I can’t believe the school year is already coming to an end, and we’re locking in housing for sophomore year. It feels like just a year ago, we were scrambling to find all the things to prepare for such a monumental shift! Going to college is such a major accomplishment, but also an emotional one. Not only was our first born child heading off to college, but states away! Running to her rescue to drop off groceries and toiletries wasn’t an option for us. Of course we couldn’t stock the full year, but we definitely gave her a running start with these essentials.
Most of the things we remembered, but there are always the little things that you forget about like tool kits, batteries, lamp bulbs, etc. Hopefully this list will relieve your mind of the things so you can hone in on the moment.
Here are our must-have dorm room essentials by category.
- Bed & Bath
- Bathroom Essential Set
- Bedding Bundle (splurge)
- Bedding Bundle (save)
- Storage bins
- Bed Skirt to conceal under-bed items
- Memory Foam Mattress Pad
- Throw blanket
- Bath Caddy
- Rolling Laundry Hamper
- Everyday tool kit
- Cleaning
- Electronics
- Amazon Faves
- Target Faves
- Laptop & iPad (you may want to invest a little more in this area on something to last all 4-5 years
- Personal Printer
- For the Creatives
- Health & Wellness
I even found this nifty dorm-room checklist on Target.com. Download it HERE. Shop my Target and Amazon storefronts for all of my top picks!
If you’re going away for college, gift cards may be your best bet! That way you don’t need to ship or pay for additional baggage fees on the plane. If you have friends or family in the area, you can also ask to have items shipped to their homes. Many sites offer a college registry like Target and Amazon so you can get exactly what you want. Some even offer college dorm bundles like Bed Bath & Beyond. There’s so much excitement in personalizing your first dorm room. Have fun, be creative, and don’t stress about it. Much like owning a home, your design will forever change. The important thing is to make it you. Create an environment that feels like home so you can be your best self as you crush your freshman year!!
Check out my daughter’s TikTok on dorm room essentials!!
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