Back to Campus Dorm Essentials
School is officially back in session which means it’s time to stock up on back to campus essentials, and we’re not talking about backpacks, flash drives or Postit notes, but the things that really matter, like dorm room needs and what to get decked out in while stumbling from class to class.
Last week we examined what to wear while hanging out among fellow students in the quad, and this week we’re taking a look at what are some of the practical items when it comes to keeping your sanity in a living space while facing a deluge of projects due and studying to get done. From a stress reducing blanket to a foolproof way to never lose, well, almost anything, see below.
TILE (thetileapp.com)
According to various studies, we spend about two and a half days – some 60 hours – searching for misplaced items each year. Whether it’s keys or a bag or a phone, there’s always something missing that’s making us late on a regular basis. That wasted time can be nearly eradicated with Tile, which has sold more than 10 million of their hardware devices since launching in late 2012.
The gadgets are small in size, about 1.5- inches, and thin. Simply download the Tile app for iOS or Android and pair it with as many of the devices as you need. If your Tile is within the 100foot Bluetooth range, it will play a loud tune until you find it when you search using the app. Keep the app running in the background and it will remember the last place and time you had your item. Alternately, if you misplace your phone, simply take any Tile which is connected and press the button in the center which will cause your phone to ring – even if the ringer is off.
Tiles come in a few different styles. The Tile Slim is designed especially for wallets, purses and passports. The Tile Mate is good for keys, luggage, laptop bags and backpacks, while the Tile Sport is a rugged waterproof version which is good for attaching to anything you might use while on a hike or mountain bike ride. They are also sold in combo pack configurations, which are currently featured in a back-to-school sale where they are up to 50% off.
The only downside to Tile? Now there’s no excuse for being late to class.
MAGIC WEIGHTED BLANKER (magicweightedblanket.com)
There are few things as anxiety-inducing to a college student than an upcoming exam, assignment or deadline in general. A variety of solutions are out there to combat the stress, from no-brainers like regular exercise and diet to seeking a medical prescription to deal with it. Studies have shown though that there is something to weighted blankets, which has led to quite the buzz in recent years.
Research released by ‘Psychology Today’ just a few weeks ago pointed to a 2015 study by the ‘Journal of Sleep Medicine and Disorders’ which found that four out of five individuals suffering from insomnia benefited from a weighted blanket. They also have helped to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep in children suffering from ADHD. The theory is the added weight, which some people liken to being hugged, causes the brain to release neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, providing a calming effect.
The Magic Weighted Blanket is one of a few different brands available, but what makes them stick out is uses poly pellets inside their blankets as opposed to Polyfil. It allows the blanket to contour around the body, providing the aforementioned giving-you-ahug effect.
The recommended weight of a weighted blanket is about 10 percent of your body weight. Magic Weighted Blanket offers sizes from six to 20 pounds of pressure, while also offering the “Magic Blanket Lite,” aimed at those looking for “a gentle hug.”
The Magic Weighted Blanket has inner liner and an outer layer, which consists of either chenille, minky, cotton, flannel or fleece. There are no visible seams, giving the blanket a smooth and elegant look. The inner liner is made from cotton and constructed with two panels that form the quilted squares in which the poly pellets are placed, which keeps the weight evenly dispersed.
The blankets aren’t just for sleeping either; climb under one when working on an assignment on the laptop while sitting on the couch or vegging out in front of the television. And if you decide to bring it to class with you, make sure you affix a Tile to it – it’s not something you want to lose sleep over.
DYSON CYCLONE V10 (dyson.com)
Nobody likes cleaning, especially vacuuming – it’s just not fun. At least that’s what I thought until I got the chance to try out the Dyson Cyclone V10. The cord free machine is akin to taking a top of the line sports car for a drive after years of driving a clunker – you don’t know what your missing until you get behind the wheel and hit the pedal.
Launched earlier this year, the Cyclone V10 has three suction modes for its variety of attachments. The first is a strong one for cleaning hard to reach places, enabled by the stick design. Next is suction mode two for everyday cleaning across all floor types. There’s also a “boost mode” designed for occasional intensive cleaning.
It also transforms into a handheld vacuum to make it easier to clean stairs, cars and furniture. It’s perfect for small living quarters because the machine breaks down and can be docked against a wall with the parts placed separately. To put it together when ready to use takes seconds.
Dyson’s cord free vacuums across the board have whole-machine filtration which captures 99.97% of dust as small as 0.3 microns and expels cleaner air. There’s also a lower price point for the V7 series, which is intended to appeal to a smaller budget, just right for the college student trying to maintain cleanliness even with that messy roommate making it seemingly impossible.