Dorm Shopping and Packing List

College dorms are on a continuum. On the extreme end of “fancy” are modern, light, and spacious rooms. On the other, the more traditional, almost reminiscent of Eastern Bloc apartment buildings—inside and out—are the dated, poorly-lit, and cramped rooms. While you have little control over the room, you have complete control over what you make of it!

Although college move-in dates aren’t until mid-August-September, believe it or not, stores are starting to run low on dorm supplies NOW!

While some students go all out, others opt for the minimalist approach. Bottom line: you don’t have to spend a fortune to create a cozy and inviting dorm room. Dorms may differ in many ways; however, many basic necessities/wants are seemingly universal.

See below for an essential list of supplies you should take to your dorm. While I have provided links to Walmart, other great places to hit include Target, Amazon, and Kohl's, depending on budget and style.

Take the time, if you wish, to consult with your potential roomies so you don't end up with multiple of an item that could be shared.  Three microwaves in an already, likely, small area is not a good use of space.😉

Click HERE for Printable List

Room and Bath

• Shower Caddy
• Towels – 2 sets
• Mattress Pad – for comfort and hygiene, be sure to confirm size (typically Twin or Twin XL)
• Sheets – 2 sets, be sure to confirm size (typically Twin or Twin XL)
• Pillows – 2
• Comforter of your choosing
• Laundry Hamper
• White Board
• Dry Erase Markers and Eraser
• Planner
• Under Bed Storage Containers
• Clothes Hangers
• Laundry Detergent– Pods may be easiest to transport to and from the washing machine    
• Dryer Sheets
• 6-Outlet Surge Protector
• Extension Cord
• Desk Lamp
• Broom and dustpan or Vacuum
• Cell phone charger or charging dock 
• Bedside lamp – check your dorm set-up to see what will work; you may need a clip-on
• Bathroom cleaning supplies, if needed
• Small trash can and bags, if not provided

Health

• Prescriptions
• Prescription weekly box/organizer
• Ibuprofen and/or Acetaminophen
• Antacid
• Antidiarrheal medicine
• Benadryl
• Basic first aid supplies (Band-Aids, triple-antibiotic ointment, etc.)
• Vitamins
• Feminine supplies
• Heating pad

Hygiene

• Shower shoes
• Tissues
• Body wash
• All-purpose cleaner
• Paper towels
• Disinfectant wipes
• Hand soap
• Hand sanitizer
• Toiletries

Food and Drink

• Breakfast bars
• Snacks
• Coffee/tea cup
• Water bottle
• Sport’s drinks

Nice, but not necessary

• Coffeemaker/hot pot/microwave, if allowed
• Small refrigerator (if not provided)
• Area rug
• Posters/art plus hanging hardware
• Command hooks

School Supplies

• Backpack
• Laptop and protective case
• Earbuds
• Stapler and staples
• Printer paper (if you take a printer)
• Pens and pencils
• Colored pencils and/or markers
• Pencil holder and sharpener
• Notebooks
• Folder with pockets
• Labels of various sizes
• 3 × 5 index cards
• Sticky notes
• Paper clips and binder clips
• Rubber bands
• Tape
• Scissors
• Highlighters (multiple colors)
• Ruler
• Stackable desk trays (at least 4)\

 Miscellaneous

• Earplugs – in case your roommate snores
• Sleep mask
• Umbrella
• Rain jacket
• Small flashlight in case of a power outage

Click HERE for Printable List