It’s mid-July, and I have put together a quick list of must-have dorm room items that could be at risk of selling out. Instagram and Pinterest have exhaustive lists on how to create the best dorm room setup for any student. But you and your student are the experts on their needs to feel comfortable. From purchasing noise-cancelling headphones & storage containers to creating the perfect study space, getting prepared and organized is the first step.
5 things you can do now to create a dorm room list
- Create a spreadsheet. Include a column for items, measurements, links, purchase status, and pack status.
- Research your dorm room’s dimensions and setup. Visit the housing section of your college. Find out what is already provided in your room ie. desk, bed, AC and whether or not your beds are lofted or bunked.
- Research your college’s dorm room restrictions. What is banned? Will you have kitchen access? What appliances are allowed? Will you have a shared or private bathroom?
- Wait to hear about your housing assignment & coordinate with roommates. If you can wait until you get your assignment, you will have more accurate information regarding a double or triple room. You want to avoid bringing multiple fridges and microwaves. You can reach out to your roommates to identify what each person will be responsible for.
- Research the laundry setup. If your laundry is down the hall, a collapsable container may be best, but if it is downstairs or in the basement, you may need a roller bin.
Here is a quick list of items beyond the obvious ones that students may need for comfort & storage. These are items that you can purchase that do not require measurements of the room and are mostly returnable.
Must-Have Items that Sell Out Fast
Twin XL mattress topper
Tall charging nightstands- if your bed is lofted
Woozoo fan- Costco, Best Buy, Amazon
Air Purifier
Storage containers for under the bed
Twin/Full XL bedding
Twin headboards or Bed Wedge
I also included an amazing Instagram account to follow that provides families with essential dorm room guides and practical tips for setting up the perfect home away from home.
Resources
Instagram: Lara Beckker/ Dorm & College Life @thedormguide
Dorm Shopping Recommendations @DormShoopingRecos
