It’s never too early to start collecting essentials for your college student-to-be’s dorm room. We agree with so many experienced parents who have said “take the minimum to college and don’t overdo the spending.”

Here’s a dorm room checklist of college can’t-do-without-items we know from personal experience and friend recommendations that are useful and worthwhile. 

For our full list of recommendations, curated from parents in our Paying For College 101 Facebook group, check out our Amazon shopping page with all the suggestions.

1) Command Hooks

These hooks are amazing – strong, can be placed anywhere, and don’t leave marks on the wall when you remove them. Amazon has an amazing selection of these hooks in lots of sizes, strengths, and styles.

2) Extra Long Charging Cords

3) Three-Port USB Wall Charger 

Boy Scouts need to “always be prepared,” and students need to “always be charged.” With so many things that need to be charged and so little outlets, this handy device is a lifesaver that can charge 4 devices at once.

4)Ultra Slim Velvet Hangers – Pack of 30

Closet space is scarce so make the most by using the slimmest hangers possible.

5) Hypoallergenic mattress cover

It’s nice knowing your student has a mattress cover and is sleeping on something clean. If you also choose to get a memory foam topper, the mattress cover holds everything in place. The foam toppers have a tendencies to move around.

6) 4-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Students’ schedules are erratic, and when they do eventually get to sleep, you want to make sure they are getting a good night’s rest. This foam mattress topper will guarantee that.

Make sure you check with your chid’s school to find out what size beds are in the dorm rooms before you complete your order.

7) Cordless Electric Kettle

My daughter isn’t a coffee drinker and prefers tea, so she was more interested in making hot water. It turned out having hot water was also helpful for ramen noodles, oatmeal, and even soup.

8) Keurig K-MiniPlus Coffee Brewer

For those coffee-loving students, here’s something that’s convenient to have in the room, and may even keep them from spending their dining points (if they’re allowed) or cash at Starbucks. Most dorms don’t even allow traditional coffee makers, and we think these are so much better.

9) Anker Portable Charge

My husband showed me this battery the other week and I have to admit, I loved it. It’s small and light enough to carry around and quickly recharges your smartphone or tablet, so you don’t have to constantly be looking for an outlet if you’re out all day. It holds enough for 4  charges.

10) Extension cord, extra plugs, and surge protector

You never know how many outlets will be in the dorm room and most likely, there are never enough. Also, being able to have extra outlets close to wherever you need to be – desk or bed is helpful

11) Quick-Drying Toiletry Organizer

An absolute must when transporting toiletries to and from the bathroom.

12) Amazon Basics 4-Piece Packing Cube Set

These will be terrific packing aids for those trips home.                                                                 

13) Bed Bug Barrier and Pillow Protector

Zippered mattress and pillow protectors that are great for allergies.

14) Household Essentials Mesh Laundry Hamper

Collapsible, so it can be folded away when not in use.