What's in my Shower Caddy?

Let's keep it real here! You may dread that first trip to your dorm's showers. Community showers offer little to NO privacy. Most students will go to the showers in a robe or a towel, strip off, shower and come back out in a towel or a robe to dry off and dress in their rooms. Each dorm is different, and some floors may only have a few showers, therefore, it is important to exercise some common courtesy. Another thing to remember with sharing bathrooms and showers in college....some folks can be a little nasty! So here are some things to keep you feeling good and looking good!

Things to know...

• Limited shower space means that you may have to wait to shower. Be patient or try to schedule shower time for when fewer people need it. You may have to shower at night before sleeping or shower very early in the morning. (Don't be afraid to ask your dorm-mates or roommates to set schedule. It can be annoying waiting to have to shower, esp. if you have a class to get too!

• Bring your own bathroom cleaning supplies! It's nothing wrong with cleanliness. Things I used religiously: Toilet Bowl Cleaner, All Surface Cleaner, Lysol Wipes, Toilet Bowl Brush, Paper Towels, Shower Cleaner, Sponges...heck even tissue!

• Always wear slip on, waterproof shoes. Crocs are great for this as are flip flops. Unfortunately, communal showers may also mean communal foot fungus, so protect your feet. Don't forget to wash your "shower shoes" periodically.

Shower Flip Flops

Even if your dorm room has its own shower that you're sharing with one other roomie, you should still get yourself a pair of flip flops. Dorm showers are notoriously gross, and the last thing you want is an infection.

Shampoo, Conditioner, Styler & Hair Mask

Don't forget your tresses! Hair Care is Self Care! Just because your in school doesn't mean you should slack on your routine. You should be able to get through an entire school year with just 2-3 bottles. I think it's best to find a line with a complete set or bring your must-haves.

Budgeting is important, so impulsive buying.

Body Wash, Soap & Body Scrub

Nothing like a nice, yummy smelling body wash or bar of soap. It’ll not only make you feel cleaner, but you’ll smell like a goddess after. Find a nice body scrub to exfoliate! They will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth while providing powerful hydration.

Wash Cloth, Loofah, Towel, & Bathrobe

Don't forget your cleansing tools!

Razor & Shaving Cream

It’s very important to keep a sharp razor in your caddy so you can shave the legs, armpits, and lady parts at any given notice. Note that showers in the dorms are quite small, so you might have to get creative when it comes to shaving in such a restrictive space! (Waxing is always a good option too!)

Facial Wash, Facial Cleanser, & Mask

Save yourself a trip to the bathroom sink and wash your face in the shower with your preferred face wash.

Lotion & Body Butter

Particularly important for your shower caddy essentials is face lotion, so you can moisturize your face ASAP. This is especially important in the winter when the cold, harsh air dries out your skin! Keep a small bottle of lotion in your caddy so you can moisturize right after you dry off…this goes for your whole body.

Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss & Mouthwash

Might as well get this step of the “getting ready” process out of the way while you’re already in the bathroom. Keep an extra tooth bush and toothpaste in your caddy so you can keep those chompers squeaky clean.

Deodorant

By keeping a stick in your caddy and applying right after the shower, you don’t run the risk of forgetting to apply once you get back in your dorm room.

Shower Cap

Don't let the steam from others get the best of you! The showers can get very hot. So be prepared, even if you are careful with not getting your hair wet.

Shower Radio

A shower is always better with a little music. Just don’t turn up the volume too loud and piss off your hall-mates.

Showering in college may be stressful at first, but eventually it becomes commonplace. You'll soon discover a convenient routine that works for you, allowing you to fit seamlessly into dorm life.