This college dorm room checklist has ideas when shopping for items that won't break the bank. I'm sharing tips on how to navigate and fine tune a suggested supply list.
If your child is going away to college this year, you probably have been shopping all summer in preparation. When shopping for dorm items, many stores will add many things to your suggested supply list.

Before you start buying things, take a hard look at the list and the items that your student will use and appreciate. You do not want to overspend on things that won't get use.
For example, if you can send your student with a cell phone, most likely it has an alarm on it so you do not need to purchase an alarm clock. Most computers and cell phones also have calculators on them, so they probably do not need to take a calculator. (Unless of course, your child needs a specialty financial or scientific calculator).
Having a couple of kids go through the dorm experience, I wanted to share my checklist for dorm rooms.
Checklist for Dorm Rooms
Bedding
- Sheets (usually extra long)
- comforter
- pillow
- mattress pad
- blanket
- bedside organizer
Personal Items
- shower caddy
- towels (bath and beach)
- toiletries
- medications (incl OTC cold, fever medicine)
- first aid kit
- earphones
- sanitizer and face masks
- collapsible laundry bag
- clothing
- jackets/sweaters
- swim suit
- underwear
- shoes/flip flops
- cell phone
Household
- shoe bag
- tall mirror
- hangers (the thin fuzzy kind will maximize space)
- laundry bag
- small plastic stackable bins/drawers
- paper towels
- plastic plates, cups
- trash bas
- spray cleaners
- clothes hangers
- Simple tool kit & extension cord
School Supplies
- laptop or computer
- printer
- printer ink
- power cord
- lock for computer
- pens/highlighters/pencils
- lined/printer paper
- dry erase board or clipboard
- binders/file folders
- desktop storage
- backpack
- desk lamp/light bulbs
- spirit wear

Cutting the College Dorm Room Checklist
Nowadays, so many TV shows and movies are available on line. They can use their computer for those things and really do not need a TV. Besides, if they live in a dorm, there are lots of TV rooms on campus.
Similarly, you likely do not need to send a stereo or radio with your student. With music available on cell phones and computers,
Refrigerators and microwaves are usually available to rent on campus. It is easier to rent them and not have to haul them around after the school year ends. It is especially nice if one roommate rents the microwave and another rents the refrigerator.
Toasters, hot plates etc, are usually not allowed in most dorms so check before you plan to buy any of these items.
Dorm Room Food Items
Snacks and sodas or juices are nice, but they will be more likely to get something from the school cafes.
They might enjoy these items:
- bottled water/drinks
- ramen noodles
- cer
- soup packets
- granola bars
- oatmeal
- cookies
- food delivery gift card
- grocery store gift card
- 5 Ingredient College Cookbook
As far as decorations, consider bringing a bulletin board and maybe some photos. Your student will be getting freebies as a freshman with the college logo and will soon fill their dorm room with souvenirs from their new life. Trust me, it may look sparse to start out with, but that will change once school starts.

They do not need to bring lots of decorative items from home. Those items will stay with you long after they move out of their dorm, maybe even forever if you let them.
Once you see their dorm space, it can be fun to send them holiday care packages from time to time. My kids loved receiving these in the mail.
I hope this dorm room essentials list is helpful. We bought a lot of stuff when our son went to college and I know that you want to send your child with all the comforts of home, but the truth is, they do not need as much as you think.
There will meet so many people and will be too busy studying and socializing to notice that they are not without the excess things. Besides, there is a student store that carries just about anything they might need, in case they forget something.
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another jennifer
Super helpful tips! Moving into a dorm seems so much easier now than when I was in college. Not having to lug all the electronic equipment alone (because everything is on your computer or phone) is a huge help!
organizedisland
Yes, Jennifer I agree! Thanks for stopping by the Island. Hope you have a great weekend!
Paloma
Have I told you how much I admire you? The way you put things together and how clearly you express yourself on organization is amazing... no wonder I can't organize my own drawer! LOL! 🙂 I guess we're all different! 🙂
organizedisland
Oh Paloma you are so sweet - that is the nicest compliment! ((Hugs)) Thank you!
Elise
Wow that is quite the list! Stopping by from a blog hop, feel free to stop by mine when you get a chance:
http://www.iheartpears.blogspot.com
organizedisland
Hi Elise - thanks for your comment. I will be visiting your blog. 🙂
Tami Rebekah (@Bohotreehouse)
OMG!! I remember going off to college!! I had soo much stuff and had to haul it up three flights of stairs!! Haha those were not the days! Love your blog!! too cute! Can't wait to read more!
organizedisland
Thanks for your sweet comment Tami! 🙂
Nessa
This really brings back memories of when I first went away to college. I absolutely love college shopping. I'm sure my mother did not feel the same way though :p
organizedisland
Thanks for stopping by Nessa!
austine
Oh the good old days of sharing a room, staying up late to study and working to make that late deadline. Cafeteria food and new friends.
organizedisland
Amazing how fast those days go isn't it? Thank you for stopping by 🙂
Scattered Musings of A Creative Mind
Great tips, I have a few years before I'll have to do this type of planning and shopping
dropping by via Friendship Friday hop. I've enjoyed my visit and I'll be stopping back by in the future. (following in all the networks we have in common)
Food Stories
Looks like you thought of everything, good job 🙂
organizedisland
Thanks for stopping by!