Move-in weekend is BUSY! There are thousands of boxes arriving on campus and many students trying to locate those boxes. If possible, it is best to purchase dorm room supplies early, pack them in an orderly fashion, and accompany them to their final destination… your dorm room. If you do ship your dorm room supplies directly to your college campus, remember to use your campus shipping address and give yourself ample time to locate your items during move-in weekend.
Bottom line… you need as much time as possible to get settled into your dorm room on move-in weekend while participating in all the mandatory activities. So be smart, allow your family to help you get organized and settled into your new home. It will make the transition to college life much easier for everyone. Don’t forget your dorm room checklist!
Dorm Room Cooking / Eating Supplies
Box #
UL Listed Compact Refrigerator or Microwave Refrigerator Combo – ****CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
UL Listed Auto Shutoff Small Coffeemaker (NO Hotplate) – ****CHECKWITH ROOMMATE
Dorm Dishes (Non-breakable, BPA Free, and Microwavable) – 2 dinner plates, 2 small plates, and 2 bowls
4 Glasses (Non-breakable)
2Water Bottles
Insulated Travel Cup
Water Pitcher (Make sure it fits in your dorm size refrigerator.)
Eating Utensils – 2 forks, 2 teaspoons, 2 tablespoons, and 2 knives
Microwavable Cookware
Storage Containers (BPA Free.
Can Opener
Chip Clips
Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoons
Paring Knife or Peeler
Pizza Cutter
Salad / Spaghetti Tongs
Small Funnel
Spatula / Turner
Strainer / Colander
Check to see if dorm sink needs a stopper – *****CHECKWITH ROOMMATE
Dish Scrubber
Dish Liquid 2 Pot Holders
2 Dish Towels Trash Bin
Trash Bags Paper Towels
Paper Plates and Plasticware
Dorm Food / Bulk Snacks
Coffee and Coffee Filters OR Coffee
Pods
Other Bulk Drinks (i.e. sodas, water… store them under your bed)
Freezer / Storage Bags (One box of large and small bags to store food, toothbrush, and toiletries…)
Dorm Room Bedding Essentials (Check Mattress Size with College)
2 Sheet Sets (Remember extra pillowcases.)
Blanket
Duvet and Duvet Cover OR Comforter
Set
Mattress Cover (Bedbug Protection)
Mattress Pad Foam Topper
Pillows (Lots of pillows for sleeping and to turn your dorm room bed into daytime seating.)
Soft Throw (For lounging around your dorm room or outdoor events.)
Dorm Room Cleaning Supplies
UL Listed Compact Vacuum Cleaner (consider bagless or 2 in 1 unit that includes a handheld for quick clean up) – *******CHECKWITH ROOMMATE
Bucket with lid to store cleaning and laundry products safely.
Cleaning Products
Toilet Brush (only necessary if you have an in- suite bathroom.) -********* CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
Dorm Room Decor
Dorm Room Area Rug – ********CHECKWITH ROOMMATE
Photos from home (Consider a digital photo frame to display your photos and save space.)
Lightweight Message Boards (White, cork, chalk, or memory boards are great choices.)
Accessories for Message Boards (i.e. dry erase markers, chalk, and an eraser…)
3M Command Strips for hanging wall decor Save your dorm room deposit!
Wall Decor Removable and reusable wall decals look great and save your deposit! Don’t forget a break resistant mirror.
Dorm Room Electronics (UL Listed)
Alarm Clock
Small TV / Blu-ray OR DVD Combo – ******CHECKWITH ROOMMATE
Noise Canceling Headphones for TV / Blu-ray OR DVD Combo and Portable Music Player (Residence halls can be noisy.)
Cable Splitter (In case you don’t want to share a TV with your roommate.)
Extra Cable (You may need extra cable depending upon where the cable outlet is located in your dorm room.)
Extension Cords (Flat plugs save space.)
UL Listed Air Cleaner (Optional. Consider filter free.) – ***********CHECKWITH ROOMMATE
UL Listed Fan (Optional) – CHECKWITH ROOMMATE
Pest Control (Optional. Depends on school policy and location.) – *************CHECKWITH ROOMMATE
UL Listed Desk Lamp (NO halogen)
Removable Tap Lights for closet, if needed.
Inexpensive Camera Chargers for Electronics
Extra Batteries
Dorm Room Furniture – Check to see what your school provides for students.
Bedside table that includes shelving or additional storage, such as a trunk cube, to maximize space.
Comfortable Desk Chair (Check with your school.)
Additional Seating (If room permits.) Bed or desk if none provided by school. (Check housing policy before investing in furniture
Laundry / Ironing Supplies
UL Listed 3-Way Auto Shutoff Iron – ********CHECK WITH ROOMMATE
Ironing Board – CHECKWITH ROOMMATE
Hangers (Approximately 4 dozen – hanging clothes saves space!)
Folding Clothing Dry Rack (Optional. Great for drying sweaters or fine washables.)
Sweater / DelicatesWash Bag Set (Optional. Extending the life of your clothes saves money.)
Laundry Staples (i.e. detergent, softener or dryer balls, color bleach, and stain remover…)
Lint Roller Sewing Kit
Laundry Hamper (i.e. Pop Up, Folding, or Backpack…)
Dorm Room Safety / Personal Security / Health Supplies / Tool Kits
First Aid Kit Flu / Cold Medicines / Cough Drops / Thermometer (For when you feel too sick to get out of bed.)
Pain Relief Medicine Multi-vitamins or Vitamin C (Stay healthy!)
Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizer (Always use after class or lab… before touching your face or food!)
Prescriptions (Don’t forget to pack your prescriptions!)
Laptop Lock Bicycle Lock
Dorm Room Safe
Defensive Spray or Alarm (Check your school regulations or state laws prior to purchasing mace or pepper spray.)
Flashlight
Key Chain
Compact Tool Kit
Rain Poncho
Umbrella
Rain Boots
Sun Screen
Dorm Room Shower / Bath Supplies
Waterproof Shower Bag or Caddy (Bring one that dries quickly and won’t slime up on you!)
MINIMUM of 2 bath towels or bath sheets, 2 hand towels, 2 washcloths or shower scrubbies.
SpaWrap or Robe
Slippers
Shower Shoes (Pick up a pair of flip flops with good traction and save a little money.)
Shower Curtain, if needed – ***********CHECKWITH ROOMMATE
Bath Mat, if needed – *************CHECKWITH ROOMMATE
Hair Appliances (i.e. blow dryer, flat iron, curling iron…)
Hair Products (i.e. shampoo, conditioner, styling products…)
Razors
Shaving Cream
Shower Soap
Toothbrush / Toothbrush Holder
Toothpaste
Mouthwash
Dental Floss
Deodorant
Foot Powder (For sports, marching band, cheerleading activities… be kind to your dorm mate!)
Q-tips
Tweezers
Manicure Kit
Air Freshener / Neutralizer
Extra Toilet Paper
Tissues
Personal Toiletries (i.e. makeup, perfume, cologne… and those other personal items.)
Dorm Room Storage
Storage Bins (Use collapsible or folding storage bins on shelves, under your bed, and in your closet…)
College Trunk (Optional for secure storage, travel, and extra seating…)
Under Bed Storage (i.e., a Smart Storage
Cart for easy access and organization.)
Bed Risers (Check inside dimensions. Square shaped works best for dorm bed posts.)
Hanging Storage for closet. (Check your closet dimensions before purchasing organizers.)
Storage Caddies (Optional. Store school supplies, hair appliances, or makeup… everything!)
Storage Hooks for dorm room closet door. (Holds book bags, purses, jackets, and wet towels…)
Space Bags (Optional. Save space by minimizing bulky clothing or blankets when not in use.)
Clothing Bag (Optional. Store your business suit. Take one professional outfit for special activities.)
Getting Around Campus
Bicycle (Bring an inexpensive bicycle to get around on or near campus.)
Bicycle Accessories (i.e. helmet, bike lock, basket, tire patch kit, and small air pump…)
Tip: A plastic shopping bag tied over the seat when not in use keeps your butt dry on rainy days.
School Supplies
6 College Ruled Notebooks
6 Folders
6 Report Covers
Stapler
Staples
Staple Remover
3 Hole Punch
Scissors
Index Cards
Tape Dispenser
Tape
Push Pins
Post it Notes
Pens (Red, Black, Blue)
#2 Mechanical Pencils
Erasers
Highlighters
Ruler
Calculator
Rubber Bands
Paper Clips
Binder Clips
Desk Organizers
Academic Planner
Everything Else
Proof of Health Insurance
Immunization Records
Accident / Theft Insurance
Create and carry an Emergency Contact Card
Check your cell phone coverage area and adjust plan if needed. Don’t forget to pack your charger.
Setup a Bank Account / Get a Bank Card
Establish a Monthly Budget
Add money to your college / university card
for campus purchases, services, and laundry.
Only take coins if your college does not have a card system.
Register your bicycle.
If taking a vehicle, remember to register your vehicle with your school and get a parking permit.
Pack a few cool weather items such as a coat and jacket… Cool days happen in the summer and early fall!
Equipment for activities (i.e. music, sports, cheerleading…)
YOUR CLOTHES! Make a list of everything you’ll need first then pack them up! (If your campus has a recreational facility, you need
to bring your workout clothes, swimsuit, and a beach towel. Don’t pack expensive jewelry.)
Luggage for travel over school breaks.
You may want to pack a small air mattress and extra blanket or sleeping bag for overnight company
Moving Your Dorm Stuff
If needed, reserve your moving trailer /
transport early! Don’t forget a dolly.
Purchase moving supplies such as boxes, packaging materials, tape, and a sharpie marker
Jinx 