College Dorm Room Checklist - Beautiful Home and Garden Decor

Preparing to Move Into a College Dorm Room

When our children went to college, it was a huge undertaking to simply set up their dorm room so it would be like a mini home away from home.

Every student needs a college dorm room checklist before they move into the dorms! Preparing for college, buying college supplies, purchasing college dorm room decorations and supplies is exciting, but it is also one huge job!

During my children’s high school years, the hardest week of the year was the week before school started. I was panicked trying to copy schedules, buy school supplies, purchase uniforms, get haircuts, buy lunch supplies, and just remember to wake up on time.

Now, my children have finished high school and let me tell you, the week before school starts is still one of the hardest weeks of my year. I had never really considered how much prep work went into moving a student into a dorm room until it was time for our oldest child to move on campus.

Because this came as such a surprise to me, I am sharing my list of things needed for the college dorm room. I hope this helps you plan ahead!

Dorm Room Linens

Bed sheets and pillowcases ~ Dorm room sheets (Twin XL) are not regular sized bed sheets. They are longer than the standard twin sheets and not readily available. Purchasing these sheets is a prime example of why I prefer online shopping. I could actually find them!

Pillow ~ Yes, just a standard pillow is needed.
Mattress cover ~ We purchased a mattress cover with a zipper that will completely encase the mattress.
Foam Mattress ~ If you have ever set on a college dorm room mattress, you know why I wanted my son to have this addition. I would like for him to actually be able to sleep.
Blanket ~ We purchased a simple fleece blanket.
Comforter ~ The winters can get really cold, especially when it snows. Dorm rooms are not known for being well insulated.
Small Area Rug ~ The floors are also cold in the winter
Towels & Wash cloths
Laundry Basket and/or Tote Bag

Purchase Any of the Supplies Pictured Below by Simply Clicking on the Photo

Twin XL Bedding

Ivy Union Premium Down Alternative Comforter Set Twin XL Extra Long / Twin(Rockland shown – SEE OTHER COLOR OPTIONS HERE TOO)Check Price Utopia Bedding Fleece Blanket Twin XL Size Grey 300GSM Anti-Static Fuzzy Soft Blanket Microfiber (90×76 Inches)Check Price Egyptian Cotton 300 Thread Count Twin XL 3-Piece Sheet Set, Deep Pocket, Single Ply, Solid, WhiteCheck Price Pro-Mart DAZZ Deluxe Pop-Up Hamper, Pyramid and Rectangle, Set of 2, GrayCheck Price Twin XL 3 Inch Thick, 4 Pound Density Visco Elastic Memory Foam Mattress Pad Bed Topper. Made in the USACheck Price

Setting Up His Student Desk

These are pretty standard school supplies, but I was amazed at what all we needed to buy just to set up the desk away from home.
Desk Chairs
See This Separate Article

- Desk Chair ~ There was a wood chair provided by the university, but I wanted him to have more back support during the hours he will have to sit here. We purchased a padded office desk chair.
- Pencil Holder
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Post-Its
- Note Pad
- Pencils & Pens
- Highlighters
- Erasers
- Pencil Sharpener
- Stapler & Staples
- Paper Clips
- Rubber Bands
- Tape
- Hole Puncher
- Envelopes
- Postage Stamps

Desk Lamp Selections
See This Separate Article

Desk Light & Bulb
Computer
Ethernet Cable
USB Memory Flash Drive
Printer
Printer Ink Cartridges
Computer Paper
Extension Cords and Surge Protector Outlet Strip
Folders with Pockets
Clear Presentation Report Folders
Notebooks/Composition Books
Notebook Paper
Assignment Book
Class Books
Back Pack
Alarm Clock

Desk & Classroom Supplies

Mead Spiral Notebook, College Ruled, 1 Subject, 70 Sheets, 10.5 x 7.5 Inches, Assorted Colors (05512)Check Price Post-it Super Sticky Notes, 3 in x 3 in, Rio de Janeiro Collection, 6 Pads/Pack (654-6SSAU)Check Price niceEshop Steel Mesh Pencil Cup,BlackCheck Price Sparco S.P. Richards Company Adjustable 3 Hole Punch, Adjustable, 1/4-Inch, Size, 8-10 Sheet Capacity, Black (SPR00786)Check Price

Compact Microwaves Compared
See This Separate Article
Electronics, Appliances, etc.

Refrigerator
Microwave
Coffee Pot
TV (all connecting cables)
DVD Player & DVD’s
Xbox and games
Cell Phone Charger
Trash Can
Phone (of course he has a cell phone, but I wanted him to also have a land line)
Security Lock Box (for locking up valuables)

Midea WHD-113FSS1 Double Reversible Door Refrigerator and Freezer, 3.1 Cubic Feet, Stainless Steel Shown – Other Colors AvailableCheck Price Westinghouse 24 Inch TV with DVD Player Built in, 720p HD LED Small Flat Screen TV DVD Combo with HDMI, USB, & Parental Controls, Non-Smart TV or Monitor for Home, Kitchen, or RV Camper (2023 Model)Check Price

Kitchen and Cleaning Supplies

Of course, there is really not a kitchen in the dorm room but there are a few kitchen items needed and while I do not expect him to clean his dorm room on a weekly basis, he will need these supplies

Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Paper Plates, Cups & Plastic utensils
Microwave Dish (Disposable preferred ~ remember only a bathroom sink)
Rubber Gloves
Clorox Wipes
Windex
Laundry Detergent
Garbage Bags
Broom or Swiffer
Fly Swatter

ShowerMade Portable Shower Tote Storage OrganiserCheck Price
Dorm Bathroom Supplies

Shower Tote ~ a portable carrier for all of his shower stuff
Shampoo
Shower Soap (Travel Soap Container)
Hand Soap
Flip Flops (Recommended to Wear Flip Flops in a shared shower!)
Toothbrush (Travel Toothbrush Container)
Toothpaste

First Aid

Band-Aids
Peroxide
Neosporin
Advil

A First Aid Kit is Perfect

This Organized Case contains: Johnson & Johnson Cleansing Wipes, Antibiotic Ointment, Band-Aid Brand Adhesive Bandages, Johnson & Johnson Gauze Pads, Tylenol Acetaminophen Extra Strength Caplets.

Band-Aid Travel Ready Portable Emergency First Aid Kit for Minor Wound Care with Assorted Adhesive Bandages, Gauze Pads & More, Ideal for Travel, Car & On-The-Go, 80 pcCheck Price

Lest We Forget

TomTom VIA 1515M 5-Inch Portable Touchscreen Car GPS Navigation Device – Lifetime Map UpdatesCheck Price

Food

Drinks

Clothes

TomTom GPS – This is especially necessary if the student is moving to a new city or unfamiliar surroundings. Click this link if you would like to read a review of this specific unit.