The Ultimate College Dorm Checklist

If your student is heading to collegethis fall, they are going to need things to help make their space comfortable. But figuring out exactly what they will need isnt necessarily easy or intuitive. While every dorm room is different and each students needs may vary from their peers, certain items are almost universally required. With that in mind, here is a college dorm checklist to make the process easier.Contents1 College Dorm Checklist1.1 Dorm Room Bed1.1.1 Dorm Room Bed Checklist1.2 Dorm Room Storage1.2.1 Dorm Room Storage Checklist1.3 Dorm Room Lighting1.3.1 Dorm Room Lighting Checklist1.4 Kitchen for a Dorm Room1.4.1 Dorm Room Kitchen Checklist1.5 Dorm Room Electronics1.5.1 Dorm Room Electronics Checklist1.6 Other Helpful Items for a Dorm Room1.6.1 Dorm Room Miscellaneous Checklist2 College Apartment Checklist3 College School Supplies Checklist4 College Moving ChecklistCollege Dorm ChecklistAs a first step, make sure to disregard any of the beautiful pictures your student sees i n magazines or online. A typical first dorm room doesnt have space for anything too fancy including plush chairs, accent tables, or the like.In most cases, your student will live in a space with dimensions closer to a walk-in closet than an apartment, with just enough room for an extra-long twin bed, a desk, and a chest of drawers. Theyll also be restricted on how things can be attached to the walls, so display shelves are largely out of the question.So, with all of that in mind, here are some tips regarding what they should have in their dorm room and links to affordable options to help speed up your shopping.Dorm Room BedFor most college students, their bed is a refuge, so make it as comfy and cozy as possible. Luckily, since the beds are twins, your student can get high-quality bedding at a reasonable price. However, some universities use extra-large twin beds which require longer sheets so you will want to confirm that before buying anything.When shopping for their dorm, look fo rnatural materialslike cotton and bamboo since they breathe. Additionally, it can be wise to choose a lighter weight comforter and add a throw blanket or two instead of choosing one heavy option.Since your student wont have much control over the ambient temperature, the ability to add or remove layers can be a lifesaver if the space runs hotter or cooler than they prefer. Since the bed will likely be the focal point of their area, let them have fun with the colors and designs, so they can create a space that truly feels like themAnd, while technically not part of the bed, consider grabbing aplush throw rugto put next to the bed.Why would you need a throw rug on a college dorm checklist?Because no one likes putting their feet on a cold floor in the morning!Consider grabbing a set ofbed risersfor their dorm room too. These lift the bed further off the floor, creating extra space underneath. Then, grab some storage bins that will fit into the newly expanded space and, VOILA! Extra Stor age!Dorm Room Bed ChecklistTwin/Twin XL Sheet Set (CottonorFlannel)Twin/Twin XL ComforterPillowsThrow BlanketBed RisersThrow RugMattress PadDorm Room StorageLets face facts;your students dorm room needs storage options. Aside from bins for under the raised bed, you can look at additional containers that may work in the space, or check out theseawesomewire shelves found here.These shelves can be put together in a variety of configurations, making them a smart choice for any space. Plus, the individual cubbies can hold canvas foldable square boxes for an attractive and colorful alternative to open spaces.Alternatively, depending on the size of the dorm room, your student may be able to bring a footlocker or small chest with them, giving them more storage. And, if your student shops around, they can find options that are strong enough to double as benches, adding additional seating for visiting friends and family.Dorm Room Storage ChecklistUnder-Bed Storage BoxesWire ShelvesSmall Chest / Footlocker / Storage OttomanDesk OrganizerOver-the-Door HooksStackable DrawersShoe Organizer / RackDorm Room LightingYour students dorm room is going to come with some basic lighting fixtures, but they may not be ideal in all situations and especially if they have a roommate. With that in mind, it may be smart to bring along anadjustable desk lamp that allows the light to be shifted in different directions. That way, if your student needs to have a late-night study session, but their roommate needs to catch some Zs, they can do so in harmony.Similarly, having a quality set of curtains can give them options to let in or block out the daylight as necessary.Blackout curtainsare designed specifically to stop any light from penetrating through, making it easier to sleep even if the sun is up. Just makesure to use a tension rod when installing them, as they dont require any holes in the walls to stay supported.Dorm Room Lighting ChecklistDesk LampBlackout CurtainsTension RodBook LightK itchen for a Dorm RoomMany college students enjoy having some basic appliances available in their dorm room. But, before you make anypurchases, its critical to check for any restrictions in place. For example, amini fridge andmicrowavemay be no big deal, but items likecoffee makers,toasters,George Forman grills, andhot plates arent allowed in all cases.Your student is also going to need some basic kitchen supplies. Having a fewdishes(ideally non-breakable and microwave safe) and standard eatingutensilscan give them in-room dining options. Other essentials like acan opener,chip clip, andstorage containersare also helpful. There is no reason to spend a lot on these many are thrown out at the end of college anyway.Before your student reviews this college dorm checklist, make sure they check to see what is and isnt allowed. They may find that some items arent permitted in their dorm or that their school is more flexible, placing fewer restrictions on students.Dorm Room Kitchen Checklis tMini FridgeMicrowaveDishesUtensilsCan OpenerChip ClipTrash CanCoffee MugFood Storage Bags or Containers with LidsReusable Water BottleDorm Room ElectronicsIf your student has a laptop and a smartphone, then they have a decent portion of their electronics needs covered in just a couple of devices. However, there are a few other pieces that might be helpful too.For example,noise-cancelling headphonescan allow them to enjoy a movie without having to bother their roommate. And, if there isnt a community printer available, they may need one for printing assignments in their room. If the dorm room comes with basic cable, then a small television may also be appropriate.What each student needs to bring along will vary depending on their needs and preferences. However, here are some items that are always worth considering.Dorm Room Electronics ChecklistLaptopMousePortable SpeakersSmartphoneNoise Canceling HeadphonesPrinterTelevisionGaming ConsolePower StripsUSB Stick / Flash Drive / Memory CardsSpare Phone ChargerOther Helpful Items for a Dorm RoomNot everything your student needs fits easily into a category, so those will be covered here. Items likedoor hangersandsticky hooksfor walls can provide your student with additional storage or display options in their dorm room, all without having to damage wall surfaces.Desktop picture frames can also help brighten up their space and give them a place to keep photos of friends and family members, and adigital picture framecan let them display multiple photos all from a single spot.Your student is also going to need a supply of bathroom items and a method for carrying them to and from the restrooms. A niceshower caddyfilled with their favorite shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and other items can help them have a relaxing experience in an easy to transport package.Also, make sure they have a stronglaundry hamperwith them so they can bring their dirty clothes from the dorm room and to the community laundry space. Otherwise, th eir only option may be to use a pillowcase. And make sure they havehangersif they have a traditional closet, giving them the opportunity to hang their clothes.Dorm Room Miscellaneous ChecklistHangersSticky HooksDigital Picture FrameShower CaddyLaundry HamperTowelsHair Dryer / Straightener / Curling IronSewing KitDry Erase BoardTool Box with Basic ToolsMini VacuumDesk FanFlashlightFirst Aid KitCleaning SuppliesUmbrellaCollege Apartment ChecklistWhile all of the items in the college dorm checklist are great for college apartments too, if your student is living off-campus, there are a few more things that theyll need to bring along.Precisely what your student needs depends on whether the apartment is furnished or unfurnished. With a furnished college apartment, basic furniture is provided. They may also have access to some small kitchen appliances, though this isnt as common.Regardless of the arrangement, your student can use the college apartment checklist below to make sure all of th eir bases are covered. If the items are provided with the apartment, then purchasing them wont be required. Instead, your student can just mark them off as a tracking mechanism.BedChair / Loveseat / SofaSide Tables / Coffee TableDining Table and Chairs or TV TraysPots and PansBaking Sheets / Casserole DishesCoffee PotDesk and ChairBath MatShower Curtain and HooksCollege School Supplies ChecklistWhile each student may need different college school supplies depending on their course load, certain items are essential for nearly everyone. Heres a quick college school supplies checklist that covers the essentials:Binders / FoldersNotebooksPens / PencilsRulerHighlightersAudio Recorder (or Audio Recording App)Backpack / Messenger BagWhite-OutSticky Notes / Sticky TabsScissorsStapler and StaplesPaper Clips / Binder ClipsRubber Bands3 x 5 Index CardsTapeCollege Moving ChecklistOnce your student has everything they need to take with their to their college dorm room or apartment, they need to be able to get that stuff to their new, temporary home. Packing for a move can be daunting. But, with the right supplies, it is much easier to handle.Here is a quick college moving checklist featuring all of the essential moving supplies your student will need:Cardboard Boxes / Plastic Bins (various sizes)Packing TapePermanent Markers or Sticker Labels (for labeling boxes)Colored Dot Stickers (for color coding rooms or categories)Bubble Wrap / Packing MaterialsScissors / Box CutterAs your student packs, make sure they are realistic about what will and wont fit into their dorm room or college apartment. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and scale back. If it turns out their dorm room or apartment is bigger than they pictured, you can always mail additional items to them once they settle into the space.