Dorm Room Essentials Plus FREE College Packing List
Living away from home for the first time can be both exciting and challenging, but it’s important to be prepared. As the big day approaches and it’s time to start packing up all the things for your daughter or son to take to college, it’s important to make sure you have everything they need to make their dorm room feel like home. From bedding and towels to furniture and storage, here are the dorm room essentials they’ll need for their first year at college plus a FREE college packing checklist.
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Dorm Room Essentials
As you begin packing for college, it’s important to remember the essentials for your dorm room. These items will help you feel more comfortable and organized as you start your freshman year.
Dorm Room Bedding
A comfortable bed and bedding. You’re going to be spending a lot of time in your dorm room, so make sure you have a comfortable place to sleep. Invest in a good mattress topper like the one below and some cozy bedding, and you’ll be able to rest easy (and get some much-needed
You’ll be spending a lot of time in your bed, so make sure it’s comfortable! Invest in a good mattress and sheets that will help you get a good night’s sleep.
Bed risers (optional) make it easy to find additional storage under a top bunk!
A bedside lamp. This will come in handy for late-night studying or just reading in bed.
Bathroom Necessities
A shower caddy. This is essential for carrying all of your toiletries back and forth to the bathroom. I like all of the extra pockets this one has and that it can easily dry if it gets wet!
Towels are a great investment for college and you’ll need lots of them between washes! These are a great set to start with for boys or girls!
Closet and Laundry Essentials
A laundry bag or basket: You’ll need a place to store your dirty clothes until you can wash them. A laundry basket or hamper can be really helpful for this.
A storage container for your clothes. This will help you keep your small space organized and tidy. These bags are also a great way to move your clothes in and out of the dorm!
Non-slip hangers are definitely a dorm room essential. Heck, they are essential for any closet!
These hangers are a must for small spaces and work perfectly if you are in a dorm situation where you’re sharing closet space.
Dorm Fridge
A mini fridge: Having a dorm fridge in your room can be really convenient, especially for storing snacks and drinks. Make sure you get one that’s the right size for your needs.
Single Serve Coffee Maker
A coffee maker: Coffee is essential for some people, so it’s important to have a way to make it in your room. There are lots of small, single-serve coffee makers that are perfect for dorm rooms.
This is just a fun little extra to purchase for keeping coffee or tea warm all afternoon or all night during finals week!
Personal Blender
This personal blender is great for making smoothies and shakes on the go in between classes! Comes apart to clean easily and comes in several colors!
A microwave is great for heating up food or making popcorn. If your dorm doesn’t have one, see if you can borrow one from a friend.
A bulletin board. This is a great way to keep track of important papers and reminders.
Storage Solutions
Storage solutions: dorm rooms can be small, so it’s important to have a place to store your things. Invest in some good storage bins or shelves to help keep your room organized.
This hanging toiletries bag is perfect to save space in an otherwise tight dorm room. Keep all of your personal items in one easy-to-find container that zips up and travels home with you on the weekend! (Ha! See what I did there?)
Dorm Room Seating
You’ll need a place to study and do your homework. Make sure you have a comfortable chair that you can use for long periods of time. This bean bag is perfect!
Cleaning Supplies
A vacuum: Dorms can get messy, so it’s important to have a way to keep your space clean. A small vacuum can be really helpful for keeping your floors clean.
Cleaning supplies: Keeping your space clean is important, so make sure you have the supplies you need. Clorox wipes, dusters, and vacuum bags are all good things to have on hand.
By packing these essential items for your dorm room, you’ll be prepared for anything college throws your way!
Other Dorm Essentials
Cleaning supplies: Keeping your space clean is important, so make sure you have the supplies you need. Clorox wipes, dusters, and vacuum bags are all good things to have on hand.
Command strips and electrical outlet strips are both amazing things to pack for dorm life! This variety pack of Command strips fit just about any situation for decorating the perfect dorm room.
This electrical strip is great for grounding all the things like alarm clocks, coffee makers, printers, computers, hair dryers, and more!
These are just a few of the essential items you’ll need for your dorm room. Make sure you have everything you need before move-in day so you can be prepared for college life!
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College Packing Checklist
With these dorm room essentials, you’ll be all set for a comfortable and enjoyable first year at college! Grab your own FREE College Packing List HERE!
Other Awesome Dorm Room Essentials Resources
These websites have some amazing additional ideas for decorating and furnishing your dorm room for every budget! Check them out and let me know what all you find in the comments below!
