Our Dorm Supplies Checklist includes the dorm essentials necessary for college life plus a few tasks to complete prior to campus move-in day! While this may seem like a lot to pack,many items are small in scale and easily stored, leaving room to spare!
STEP ONE:Download (PDF) then print out DormSmart's Free Dorm Supplies Checklist. Need Adobe Reader? Get it here.
STEP TWO: Make room in your home to store your college dorm essentials as you acquire them. Save money... pack the items you have at home first. For items you must buy, shop early to give yourself time to check purchases and 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. Be smart and multipurpose... use your dorm supplies checklist as an inventory for your College Property Insurance Policy.
DORM KITCHEN APPLIANCES / DORM COOKING SUPPLIES
Box #
Dorm Microwave / Refrigerator Combo - COORDINATE WITH YOUR DORMMATE
Small Coffee maker - COORDINATE WITH YOUR DORMMATE
Set of Storage Containers (Square takes up less space. Use them to store food, coffee, sugar.)
Can Opener
Chip Clips
Measuring Cup(s)
Measuring Spoons(s)
Paring Knife or Peeler
Pizza Cutter
Salad / Spaghetti Tongs
Small Funnel
Spatula / Turner
Strainer / Colander (Collapsible)
Check to see if dorm sink needs a stopper - COORDINATE WITH DORMMATE
Dish Scrubber
Dish Liquid
2 Pot Holders
2 Dish Towels
Trash Bin (Collapsible trash bins are great for storing between dorm moves.)
Trash Bags
Paper Towels
Paper Plates & Plasticware (Great for move-in weekend!)
Dorm Food / Bulk Snacks (Save money!)
Coffee
Coffee Filters
Other Drinks (i.e. sodas, water ... Save money!)
Freezer / Storage Bags (Pack a box of large & small bags to store food, toothbrush, toiletries... everything!)
DORM BEDDING ESSENTIALS
Box #
2 Sheet Sets (Check the size with your college, many colleges have twin XL beds.)
Blanket
Duvet & Duvet Cover or Comforter Set
Mattress Cover
Mattress Pad / Topper (A good night's sleep is important so get a good mattress pad.)
Pillows (Lots of pillows for sleeping and to turn your dorm bed into daytime seating.)
Pillowcases (Get extra for your extra pillows.)
Soft Throw
DORM CLEANING SUPPLIES
Box #
2 in 1 Vacuum Cleaner or Small Vacuum (consider bagless)- COORDINATE WITH DORMMATE
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.) - COORDINATE WITH DORMMATE
DORM COMPUTING
Box #
2 Ethernet Cables 14ft & 25ft (Wireless doesn't always work in dorm rooms. Run a cable to your desk and one to your bed.)
Laptop (Get compatibility requirements from your school.)
Laptop Sleeve (Protect your laptop when running around campus.)
Laptop Bag / Bookbag (Purchase a bag that will carry both your school supplies and laptop.)
Surge Protectors (Purchase a flat plug design to save wall space. Purchase enough for all your dorm electronics and appliances.)
Small Printer with Cable (Optional - schools usually have printing services available for a price. If you are a procrastinator, you may want to bring your own printer and supplies!) - COORDINATE WITH DORMMATE
Ink for Printer (Optional) - COORDINATE WITH DORMMATE
Printer Paper (Optional) - COORDINATE WITH DORMMATE
DORM DECOR
Box #
Dorm Area Rug - COORDINATE WITH DORMMATE
Photos From Home (Consider purchasing a digital photo frame to keep photos up to date and save precious dorm space.)
Wall Boards (Lightweight White Boards, Cork Boards, Chalk Boards, or Memory Boards are great choices. Remember to include accessories such as dry erase markers or chalk and an eraser.)
3M Command Strips for hanging wall decor (Use products that won't damage your walls. Save your dorm walls! Save your dorm deposit!)
Wall Decor (Consider using Peel N Stick Products. They look great, are reusable, and won't damage your dorm walls! Save your dorm deposit!)
DORM ELECTRONICS
Box #
Alarm Clock
MP3 or MP4 Player
TV/DVD Combo (Make sure you stick to a small scale model.) - COORDINATE WITH DORMMATE
Noise Canceling Headphones for TV/DVD Combo & Music Player (You'll need them! Dorm living can be very noisy.)
Cable Splitter (In case you don't want to share a TV/DVD Player. Sharing can get old.)
Extra Cable(You may need extra cable depending upon where the cable outlet is located your dorm room.)
Extension Cords (Take a couple with a flat plug design, to save space.)
Telephone with Digital Answering Machine (DECT 6.0 will not interfere with your wireless technology.) - COORDINATE WITH DORMMATE
Air Cleaner (optional, consider filter free) - COORDINATE WITH DORMMATE
Fan (optional) - COORDINATE WITH DORMMATE
Pest Control (optional, but strongly suggested) - COORDINATE WITH DORMMATE
Desk Lamp
Bedside Table Lamp
Tap Lights for Closet
Inexpensive Camera
Chargers for all your electronics.
Extra Batteries
DORM FURNITURE
Box #
Bedside Table / Shelf (Make the most of your storage.)
Comfortable Desk Chair (Ask your school if you may bring your own. Theirs are generally uncomfortable.)
Folding Table (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 and outdoor activities. Their compact design makes for easy transport & dorm room storage. Don't forget your playing cards!)
DORM LAUNDRY SUPPLIES
Box #
Auto Shutoff Iron - COORDINATE WITH DORMMATE
Ironing Board - COORDINATE WITH DORMMATE
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 and you'll save money in the end!)
Laundry Supplies (Detergent, Softener, Color Bleach, Stain Remover, Starch...)
Set of Dryer Balls (Optional - Environmentally friendly and save money on fabric softener.)
Lint Roller
Sewing Kit
Pop-up Hamper or Folding Hamper (Purchase 2 if you want to separate your wet towels from your clothes.)
DORM SAFETY / PERSONAL SECURITY / HEALTH SUPPLIES / TOOL KITS
Box #
First Aid Kit
Flu / Cold Medicines / Cough Drops / Thermometer (Be prepared! It's difficult to go get medicine when you are too sick to get out of bed!)
Pain Relief Medicine
Multi-vitamins or Vitamin C (Stay healthy!)
Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizer (Keep in your bookbag and 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 SHOWER / BATH SUPPLIES
Box #
Dorm Shower Bag or Dorm Shower Caddy (Get one that dries quickly and 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 and save a little money.)
Shower Curtain, if needed - COORDINATE WITH DORMMATE
Foot Powder (A must have 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 (makeup, perfume, cologne... and those other personal items.)
DORM STORAGE SUPPLIES
Box #
LOTS of Storage Bins (Collapsible or folding storage bins work best. Remember they can be used on shelves, under your bed, in your closet.)
College Trunk (Optional) - Great for storage, secures items such as small electronics and computers, serves as a travel trunk, serves as additional seating or a table in your dorm room.
Underbed Smart Storage Cart (Optional - Makes an entire storage solution with easy access under the bed.)
Bed Risers (Make sure they fit your dorm bed. Pay attention to the inside dimensions and shape. A square shape inside is a must have!)
Hanging Storage for your dorm closet. (Check your closet / room dimensions on your school website before selecting organizers.)
Storage Caddies (Optional - Great for school supplies, hair appliances, makeup... everything!)
Storage Hooks for your dorm closet door. (Holds bookbags, purses, jackets, wet towels...)
Space Bags (Optional - but helps to save space by minimizing the size of your bulky clothing or blankets when not in use...)
Clothing Bag (Optional - great for your business suit. Take one professional outfit for special activities.)
GETTING AROUND CAMPUS
Box #
Bicycle (Take an inexpensive bicycle to get around on or near campus. Don't forget your helmet and 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.)
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
EVERYTHING ELSE
Box #
Proof of Health Insurance
Immunization Records
Accident / Theft Insurance for your dorm stuff
Create & carry an Emergency Contact Card
Check your cell phone coverage area and 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, and 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 and get your parking permit.
Remember to pack a few cool weather items such as a coat, jacket... Cool days happen in the summer and 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, and 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 for overnight company.
MOVING YOUR DORM STUFF
Box #
If needed, reserve your moving trailer / transport early!
Purchase moving supplies such as boxes, packaging materials, tape, and a sharpie marker.
LIVE DORM SMART MOVING TO CAMPUS TIP:
Move-in weekend is BUSY! There are thousands of boxes arriving on campus and 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!
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