Use this checklist to help your student get ready for their first year at college. Think of it as a starting point — you can adjust it based on their personal needs and the setup of their residence hall. To save on packing stress and shipping costs, consider buying some items once you arrive on campus. You might also pack for just one season at a time and swap things out when they come home during breaks.
Here is a FREE PDF CHECKLIST to download.
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Dorm Room Organization and Storage
- Dresser
- Moving Bags
- Storage bins
- Storage Cart
- Bedside lamp
- Mini trash can
- Under-the-bed storage trays
- Fan
- Drying rack for laundry
- Bulletin board and pushpins
- Mini toolkit (including screwdriver, hammer, wrench)
College Linens and Laundry Supplies
- Mattress Topper
- Sheets and pillowcases (2 sets. Check with college for size needed — some college twin beds are extra long.)
- Towels (3 each of bath, hand and face)
- Pillows (2)
- Mattress pad (Check with college for size needed)
- Blankets (2)
- Comforter/bedspread
- Laundry bag/basket
- Laundry detergent, fabric softener and stain remover
Desk Supplies
- Desk Hutch
- Pencil holder and sharpener
- Notebooks
- Sticky notes
- Paper clips and binder clips
- Stapler and staples
- Tape
- Scissors
- Highlighter pens (multiple colors)
- Ruler
Electronics and Technology for First-Year Student
- Air Purifier
- HDMI cord, Ethernet cord for computer (check if your room has wireless)
- Surge protector
- Portable speakers (if you want to play music from laptop/MP3 player)
- Headphones
- Camera
- Cell phone
Shared-with-Roommate Items
- Shoe rack
- Audio equipment
- TV
- Coffeemaker/hot pot/microwave, if allowed
- Small refrigerator (if one isn’t provided)
- Area rug
- Posters/art
Toiletries, Beauty, and Hygiene
- Shower caddy
- Shower shoes (flip-flops)
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hairstyling products
- Bath and face soap
- Travel soap container(s)Antacid
- Aspirin or other pain relievers
- Vitamins
- Antidiarrheal medicine
- Adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment
- Cough drops
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Dental floss
- Comb/brush
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
- Hair dryer/straightener/curling iron
- Razor and shaving cream
- Lotion and/or facial moisturizer
- Cotton swabs
- Feminine hygiene products
- Contact lens supplies
Clothing
- Sweats
- Pajamas
- Slippers and/or flip-flops
- SweatersUnderwear
- Socks
- Pants/jeans/leggings
- T-shirts/blouses
- Light/heavy jackets
- Gloves/scarf/hat (and other foul-weather gear as needed)
- 1 pair of boots
- 2 pairs of sneakers or comfortable/walking shoes
- 1 set of business-casual clothes
- 1 pair of dress shoes
- 1 swimsuit
- Bathrobe
- Eye mask for sleeping
Household and Kitchen Items
- Paper towels
- Dish soap
- Wet wipesTrash bags
- Plastic storage bags
- Food-storage containers
- Tissues
- Bowl, plate and cup
- Coffee mug
- Water bottle
- Silverware
- Can/bottle opener
Miscellaneous
- Sports equipment
- Backup pair of eyeglasses
- Umbrella
- Backpack
Frequently Asked Questions About Dorm Rooms
What’s a dorm room?
A dorm (or residence hall) is on-campus housing where your student will live during college. Room sizes vary — some are singles, while others house two, three, or even four students. In many dorms, bathrooms are shared with others on the same hallway, though a few rooms may have private bathrooms. While you can request a private room for your student, availability can be limited, especially when housing demand is high.
What comes in a dorm room?
Most dorm rooms come with the basics — a bed, desk, chair, and lamp for each student. Some schools also provide essentials like a small fridge or microwave. Each student typically has their own closet for clothes, shoes, and personal items. While the mattress is provided, your student will need to bring their own bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and comforters.
How big is a college dorm room?
Dorm room sizes can vary based on how many students share the space. A triple will usually be bigger than a single, but the overall layout of the building also matters. For example, if a hallway has many rooms, each one may be smaller. If there are fewer rooms per hallway, the rooms are often more spacious.
How does a college dorm room work?
Once your student applies for on-campus housing, the college will assign them a room in a dorm or residence hall. Along with the assignment, they’ll receive their roommate’s name(s) and the official move-in date. Many roommates connect before school starts to coordinate optional items, like a mini fridge or microwave, so they don’t bring duplicates. When your student arrives, they’ll meet their roommate(s) and decide who gets which bed. On move-in day, they’ll also be introduced to their Resident Assistant (RA) — an upperclassman who can answer questions about the room, dorm life, and campus resources.
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