It’s summer—or almost summer—for us! About this time last year, Jay and I started shopping around for everything we would need for college. I did a general Google search for “Dorm Room Supplies” and ended up dazed and confused. So this one’s for our followers who are getting ready to move on out! It’s our very own personal Dorm Room Supply list, made just for you.
Everything on this list ended up in our dorm room at one point in time—and yes, we actually used and needed all of it! To download the list in a Microsoft Word Document, simply click here. For those of you who can’t download it, don’t worry! I’m including it in this post.
Dorm Room Supplies
Linens/Laundry
- ♦ Small Iron
- Hamper
- ♥ Detergent, Dryer Sheets
- Two twin sized sets of sheets
- Twin size comforter
- Pillow
- Blanket
- Mattress Pad
- Two towels and Washcloths
- Small Sewing Kit
- Lint Brush
- Dark Curtains
- Change for the laundry
Personal Care
- Shower Caddy and Shower Shoes
- ♥ Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner
- Hair Dryer
- ♥ Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Hair Brush/Comb and Products
- Razor
- Manicure Set
- ♥ Feminine Care Products
- Makeup
- Cotton balls and Q-tips
- First Aid Box
- Band-Aids
- Neosporin
- Tweezers
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Thermometer
- Tylenol/etc.
- Cough Drops
- Allergy Medicine
- Pepto-Bismol
- Icyhot/etc.
Electronics/Appliances
- Laptop Computer and Charger
- ♦ Printer, Ink and Paper
- Cell Phone and Charger
- Surge Protectors
- Alarm Clock
- Batteries
- Digital Camera and Memory Card
- ♦ Mini-Fridge/Micro-Fridge
- ♦ Coffee Pot
- ♦ TV and DVD player
- ♦ Vacuum or Broom
- ♦ Heater/Box Fan
Desk Supplies
- Pens, Pencils and Highlighters
- Stapler and extra Staples
- Three-Hole Punch
- Scissors
- Paper clips and/or Rubber bands
- Post It Notes and Flash cards
- Calculator
- Push Pins
- Envelopes and Stamps
- Calendar
Storage/Organization
- Detachable Hooks/Wall tape
- Closet/Shoe Organizer
- Hangers
- Under-the-Bed storage units
- Storage Containers
- Bed Raisers
Necessities
- Driver’s License
- Social Security Card
- Health Insurance Information
- Emergency Numbers
- Emergency Cash
Extras
- Plates, Bowels, Utensils
- Hand towel/dish cloth
- Cups and Coffee Mug
- Chip Clips
- Dish Soap
- ♦ Can Opener
- ♥ Paper Towels/Napkins
- ♥ Tissues
- Trash Can and Trash Bags
- Screwdriver
- Light Bulbs
- ♦ Area Rug
- Small Dry Erase Board
- Mirror
- ♦/♥ Cleaning Supplies
- Anything else you can think of :)
When we started packing for college, we had a difficult time picking out just the right products. Price was an issue and we weren’t sure what products were good for college students. But, over the course of the last year, we’ve discovered several amazing products and secrets that we would like to let you in on. These are our recommendations. Enjoy! (These tips are located in the nifty sidebar in the Word Document.)
When you pick out an iron, make sure you get something lightweight. You also want one that heats up and cools down quickly (it saves a lot of time in the mornings). Try the Shark G1408Z from Wal-Mart. Panasonic brands work too.
Don’t go all out for shower shoes. Just get a cheap pair of rubber flip flops from Wal-Mart. $5 max. You’ll want to throw them out at the end of the year anyway. For a caddy, just get a basket from the Dollar Tree with holes for drainage.
When deciding who buys the printer or what printer to take to college with you, remember that you’re going to have to buy ink throughout the year. Ink isn’t cheap and not all stores carry every brand of it. Try to get a printer that runs out of ink slowly, uses cheap ink (because you’re going to be printing a lot), and uses common ink. The last thing you want is to have to drive 2 hours or pay online shipping fees just so you can have the right ink cartridge.
Surge protectors are important! Do not forget these. Chances are, your dorm is only going to have a few plug-ins and you’re going to have a lot of appliances.
Before you go out and get a heater, make sure your college allows you to have one. Also, see what the maximum wattage you’re allowed to have on your appliances is. Check out coolsurge.com for a nice heater/cooling unit.
Don’t fall prey to cheap wall hooks and tape! It will save you money in the long run if you go ahead and buy the good stuff. If you’re shopping at Wal-Mart, get the Reusable Command Adhesive Strip Hooks or the Removable Utility Hooks with Command Adhesive. Get enough to hang keys, lights, etc. Also, invest in sturdy poster puddy—when the temperature in the dorm changes, the glue on cheap puddy will un-stick itself from the walls. You don’t want your posters falling all the time.
When on the search for storage containers, start at the Dollar Tree.
While you’re out shopping, think about buying your future roomie a move-in gift. Girls, try a sleep mask and cute earplugs. Guys, try cheap headphones and a bottle of Febreze.
May 2, 2010 at 4:49 PM
wow- thanks! That's a long list.
May 2, 2010 at 5:49 PM
"Guys, try a bottle of Febreze." hahaha!
May 3, 2010 at 2:22 PM
OMG! Thanks so much!!! This is great.
May 3, 2010 at 5:03 PM
Am I going to need a lot of cleaning supplies?
May 3, 2010 at 5:07 PM
Taylor,
You probably aren't going to need a ton. As long as you have a broom or something you can clean the floor with and a general cleaner, you should be good.
Jay and I got a bottle of Wal-Mart's Great Value All Purpose Cleaner with Bleach at the beginning of the year. We never ran out and used it to clean pretty much everything. If we couldn't use it on a surface, we just used a wet washcloth. You can use the same for dusting. It's also handy to have a bottle of Febreze laying around.
Hope that helps!