I remember the stress of college move-in day with my first freshman, I was feeling all the feels plus completely lost on what he actually needed to be successful and happy at college. Now, as a seasoned mom who has sent two kids off to college, I understand the stress and confusion that comes with preparing for move-in day.
Along with Camden and Owen, we have learned what’s essential for a successful and comfortable college experience. Together we’ve identified the five major must-haves every college student needs, plus some additional items that have made a big difference for us.
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5 Things My Boys Says EVERY College Student Needs
You need all of the basics (find those on our College Dorm Packing Checklist), but what else? The 5 items below are the things you won’t find on every other list, but the things that made the biggest difference for my college kiddos.
1. Air Purifier
Dorm rooms can get stuffy and sometimes trigger allergies. On top of that, the buildings tend to be older and musty. Camden was getting sick way too often his freshman year, and we decided to see if an air purifier would help. Luckily, it did!
An air purifier helps maintain clean air and can reduce sickness by filtering out allergens, dust, and other airborne particles. This simple device made a noticeable difference in both our boys’ health, significantly reducing his frequency of colds and allergies. In my book, this is an absolutely essential purchase.
It’s not just about comfort, it’s about ensuring your child’s well-being in a space where they will spend a significant amount of time. For us, the investment in an air purifier was worth every penny for the peace of mind it brought.
2. Laptop
A reliable laptop is essential for any college student. After experiencing a broken laptop, we learned that having an affordable, durable option for classes is important.
Both our boys had laptops going into college, but if you are buying new keep your eye out for summer sales and remember to check with Apple and the college campus store for student discounts!
3. Mattress Topper (Twin XL)
A comfortable bed is crucial for a good night’s sleep, which directly impacts academic performance. A mattress topper can make a dorm bed much more comfortable.
Camden, unfortunately, didn’t have the best one. We learned our lesson and got this one for Owen which turned out to be awesome!
4. Printer
You might be surprised, but both our boys found having a printer in their dorm room to be a game-changer. Having your own printer is worth it to reduce the hassle of finding a campus printer. Camden and Owen found it indispensable for last-minute assignments and projects.
This printer is fast, reliable, and efficient. We’ve hardly ever replaced the ink in either of ours!
5. Travel Steamer
A travel steamer is incredibly handy for keeping clothes wrinkle-free, especially for presentations and interviews (especially when the laundry room situation is precarious at best).
This one is compact and easy to use, making it a dorm room essential.
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Additional Essentials
While the five items above are our top recommendations, there are other essentials that can significantly improve a college student’s dorm life:
- Headphones: Noise levels in dorms can be high, making headphones essential for studying and relaxation.
- Brita Water Pitcher and Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key. A Brita pitcher ensures clean drinking water, while a good water bottle is perfect for on-the-go hydration.
- Desk Lamp and School Supplies: Proper lighting and organized school supplies, including a backpack, binders, pencils, pens, highlighters, and a calculator like the T3 type, are necessary for academic success.
- Comforter and Sheet Sets: Comfortable and cozy bedding can make a dorm room feel more like home, so we make sending our college students off with high-quality options a priority.
We have a whole College Dorm Checklist here to help out with packing!
More Essentials College Dorm Essentials Below!
Sending your child off to college is a monumental milestone, filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety. As parents, we want to ensure our children are equipped not just for academic success but also for a fulfilling and comfortable college life. Through our experiences with Camden and Owen, we’ve learned that having the right essentials can make all the difference in easing this transition!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out in the comments below or by messaging me on Instagram if you have questions about this transition for your family!
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