The Best College Dorm Shopping List Ever

The Best College Dorm Packing List Ever 2023!

College dorms are on a continuum. On the extreme end of “fancy” are modern, light, and spacious rooms. On the other, the more traditional, almost reminiscent of Eastern Bloc apartment buildings—inside and out—are the dated, poorly-lit, and cramped rooms. While you have little control over the room, you have complete control over what you make of it!

Although college move-in dates aren’t until mid-August-September, believe it or not, stores are starting to run low on dorm supplies NOW—thanks to those who have already completed their dorm room shopping.

While some students go all out, others opt for the minimalist approach. Bottom line: you don’t have to spend a fortune to create a cozy and inviting dorm room.

Dorms may differ in many ways; however, many basic necessities/wants are seemingly universal.

See below for an essential list of supplies you should take to your dorm. While I have provided links to Walmart, other great places to hit include Target, Amazon, and Kohl's, depending on budget and style.

Room and Bath

Shower Caddy

Towels – 2 sets

Mattress Pad – for comfort and hygiene, be sure to confirm size (typically Twin or Twin XL)

Sheets – 2 sets, be sure to confirm size (typically Twin or Twin XL)

Pillows – 2

Comforter of your choosing

Laundry Hamper

White Board

Dry Erase Markers and Eraser

Planner

Under Bed Storage Containers

Clothes Hangers

Laundry Detergent– Pods may be easiest to transport to and from the washing machine    

Dryer Sheets

6-Outlet Surge Protector

Extension Cord

Desk Lamp

Broom and dustpan or Vacuum

Cell phone charger

Bedside lamp – check your dorm set-up to see what will work; you may need a clip-on

Bathroom cleaning supplies, if needed

Small trash can and bags, if not provided

Health

Prescriptions

Prescription weekly box/organizer

Ibuprofen and/or Acetaminophen

Antacid

Antidiarrheal medicine

Benadryl

Basic first aid supplies (Band-Aids, triple-antibiotic ointment, etc.)

Vitamins

Feminine supplies

Heating pad

Hygiene

Shower shoes

Tissues

Body wash

All-purpose cleaner

Paper towels

Disinfectant wipes

Hand soap

Hand sanitizer

Toiletries

Food and Drink

Breakfast bars

Snacks

Coffee/tea cup

Water bottle

Sport’s drinks

Nice, but not necessary

Coffeemaker/hot pot/microwave, if allowed

Small refrigerator (if not provided)

Area rug

Posters/art plus hanging hardware

Command hooks

School Supplies

Backpack

Laptop and protective case

Earbuds

USB flash drive

Stapler and staples

Printer paper (if you take a printer)

Pens and pencils

Colored pencils and/or markers

Pencil holder and sharpener

Notebooks

Folder with pockets

Labels of various sizes

3 × 5 index cards

Sticky notes

Paper clips and binder clips

Rubber bands

Tape

Scissors

Highlighters (multiple colors)

Ruler

Stackable desk trays (at least 4)

Miscellaneous

Earplugs – in case your roommate snores

Sleep mask

Umbrella

Rain jacket

Small flashlight in case of a power outage

For information on anything related to the college admissions process, please feel free to contact me at  kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com.