Dorm Room Checklist of College Essentials

By Mindy Trotta
July 28, 2022

Dorm Room Checklist of College Essentials

By Mindy Trotta
July 28, 2022

It’s never too early to start collecting essentials for your soon-to-be college student’s dorm room. And 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, 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 almost anywhere, and don’t leave marks on the wall when you remove them. Amazon has an amazing selection of these hooks in a variety of sizes, strengths, and styles.

2) Extra Long Charging Cords

Students use their phones for everything these days and want them close by at all hours. Most dorms don’t have a lot of outlets, so best to make sure they have a LOOONG cord for being able to have their phone as an alarm to wake up on time.

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 power (phone, laptop, etc.) 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 in college dorm rooms, so make the most of it 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—since foam toppers have a tendency to move around.

6) 4-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper

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

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

7) Cordless Electric Kettle

My daughter isn’t a big coffee drinker and prefers tea, so she was more interested in being able to make 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 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 this machine is 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 four charges.

10) Extension cord, extra plugs, and surge protector

You never know how many outlets will be in the dorm room. But most likely, there won’t be 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) Bed Bug Barrier and Pillow Protector

Zippered mattress and pillow protectors are great for allergies.

13) Household Essentials Mesh Laundry Hamper

Laundry is a necessity. This hamper has handles, making it easier to carry to the laundry room. It’s also collapsible, so it can be folded away when not in use.