Schools
College Dorm Essentials — Everything Grads Need For Their New Space
From laundry baskets to mini fridges to bedding, we've compiled a complete dorm guide so everyone will be fully prepared.
It's that time of year again! Back-to-school season is in full swing, and the first day will be here before you know it. For families not just sending someone off to school but sending someone off to college, things may be even more stressful right about now.
Leaving home and going off to college can be both scary and exciting, but we're here to eliminate some of the stress with our dorm room guide filled with essentials they just can't forget. We've also created a complete checklist so that you can keep track of what you have and what you still need to get while you shop!
Bedroom
Considering dorm rooms can be very tiny and roommates are a thing, the bed area is a safe haven (although college kids won't be getting much sleep for the next four years). Make the space inviting and cozy, and by all means, load it with personality.
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Here are some basics, along with simple ways to add unique decorative touches.
1. Comforter and Sheet Set
Whether they're someone who likes loud prints or minimal design, the bed sheet set they choose for their dorm room is probably the most important choice they'll make (after choosing which school to go to, of course). These sets from Amazon's Basics collection are affordable and have fun prints that anyone will love.
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Amazon Basics 5-Piece Bed-In-A-Bag in Navy Simple Plaid, $34.99
2. Cube Shelf Organizer
ClosetMaid Cubeicals Organizer, $52.75
Have you thought about where all those expensive textbooks are gonna go? Or, if you're someone like us who enjoys reading books in their free time and listening to records, there's going to need to be somewhere to store that stuff, too. This cubical organizer is perfect for storing belongings and comes in several finishes. Choose to place items directly on the shelves for display or purchase these cube bins to throw stuff in.
3. Laundry Basket
Congrats, mom! You no longer have to do your teen's smelly laundry for them (unless they bring it back with them on the weekend, of course). But they're still going to need to keep things organized for themselves. This collapsible laundry bag is perfect for dorm life because it saves space and is lightweight with handles so it's easy to transport multiple loads to the laundry room.
Bathroom
1. Shower Caddy
Jovilife 8 Pocket Shower Caddy Tote, $8.99
Community bathrooms are not ideal, but this portable shower caddy makes the experience a little less stressful. With eight pockets, there's plenty of room for toiletries, and its handle makes transporting everything super easy.
2. Shower Flip-flops
Sharing a bathroom with others isn't anyone's favorite thing in the world, but sharing a bathroom with at least 10 other people that are basically strangers can really be a nightmare. More people means more mess and dirt, so they're going to want some flip-flops for the shower to keep their feet safe.
Havaianas Women's Slim Flip Flops, $13.95
Feisco Men's Rubber Flip Flops, $9.99
3. Wrap towel
Believe us when we say that these towels are the best invention ever. With Velcro at the top, college students won't have to worry about a towel slipping off while taking that long walk back to the room.
Microfiber Bath Wrap Towel For Women, $13.95
Leisureland Men's Spa Gym Waffle Wrap, $14.96
Kitchen
Chances are they won't be lucky enough to get a dorm room that has its own built-in kitchen and instead will be on a dining plan. But do not fret! There are plenty of ways they can still make food in their room when they get tired of the same old meal every week provided by the dining hall.
From mini fridges to microwaves to coffee makers, these are some kitchen essentials anyone will want to have handy.
1. Keurig Coffee Maker
Keurig K55 Single Serve Programmable K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker In Black, $71.99
College is full of long nights of writing papers and studying where coffee is a must to get through it all. This Keurig K55 Coffee Maker is the perfect way to make a cup of Joe without having to spend money on an overpriced drink at the coffee shop. Bank accounts and grades alike will benefit.
2. Microwave
Magic Chef 900-Watt Microwave With Digital Touch, $63.75
We can promise you that a microwave will be a saving grace for all those late-night snack cravings that a dining hall just can't provide. Or when they miss a meal because of a night class at a weird hour, they can heat up some Cup Noodles when they get back to their room and call it a day!
3. Mini Refrigerator
Della Compact Single Reversible Door Mini Refrigerator And Freezer, $89.97
Having a mini fridge in college is crucial, and this compact fridge is perfect for a small dorm room. Staying hydrated is important, and having somewhere to store water bottles, milk for cereal and any other cold snacks like cheese and fruit is a must.
4. Chip Clips
It's no secret that snack time is the best time, and these chip clips are a way to keep things from getting stale. After all, college students live off snacks, so stock up on some good ones!
5. Plastic Bin For Food Storage
54 Quart Stack & Pull Box, $12.71
Cabinets are nonexistent in dorm rooms, and the only storage that will be provided will most likely be a dresser. This clear storage bin will help keep food fresh and make sure little critters don't get into any snacks.
Want to get even more organized? Watch: 5 Must-Know Dorm Hacks
The Complete Checklist
Now that the basics checked off the list, it's time to make sure you pack all those little items that may easily get overlooked when stressing about the big move. Below is a complete check list of going-off-to-college items so they can easily differentiate between what they already have and what they still need to get.
Download and print the complete college dorm checklist here.
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