Dorm room essentials – Â If you’ve got a teen heading to college this year, it’s time to start shopping for everything they’ll need for the new school year. We’ve created a guide to get your college student ready for dorm life and independent living.
You’ve waited 18 years for this day to come and now it’s time to set them free and send your child off on his/her own. Of course you want to make sure they’re well prepared for living on their own. Dorm life may seem a little daunting for both of you, after all you’ll no longer be just down the hall. That’s why we created this list to help you gather up all the things to make the transition smooth and simple.
When it comes to shopping for a college dorm, compact is key. Small but functional items that will make it easy for your college student to keep their space clean and comfortable. The items we’ve chosen are tried and true with tons of reviews so they’ve proven to be helpful and withstand the wear and tear of daily dorm living.
Basic Appliances for College Dorm Rooms
A mini fridge and a small microwave are the main essentials when it comes to outfitting a college dorm. Beyond those two, it’s a matter of preference and portable goods. A coffee maker comes in handy for college and Keurig makes the best compact coffee makers to keep you caffeinated. While the microwave will make meals you may also want to add a toaster oven to your set-up if space allows. There are a ton of quick and easy meals you can make with a toaster oven, from pizzas to pop tarts.
We love this toaster oven :
Download this handy printable dorm essentials list
Dorm Room Essentials List
- mattress pad AMAZONÂ Â WALMART
- pillows Beckham Hotel Collection, the best selling pillows on Amazon.
- sheet set
- comforter
- bed risers
- under bed storageÂ
- mini fridge
- microwave
- coffee maker  The Keurig K-Mini Single is perfect for dorms.
- tumbler
- portable blender  The Hamilton Beach Portable Blender is perfect for making smoothies and shakes on the go.
- plates, bowls and cups
- utensils
- flatware set
- food storage
- can opener
- ice trays
- ziploc bags. 20 piece reusable storage bags BPA free
- cleaning spray paper towels
- hand vacuum and stick vac – The Bissel Featherweight Stick Vac has 100k ratings and is under $40.
- rolling storage utility cart
- trash can
- trash bags
- first aid kit
- command hooks
- sewing kit
- extension cords AMAZONÂ WALMART
- multi-outlets
- batteries
- flash light
- desk lamp
- alarm clock  This popular digital alarm clock has a large easy to read mirrored digital display.
- fan
- mirror
- hangers
- closet organizers. Clear stackable boxes  Closet storage organizers
- laundry basket Laundry hamper with shoulder straps/backpack style
- iron
- ironing mat
- lock box
- shower caddy
- shower shoes
- towel set Â
- wash cloths
- robe
- hair dryer
- brush/comb
- shampoo
- conditioner
- body wash
- deodorant
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- mouthwash
- razor
- nail clippers
- qtips
Additional items to consider….
This soft fluffy bedroom rug is a bestseller on Amazon and the perfect size for dorms.
A 6 hook Over the Door Hanger helps keep backpacks and jackets off neatly organized and creates more space.
This ramen cooker comes with chopsticks and perfectly cooks noodles in minutes.
The 3-in-1 Breakfast Maker from GreenLife can cook an egg, sausage or bacon, and toast a slice of bread/waffle/bagel at the same time.
Ninja Foodi Air Fryer makes meals and snacks quickly and takes up minimal space.
Disclosure: Â This post may contain affiliate links that provide monetary value supporting this site and continued content creation. All thoughts and opinions are my own.Â
My Getaway Vacation Travel Essentials for Packing Light
We waited on some items to see what the 3 other girls had and what was needed. Saved all of a money in the long run
This is a great list. Kids are going to need some basic survival items to make it through college. Hey, taquitos don’t make themselves!
These are great ideas. You covered all the bases, from making food to storing everything.
I will be sure to keep this in mind when my kids go to college. I remember when I went that I needed TONS of stuff.
What a great list! My must have product for college was a mattress cover. When I stayed in a dorm, I couldn’t stand th e thought of sleeping on a mattress that a million other people had. A mattress cover was the perfect way to make it my own!
My daughter starts college in about 23 days. I can’t believe she’s already old enough. She’s not going away for school right now, we live near a large campus that she will be attending. However, this may come in handy if she chooses to transfer in two years.
My daughter is going off to her first year of college in 10 days! We are in the middle of all this planning.
How exciting! Good luck and I hope you get everything accomplished. I know it seems like a lot to plan for, but it really is an exciting time for both of you I’m sure 🙂
I am so glad we are past this now. Shopping for a dorm room is nothing short of shopping for a first apartment. Good thing is though that they have a lot of what they need when they do move into their first apartment! Great list!
This is a great list. My niece if leaving for college. I will share these tips with her.
This is a great list of dorm essentials!! Love it!!
I remember moving into my college dorm like it was yesterday! I couldnt wait to decorate my room this is a great checklist before going to your college!
There are so many smaller versions of things that I would love to send my daughter with when it is time but at the same time I feel like if I buy them all then they don’t really save any room. lol
Great list here! I love this printable, it will save so much time at the store.
I still have few more years before my first born go to college but these are great info to know. I will definitely keep these in mind.
This is a great list of essentials. I love that locking under-bed storage container! My kids aren’t near college age, but some of these would even be great for their room at home, especially being tight on space.
It’s totally important that you have everything that your college kid needs. I think this printable will surely help! It’s always nice to have a list of the things that you’re going to shop for.
My eldest is currently in college and my second eldest is off to college this coming school year! It’s good to have everything they need and this checklist is perfect for helping parents achieve that for their kids.
This printable is so useful. I have a friend who is going to college this year so I will share this post with her.
This is such a great list. A mini fridge and microwave will certainly come in handy if there is no communal kitchen.
I’m so glad I don’t need this list for my girls yet. But, I’m sure I’ll cry like I did when they went to kindergarten. Great list, though. – yolonda
I didn’t stay in a dorm when I went to college but would have loved to. Mostly so that I can decorate my dorm room lol