Here you will find the ultimate college dorm checklist for guys and girl college students all in one spot. This college dorm list will have everything you need for move in day whether you are a freshman or not.
College Dorm Checklist
Moving to college is fun and exciting but there are many items you will need and this college dorm checklist will help you make your move easier into student housing. Let's start with decorating your dorm room and create a shopping list and college packing list.
Decorating Dorm Tips
For a few design tips start by selecting an inspiration piece like a rug, art, or comforter set. Then build your room design around those colors. Another great inspiration piece is searching for dorm room ideas on Pinterest or check out our chic girls dorm room decor ideas, girly girl college dorm decor ideas or guys dorm room ideas.
Now that you have your inspiration piece let's begin going down the college checklist and picking out items. As you shop online put the items you are considering in your cart. You can print this list when you go to the store or you can order it all online to make your life even easier.
Organizational and Necessity Room Needs
Storage is very important when you live in a small space and is imperative on the dorm room essentials list. Every inch counts so being creative with storing all your stuff will help. When you plan for storage don't forget a place or important documents.
Here is a college dorm list of storage items and necessities.
Dorm Organization Room Needs
Room needs from organization to practical tools. These essentials will style you space too.
Stick Lamp - Room Essentials™
This lamp has several wonderful element. It has a tray in the base for jewelry, coins and more. And it has an outlet on the side of the base to plug in your cell phone cord. This lamp comes in different shade and base colors.
Capello® Ci320 Simple Stack Bluetooth Speaker with Clock - Wood
This clock has is trendy and two fold. It is very sleek and modern.
6L Semi-Round Step Open Trash White/Steel - simplehuman
You may need a trash can. Purchase one with a lid to hide your trash. Remember your space is mall so it is nice to have something stylish.
Honeywell® Table Air Circulator Fan
Most dorms do not have ceiling fans so if you are used to a fan then you will want to bring a small fan along.
Ubrands 36"x24" Fashion Board Bulletin Board Black MDF Frame
You will need some push pins for your bulletin board. Consider some fun ones like these wooden pins.
Wall Pops! ® Dry Erase Board Calendar 17.5"x24"- Charcoal Chalk Board
This wall pop dry erase calendar will make keeping track of your schedule easy. All you do is attach it to the wall and your done.
3-Tier Metal Utility Cart - Made By Design™
A utility cart is very handy for dorm life. You can keep food or toiletries and so much more. These come in many colors.
10ct Spiral Filament Outdoor String Lights G50 Clear Bulbs - Opalhouse™
What is a dorm room without some fun decorations. Add some string lights to your room for a cool vibe.
Great Value Folding Step Stool - Walmart.com
A small stool comes in handy in dorms and apartments. This space saving stool can slide away and hide.
Aromatherapy Oil Diffuser Helix - SpaRoom
This is a personal preference but diffuser are great for dry winter nights. If you catch a cold this small diffuser will keep the air moist and help you breath better.
Weekender Bag - Open Story
Make sure to bring a weekender bag to college for when you plan to go home for a weekend or trips with friends.
Band-Aid Jungalow Brand Build Your Own First Aid Kit Bag
A first aid kit is a necessity at college. Add some extra bandaids just in case. This kit comes in the traditional red and white or you can go with this fun tropical pattern.
Command 2 hooks, 4 Strips Damage-Free Large Metal Hooks - Brushed Nickel
Command hooks are fabulous for so many things. There are lots of other options to choose from. Use them to hang art, hooks for your rob and laundry bag and so much more.
Apollo 39-pc. Household Tool Kit
You never know when you might need a tool to fix something. A mini took kit is nice to have around.
Sewing Kit, 58-in-1 DIY Premium Sewing Supplies, Zipper Portable & Complete Mini Sew Kit for Trav...
If you have any mending skills take a small sewing kit with you. It will be handy to attach a button back on.
Since I am recommending a diffuser for your dorm I want to share with you the best essential oils. The three main companies I have tried and find their oils to be quality are Rocky Mountain oil, Arbonne, and Young Living.
All three are very good quality but the best lavender essential oil I have found is by Arbonne. Here is where you can find more information about Arbonne essential oils and purchase them.
Also, I have a lamp on the list but I want to share a few tidbits on lamps. Because space is limited consider a desk lamp that does more than light up the room. You will find lamps with outlets on them and USB ports for your cell phone.
Linens and Laundry Needs
We have talked about practical items that are fun to select but the real fun is beginning. It is time to pick out bedding, towels, and much more.
Your bed is the second largest item in your room except for the walls so pick out something that makes a statement. You can go for a minimalist look like white and a thin stripe or one big solid color with textures throw pillows.
Now let's dive into linens and laundry from this college dorm checklist.
Dorm Linens and Laundry Needs
Bedding, laundry and much more
Gray Holli Zollinger French Tribal Stripe Duvet Cover Set (King) - Deny Designs
A comforter and duvet set will add design and character to your room.
Temperature Balancing Solid Sheet Set - Made By Design™
Twin regular or XL sheets are needed for your bed. Check with your dorm to see if you need XL or not.
50/50 White Goose Feather Blend Hotel Pillow - DOWNLITE
Bring two pillows for dorm or for each bed in your apartment. These are down but there are great non-down options too.
Cool Touch Mattress Pad - Made By Design™
You will need a good thick mattress cover. This mattress pad is thick and has cooling technology that will help make sleeping more comfy.
Animal Print Design Faux Fur Throw
Micropoly Shag Area Rug - Project 62™
Most dorm come with good commercial carpet or hard flooring. A yummy shag rug will be nice on your toes and make your room feel like home.
Solid Bath Towels And Washcloths 6pc - Yorkshire Home
Wood Suit Hangers - 30 Pack, Natural
Bring as many hangers as you think you will need. Wood hangers are nice because they don't make bumps on your clothes and they look nice in your closet.
Backpack Laundry Bag With Zipper Grid Pattern White - Room Essentials™
The great thing about a laundry bag is that you can hang it in your closet or behind the door to save space. Then when it is time to do laundry just grab it and head to the washers.
(2 pack) all Small & Mighty Super Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent, Free Clear for Sensitive...
Bring a couple of bottles of laundry detergent to start your dorm life. When you run out of the first bottle add it to your list to pick up at the grocery store.
(2 Pack) all Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets Free Clear for Sensitive Skin, 120 Count
Make sure to have a few boxes of dryer sheets. Again it is nice to start with two boxes.
(2 pack) OxiClean Laundry Stain Remover, 21.5 Ounces
You will need a stain remover. Oxi clean is a good brand but the other brands work great too.
Bathroom Cleaning Caddy Gray - Madesmart
A shower caddy keeps all your toiletries in one place. It is also great to store you cleaning projects.
Scotch-Brite Mini-Travel Lint Roller - 30ct
You never know when you might need a lint roller. This travel size doesn't take up much space.
Women's Beautifully Soft Robe - Stars Above™
Have a robe around for walking down the hall if you have to use a community bathroom. This thin style robe is great for warmer days and doesn't take up a lot of space.
Women's Veanna Flip flop sandals - C9 Champion®
If you are sharing a bathroom with a large group of students bring some shower flip flops to protect your feet. They are also nice to have around to run to your vehicle or go visit friends.
Household Essentials Bamboo Dryer Rack
Some people love having a drying rack for clothing that is delicate. This is a personal preference but I wanted it on the list just in case.
Desk Area
Once you are at college you will need a place to study. A place to get organized and if it looks nice you will love to be there. Your desk area is important. There are many college essentials you can fit onto your desk during the school year.
So add some style to your desk. Pick out things that work with your style and make your study life more comfortable. This college dorm checklist is simply here to guide you so use the posts listed above for ideas on adding style to your desk.
Dorm Desk Essentials
Design your desk in a way that makes you want to spend time there.
Organizer Task Lamp - Room Essentials™
A lamp that allows you to organize is an essential to save space. This one comes in many color.
Pencil Cup with Phone Stand Brown - Threshold™
This pencil holder holds your phone too. What a great idea for when you are using Facetime to call home or study with friends.
Winsome Alden Lap Desk with Flip Top in Walnut Finish
A lap desk is great for when you are tired of sitting at your desk. Here you can lay in bed and prop your books up for more study time.
DELL Pre-Owned/Certified Latitude E6220 Core i5-2.5 Laptop - Black (TT5-0007)
It is important to bring a laptop to school. Dell makes many great laptops.
Philips 3-Outlet 450J Surge Protector Orb with 2USB Charging, 8' Braided Cord - White
You will need some extra plugs in your dorm room. This one not only gives you more plugs but you have additional spots to plug in your cell phone.
Epson Expression Home XP-446 Wireless Small-in-One Printer
You will need a printer for college. Look for something that is small. This one meet the retirement and has the capability to copy too. You will find that very handy. Make sure to add printer cartridges to your list.
Printer Paper Letter Size 20lb 750ct White - Up&Up™
Bring a couple of reams of paper for your printer to get you started.
Gold Stapler - Project 62™
You can go with style for your stapler or purchase a traditional stapler. This gold stapler will add some style to your desk to make it more fun.
Swingline Standard Silver Staples 25000ct
Add some staples to your list for when you need to refill your cute stapler.
Echo Dot (3rd Gen) - Smart speaker with Alexa - Charcoal
A great gift for a grad moving to college. An echo dot is useful to help in so many ways.
SANDISK 32GB Ultra USB 3.0 Flash Drive - Black
Flash drives are sometimes required for classes. Keep a few on hand for when the time arises.
SWISSGEAR Getaway 17.5" Daypack Backpack - Heather Gray
You will need a back pack for college. This one can be used for books for staying overnight with a friend.
Kitchenette Area
Living the dorm life means you most likely will not have a kitchen in your room. To create a small kitchenette space with a mini fridge, microwave or air fryer, and storage for a few snacks and maybe breakfast foods.
This area is great for late-night snacks or mornings when you need to grab some breakfast and go. Many of these items on your college dorm room checklist will make your dorm life more comfy and cozy.
Dorm Kitchenette and Household Essential
Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
Space saving single serve mini Keurig is great for any size kitchen or kitchenette area.
Whirlpool 3.1 cu ft Mini Refrigerator - Stainless Steel BCD-88V
Great fridge and freezer to store cold items like milk and frozen desserts.
Hamilton Beach 0.7 Cu. Ft. Black Microwave Oven
A small microwave if allowed in your dorm room or apartment is useful for warming up snacks and quick meals on the go.
S'ip by S'well 15oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Save plastic and space by using an insulated water bottle. Your water will stay cold all day at school and play.
14oz Mug Black / White - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
Add some fun to your dorm or apartment the a trending coffee cup to be used with your keurig
Glass Bowl 16oz White - Made By Design™
Keep a few bowls around for cereal in the morning or a dessert at night.
Glass Salad Plate 7.4" White - Made By Design™
Keep a few plates for food in your dorm room.
20pc Silverware Set Stainless Steel - Project 62™
A few sets of silverware for any breakfast or food items. Have some extra to share food with friends too.
Fresh Scent Antibacterial Moist Wipes - 75ct - Up&Up™ (Compare to Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand...
These wipes are great for cleanup or spills.
Ziploc Sandwich Bags
Probably the one item you don't realize you will use so much. Ziploc bags are great for food, hair ties and so much more.
Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap Original Scent - 7 fl oz
A small size of Dawn for cleaning dishes is needed for dorm or apartment life. You can also find these in mini sizes at the Dollar Tree.
Clorox Handi Wipes Multi-Use Reusable Cloths, 6 Count
Dish washing towels that dry quickly and last a long time.
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Honeysuckle Scent Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner - 16oz
This is a favorite all purpose cleaner. Not only does it clean nicely but it smells great.
Microfiber Dust Cloths - 2pk - Made By Design™
Keep a few dust cloths around to use with the multi surface cleaner.
Conclusion
I am so excited for you that you're getting to move away to college or move away for the first time as a college freshman. This college dorm essentials list has everything you will need except your clothes and toiletries.
If you are moving into an apartment this list will help you make an apartment move too but you may have a few extras you will need like other small appliances, furniture, and more
Good luck on your move and feel free to share any items in the comments that we may have missed on this college dorm checklist. This is a great place for us to learn from each other.
Since this post we have added this statement piece to this room and thought you'd like to see it.
Happy Decorating!
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Rosetta
Friday 21st of June 2019
It's difficult to find knowledgeable people in this particular topic, however, you seem like you know what you're talking about! Thanks
Linda McDonald
Saturday 22nd of June 2019
Thank you! I lived in a dorm when I was in college and now I have two college age daughters who don't live in a dorm but they have friends who do. Luckily I have been about to talk to them to get some more current advice. However, I am surprised that a lot has not changed except for technology. :)