No matter your kid’s college year, move-in day is always hectic. It seems like no matter how much planning you do, there’s always something everyone brought and you forgot. But fret not! We know this struggle and compiled the top 10 college dorm room essentials that every student needs, whether you’re a freshman or senior. Make sure you’ve got all these in the car before you head for campus in the fall!
The Complete College Dorm Room Essentials List
1. College Apparel
Yes, it is true, Saturdays are for tailgates. Prepare your child to cheer on their college team with hoodies and tees printed with their university name or logo. Make it a university apparel outfit for your college student’s ultimate opportunity to appear on the jumbotron at the game. Personalize your student’s college apparel so they can stand out from the crowd, literally.
2. Bed Sheets
You want to put some sheets on the mattress to make your student’s bed comfy to sleep on. It might take you 20 minutes just to put the sheets on because the bed is raised a few feet high, but at least you bought a few sets of the college dorm room essential to minimize the laundry loads. Personalize your student’s sheets online with their favorite photos and prints for the comfiest sleep.
3. Backpack
Purchase a backpack for your college student and all the textbooks that they won’t end up reading. If not for textbooks, at least the bag will protect your child’s laptop and snack haul for a day’s worth of class. Personalize your student’s backpack with their favorite colorful photos and prints so they feel ready to strap on their college responsibilities.
4. Dishes
Add plates, cups, silverware, and bowls to your college essentials list. At least if your child attempts to cook (microwave) food late at night, they have the items to do so. The bowls are a key college dorm room essential for every college student’s favorite meal – ramen. Personalize your student’s dish set with creative photos and prints so there is no dishes mix-up in the kitchen.
5. Towels
Purchase a bath towel for your child to rule the communal bathroom in. Pack at least two for your student because you know they will be washed as few times as possible. The fluffier and softer, the better. Personalize your college student’s towel with unique photos and prints to avoid a towel swap.
6. Agenda
Help your college student keep their priorities straight with an agenda to plan out all the sports games and class assignments. College can be chaotic with social events mixed into a school schedule, and agendas are the perfect college dorm accessory to avoid all apologies of showing up late or missing assignments. Encourage your student to color code the extra chaotic months, such as finals. Personalize an agenda for your child with their favorite photos and prints to put a smile on their face in stressful times.
7. Toiletry Bag
Buy your college student a cosmetic bag to save them from multiple trips to the communal bathroom from forgetting their toiletries. Help your child avoid the awkward realization after they step into the shower. With a toiletry bag, all toiletries can be packed into one bag for an easy bathroom routine – the perfect item for your college essentials list. Personalize your college student’s toiletry bag with their initials so they don’t forget the bag.
8. Desk Organizer
Encourage your child to clean up the clutter on top of their desk with a desk organizer. Add this item to your list of college dorm room essentials so hopefully, your college student won’t call panicking that they can’t find their car keys before the end of the fall semester. With this organizer, your child can put their laptop on the desk to attempt homework. Personalize your college student’s desk organizer with photos and prints to match the aesthetic of their dorm room.
9. Laptop Case
Protect the expensive brand-new laptop that you bought your child from the mix of sodas and water that line the desk. Now your college student can guard their laptop while shoving the device into their backpack full of textbooks and random items. At least their laptop will have a little protection as they juggle several items in their hands while walking to the common room. Personalize your college student’s laptop case with their favorite photos or prints.
10. Water Bottle
Buy your child a water bottle for easy hydration on the go. Whether at a football game or in class, encourage your college student to stay hydrated in a sustainable way. No longer will you find several plastic water bottles hidden on top of their bed and spread throughout their side of the dorm room. Personalize your child’s water bottle with fun photos and prints.
College Dorm Room Essentials for Everyone
Packing for college can be hectic, but with this list, we hope you have all the college dorm room essentials for a great year! Good luck moving your student in from all of us at Bags of Love!