Dorm Room Must Haves for New College Students

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In our house, the excitement of high school graduation has passed and the reality of leaving home for college is setting in. There is checklist of things our youngest, Thomas, is working through as he waits to hear what dorm he’ll be living in and who his roommate might be. As Thomas thinks about college living, he’s also considering dorm room must haves for next year.

4 Things to Know Before Shopping for Dorm Room Must Haves 

Thomas is our second and last child to leave for college. There are definitely some things I’ve learned since we said goodbye to his sister two years ago. If you’re getting ready to send your first to school, here are 4 quick things to know before you start shopping for dorm room must haves.

1. Check to see what will be provided and is not allowed in dorms

A quick search helped my son find floor plans for all freshman dorms and a suggested packing list. There was also a list of items that are provided and aren’t in campus dorm rooms. This information has been helpful in figuring out what the dorm room must haves really are and what things we shouldn’t bother buying. For example, regardless of what freshman dorm Thomas lives in, his room will come with a micro-fridge (microwave/fridge combo) and trash can but a couple years ago, his sister needed both for her room.

2. Be practical and think logistically

Whether you’re driving your child to school for drop off or flying can make a difference in your shopping strategy. Parents who are driving can often pack more things in a car to bring than parents who are flying and are constrained by luggage allotments. If you’re flying, consider Southwest (hooray for 2 free checked bags!) or getting an airline credit card for free checked bags. I have both a United Mileage Plus and Southwest card to earn miles/points when we fly.

3. Shop sales

Target Circle Week and with Amazon Prime Days are great times to shop. Take advantage of these sales by making a list of dorm room must haves and pick up essentials on sale. Students can also sign up for Target Circle College Student Appreciation discount that will get them a 15% off discount for a single purchase once a year when they create a Target account, join Target Circle for free, and have their student status verified.

4. Don’t overbuy

It’s easy to get caught up in thinking that every item on every college must-have list is really a must but honestly, items on every list should be treated as a suggestion. This list included!

It’s best to talk to your college student about what items they think they truly need and if you have any doubts, wait. Will they really use that stick vacuum or those cleaning products you were thinking of getting? Some kids might, others won’t! And every sibling is different!

Be conservative because it’s better to buy less and order things they need as they go. Plus, everything in that dorm room will either need to be moved to storage or find a place in your house during the summer months.

Dorm Room Must Haves for New College Students 

In the name of being practical and thinking logistically, I’ve compiled a list of items that have been dorm room must haves for my daughter, her friends, and my son who will head to college this fall.

I’ve broken this list down into 6 different categories:

1. Things to Help Them Study (electronics and desk items)
2. Things to Keep Them Comfortable (bedding and linens)
3. Things to Keep Them Clean and Healthy (bathroom, laundry and first aid supplies)
4. Things to Keep Them Well Fed (kitchen supplies)
5. Things to Decorate Their Room
6. Things to Help Them Make Friends

There are lots of different ways to tackle this list but all decisions should be made with your soon-to-be college student and with a budget in mind. You can choose to:

• Shop all at once, checking items off as you go
• Tackle one section at a time
• Strategically shop sales. Remember: Target Circle Week is going on through 7/13 and Amazon Prime Days are coming July 16-17.
• Give your child a budget to shop and agree that you get final approval before any purchases are made. Then turn them loose to add things to an online cart.

Things to Help Them Study

Laptop and/or iPad– My daughter started college with the same Lenovo Yoga laptop she used in high school and quickly discovered she needed an iPad and Apple Pencil for math problem sets and other homework. My advice is to send your child with what they have and they will quickly figure out if what they have is sufficient for the work they’ll be tasked with in college.

Desk lamp– Dorm room lighting is only so helpful so a desk lamp is a must. You can go with a traditional desk lamp or a multitasker such as  this compact LED desk lamp has 3 built in outlets, 2 USB ports, and 2 USBC ports for desktop charging. A clip light is also a helpful for reading in bed when a roommate is trying to sleep.

Charging station– My daughter loves this compact charging tower because it features 5 USB ports and a USB-C port and is small enough to sit on her desk. Apple users might also want to consider a 3 in 1 charging station for Apple watch, Airpods & iPhone. We got one for our son for Christmas and he uses it constantly. This one from Amazon is on sale for just around $13 ($18.99 and an additional 35% off when you click to apply the coupon)

Extra-long phone charging cable that will reach their bed – Our family really likes this 3 pack of 6 foot Apple Lightning cords for $5.99 on Amazon. We’ve bought several packs of these over the years and you really can’t beat the price!

Desk organizers to corral supplies– These don’t need to be fancy. My daughter uses favorite mugs to hold pens and pencils and a set of small rectangular and square bins we found at Target to corral Post-Its, quarters for laundry, etc.

Noise cancelling headphones or ear buds– Chances are your child won’t be going to college without them but don’t forget to pack the charging cable too. If your college student is in need of a new pair, my daughter has always loved her AirPods but found her pair of Z7 over the ear headphones from Treblab are better at blocking out sound to help her concentrate.

Surge protector- The longer the cord, the better! Go with a 6’ extension cord or one that’s or 8 feet long to provide power where it’s needed most.

Things to Keep Them Comfortable (bedding and linens)

Pillows– If your child loves their pillow, have them take theirs from home and replace it with something new for when they’re home during break. Pillows are also an easy thing to pick up before move-in if you’re flying. You might also want to add pillow covers for allergy and bedbug protection.

Comforter or duvet– A good question to ask is what your child wants and what might they be able to wash easily. Both of my kids use duvets at home but the thought of trying to take apart and put together the duvet for regular cleaning led them to both choose comforters for their college beds. Bed in a Bag sets are popular choices because they include a comforter, coordinated sheets, and a pillowcase. Target and Kohl’s are great sources for bedding sets or pieces but I recommend shopping early if you’re planning to shop in-store because stores do run out and don’t always restock right away. Also be sure to check the mattress size of your college student’s bed. While many tend to be Twin XL, some might not be and you want to be sure you get the right size comforter and sheets.

Extra set of sheets and pillowcases– It’s a good idea to have a second set for laundry days. Yes, they do actually DO laundry and change their sheets!

Mattress pad– Dorm room mattresses aren’t known to be the best so both of our kids have foam mattress toppers. I recommend getting at least a 2” foam mattress topper to fit their dorm mattress and for extra comfort, add a quilted mattress pad on top.

You might need to shop for some additional things to help keep your college student healthy and comfortable based on their dorm room and the climate. Consider:

• Fan– This could be incredibly helpful in a dorm with no air conditioning at the start of the year. Since our son won’t have AC like our daughter, we’re sending him to school with a Woozoo fan.
• Air filter– Chances are your child will get sick in their first semester of college and while some things can’t be helped, an air filter can be hugely helpful. I really like our PuroAir 240 that filters out 99.99% of allergens (smoke, dust, pollen, and common pollutants) quickly and quietly. Because our son is used to having an air filter in his current room, it just seems to make sense to send it with him to college to continue to keep allergens to a minimum and keep him healthy.
• Humidifier– A humidifier is great for those living in dry climates or at altitude where the air is drier than they’re used to. This wireless humidifier from Hey Dewy is my personal favorite because it’s the perfect size for keeping on a desk in a dorm room.

Things to Keep Them Clean and Healthy (bathroom, laundry and First Aid supplies)

Set of towels (bath and hand towels, maybe washcloths)- 2 sets is sufficient. My son picked out this Threshold set from Target. They’re soft, thick, and big enough to wrap around his body when going to and from the shower.

Shower caddy– We ordered this one from Target because it has a handle for hanging, drain holes at the bottom, and is only $6.

Shower shoes/flip-flops– A must for traveling to and from the bathroom and wearing in the shower.

Toothbrush & toothpaste, shampoo & conditioner, soap or body wash– My advice is to get what your child is used to. Now isn’t the time to try something new that might make them break out in a rash because they discover it doesn’t agree with their skin the first time they use it. If they’re used to an electric toothbrush, think about where they’ll plug in the charger. Space is limited so you might want to consider a regular toothbrush or one from Quip because it’s super compact and operates on a AAA battery.

First Aid Kit with cold/flu supplies- A compact first-aid kit with band aids, antibiotic ointment, alcohol wipes, hydrocortisone cream, and Narcan, are handy for your child to have on hand when they’re not feeling well or to help a friend in need. I personally love The College Student First Aid Travel Kit that is the brainchild of Beth Palmer Stewart, Certified Nurse Practitioner with who has worked with children, adolescents, and young adults and is the mom of 2 college students with another on the way! This comprehensive, well organized, and affordable kit contains over 30 different medications, ointments, creams, drops, tools, and wound care items. It’s great to have on hand because the first time your child gets sick at school is miserable for them and leaves you feeling helpless.

Beth also offers a Ultimate College Student First Aid Kit, an incredible well-organized toolbox that contains all the same things that the Travel Kit does but double the amount of all medications. Extra medications including a Hangover Kit, double the amount of all ointments and creams, extra wound care products including more Band-Aids® and blister care items, eye care products including emergency eyewash and red eye drops, splinter removal kits, and hand sanitizer to help stop the spread of germs. She also offers Narcan, an essential for kids to have on campus in case they can help a peer in need.  I absolutely love what Beth has put together in both kits that help college students have the what they need to feel better fast without leaving their room. Just be sure to send a get well soon care package to let them know you’re thinking of them and replenish used supplies as needed

Laundry supplies- Don’t make laundry any more arduous than your child might already think it is. A backpack style laundry bag is easy to carry and store and Spot laundry detergent sheets can be tucked in the front pocket of the laundry bag so they’re always there. Plastic hangers can easily be picked up from Target before move in and don’t forget to leave them with a roll of quarters because you never know when the laundry machine card swipe system will stop working. The swipe card system didn’t work when my daughter started her freshman year and was really glad to have a stash of quarters to do her first couple loads of laundry.  

Uber or Lyft Gift Card- We never want our kids to feel unsafe or stuck so make sure they always have a safe ride home thanks to an Uber or Lyft gift card. 

Things to Keep Them Well Fed (kitchen supplies)

Fridge and/or microwave- Check to see if this is something that will come with your child’s dorm room. If not, it’s a good idea to wait and order it along with other dorm room must haves you’ll send to their college mail room so you can apply the one time 15% Target Circle College Student Appreciation discount.

Microwave-safe plates and bowls- When our daughter started college, she bought two plastic dinner plates and two cereal bowls for 50 cents each from Target’s Room Essentials line.

Utensils- It’s not a bad idea to have a couple forks, knives, and spoons on hand. Random extras from home, a relative, or the local thrift store are good enough. Target also has sets of 3 knives, 3 spoons, and 3 forks for $1 each.

Snack containers- Before your college student moves in, grab a few Ziploc bags in different sizes from your stash at home them to have on hand. Also send them with some plastic food storage containers from your kitchen or get them this 6 piece Rubbermaid set from Target.

Comfort foods– While they’re probably on a meal plan their first year, it’s always a good idea to have a few comfort foods on hand to make them feel better when they’re not feeling well or are super stressed. Our daughter likes to keep these items in her room: Instant soup or Cup of Noodles, microwavable mac & cheese, oatmeal cups, a few packets of hot chocolate, and tea bags. She also likes to store her food in a clear plastic storage container in case of bugs. 

Things to Decorate Their Room

Your child’s dorm room is a blank slate. Before they think about how to decorate, try to figure out what the walls are made of and how to attach items to the wall surface. It’s also a good idea to remind them that they’re sharing their space and their roommate might not have the same taste as them. Here are some things that are helpful for decorating a room:

• Posters, flags, tapestries, etc.
• Command Strips and Command Hooks for hanging items without damaging walls- I like to buy the big packs from Costco and bring a bunch in a Ziploc bag to move in.
• Area rugs or carpets– Even if dorm rooms are carpeted, an area rug picked up during move in days can personalize a room and make it feel more like home.
• Pillow made in the likeness of a pet– Leaving behind a beloved pet can be hard but your student can take them with them in the form of a pillow!

Things to Help Them Make Friends

 Meeting new people and making new friends can be a daunting task for some kids. Sending them off with these things will help foster connections in their new environment.

Doorstop– This small item is incredibly helpful for move in and invites others to pop their head in and say hi during the year.

Bluetooth Speaker– Nothing draws people in like music and the bigger the sound, the more inviting the space becomes! My daughter got a compact Bluetooth speaker as a gift from friends before she left for college and she uses it all the time. Thomas has always loved big speakers so he prefers something larger like the HD77 or the newly redesigned Treblab HD-Max Speaker for sharing music with friends. The HD77 is a more compact speaker but the HD-Max has a ton of features he loves including incredible surround sound for 20 hours on a single charge, RGB lights, a carrying strap, and built in powerbank to keep phones charged while streaming favorite playlists.

Dominos gift card– Never underestimate the power of the smell of pizza! Consider leaving a Dominos gift card tucked away in their dorm room for them to find after you leave with a note that it’s to be spent on dinner with friends. Or email one to let them know you’re thinking about them.

Tool kit– It’s helpful to have a small set of tools on hand even if your child is not a DIYer. This could be helpful in adjusting a mattress height, securing lofted beds, measuring a space for a rug, etc. Since not every student thinks to bring tools, your child will be known as the helpful one as they lend items out to others.

Things to Help Them Keep Track of Their Stuff

Mabel’s Labels– Mabel’s Labels aren’t just for little kids! We’ve been using them for years for keeping track of our family’s things and this still holds true for our college student. Before they head to school, get them a new personalized label set with labels in different sizes. Go old school with a Back to School Combo featuring a favorite icon or go with cool designs on the Middle School Label Pack.

 

AirTags– AirTags have so many uses for college students. They can attach one to their keys, put on in their luggage when they travel to and from school, affix it to the bottom of their skateboard, and even tuck one in an instrument case or backpack if they’re prone to leaving things behind. AirTags rarely go on sale but a 4 pack of AirTags is on currently on sale for $79.99 (regularly $99) at Target until July 10^th. If your child doesn’t need all 4, send 2 to college and keep 2 at home.

For perspective, both of my kids go to school out of state. We bought some items at home that we packed in checked luggage, online ordered a couple things that were picked up at the college mail room, and other things were purchased before move in. During the summer, items are stored in a shared storage facility off campus.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask it in the comment section. It’s an exciting time that can be a roller coaster of emotions and I’m happy to help as you get ready to send your child off to college!

Affiliate links are included in this post. Samples were received to facilitate this post but no compensation was received and all opinions are my own.