By now, you've probably started to think about dorm room ideas and packing for college. While it's easy to get overwhelmed, remember that you're just going to college – not Mars.
Packing for your dorm room is like walking a fine line – there is a very high chance that you’ll be over- or under-prepared. After all, we always remember those dorm rooms to be bigger than they actually were. Maybe that’s just wishful thinking.
The below items will prepare you for the school year ahead. If you find that there’s something missing once you begin unpacking your dorm room, it’s not the end of the world.
College campuses usually have retail centers nearby where you can buy what you need – or you can take advantage of Amazon’s student Prime discount. Chances are, you’ll be using that quite a bit throughout college.
It’s also imperative that you know what not to bring.
• Hotplates, skillets, toasters, toaster ovens, Instant Pots/pressure cookers
• Air conditioners
• Extension cords
• Candles
• Pets
• Nail picture hangers
Note: Even though you can usually get school supplies on campus, it's often cheaper to buy it during the back-to-school sales at off-campus stores. Don’t freak out if you forget something you need that’s on the above college planning checklist.
Even if you’re far from home, there’s nothing you can’t get exactly where you are. You can usually find a lot of student necessities on campus. However, if you can’t find those forgotten essential items on campus, do some dorm room shopping in the nearby town.
Finally, if you forget an important item you cannot replace with a store-bought item (something sentimental or a favorite shirt, for example) and you’re too far away from home to head back, you can always kindly ask your parents, siblings, or other family members to ship the item(s) directly to your dorm address.
Moving to college for the first time is a huge step in any student’s life. Preparation and planning play a key role in making an easy transition. The less you worry about things other than your new academic schedule and finding your place on campus, the better.
Packing for your dorm room is like walking a fine line – there is a very high chance that you’ll be over- or under-prepared. After all, we always remember those dorm rooms to be bigger than they actually were. Maybe that’s just wishful thinking.
What Should You Pack for Your College Dorm Room?
In hopes of helping with the process, follow this college packing list to ensure you've packed all the essentials.Items to Ask the School Housing Office About
Before bringing any of the following items, contact your school's housing office and ask about the rules and regulations within the residence halls. Many schools don't allow things such as: • Halogen bulbs and/or lamps• Hotplates, skillets, toasters, toaster ovens, Instant Pots/pressure cookers
• Air conditioners
• Extension cords
• Candles
• Pets
• Nail picture hangers
- Comforter/Bedspread
- Pillows
- Sheets (Check to see if they need to be a special size)
- Bed risers (If your bed isn't a loft)
- Desk/Bed lamp
- Book light
- Hangers
- Crates or stacking storage containers
- Microwave (If allowed in room)
- Mini-Refrigerator (If allowed in room)
- Fan
- Shelving
- Facial Tissues
- Paper plates and cups
- Cups, dishes & silverware for in-room snacks
- Reusable water bottle
- Reusable coffee mug
- Plastic containers with lids for snacks (Bugs, otherwise!)
- Delicious snacks
Dorm Room Items
Consider your dorm room the hub of your college experience. This is where you’ll keep everything. Though much of its purpose is functional, you can utilize your dorm room décor to showcase your personality and make the space feel like it's yours. Your dorm room will house your bed, desk, and closet. It will serve as your only storage space on campus, so you need to bring everything for student life, like all the components that create a comfortable bed and kitchen items that will make it easy to eat and snack in your dorm room. Finally, you’ll need anything that makes your dorm room feel like home. This might range from décor to smart home devices that will help you organize your life, answer hard questions, and stay in touch with friends and family back home.- Shower caddy
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Soap/body wash
- Shower pouf/loofah
- Towels (Bath, face, washcloths)
- Shower shoes
- Bathrobe
- Deodorant
- Body lotion
- Shaving Cream / Razors
- Make-up
- Band-Aids
- Feminine Products
- Cold and pain medicine
- Hair dryer (Straightener, Curling Iron)
- Hairbrush/comb
- Cotton swabs, cotton balls, etc.
Toiletries and Bathroom Supplies
Unless you are extremely lucky, your bathroom will likely be down the hall from your dorm room, meaning your toilette needs to be mobile. Consider everything you need to bathe and get ready for the day; that’s what you need to fit inside your shower caddy. And any college student will tell you that shower shoes are a must.- Laundry basket/bag
- Laundry detergent
- Stain remover
- Fabric softener
- Rolls of quarters (If necessary for laundry)
- Dryer sheets
- Sewing kit (with safety pins)
- Lint brush
- Wrinkle release
Laundry Supplies
Laundry rooms in residential halls are typically community spaces. That means you’ll be sharing washers and dryers with everyone in the building. Bring your own supplies – and some patience.- Computer/laptop
- Computer/laptop case
- Wireless mouse
- Mousepad
- Keyboard
- Lap desk
- Stereo/Speakers
- Tablet or E-reader
- Printer
- Printer cartridges
- Extra Phone Charger(s)
- Television
- Smart Home Device (i.e. Alexa, HomePod, etc.)
Electronics and Technology Items
A college student can’t function today without technology, both in and outside of the classroom. Determine which of the below you need.- Desk organizer
- Binders, folders
- Printer paper
- Pens, pencils
- Highlighters
- Dictionary/ Thesaurus (Apps work, too!)
- Backpack or messenger bag
- Calculator
- Day planner
- White-out
- Post-It notes
- Scissors
- Three-hole punch
- Tape
- Ruler
- Stapler
- Paper/binder clips
- Rubber bands
School Supplies
Most students look forward to outfitting their dorm room but keep in mind that you’re going to college to learn. Don’t forget the essentials – school supplies. Remember that you’ll have a desk in your dorm room. While you certainly want to pack light as you head off to college, there are some atypical school supplies once you become a college student, like a three-hole punch, ruler, and stapler. You’ll want your dorm room desk to be outfitted to meet all your academic needs.- Rags, sponges, scrub-brushes
- Swiffer/Swiffer pads
- Mini Vacuum
- Rubber gloves
- Dish soap
- Dish brush
- Dish rack/drying mat
- Febreze/Fabric refresher
Cleaning Supplies
Living in a dorm isn’t all fun and games. You need to keep your living quarters clean as well. Split up cleaning tasks with your roommate(s) to make the work faster or use your study break to go on a cleaning spree. Whenever you choose to get it done, having supplies like dish soap and brushes will keep your dorm room clean daily and a mini vacuum will help once a week – or once a month.- Video Game Console/Games
- Posters/art
- Framed photos with family, friends, roommates
- Dry erase board (For messages from friends)
- Deck of cards, Board Games
- Area maps
- Safe with a lock (For valuables)
- Envelopes/Stamps
- Flashlight
- Toolbox/Basic tool set
- Batteries
- Weekend bag/small suitcase
- Extra Power strip(s)
- Extra Extension cord(s)
- Poster putty for hanging up decorations (Most schools don't allow nails)
- Stepladder
Nice to Have
Finally, the below items aren’t necessary, but they may make your college dorm room more fun and functional. They may also make it feel more like home. Yes, these are items that you can live without – but should you have to?
Note: Even though you can usually get school supplies on campus, it's often cheaper to buy it during the back-to-school sales at off-campus stores. Don’t freak out if you forget something you need that’s on the above college planning checklist.
Even if you’re far from home, there’s nothing you can’t get exactly where you are. You can usually find a lot of student necessities on campus. However, if you can’t find those forgotten essential items on campus, do some dorm room shopping in the nearby town.
Finally, if you forget an important item you cannot replace with a store-bought item (something sentimental or a favorite shirt, for example) and you’re too far away from home to head back, you can always kindly ask your parents, siblings, or other family members to ship the item(s) directly to your dorm address.
Moving to college for the first time is a huge step in any student’s life. Preparation and planning play a key role in making an easy transition. The less you worry about things other than your new academic schedule and finding your place on campus, the better.
Coordinate with Your Roommate
The likelihood that you’ll be living alone in a dorm room, especially during your freshman year, is small. So, while the list above may seem long – and expensive – you’ll be able to split these purchases with someone else. At some point this summer, your college will provide you with contact information for your roommate. Get in touch with them via text, social media, or FaceTime and discuss what each of you plan to bring. Don’t duplicate on the big items; opt to share. If there are items on this list that neither of you’ve considered, bring them up and decide who will bring what. Having this conversation before move-in day will spare you from a lot of awkwardness. Plus, you’ll both be able to fit everything else you brought into the room. Finally, having this conversation over the summer gives you a lot to talk about through those initial “getting to know you” conversations. You won’t just be better prepared for student living, but the ice will officially be broken when it comes to your new roommate(s).You Might Also Like
Shawna Newman
Managing Editor, Contributing Writer
Shawna Newman covers various topics related to post-secondary education, including trade schools, the military, and college. She details strategies for paying for school, such as scholarships, financial ai...
