Dorm Room, Checklist of Essentials

(Updated 2018)

Let’s face it. The cost of college tuition these days is SHOCKINGLY expensive! On top of tuition, you have the price of textbooks, food, and a place to live. It can all be a bit overwhelming!

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Never fear. I have found a way that you can save on the normally big price of furnishing the dorm room. The trick to reasonable dorm room spending is to identify and buy just the essentials. You must be strong in the face of the glossy ads and slick websites beckoning you to purchase a huge list of gadgets and gizmos.

Here’s the list of most of the core essentials needed for dorm living.

• Bedding-Before purchasing any, check with the university to see the size of the bed in the dorm room. Most beds are twin size, but they may be Twin Extra-Long. Once you know the correct size, get a mattress cover, mattress pad, 2 sheet sets, a comforter, and a blanket. Price compare to see if it is less expensive to buy a “bed in a bag’ set and extra set of sheets or buy items separately.
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•  Clothes Hangers-Keep your eye out for some thin non-slip hangers or stackable hangers to go along with regular hangers as space in dorm closets is tight.

• Shower Caddy-One such as the Haundry Mesh Shower Caddy Tote will store your shampoo, soap, shaving, gel, razors, etc.. together in one quick drying tote.

• Bath/Water Shoes-When sharing a shower, these shoes are an essential health item.
• Towels-3or so sets should be a good number to make it between laundry runs.

• Laundry Bag or Hamper-The Nylon Laundry Bag with Locking Drawstring Closure will get the job done.

• Iron/Mini Ironing Board-Some dorm rooms do have mini ironing boards attached to the walls so check with the university.
• First Aid Kit-Have what is needed to take care of life’s bumps and bruises in one place. This All-purpose First Aid Kit is highly rated.

• Flashlight-The RAYOVAC Flashlight is durable and easy to use.

• No Mark Wall Attachers-Such as Command Hooks or Tacky Putty
• Push Pins-For bulletin board. If dorm room does not have built in bulletin board, you may want to bring a small one or a dry erase board.
• Small Trash Can
• Desk Lamp

• Stapler
• Tape Dispenser
• Scissors
• Surge Protector
• Alarm Clock
• Broom/Dustpan
• Can Opener like the easy to handle OXO Good Grips Opener.

• Microwavable Plates, Cups, Bowls-For meals and snacks.
• Utensils
• Microwave
• MiniFridge-Check with the college because some schools rent out microwave/minifridge combination units.

Although not essential, consider some under bed storage containers and a milk crate or two. Also, think about a small throw rug if dorm has concrete floors.

For more college-related shopping:

35 Things to Put in College Care Packages
45 Things to Put in Tailgating Gift Baskets