In Style

The Ultimate Dorm Checklist

Sasha Sklarov
April 18, 2019

Preparing for college can be a pretty stressful experience if you don’t know what to pack, especially if you’re the first child going off. It can also be fun time to put together everything you need to survive your four-plus years. Welcome to your College List – everything you ‘need & want’ will be included.

Bringing all your items from home, plus more and moving it into a tiny dorm shared with a roommate can be daunting. What do you need to bring? How will all my clothes fit? What does the university include in our rooms? How will all of this stuff fit?

This list is here to help guide you through the stressful college move-in!

BEDDING / BATH

Bedding ties together your whole room vibe and says a lot about who you are as a person. Make your bed cozy, because nights of take-out, hanging out with your friends, studying, will all take place in your room!

Foam topper
Duvet Cover
Throw blanket
Throw pillows
Pillowcase
Twin XL sheet
Twin XL bed skirt (optional)
Extra under bed storage
Sleeping bag (optional for visitors)
Art decor for walls
Bed Risers
Twin tall headboard
Set of 4 body towels, 4 hand towels, 4 face towels
Shower caddy
Shower shoes
Shower Curtain/Liner
Bath Math
Bathrobe

“Honestly for me sleeping in my room is what I miss a lot. So I brought my pillow pet, sleep mask, and ear plugs. I sleep like a baby,” graduate Landon Edwards said.

Laundry

Have you ever done your laundry before? Well, you’re going to be well-prepared for college! Colleges don’t provide you with anything except the hall washing machines (and some make you pay for each load).

Laundry hamper or bag
Detergent
Wrinkle Releaser
Softer
Dryer sheets
Stain remover pen
Quarters (or campus card – specific universities)
Collapsible drying rack (for non-dryer items)
Mesh bags

Appliances

Yes, colleges might not provide you with all of the things your home does. Before buying any of these, check in with your university to see what they supply / what you would want!

Alarm clock
Bedside lamp
Desk lamp
Water filter
Coffee maker
Vacuum
Fan/heater
Small printer (if you’re library is far away and you’re finishing essay’s at 3 a.m.)
Fridge / Microwave (if you’re school allows / doesn’t already rent)
Speaker
TV / firestick

Desk & School Supplies

Your room is where you’re going to be doing all your studying, which is why you will need a ton of school supplies. Before splurging on supplies, visit your classes first to see how you want to organize all your materials. But for your desk, some of these might be helpful and motivate you to study!

Stapler
Tape dispenser
Calendar
Pens
Pencils
Markers / highlighters
Extension cord
Paper clips
Binders
Calculator
Glue
Whiteout
Loose paper
Index cards
Sticky notes
Ruler
Desk shelf (if the university doesn’t supply)
Three-hole punch

Around your room

Since you don’t live at home anymore, having accessible things will be beneficial for your dorm. All of these will help give your room a homey, organized feel to it!

Trash can / Recycling can
Storage ottoman (to step onto your bed)
Bedside table
Area rug
Closet organization
Double hanging rack for your closet
Jewelry organizer
Full-length mirror
Shoe Rack

“A good essential I think a lot of people may forget is this closet organizer I had. It’s a rack that divides the closet in half horizontally to maximize the ability to hang items in a closet,” graduate Connor Clemmensen said.

Late Night Snacks / Supplies

We all know you might be up studying late and hunger will soon follow. Having the best snacks in your dorm will be helpful when the cafeterias are closed. Getting some protein filled snacks, cheap and easy snacks, and organization materials for your dorm is very necessary for a college student.

Chip clips
Drawer or bins for food
Utensils / plates / napkins
Coffee mug/cups
Plastic bags
Popcorn
Cereal
Granola bars
Mac and Cheese
Ramen
Oatmeal

“I would say my easy cup Mac and Cheese because I always eat that whenever I don’t have time to get dinner. It’s the perfect on the go dinner that will keep me full,” graduate Emma Hoshino said.

Cleaning

Whether your mom or dad, housekeeper, siblings, or friends help you clean your room, it’s your responsibility to take out the trash, wipe down your desks, and clean your sheets! Check out the other listings for laundry and appliances such as a vacuum.

Trash bags
Ziplock bags
Hand soap
Clorox wipes
Air freshener
Multi-purpose cleaner
Windex
Shampoo / Conditioner
Body Wash
Towel hook

Decoration

As soon as you walk into your dorm on move-in day, you will stumble upon a plain wall with a wood bed. You’re probably thinking how do I see those Pinterest-perfect dorms? It’s all about the decor! Hang up posters, paintings, lights, and wallpaper to give it that feel!

Posters
Pictures
String lights
Neon signs
Tapestries
Temporary wallpaper
Key Hanger
Coat hanger
Chair cover

Extras

These are some extra things for you to bring with you in case of your situation!

Carry-on suitcase or weekender bag
Umbrella/raincoat
Desk bookshelf (if the university doesn’t supply)
Aspirin
Ziploc storage bags (to transfer your clothes to the university)
Games / sports equipment (for fun)
Additional seating
Cord organizer
Scale
Blow dryer/straightener
Bike
Pepper spray (if legal)
Small safe (for jewelry, money, documents)
Small toolbox

“I can’t live without my little toolbox. I’ve been asked so many times by people to fix things in their rooms. I’ve also had to fix a couple of things in my room too,” graduate Andrew Gherlein said.