College Dorm Essentials
- Lori Moll Consulting
- Jun 5, 2018
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 12, 2018
Now that graduation season is upon us, move-in day is sneaking up. Here are my picks for essential dorm gear. The underlined names are linked to the product pages, so you can click to see details.
3" base adds comfort to those vinyl dorm mattresses. Make sure to get Twin XL. Your child will sleep/sit on their bed roughly 8+ hours a day so it needs to be durable as well as comfortable.
Insider tip - do not open the package until you are actually in the dorm room, it is challenging to get it back in the bag, like accidentally inflating a raft.
Cost: $99
No need to go crazy with the sheets and duvet covers - stick with basics and if they want a pop of color add a throw pillow or Mexican blanket. I like Ikea for this - prices are great and if you want to burn their bedding after the first year you won't mind. I suggest getting 2 sets of duvet/pillow case to encourage regular washing. Buy twin XL sheets but just twin duvet cover.
Insider tip - buy cheap white pillow cases and put 5 on each pillow, set an alarm on iPhone to take a pillow case off and throw in laundry once a week. Have iPhone alarm to change sheets every 2 weeks (it's a goal).
Cost: Duvet & Pillow Case sets from $8 - $50
Again - necessary item - but no need to break the bank. Ikea is great for this as well. Look for sales. Choose comforter weight based on college location - ASU and Vermont probably require different weights. Buy twin size comforter - no need for the XL unless you have a tall kid.
Insider tip - Wash all sheets, duvet covers, pillow cases and comforters before you leave for college. There is no time to do it during move in day. Also try using the vacuum space saver bags to re-pack them for shipping.
Cost: $20 - $80
Bottom line, dorms don't smell good. All those bodies and smells...Candles or incense are not allowed. Plug-ins are best in my opinion because they don't need you to do anything except change them after 30 days. Also the smell isn't overwhelming, which can be a problem too.
Cost: $14
5. Command Hooks and Command Strips
These are one of my favorite things (link to page of my loves). Dorms don't allow nails or holes in walls or ceiling. This is where command hooks and strips rule. They are easy to put up and to take down, they hold lots of weight (bathrobe and also the hanging Dopp kit and hanging Make-up bag). The strips are different in that they are like super strong velcro to hang pictures, posters, frames and things to the wall - all command items are damage free.
A lot of people underestimate the need for a robe. Think about this... walking back and forth from shower not wanting to drag your clean clothes into the bathroom, or wearing your PJs/dirty clothes back to your room OR you are in your room changing and people barge in; this happens - just grab your handy dandy robe. Best robe for the money = Ikea. Currently $19 - this robe can be bleached and washed over and over and still looks great. We have this for all our kids, it is durable.
Shower shoes of any kind are a MUST! Lord knows what kind of things are lurking in the dorm showers. Athletes foot might be the least of it...yuck. Wear the shower shoes and throw them away at the end of the year.
Cost: $20 for Robe and $16 for Shower Slides Currently 20% off online - Old Navy
The side table was on my grad gift list. If you didn't get one as a gift, use your amazon gift cards to get one. Keeps your phone within reach while sleeping and doesn't matter if you are lower or upper bunk you will always have the bunk buddy with you. Comes in a few colors.
The led lamp gives off good light and the bulb will last something like 27 years, so you can gift it to your children when they go off to college.
Cost: Clip On Shelf $29 and LED lamp $17
Since most dorms were built before the advent of iPhones and the need to plug in multiple devices you will need to create more access to power. I like this one because it also has 2 USB ports and also a port for charging type C devices.
Insider tip - use the velcro command strip to attach it to side of desk, wall or near bed to make access easier.
Cost: $22
Last, but certainly not least, is a medical kit of some sort. I like this one because in addition to bandaids etc, it has a few doses of over-the-counter cold, congestion, cough and sore throat medications included in the kit, stocking up on these medications can get really expensive - this is an easy way to cover most of your bases until the need arrives. Additionally it has printed instructions on dosage and when to go see a doctor.
Cost: $50 (they often have digital coupons to use when you buy these products)
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