UPDATE: I’ve just revised this post for Fall 2019!
So you (or your kiddo) have been accepted to college and you’re off to start a new adventure this fall. Woo Hoo!!
The next part is all about planning for the big move. While it’s an exciting time, it can also get a tad overwhelming. There are so many lists of all the dorm room essentials you need to buy and bring with you. Seriously, have you seen the one from Bed, Bath and Beyond?
The Real College Dorm Room Essentials
Lucky for you, I’ve recently been through this with my oldest daughter and today, I’m giving you the inside scoop on what you really need to bring to college!
And to make it even easier, I’ve also included a list of shopping resources and sales for all those dorm room essentials!
And I’ve also added some helpful college move-in tips.
Shop the Look:
Oatmeal Accent Chair ($216) or Here ($197), Stripe Pouf ($77), Framed Wall Art Here, Here, Here, and Here, Gold Bamboo Frame, Terraced Side Table ($249), Marble Table Lamp ($56), White Rectangle Succulent Planter ($22), White Storage Bins ($18-22 each), Blush Bamboo Throw Pillow ($27), Eye Pillow ($29), Coral Throw Pillows ($20 for set), Diamond 8×10 Rug ($217), Fushia Trim Pillowcase Set ($20), Faux Fur Throw ($119), Metallic Water Bottle ($45), Gold Wishbone ($10)
Top Student-Approved College Dorm Room Must Haves
If you’ve headed onto social media for some dorm room inspo, you’ve seen there are lot and lots of options on how to create the look and feel of your new home (like this great look above by @kfogara!).
But while you’re busy planning, current students say these products are must-haves! And I’ll give you a hint: it’s not that stuffed bed backrest.
A Mattress Topper
The truth is, college dorm mattresses can be pretty uncomfortable! One of the best ways to make sure you get a good night sleep is to invest in a mattress topper. There are lots of options out there — from a $40 egg-crate style foam topper to a $300 Tempur-Pedic 3-inch one.
How do you pick? First, don’t get fooled into thinking that the more you spend, the better the product! Obviously, you want to pick one that’s comfortable. But also look for one that stays in place on the bed and doesn’t cause you to overheat while sleeping. These are two of the biggest complaints students have about their toppers.
Top picks: the 2-inch Dreamfoam Gel Memory Swirl Memory Foam Topper ($51 for TwinXL) or the 2-inch Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper ($129 for TwinXL).
An Extra Set of Sheets (or Two!)
If you love the feel of clean sheets but don’t have the time or the inclination to do laundry weekly, it’s a good idea to bring some extra sheets (you can also use a laundry service but they can be expensive and students complain they often lose items).
My daughter’s favorite sheets are these Pure Beech® Jersey Knit Modal sheets ($39 a set). They feel like a super comfy, soft t-shirt!
Some other good choices include these Kohl’s Big One® Easy Care 275 Thread Count Sheet Sets (on sale right now) or West Elm’s 400-Thread-Count Organic Sateen Sheet Set (on sale now for 30 percent off).
Want to learn more about how to pick the best sheets for you? Read more here!
Some Ear Plugs
Yep, sometimes your roommate(s) will make too much noise for you to sleep or study. Just try these earplugs! They come with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 33, which is the highest you can get in a foam earplug. The Sleep Pretty model is almost as effective with a NRR of 32.
If you prefer headphones to ear plugs, these Sony Wireless Noise Cancelling Head Phones are great!
A Water Filter
A water filter pitcher is the easiest and cheapest way to get clean water in your dorm room. And Brita’s iconic, BPA-free 10-Cup Everyday Pitcher ($29) is perfect for the job!
You might also want to invest in a high-quality (BPA-free) water bottle to use when you’re not in your room. The S-Well bottles (starting at $25), which are insulated stainless steel, are popular (and cute!). And what’s even better? Students get 20 percent off!
One more tip: if you like your water cold, make sure to get an ice cube tray. There’s usually not enough room in your dorm room mini refrigerator for the pitcher!
Mini Refrigerator and Microwave
Look, I get it. A mini refrigerator and a microwave sound more like luxury items than dorm room essentials (especially when your parents are forking over for a meal plan)! But they made the list because all the college students say they made life so much easier for them.
Many colleges rent mini refrigerators but another option is to split the cost of one with your roommate(s). You can get this Whirlpool mini refrigerator and freezer combo for $139 at Target. Or if you want something a bit more retro look, try a Galanz for $199 (it comes in baby blue, red and black).
As for a microwave, this Sunbeam compact 700-watt microwave is perfect for small spaces and at Target, it costs $55.
Portable Battery Charger, Surge Protector and Extension Cord
Has your phone or computer battery ever died right when you need it most? Ours too! That’s why it’s so useful (and easy!) to carry a portable charger with you. Our favorite? The ones by Anker like the Powercore 20100 for $45. They do make smaller (and cheaper) ones but this one will give you up to 7 full charges for your phone or 1 for your computer.
You’ll also want to make sure you can safetly plug in when you’re in your dorm room. This multi-plug surge protector (with two USB plugs) is $17.
Photos, Tinkle Lights and Other Fun (and Inexpensive) Dorm Room Decorations
You’ll want to bring a little bit of home with you when you move in! One of the best ways to do that is to hang photos in your room. You can use a service like Social Print Squares to turn your fave Instagram photos into prints for just $12 for a set of 24. Or you can frame larger, custom pieces through Framebridge for $39 and up (save 15 percent off now through Labor Day).
A lot of students like to use tapestries to cover their walls. Removable wallpaper is also popular. And so are those weathered Brandy Melville signs (you can also get a custom one for about $35). And don’t forget those lights!
Cleaning Supplies
One of the best parts of moving to college is gaining more independence. But this also means doing more things for yourself. And this includes cleaning.
Do yourself a favor and invest in some simple cleaning supplies like a Swiffer Mop and some Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. You’ll be especially happy when cold and flu seasons starts up! Also, don’t forget that you’re going to also need laundry detergent.
Dorm Room Essentials on Sale
- Anthropologie: Save 20 percent on furniture, decor and bedding plus up to 50 perrcent off of sales items.
- Bed, Bath and Beyond: 20 percent off entire purchase with their college savings pass (you need an e-mail ending in .edu to qualify). Plus, you can shop at home and pick up near school with their Pack and Hold program (no shipping costs!!)
- Cost Plus World Market: 20 percent off through Labor Day (use code Laborday20)
- Kohl’s: Save $10 for every $25 you spend at the Labor Day Sale. Use code: Laborday.
- Minted: 15 percent off photos gifts through Septmeber 3 (use code Laborday19)
- Nordstrom: Up to 40 percent off through September 8.
- Overstock: Up to 70 percent off and free shipping during their Labor Day sale.
- Pottery Barn Teen: Up to 40 percent off through Labor Day. Use code: Savemore.
- Restoration Hardware Teen: Save up to 70 percent
- Target: Save up to 50 percent now through Labor Day.
- Urban Outfitters: Take an extra 40 percent off sales items (limited time only)
- Wayfair: Up to 75 percent off during the Labor Day Clearance
- West Elm: 20 percent off entire purchase through July 4th
Top Tips on What to Leave at Home
Don’t Overpack (and Bring Some Hangers!):
While this is now your home away from home, you don’t need to bring everything in your closet! You’ll want to pack strategically, especially since storage space is at a premium in most dorm rooms.
This includes those giant laundry baskets (most students use the inexpensive bag-like portable ones), too many special occasion outfits or purses, and lots of rarely-used sporting equipment.
Remember, everything you bring or buy has to be moved out at the end of the year!
Dorm Room Move-In Tips
Lastly, here’s a few tips on what to have on hand on move-in day.
Cleaning supplies and trash bags: You’ll need to give your new pad a good wipe down before moving your gear in! This includes cleaning the floor and any drawers. And don’t forget the paper towels.
Command Hooks: Command hooks are super helpful if you want to hang something but aren’t allowed to nail into the wall.
Hammer and a screwdriver: These basic tools can be super handy — especially if you want to loft your bed (or put together any furniture). Remember, colleges have different policies regarding lofting beds, so make sure to check with your school on what’s allowed. And then, make sure to bring the tools you’ll need!
Did I forget anything? Make sure to let me know in the comments below!
