--- title: "The Best Dorm Shopping List You'll Ever Need" url: https://interiordecoratingbuffalo.com/blog/best-freshman-dorm-shopping-list-with-pdf description: "I'm a Mom who has sent two boys off to college (and who actually graduated!) so I know a little bit about creating the best dorm shopping list you'll ever need!" published: 2018-08-02 updated: 2018-08-02 --- # The Best Dorm Shopping List You'll Ever Need Published 2018-08-02 August 02, 2018 / Kathie Emhof / [How To's](https://interiordecoratingbuffalo.com/blog/category/how-tos) I'm a Mom who has sent two boys off to college (and who actually graduated!) so I know a little bit about creating **the best dorm shopping list you'll ever need**! Back then, like you, I searched a zillion websites and compiled a list using my trusty Excel spreadsheet, then checked things off as I purchased them. Packing for freshman year was a quest, if not a scavenger hunt. We didn't have a lot of online shopping options those 10 years ago, so much of what we bought was done in person. I suggest you do as much online shopping as possible. You don't need to buy *everything* on the list beforehand (especially if the student is flying to college). I know what my kids actually used, what they didn't, and what lasted so long that some of what we bought is actually sitting in my basement because they outlasted 4 years for each kid. ## Dorm Must-Haves Dorms are small, basic, unadorned rooms, usually to accomodate 2 people. You will typically find 2 twin beds and mattresses (usually extra long), 2 desks, 2 desk chairs, 2 dressers, 2 closets, an overhead light and a window. If you are lucky you will get at least 1 mirror. (To me, this is a decorator's dream--a blank canvas--but we're just focusing on living here for the next 9 months...) Bathrooms are usually community style, with about 8 people sharing it. ### Bedding and Linens - 2 sets of sheets, Twin XL - Comforter, Twin XL - 2 sleeping pillows - Bedbug protecting mattress cover - Mattress pad - Blanket - 3 sets of towels, including bath towels, face towels and washcloths - Rolls of quarters for laundry - Laundry bin or collapsible hamper ### The Room - Trash can (check if there is one already) - Trash bags. Tip: Take your clothing to school in trash bags instead of luggage, unless you are flying. - Small fan - Paper towels - Oven mitt and pot holder - Command Hooks - Dry erase board (magnetic is great) - Dry erase markers - Photos of your family, pets, and friends - Favorite posters, artwork, other wall decor - Push pins - Scotch tape - Cup to hold your pens, pencils, etc. - Duct tape - Poster putty - Can opener - Bottle opener - Postage stamps for all the letters you'll write home. Or your mom's birthday card. - Hangers for the closet ### Electronics and Technology - A mini fridge (check with roommate) - Microwave Oven (check with roommate) - Headphones - Laptop - Laptop power cord - Mouse - Cell Phone - Cell Phone Charger - Surge Protector - Extension cord ### School Stuff - Backpack - Paper clips - Scissors - Ruler - Hole Punch - 3-hole punch - Magnifying glass - Pens & pencils - Pencil sharpener - Note pad - Glue - File folder for important stuff - Driver's license - Passport - Day planner - White-out - Highlighters - Rubber bands ### Toiletries - Deodorant/antiperspirant - Makeup - Magnifying Mirror - Razor - Shaving cream - Tweezers - First Aid Kit - Prescription medication - Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve - Feminine products--tampons, pads, etc. - Condoms - Jewelry - Comb - Hairbrush - Hair dryer - Curling iron/flat iron - Nail files or manicure kit - Nail clippers - Eyeglasses - Contact lenses - Lens solution - Caddy for carrying toiletries - Hair ties - Safety Pins - Shower cap - Toothbrush - Toothpaste - Dental floss - Mouthwash - Antacid - Nausea medication - Anti-diarrheal ### Clothing (only enough for when you go home again--think summer/fall/early winter gear) - Underwear - Bras - Socks - Collapsible Duffle Bag for trips home - Sandals - Flip flops for the shower - Running shoes/sneakers - Shoes/boots for everyday - Tee shirts - Tank tops - Shorts - Hat/baseball cap - Sunglasses - Slacks (one pair dressy) - A tie and dress shirt - One dressy blouse or dress - Dress shoes - Belts - Umbrella - Rain coat or slicker - Sweatshirts - Light jacket - Heavy jacket or coat - Wool Hat (see Gloves note) - Gloves (in the East, it gets pretty cold in October) - Scarf - Earmuffs - Boots (if you think you will get snow before going home) ### Food (you can purchase after you get to college at a Target or CVS) - Ramen noodles - Granola bars - Protein bars - Energy drinks/protein drinks - Soup - Instant oatmeal - Microwavable Mac and Cheese - Cereal - Popcorn - Bottled water - Coffee - Creamer or Half & Half - Tea - Sweetener/sugar - Peanut butter - Jelly - Plastic spoons, knives and forks - 1 or 2 ceramic mugs for coffee or soup. That's all I am allowing you! ## Dorm Nice-to-Haves - "Husband" (aka a bolster pillow) - Curtains and expandable curtain rod - Bedskirt - Small washable rug - Bluetooth speaker - Desk lamp - Over-the-door rack for towels - Shoe organizer (under bed or over the door type) - Bed risers (these don't work with loft beds) - Multi-plug USB wall charger - Mini-Keurig or electric tea kettle - Bike & helmet - Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones - Sleeping Mask - Sports gear--Frisbee, Can-Jam, ice skates, swim suit and gear ## Don't Bother Packing These for Your Dorm - Pillow shams - Cleaning supplies - Large area rug--it will never get vacuumed - Vacuum cleaner - Mop - Luggage - Furniture - Printer - Plants (they will surely die!) - Cold medications. Buy it if you get sick. - Alarm clock--hello cell phone app! - Composition notebooks, dividers, etc. until you decide what you like to use - Dishes and utensils that have to be washed. Get real. When you arrive on campus--and *after* you have made the bed and unpacked the basic stuff--head over to the nearest CVS or Target and pick up your favorite shampoo, body wash, laundry detergent, and anything you may have forgotten (like a toothbrush?) or simply didn't want to pack for the trip. I know you are going to find other lists, but these are the items my boys found to be most necessary and useful. I'm sure you'll agree this was ***the best dorm shopping list you'll ever need.*** Tagged college, university, dorm, freshman, pack, small space [Back to the journal](https://interiordecoratingbuffalo.com/blog) / [More in How To's](https://interiordecoratingbuffalo.com/blog/category/how-tos)