College Dorm Room Checklist: All The Essentials!

I have had many requests for a good solid checklist for sending your kids off to college.  We’ve had a few experiences with the whole college dorm room thing around here and this is what we’ve come up with!

Updated:7/31/24

College Dorm Checklist: What to Bring for Your College Dorm Room

Dorm Room Room Checklist – PDF Download

Leaving for college can be a stressful yet exciting time for students as well as parents; saying good-bye to home and going off to start a new life, in a new place, with all new people. For incoming freshmen, knowing what to bring to create a comfortable living environment at school can be a whole challenge in itself. I know that every new student wonders, “How can I possibly fit ALL of my stuff in this small 12’x15’ room while sharing it with a total stranger?” That’s where we come in!

Here is a little guide to help parents as well as students know what the essentials are for a college dorm room and how to make it all fit comfortably.

1. Bedding

• Comforter – Dark, durable and a Twin XL!
• Sheets & Padding
  • Sheets (grab 2 sets of twin XL)
  • egg crate – believe me you need this
  • mattress pad  -Note: The egg crate and mattress pad make your sleep MUCH better on dorm beds. Don’t skip this.

• Pillows
  • Pillows
  • body pillow – you will probably be against a cold stone wall – this makes it less cold feeling!

2. Desk

• Draw Organizer
• School Supplies/BackPack/bag – Note: Back to School Deals are listed right on our site!
• Message Dry Erase Board
• LockBox –Always lock up your passport, insurance card or anything else of value! Things sadly do get stolen!

3. Electronics

• Laptop  You really do need this.
• Printer:  We for sure recommend a wireless Brother Printer! It’s better than have your own then always having to rely on the library!
• TV – You can always just use your laptop – but sometimes its nice to watch actual tv
  • Amazon Fire Stick
  • Apple TV
• Power Strips You might only have 1 outlet for yourself!

4. Lighting

• bedside lamp

• desk lamp

Note: you won’t need a floor lamp most likely because the overhead lighting will light up the room ( if you do you can grab one when you get there).

5. Windows

• Curtains

Most dorm rooms don’t allow you to take down the existing curtains. If you know for a fact that your school does not provide curtains then find simple ones that are cheap because they’re probably going to get pretty dirty.

6. Organizing

• Storage bins – I promise you’ll need more storage
  
  • big bins
  • stackable drawers
  • small stackable drawers

Note: Under bed storage is key. If you’re wondering where you’re going to fit all of your stuff, this is where.

7. Closet

• Shoe Organizer
  • Over the Door shoe organizer
  • Stackable Show Organizer
• Hangers

8. Fan

• YOU NEED A FAN – unless you are lucky enough to have air conditioning.

9. Bathroom/Towels

• Towels Note: Get big towels – if you have a community bathroom – you’ll have to walk down the hall in your towel
• Bathrobe –
• Shower Caddie
• Shower shoes – please wear shoes 🙂

10. Furniture

• Seating
  • futon – a lot of people raise their beds or it just fits! Extra seating is a plus!
  • Chair
• Full Length Mirror
• Trash Can

11. Floors

• Carpets
  • Carpet that fills most of your floor
  • Bathroom Rug

12. Appliances/Kitchen

• Refrigerator If your school doesn’t automatically supply you with a refrigerator/freezer then you definitely need to buy one/sometimes you can rent one! check into that!
• Bowl/Plates/Cups/Utensils
• Microwave
• Vacuum

13. Laundry

• Ironing Board/Iron 
• Laundry Basket
• Detergent – search for a deal in our GPC!

14. Other

• Cleaning Supplies –search for a deal in our GPC!
• Air Fresheners
• Extension Cords
• Surge Protector
• Over Door Hooks

Dorm Room Essentials Checklist – PDF Download