August is the time of year when recent high school graduates are prepping to head off to college for the very first time. It’s been quite a while since I went through this process myself, but I remember it like it was yesterday. The excitement, the nervousness, the fear, the unbridled joy.
If you or your child are feeling any or all of these feelings, you’ve come to the right place. What follows is a consolidated list of dorm room essentials that will streamline the packing and move-in process and help reduce stress for everyone involved.
BEDDING
In addition to the XL twin sheets you’ll be packing (2 sets), you’ll want to make sure that you bring a mattress topper for the dorm room bed. These beds are one-size-fits-most and generally not the most comfortable. This gel memory foam topper will ensure a peaceful night’s sleep and keep your child cool and supported. Top the topper off with a waterproof mattress pad and their bed will be safe from humidity (and other sources of dorm room messiness).
SHOWER
Although some students might be lucky to find themselves with an en suite bathroom at their disposal, most will be making the trek down the dorm hall to the communal showers. A cozy robe like the Classic Turkish Cotton from Parachute is needed for just this purpose.
A good pair of shower shoes is also a must have. I love the Eva Birkenstocks. They are completely waterproof and available both in stores (like Urban Outfitters and Madewell) and online.
Beyond the clothes, the toiletries are going to need a neat and portable place to live. A shower caddy will come in handy, but one that can be hung up rather than left of the shower floor will help keep things clean and dry.
DESK
Most colleges and universities will load your student up with logo-filled school supplies when they arrive. What you’ll need to remember is a desktop organizer to store those school work essentials in. Find one with adjustable storage compartments, dividers, and cord management, and your student will be set to tackle the most laborious of school assignments.
ELECTRONICS
I remember being incredibly excited to bring my very own laptop computer to college with me. Keep in mind this was 1999 and the thing probably weighed 40 lbs and it never left my room. This generation enjoys technology that is SIGNIFICANTLY more transportable (and user-friendly). But if the same rules still apply, they won’t be able to double up on power strips in their dorm room. In order to ensure ease of access to all the gadgets your millennial will need, make sure to pack a power strip with a LONG cord.
STORAGE
Dorm rooms are notoriously small and wanting for storage space. However, dorm room beds are pretty tall to begin with and can be lofted for even more room below. To take advantage of this space you’ll want to invest in some under-the-bed storage options like these stackable storage drawers. You can customize them to fit your needs and you can even add casters for mobile storage.
For the dorm room closet, an easy organization solution is always a good set of hangers. I like the non-slip variety: They can be bought in bulk but are not bulky themselves. They also keep clothes from sliding off and can help keep the closet neat and tidy.
You’ll also want to pack a sturdy laundry basket or tote, one that can easily hold dirty clothes as they pile up and be transported back and forth to the dorm laundry room.
EXTRAS
A few other dorm room essentials that you won’t want to forget: a first aid kit and Command Strips.
Every campus has a health center, but sending your freshman off with medical basics will go a long way. Be sure to include bandaids, allergy or cold meds, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, hand sanitizer, and prophylactics, and extra masks. Pack these in a sealable bin OR buy a pre-stocked First Aid Kit.
Lastly, Command Strips in various sizes will be helpful to hang art, photos, memorabilia, and twinkle lights. Make sure to follow the directions and apply them correctly to keep both the dorm walls and whatever you are hanging intact.
You’ll notice that I haven’t included any of the big ticket items (clothes, computer, sheets, etc.) in the sections above. Those are generally no brainers, though I do include them on my FREE Dorm Room Essentials checklist.
If you live in the Boston Area - or your kiddo is heading to Boston for college - and are looking for help getting organized or managing the dorm room shopping list, head to our contact form and let me know. We are happy to help with all things organization!
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