College Dorm Essentials Checklist
This college dorm checklist will help you make sure you know exactly what college dorm essentials you need and what to bring to college with you. Planning for school and leaving home is an exciting time, and you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need, especially if you’ll be far away from family or friends.
Below is a detailed list of everything you should bring:
School Supplies
Bringing your own school supplies can help you save a lot of money rather than purchasing them at the on campus bookstore.
- Binders
- Notebooks
- Printer Paper
- Printer
- Printer Ink
- Pens
- Pencils
- Pencil Sharpener
- Colored Pencils
- Markers
- Folders
- Paper Clips
- Rubber Bands
- Scissors
- Highlighters
- Laptop/Computer and Supplies
- Tape
- Stapler and Staples
Cooking & Eating Needs
You’ll likely get hungry or thirsty while away at school and so having some basic supplies will make you much more comfortable, especially when the student dining halls are closed.
- Cups
- Mini/Portable Coffee Maker
- Coffee
- Sugar Packets
- Plates
- Silverware
- Dish Soap
- Can Opener
- Microwave
- Mini-Fridge
Clothing
With limited space you’ll want to make sure you don’t have too much clothing – but at the same time not enough can be a problem too! Here’s a good guideline on what to bring.
- Pants
- Shirts
- “Dress” outfits for job interviews, speeches, formal events
- Lots of socks & underwear
- Shoes
- Coat or Jacket
- Hat, Gloves, Scarves
- Sweaters and Sweatshirts
- Laundry Basket
- Laundry Detergent
- $60 in rolled quarters for laundromat
Toiletries
You’ll want to make sure you have everything you need at school as far as soap and other grooming supplies go.
- Soap
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Sandals for Shower
- Bathroom necessities (toilet paper, etc.)
- Caddy for supplies if you’ll have shared bathrooms
- Several towels
- Wash Cloths
- Medications: pain relievers, cold medicine, prescriptions, etc.
- Contact/Lens Solution
- Nail Clippers
- Q-Tips
- Razor and Shaving Cream
Bedding, Furniture, and Room Necessities
Some college dorms supply the furniture, others you will need to bring your own. This basic list will help you prepare.
- 2 sets of sheets
- Pillows and pillowcases
- Comforter
- Throw Blanket
- Lamps
- Curtains/Shades
- Posters or Wall Decorations
- Area Rug
- Storage Boxes
- Sewing Kit
- Small Tool Set
- Alarm Clock
- Radio/Stereo
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Hangers
- Trash Bags and Trash Can
- Room Deoderizer/Disinfectant Spray
- Tissues
- Paper Towels
- Wipes
- Broom and/or Vacuum
- Fan
Before you move in, you may want to check with your room mate if you plan on having on to see what things you may be sharing, such as a refrigerator or microwave since this can help save money. You may also want to check with your room mate to see if they have any ideas for what they want for decorating. If possible, meeting with each other before you move in will not only give you some help in planning on what to bring to college, but it will also help you get to know one another better also so you won’t feel like complete strangers on the first day.
We think we’ve covered it all in our College Dorm essentials checklist, but if you have any suggestions, ideas, or anything we may have missed, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Category: Campus Life
