By Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, The Sacramento Bee
Parents with college-age children are preparing them for a rite of passage: moving into a dorm. But what do students need before heading off to college? We made a list of must-have essentials to make that transition to campus living as easy as possible.
We looked at recommendations from Amazon and New York Magazine to compile necessary items, from bedding to shower caddies to snacks.
Here’s what you need to know:
What are the dorm room essentials for college students?
Traditional dorm rooms are noticeably small so making sure your student feels not only comfortable but also organized is key. Here are items to help your college-age child create a home away from home:
For organizing
- Utility or kitchen carts
- Shoe rack
- Under the bed storage
- Bedside wall shelf
- Small trash can
- Laundry basket
- Clothing hangers
For decorating:
- Command strips for posters and frames
- Lamps
- String lights
- Bluetooth speaker
- Power strip extension cord
What bedding essentials are needed for a dorm?
Adjusting to sleeping in a new space can be difficult for incoming freshmen, especially if it is their first time sharing a room.
Here are some items to help make sleeping easier:
- Twin XL sheets
- Duvet or comforter
- Pillow
- Memory foam mattress topper
- Blankets
- Sleep mask
- Ear plugs
What are bathroom essentials for incoming college students?
Many dorms have shared bathrooms and showers, which means students must carry their toiletries with them. Here are some items to make that easier:
- Shower sandals
- Quick drying shower caddy
- Towels
- Wash cloths
- Robe
What are other items to have on hand?
In addition to bedding and bathroom supplies, here are some other recommendations:
- Small plate
- Bowl
- Cutlery
- First aid kit
- Disinfecting wipes
- Vacuum
- Tea kettle
- Mini fridge (if allowed)
What snacks should I buy for my college student?
Though many students opt for university meal plans, late-night snacks and quick breakfasts are appreciated. Here are some snacks to stock:
- Mini chips
- Granola bars
- Dried fruit
- Peanut butter filled pretzels
- Popcorn
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