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Dorm Checklist

Our dorm room checklist for college covers "What to Bring  & How to Pack in 3 Easy Steps"

This dorm room checklist includes the essentials for campus living plus a few tasks for college bound students to complete prior to move-in day! While our dorm checklist may seem like a lot to pack, many items suggested are dorm sized and easily stored, leaving room to spare.
 
Step One: PRINT DormSmart's Free Dorm Room Checklist. Need Adobe Reader? Get it here. (Tip: Use our Campus Housing Connector to check your school housing info and make any necessary adjustments to your checklist.)

Step Two: Make room in your home to store your college dorm essentials as you acquire them. (Tip: Save money, pack the items you have at home first. For items you must buy, shop early to give yourself time to check purchases, make returns.)
 
Step Three: Inventory as you pack for quick access. For example, if you pack sheets in Box #1, write Box #1 next to that item on your checklist. (Tip: Use your dorm room checklist as an inventory for your College Property Insurance Policy.)
 
Dorm Room Checklist - What To Bring To College & How To Pack

Dorm Room Cooking / Eating Supplies

Box #

UL Listed Compact Refrigerator or Microwave Refrigerator Combo - CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
UL Listed Auto Shutoff Small Coffeemaker (NO Hotplate) - CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
Dorm Dishes (Non-breakable, BPA Free & Microwavable) - 2 dinner plates, 2 small plates, 2 bowls
4 Glasses (Non-breakable)
2 Water Bottles
Insulated Travel Cup
Water Pitcher (Make sure it fits in your dorm size refrigerator.)
Eating Utensils - 2 forks, 2 teaspoons, 2 tablespoons, 2 knives
Microwavable Cookware (BPA Free)
Set of Storage Containers (BPA Free. Square containers save space.)
Can Opener
Chip Clips
Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoons
Paring Knife or Peeler
Pizza Cutter
Salad / Spaghetti Tongs
Small Funnel
Spatula / Turner
Strainer / Colander (Collapsible saves space.)
Check to see if dorm sink needs a stopper - CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
Dish Scrubber
Dish Liquid
2 Pot Holders
2 Dish Towels
Trash Bin
Trash Bags
Paper Towels
Paper Plates & Plasticware (Great for move-in weekend.)
Dorm Food / Bulk Snacks (Saves money!)
Coffee & Coffee Filters or Coffee Pods
Other Bulk Drinks (i.e. sodas, water... store them under your dorm bed)
Freezer / Storage Bags (One box of large & small bags to store food, toothbrush, toiletries... everything!)
Dorm Room Checklist - What To Bring To College & How To Pack

Dorm Room Bedding Essentials (Check Mattress Size With College)

Box #

2 Sheet Sets
Blanket
Duvet & Duvet Cover or Comforter Set
Mattress Cover
Mattress Pad / Topper
Pillows (Lots of pillows for sleeping & to turn your dorm bed into daytime seating.)
Pillowcases (Remember extra for your extra pillows.)
Soft Throw (For lounging around your dorm room or outdoor events.)
Dorm Room Checklist - What To Bring To College & How To Pack

Dorm Room Cleaning Supplies

Box #

UL Listed 2 in 1 Vacuum Cleaner or Small Vacuum (consider bagless)- CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
Bucket with lid to store cleaning & laundry products safely away.
Cleaning Products (Don't forget to bring a few old cleaning rags from home.)
Toilet Brush (only necessary if you have an in-suite bathroom.) - CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
Dorm Room Checklist - What To Bring To College & How To Pack

Computing

Box #

2 Ethernet Cables 14ft & 25ft (Use when wireless doesn't work. Run 1 cable to your desk & bed.)
Laptop (Get compatibility requirements from your school.)
Laptop Sleeve (Protect your laptop when running around campus.)
Laptop Bag / Book bag (Purchase a bag that will hold both your school supplies & laptop.)
UL Listed Surge Protectors w / Overload Protection (For appliances too. Flat plugs save space.)
Small Printer with Cable (Optional but great for procrastinators!) - CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
Ink & Paper for Printer (Optional) - CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
Dorm Room Checklist - What To Bring To College & How To Pack

Dorm Room Decor

Box #

Dorm Area Rug - CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
Photos From Home (Consider a digital photo frame to keep photos up to date & save space.)
Lightweight Message Boards (White, Cork, Chalk, or Memory boards are great choices.)
Accessories for Message Boards (i.e. dry erase markers, chalk, or an eraser...)
3M Command Strips for hanging wall decor (Save your dorm deposit!)
Wall Decor (Removable & reusable wall decals look great & saves your deposit!)
What To Bring To College & How To Pack

Dorm Room Electronics (UL Listed)

Box #

Alarm Clock (Multipurpose... consider using the alarm on your cell phone.)
Portable Music Player
Small TV/DVD Combo - CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
Noise Canceling Headphones for TV/DVD Combo & Portable Music Player (Dorms can be noisy.)
Cable Splitter (In case you don't want to share a TV/DVD Player with your roommate.)
Extra Cable (You may need extra cable depending upon where the cable outlet is located.)
Extension Cords (Flat plugs save space.)
Phone / Answering System (DECT 6.0 prevents wireless interference.) - CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
Air Cleaner (Optional, consider filter free.) - CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
Fan (Optional) - CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
Pest Control (Optional, but strongly suggested.) - CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
Desk Lamp
Bedside Table Lamp
Removable Tap Lights for closet, if needed.
Inexpensive Camera
Chargers for Electronics
Extra Batteries
What To Bring To College & How To Pack

Dorm Room Furniture

Box #

Bedside Table or Shelf or Trunk Cube (Maximize your storage space.)
Comfortable Desk Chair (Check with your school first.)
Folding Table (Optional. If you plan to host study sessions, movie nights, dinners, or game nights in your dorm room, pick up a compact folding picnic table like those made by Picnic Time. They work for both indoor & outdoor activities. Their compact design makes for easy transport & dorm room storage. Don't forget your playing cards!)
Dorm Room Checklist

Laundry / Ironing Supplies

Box #

UL Listed 3-Way Auto Shutoff Iron - CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
Ironing Board - CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
Hangers (Minimum of 4 dozen - hanging clothes saves space!)
Folding Clothing Dry Rack (Great for drying sweaters or fine washables.)
Sweater / Delicates Wash Bag Set (Take care of your clothes & you'll save money in the end!)
Laundry Staples (i.e. detergent, softener or dryer balls, color bleach, stain remover, starch...)
Lint Roller
Sewing Kit
Pop-up / Folding Hamper (2 keeps wet towels off clothes) OR a Sort-A-Sack Laundry Backpack
Dorm Room Checklist

Dorm Room Safety / Personal Security / Health Supplies / Tool Kits

Box #

First Aid Kit
Flu / Cold Medicines / Cough Drops / Thermometer (For when you feel too sick to get out of bed.)
Pain Relief Medicine
Multi-vitamins or Vitamin C (Stay healthy!)
Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizer (Always use after class, lab... before touching your face or food!)
Prescriptions (Don't forget to pack your prescriptions!)
Laptop Lock
Bicycle Lock
Dorm Safe
Mace (Check your school regulations or state laws prior to purchasing mace or pepper spray.)
Flashlight (If you can't remember batteries, consider purchasing a hand crank flashlight.)
Key Chain
Dorm Tool Kit
Rain Poncho
Umbrella
Rain Boots (A must have in areas like New Orleans.)
Sun Screen
Sun Hat (If you participate in an outdoor activity, take a hat or two for hotter climates.)
Dorm Room Checklist

Dorm Room Shower / Bath Supplies

Box #

Waterproof Shower Bag or Caddy (Bring one that dries quickly & won't slime up on you!)
MINIMUM of 2 bath towels or bath sheets, 2 hand towels, 2 wash clothes or shower scrubbies
Spa Wraps or Robes
Slippers
Shower Shoes (Pick up a pair of flip flops with good traction & save a little money.)
Shower Curtain, if needed - CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
Bath Mat, if needed - CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
Hair Appliances (i.e blow dryer, flat iron, curling iron...)
Hair Products (i.e. shampoo, conditioner, styling products...)
Razors
Shaving Cream
Shower Soap
Toothbrush / Toothbrush Holder
Toothpaste
Mouthwash
Dental Floss
Deodorant
Foot Powder (For sports, marching band, cheerleading activities... be kind to your dormmate!)
Q-tips
Tweezers
Manicure Kit
Air Freshener / Neutralizer
Extra Toilet Paper
Tissues
Personal Toiletries (i.e. makeup, perfume, cologne... & those other personal items.)
Dorm Room Checklist

Dorm Room Storage

Box #

Storage Bins (Use collapsible or folding storage bins on shelves, under your bed, in your closet...)
College Trunk (Uses: secure storage, travel, seating, table...)
Under bed Smart Storage Cart (Optional. Easy access storage solution for under the bed.)
Bed Risers (Check inside dimensions. Square shape works best for dorm bed posts.)
Hanging Storage for closet. (Check your closet dimensions before purchasing organizers.)
Storage Caddies (Optional. Store school supplies, hair appliances, makeup... everything!)
Storage Hooks for dorm room closet door. (Holds book bags, purses, jackets, wet towels...)
Space Bags (Optional. Save space by minimizing bulky clothing or blankets when not in use.)
Clothing Bag (Optional. Store your business suit. Take one professional outfit for special activities.)
Dorm Checklist

Getting Around Campus

Box #

Bicycle (Bring an inexpensive bicycle to get around on or near campus. Don't forget your helmet & bike lock. A plastic shopping bag tied over the seat when not in use keeps your butt dry on those rainy days. A basket is great for holding your book bag or purchases too. If you are a DIYer, bring a tire patch kit & small air pump. If not, there is probably a bicycle repair shop near your college campus.)
Dorm Checklist

Starter School Supplies (Save Money - Bring The Basics With You)

Box #

6 College Ruled Notebooks
6 Folders
6 Report Covers
Stapler
Staples
Staple Remover
3 hole punch
Scissors
Index Cards
Tape Dispenser
Tape
Push Pins
Post it Notes
Pens (Red, Black, Blue)
#2 Mechanical Pencils
Erasers
Highlighters
Ruler
Calculator
Rubber Bands
Paper Clips
Binder Clips
Desk Organizers
Academic Planner
Dorm Checklist

Everything Else

Box #

Proof of Health Insurance
Immunization Records
Accident / Theft Insurance
Create & carry an Emergency Contact Card
Check your cell phone coverage area & adjust plan if needed. Don't forget to pack your charger.
Setup a Bank Account / Get a Bank Card
Establish a Monthly Budget
Add money to your college / university card for campus purchases, services, & laundry.
Only take coins if your college does not have a card system.
Register your bicycle.
If taking a vehicle, remember to register your vehicle with your school & get a parking permit.
Pack a few cool weather items such as a coat, jacket... Cool days happen in the summer & early fall!
Equipment for activities (i.e. music, sports, cheerleading...)
YOUR CLOTHES! Make a list of everything you'll need first then pack them up! (Remember... if your campus has a recreational facility, you need to bring your workout clothes, swimsuit, & a beach towel. Don't pack expensive jewelry.)
Luggage for travel over school breaks.
You may want to pack a small air mattress & extra blanket or sleeping bag for overnight company.
Dorm Checklist

Moving Your Dorm Stuff

Box #

If needed, reserve your moving trailer / transport early!
Purchase moving supplies such as boxes, packaging materials, tape, & a sharpie marker.

Live Dorm Smart Moving To Campus Tip:

Move-in weekend is BUSY! There are thousands of boxes arriving on campus & many students trying to locate misplaced items. If possible, it is best to purchase supplies early... pack them up in an orderly fashion... then accompany those supplies to your college campus / dorm room. If you do ship your college dorm supplies to your campus, just remember to use your campus ship to address and give yourself ample time to locate your dorm supplies.

Bottom line... you need as much time as possible to get settled into your dorm room on move-in weekend while participating in all the mandatory activities. So be smart, allow your family to help you get organized and settled. It will make the transition to college life much easier for everyone. Don't forget your dorm room checklist!