As a mom who has sent two kids off to college, I understand the excitement and stress that comes with preparing for move-in day.
Through extensive research, conversations with college students, and polling my Instagram audience, I’ve created the Ultimate College Dorm Checklist to ensure your child heads to university with everything they need to be successful.
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Here are the essentials that worked for Camden and Owen, making their dorm life comfortable and productive! If you’re looking for a deeper dive into the 5 things that you absolutely need (but might be surprised by), take a look at this article as well.
College Dorm Room Bedding Essentials
- Headboard with USB Outlets: We found some that mount with 3M Tape and feature 2 USB ports and 3-prong outlets to keep electronics handy and charged.
- Cozy Comforter & Sham: Comfortable and stylish options make the dorm feel more like home.
- Twin XL Mattress Pad: A must-have for added comfort on used mattresses. You want a really good one, like this.
- Twin XL Sheet Set: Two sets are recommended to manage spills (and remind them to change their sheets!)
- Pillow: Invest in a good quality pillow like the Casper pillow for better sleep.
- Reading Pillow/Backrest: Highly recommended by current students for comfort while studying or relaxing.
Fun Decor & Organization For Their Room
- Dorm Trunk: Perfect for storing random items.
- Desk Lamp: Look for one that doubles as a wireless charging pad.
- Desktop Cable Organizer: Keeps cords from falling behind the desk.
- Cozy Chair: If space allows, a comfortable chair is a great addition.
- Pants Hangers & Closet Organizers: Save space in small closets with these organizers.
- Underbed Storage: Utilize the space under the bed for additional storage.
- Hanging Closet Organizer: Great for shoes and sweaters when drawer space is limited.
- Calendar with Cork Board: Keep track of important dates and pin notes.
Cooking & Kitchen Items
- Shelving: Adjustable shelving for kitchen gear.
- Microwave & Mini Refrigerator: Consider sharing with a roommate or renting from the university.
- Brita Water Pitcher: Ensure clean drinking water.
- Blender: Ideal for quick and healthy smoothies.
- Electric Indoor Grill: Recommended by current students for easy meals.
- Dish Set & Utensils: Microwave-safe dishes and a utensil set are essential.
- Compact Air Fryer: Perfect for making quick and easy meals.
- Oven Mitt & Kitchen Towels: Silicone mitts are easy to clean, and affordable towels are a must.
- Ice Cube Tray & Ice Bin: Handy for the mini fridge.
Cleaning Supplies
- Trash Can & Trash Bags: An affordable trash can with a lid and strong bags are essential.
- Vacuum: A robot vacuum can save time on cleaning.
- Small Broom & Dust Pan: Convenient for quick clean-ups.
- Disinfecting Spray & Wipes: Important for maintaining a clean space during cold/flu season.
- All-Purpose Cleaner & Microfiber Cloths: Keep the dorm fresh and tidy.
Laundry/Bathing
- Laundry Hamper & Backpack: A foldable hamper for the dorm and a heavy-duty backpack for laundry trips.
- Laundry Detergent & Dryer Sheets: Ensure they have everything needed for laundry.
- Stain Remover & On-The-Go Stain Remover Pen: Handy for tough stains.
- Travel Steamer: Compact and perfect for wrinkle-free clothes. We love this one.
- Shower Caddy & Towel Set: A hanging caddy for easy transport and a complete towel set.
- Hanging Toiletry Organizer: Keeps shower essentials organized.
- Shower Sandals: Essential for hygiene in shared showers.
Technology
- Laptop: Essential for academic success.
- Printer: A Bluetooth printer is convenient for printing and scanning. We love this one.
- Power Strip with Extended Cord & Outlet Tower: Useful for charging multiple devices.
- External Hard Drive & Flash Drive: Important for backing up files.
- Portable Speaker: A good quality speaker will get plenty of use.
Health & Safety
- First Aid Kit: A comprehensive kit for minor injuries.
- Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial.
- Multi + Probiotic, Ibuprofen, Elderberry Syrup, Emergen-C: Support for nutrition and immune health.
School Supplies
- Backpack: A durable backpack with a laptop compartment.
- Notebook, Pencils, Pens, Erasers, Calculator, Binders, Stapler, Index Cards, Sticky Notes, Tape: Essential school supplies.
Unexpected Things To Bring
- Tower Fan: Great for regulating temperature.
- Ethernet Cable: For connecting devices to the internet.
- Small Tool Kit: Handy for minor repairs.
- Umbrella & Eye Mask: Useful for various situations.
Good Things To Know
Target and Bed Bath & Beyond offer convenient pick-up services near campus, allowing you to shop for items online or in-store and pick them up at a location near your child’s school. This service is especially helpful if you are flying in or have limited space in your car.
Additionally, check with your campus housing department, as some allow Amazon deliveries once your child is assigned a room. This can be a huge time-saver and make the move-in day much smoother.
With these essentials, your college student will be well-prepared for a successful and comfortable year ahead. Happy move-in day!
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Don’t forget hangers. Also, I remember bringing binders freshman year, but I didn’t use them once. I just kept my spirals color coded for class to make my backpack more comfortable and lighter. Also, binders are too bulky for college desks so that’s something to keep in mind. Hope this helps.