Commuter Preparedness: The value of Roadside Emergency and Car Comfort Kits

Winter is approaching. Almost every college student can feel it. Whether it is the brisk morning dew or falling leaves, the undeniable cold and eventual snow are approaching. For students that commute, this presents additional challenges. To prepare for the unexpected, I want you to prepare 2 different kits in your car. The 1^st is your Roadside Emergency Kit and the 2^nd is your Car Comfort Kit.

The Roadside kit has everything you need in the chance of an emergency; jumper cables, screwdrivers, clamps, etc. You will find these kits at any hardware store and they’re considered a car owners necessity. But beyond this, having extra lights for your Brake and Turning signals is a no brainer. In older cars these can be changed very quickly.

The 2^nd kit is designed for you. In my trunk, I keep a laundry sack with a few key items. The kit should have some extra non-perishable food. I prefer canned soup with a pull off tab and some paper plates/silverware. If you forgot to bring your lunch to work this comes in handy. There are also many different types of microwavable noodles that only require water.

This leads me to storing an extra water bottle. If temperatures fall below freezing, this definitely should be brought inside at night. Lastly snacks are another great idea. If you spontaneously decide to go to the movies, bring in a snack or two. Get hungry one day, grab a snickers. (lol). Some additional items you could include are a warm blanket, gloves and a hat. Surplus stores sell very warm wool blankets for cheap, so take advantage of that.

Leave me a comment if you have or can think of additional items to keep.

-Dylan

Mama's Dorm Shopping Advice: Start Early and Often

I decided to ask my mother her advice for incoming College Freshmen and their parents. She and I went through this a few years ago, so the memory is still fresh in her mind. “Start shopping early and do it often. All the items you need and think are cool may not be around in a few more weeks” was what she told me.

Yep. It is the truth, now to her point.

Buying early guarantees that you have what you’ll need to succeed. Stores usually offer a favorable return policy, so even if you decide that item does not suit your particular tastes, you are able to return or exchange for a different color.

Before you leave, you can coordinate décor and even pack items within each other. A classic of move in day is the wheel-bound dorm room trunk. What better way to literally “haul” your heaviest items in style.  

Shopping often is like watching the news. It is useful because it keeps you current. Stores may introduce new items or showcase existing items every week. Plus, major chains offer a few dorm essentials on sale every week. This is a great way to stock up on what you need and even help a college bound friend or two.

Memory Foam Pillows are Awesome!

               Shout it from the rooftop; I was extremely impressed with the Memory Foam pillow I bought recently. I used to have a cheap stuffed pillow that until now I thought was comfortable. But I decided to be a little risqué and buy a memory foam pillow. I have always been impressed by the quality memory foam bed toppers and thought a pillow would be the same. Wow, I was 113% right.
 

                A memory foam pillow will actually form to your hand print when you push down on it. This cradles you head and neck. In addition, this particular pillow has special wave contouring which really made it an excellent value. They only cost a few more dollars than a standard pillow and you absolutely have to try one to realize their comfort. Here is a link to see the exact pillow.

http://www.dormco.com/Visco_Contour_Memory_Foam_Pillow_No_Cover_p/ab1-2-3-viscon.htm

Seriously for the small price, upgrading your pillow will drastically improve your quality of sleep. Even if memory foam isn’t your thing, I recommend buying a cloud like 300TC or 500TC pillow. These are great pillows and provide neck support that will not leave you stiff. Maybe you will get one of each?