat that’s big enough to not only serve as my winter jacket but also as a well-insulated hour for four. However I now can’t stand the sight of it. I’m not sure what exactly I’m going to with it yet. I’m debating between turning it into a comforter for a king-sized bed or ripping it open and taking out all the down-feathers to make myself real wings. Either way I never want to see it ever again.

So while my list isn’t exactly complete yet (I still have to add a few people’s names) it’s definitely a start for my post-graduation-recovery.

1. Old navy. Okay so Old Navy is not new- but it is list worthy, and let me tell you why. They have STEPPED UP their styles, but have kept their prices down- which makes me want to get jiggy at Old Navy. C.U.T.E. tanks for $10? Now that is something worth loving.

2. Hey, It’s Free! Couple your college budget with the failing economy, and the fact that air is still free seems pretty amazing. But, thankfully, this blogger came to the rescue with free stuff for all! Check it out for free loot like Free MP3s from Amazon.com, free food, etc.

3. Kindnotes.com – With Thanksgiving and the holidays just around the corner, here is a cute gift idea that is affordable, original, and filled with love. A custom made decorated jar with 31 mini-printed envelopes for each day of the month. You can either write a personal note on each, or pick from a library of over 300 different messages. After all, it’s all about spreading the love.

4. Organic Coconut oil. Coconut oil has tons of health benefits – it helps your skin, your immune system, and even aids in weight loss. It is basically the superhero of oils (now that’s a line I never thought I’d type). You can buy it at any organic food/health store and cook with it, or even just mix a teaspoon of it in some juice once a day!

5. Softest blanket EVER (with softest socks too!). Unfortunately winter is well on its way and while I don’t love slushing around in the cold, I do love cuddling up under the warmest, softest blanket EVER watching Friends reruns and snacking on Soy Crisps. Seriously, this blanket may make you the most unproductive person ever, but productivity is so overrated.

Twin extra long sheets: Check.

Color coded notebooks/folders: Check

Sweatpants for every day of the week: Check

You have everything you could possibly need for college…or so you thought. Below is a list of 5 must-have items for every college student. You know; the things that you would never think of, but really can’t survive without.

Time to make one more shopping run. I know you never want to see the inside of a Target again, but suck it up; you are going to need these.

1. Rain Boots. I never wore rain boots at home because if it’s raining you just don’t go outside. Back in High School you drove to class and maybe an umbrella is all you needed. But in college you have to walk to every class and sometimes that can be quite a lot of walking. Investing in some wellies will definitely be worth it. There is nothing worse than arriving to class with water seeping through your shoes and waterlogged socks. The good news is rain boots are all the rage right now, so you can find them everywhere (and not get ridiculed for wearing them).

2. Baby Powder. I’m not sure if the rest of the world is aware of the wonders of baby powder, but I’m an avid fan. Baby powder has so many uses in college. First, you will be wearing some amazingly hot heels, which is great except your feet will get tired, sweaty and gross. But throw some baby powder in your shoes first and you won’t slip or stick. Not convinced baby powder is awesome? Let’s say you are too hung-over to shower before class, yet as you leave you notice your hair is less than attractive. Toss a small amount of baby powder in and, like magic, the grease will be gone. Bring a small thing of baby powder and you won’t regret it.

3. Tupperware. Living in a small school-run apartment I really grew to love my GladWare. I saved just about everything I cooked so, in turn, I could save time later. But even if you don’t have an apartment, Tupperware and GladWare are useful. If the cafeteria cooks something delicious, it could be a once in a life time opportunity worth reheating later! In addition to sniping and reheating caf food, it’s also worth saving restaurant food. And if you do take the time to cook something (some dorm floors have kitchens) you won’t want to throw it out.

4. A Clothes Drying Rack. You know how at home you have lots of space to hang your damp jeans and dresses? Well in your miniscule dorm room you won’t. You’re roommate probably won’t like walking in and finding your bras hanging over her desk to dry. A collapsible clothes drying rack will provide the space to dry all your stuff, so you don’t run the risk of shrinking anything in the dryer.

5. Quarters. Maybe it’s just me, but this is something I never thought of. Most dorms require you to pay to wash your clothes and it seems the change machines are on a constant vacation. Stock up on quarters before you go or get some rolls at the bank. When you have gone through every last pair of undies and are in desperate need of the washing machine you will be thankful you don’t have to waste time hunting for change. Bonus: extra quarters for playing speed quarters!

I looked around my room, which literally looked like the Tasmanian Devil came through, and began to freak. My clothes were everywhere (and not laundered), my desk was littered with piles of mail from Alabama, bank statements and various other stuff that had piled up and I was in no way ready to pack up and ship out.

I took a breath and relaxed. The packing needed to commence. So, before I even touched this hazardous scene, I thought of things I could do to make my packing experience easier. I made a list lots of lists. A list for the kitchen, living room, bathroom, my room, school supplies, etc. I shopped, I packed, I conquered. Here are some tips I’ve learned on how to pack for college:

1. Take a breath and calm down! You’re finally going to college. This is going to be the most exciting time of your life, so stop stressing out and just enjoy the fact that you’re starting a new part of your life.

2. Write down what you have and what you need. Like I said before, LISTS. If you have something, you don’t need another one. I made lists of what I have, what I have that I need to replace, what I need, what I can get when I arrive at school, and what my roommates are bringing. I promise you, lists will keep you so organized when you’re packing because you actually see what has been done and what you still need to get.

3. Communicate with your roommate(s) Talk to them and coordinate who’s bringing what. That way neither of you have to bring as much, and this will make moving easier. My roommates and I talked about what each of us had, and decided we’ll go together to get stuff we still need as a bonding trip when we’re at school next week.

4. Pick your colors. If you have a color scheme in mind, run with it. I chose my colors before I spent a dime because I could then narrow down stores that would have what I wanted. I chose bright colors so I’d have a happy space to return to after all those hours in class.

5. Bring only what you need. I’m lucky because I’m only going three hours from home, but even if you’re far away, don’t pack a ton of stuff. You can always get something while you’re at college; generally college towns have stores. You don’t need everything in your room, and chances are you won’t have space for it in your dorm room, anyway. But if you’re like me, you can always drive home to pick stuff up. Don’t bring all of your winter clothes right away – wait until fall break to pick them up or have mom/dad ship them to you. There is nothing more exciting than seeing that package slip in your dormroom mailbox.

6. STORAGE. Get trendy storage bins to help organize your stuff. Try looking at the Container Store or Bed Bath and Beyond, or even Target. These bins will give you a lot more space and can act as a table/bedside table if you get the flat surfaced ones.

7. Buy your school supplies when you get there. There’s no sense in bringing notebooks, pens, highlighters, and all those other school supplies right when you move in. In most cases, classes don’t start until a week or two after you move in, so you’ll have time to go to an office store or the campus shop.

These tips have definitely helped me in my packing endeavors, and now my room is pretty much spotless. Everything is packed away in their specific bins and boxes and ready to go.

Got any other tips? Post em below!

Aren’t you sick of your man going to Home Depot every weekend (word!) to buy more big-steel-things with levers and springs and stuff (uh-huh!) when he should be taking out the trash (snap, snap)?

Well the time has come, girls: Her Depot is here!

Her Depot – yes, I’m serious; that’s the moniker – is a “sister store” of the popular chain of home improvement stores…with a female twist!

Instead of purchasing important items like snowblowers and aluminum siding you can buy real home essentials like flowers, storage bins, furniture, flowers, super cute kitchen stuff, pottery and flowers.

Ladies love flowers – am I right, ladies?

**~~LaDiES niGhT!!~~**

Why only go to Bed Bath & Beyond, Pottery Barn, Pier 1, Trader Joes, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Target, Crate and Barrel, Meier & Frank and Macys when Her Depot can also aid you in your neverending quest for useless trinkets that find their way into the attic after a month?

Whateva, ladies – us fellas will be shopping at Home Depot, drinkin’ brews, watching football and calling our wives “the ol’ ball and chain” as always.

Let the Great Gender War begin.

It was just then that this amazingly hot, tall, sexy man appeared and was also eyeing the 600 thread-count white sateen cotton sheets that were on sale for $75 from $100…love. He must be gay. There’s no way that this perfect man could appear out of nowhere, be super hot AND have good taste. Not possible. Gay, gay, gay. He looks at me kinda funny. Ok, not gay. Young? Married? Nah. The now present possibility that this man could actually be my new boyfriend was filling my head. I mean, how CUTE would it be to tell our future children how we met at Bed, Bath & Beyond while shopping for expensive sheets?! I’m reminded of the other episode of Sex and the City where Carrie gets caught in the rain and ends up taking cover under an awning with a cute stranger…she makes a comment about how they can tell their grandkids about the time they met in the rain under the awning and the man looks terrified and basically runs away. With this new thought running through my head, I decided to give Mr. sheets a little space and some time to ponder how he’s going to hit on me. Yeah, that didn’t happen. Lessons learned – TV is NOT real and STILL can not pick up men while shopping for sheets. The end.