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Get Ready for College w/ the Ultimate Dorm Room Checklist for 2024 (+ Free Printable)

By Kara | Staff Writer

Jul 19, 2024 @ 6:30 AM MDT

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Make shopping for dorm room essentials easier! Use our FREE and printable college dorm checklist for students!

Get ready for college move in day with this Dorm Room Essentials Checklist!

Print out this free college dorm checklist of all the dorm room essentials you’ll want to grab and take for when you move into your college dorm! Although every campus offers different amenities and has different rules, it’s SO much easier to remember the college dorm essentials when you have a list like this! From shopping to packing, this list can make sure you don’t leave any important items behind!

Download your college dorm checklist

To customize this college dorm checklist:

Select only the college essentials that you want from the list below.
Click on the Print icon at the bottom of this post.
Print a list with just those items!
Use it as a shopping list or college packing list and check off your items.

Now if only paying for college were this easy! 😅

Where can I find the best college dorm essentials?

While we never say no to a great store (or sale), check your local Dollar Tree, Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, and of course, Amazon. Some stores will even ship your dorm essentials directly to your college!

Hip Tip: Check with your specific college or university about what is (and is not) allowed, what is (and is not) provided, and what to expect when you get there. Many schools even provide the dimensions for dorm rooms, beds, and windows to give you a good idea of the sizes you’ll need!

Bed & bath dorm room essentials:

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Twin XL size sheets

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Twin XL mattress topper and protector

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Reading bedrest pillow

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Bed risers or blocks (for more under-bed space)

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Bath towels, wash cloth, hand towels

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Under bed storage containers

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Shower caddy with holes

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Shower shoes or flip flops

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Toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste, etc)

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Hair dryer

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Toilet paper

Office & desk college essentials:

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Laptop

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Desk lamp

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Printer (if not using onlineputer lab/print center on campus)

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Printer paper (if bringing a printer)

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Surge protector/extension cords

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HDMI cord, Ethernet cord

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Memory cards and USB flash drive

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Portable speakers

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Headphones

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Camera (if not using cell phone)

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Stapler (and staples)

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Sticky notes

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Bulletin board and push pins

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Dry erase wall calendar and markers

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Desk organizer

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School supplies (pens, pencils, paper, etc)

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Scissors

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Pencil sharpener

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Tape and dispenser

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Envelopes and stamps

Dorm room essentials:

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Hanging strips and hooks for pictures/posters

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Posters/wall decor

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Over-the-door shoe organizer

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Full-length mirror

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Floor lamp (plus light bulbs)

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Rolling cart with drawers

Dorm cleaning & laundry supplies:

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Laundry basket with wheels

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Laundry detergent

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Clothes hangers

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Iron and small ironing board (or steamer)

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Collapsible drying rack

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Fabric softener and stain remover

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Lint brush

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Disinfectant wipes

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Paper towels

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Kleenex or facial tissues

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Cleaning supplies (dish soap, etc)

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Quarters (if no laundry card)

Dorm kitchen & household items:

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Food storage containers

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Plastic storage bags

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Plates, cups, bowls

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Basic flatware set

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Reusable water bottle

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Can opener (manual) and bottle opener

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Travel coffee mug (for taking to class)

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Dish sponge and towels

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Hot pot or coffee-maker (if allowed)

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Microwave (if allowed)

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Small fridge (if allowed)

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Trash bags

Miscellaneous college essentials:

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Toolkit (hammer, screwdriver, etc.)

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About the writer:

Kara is a writer and photographer from the Midwest. Her creative work has appeared in various publications over the past decade. With a background in finance, she loves to be money-savvy.

Join The Discussion

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Dee July 9, 2020 at 1:28 pm MST

Having hauled my daughter’s stuff up 8 flights of stairs last fall, and had to move her out early this spring during a two hour window because of the pandemic, I would go as minimal as possible with whatever you buy/move into dorms this year. Invest in the bed and whatever matters the most. If your student spends time studying in the dorm (some don’t) then a good desk chair is a must.

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Toni Potts July 9, 2020 at 1:37 pm MST

My oldest is a senior in college. She lived in a dorm the first 3 years. This year she got an apartment and all of her classes are online. My middle is a freshmen and just cancelled her dorm since all of her classes are online. Both girls attend larger universities in Michigan. My daughters are very self sufficient packed themselves. They are extremely light packers. We might have had 3-4 totes. I just had to drive and help unpack. Usually made a trip to Walmart to pick up a few extras. My son has a few more years at home. I have a feeling he would with just the clothes on his back. He would even forget his toothbrush.

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Mama2Nine August 17, 2020 at 3:55 am MST

My oldest moves to college next week. Most universities are asking that students only bring needed items bc of covid. Preparing early for shut down.
We have only one hour during his time slot to move him in-only two family members allowed.
Each kid is different…. my friend rented a uhaul and took three loads to move her kid to college last week.
My kid will barely fill my suburban and he’s not happy taking that much. 😂

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kmark July 28, 2021 at 5:45 pm MST

Highly reonlinemend going to dollar tree and picking up the smaller items there( trash cans, cleaning supplies, dish towels, utensils, plastic bins, coffee things, snacks, spices, paper products, etc ). They have smaller versions of name brand items that are much easier to store and tote up flights of steps on move in to at least get them started!! I FILLED a small trash can from dollar tree with dollar tree items for my cousin for his dorm and he said it was the most useful and convenient items he had and loved it. Plus it’s cheap!! Highly reonlinemend! Also when moving clothes it’s easier to use a trash bag and bag clothes from the bottom up while they hang and leave the hangers on! No packing and unpacking required! Just hang em when you get to the dorm and youre good to go!

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TS May 25, 2022 at 12:14 pm MST

I iron something about once a year and that is often a craft project. It has nothing to do with age. Many people simply wear clothes that don’t demand ironing.

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DJ August 1, 2022 at 6:07 am MST

I would add a small air purifier and deodorizer.

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Amber (Hip Sidekick) August 1, 2022 at 9:27 am MST

Thanks for the suggestion, DJ!

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amy June 13, 2023 at 5:51 pm MST

half the things you buy, they won’t use. focus on a mattress pad, some hangers and basic school supplies. i a nice laundry bag as well, with some quarters.

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Jessica (Hip Sidekick) June 13, 2023 at 6:05 pm MST

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on what you prefer to purchase for college, amy! Sure appreciate it! 💓

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Amy July 27, 2023 at 12:17 pm MST

When I lived in the dorm nearly 20 years ago the washers and dryers didn’t take quarters even back then. The student ID was used to pay for nearly everything on campus, which was convenient, and I’m sure even more onlinemon now!

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alaskajoy79 June 14, 2023 at 7:31 pm MST

It will be minimalistic for my college guy. That’s Just way too much.

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Tara June 27, 2023 at 9:41 am MST

Thank you for this great list!!

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Collin (Mrs. Hip) June 27, 2023 at 10:21 am MST

You’re welonlinee, Tara! 💞

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Auntie August 8, 2023 at 3:48 pm MST

When a student is a freshman it is normal to go overboard! HOWEVER, strongly advise to stick to the basics/essentials moving in. Dorm space is limited and they have to share. After they’ve settled in, and a few weeks have passed, then either take them extra items, or transfer to money to purchase, or have items delivered. Right now family member is heading off in 2 weeks with too many bulky items on their Wishlist. It’s going t be a rude-awakening due to space limits.

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Jessica (Hip Sidekick) August 8, 2023 at 3:55 pm MST

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on what’s best to purchase before heading to the dorms, Auntie! 💞

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KellZoll August 8, 2023 at 8:30 pm MST

I agree with Auntie. Some parents/kids get caught up in the excitement and go overboard. Definitely look at pictures of the dorm rooms and the specific college’s list before buying anything other than the basics. Don’t bother with top sheets unless you know they’ll use them. Most will be home for Thanksgiving and/or winter break and can swap clothing/shoes then. Or you can send them things they forgot a week or two after school starts and the mailroom has gotten its act together.
Coordinate with roommates. With the exception of one mini fridge per person, they don’t need two microwaves, two coffeemakers/Keurigs.
Hot plates, toasters, and toaster ovens were not allowed due to fire danger – check the school’s website.

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Amber (Hip Sidekick) August 9, 2023 at 5:49 am MST

Thanks for these tips! Always good to think ahead and get specific advice per school. 🙌💕🎉

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Lisa July 19, 2024 at 7:04 am MST

My daughter onlinepleted her first year of college and didn’t use half of what we purchased. Main thing would be bedding and maybe a onlinefortable chair for the desk. A few things she did like and used often was an ice machine to keep from going to dining hall and a brita water pitcher and a bed tray to put her laptop or books on if she wanted to sit in bed and work. Also steps to get into bed, if the beds are high. Coordinate with roommate to see what they bring, no need for having two. One thing we will be purchasing is a convertible hand truck/cart for moving. We had to wait awhile to get a cart for unloading/loading.

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Amber (Hip Sidekick) July 19, 2024 at 7:27 am MST

Thank you so much for the heads up on your daughter’s experience, Lisa! SO helpful! ❤️🙌

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Get Ready for College w/ the Ultimate Dorm Room Checklist for 2024 (+ Free Printable)

Share this:

Get ready for college move in day with this Dorm Room Essentials Checklist!

Download your college dorm checklist

To customize this college dorm checklist:

Where can I find the best college dorm essentials?

Bed & bath dorm room essentials:

Office & desk college essentials:

Dorm room essentials:

Dorm cleaning & laundry supplies:

Dorm kitchen & household items:

Other important documents:

Miscellaneous college essentials:

About the writer:

Share this:

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