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College Dorm Checklist | My Baby's Going to College

Updated on April 1, 2013

College Dorm Room -- Here She Comes!

I knew this day would come -- my baby girl is leaving for college at the end of the summer. The past 3 months, we have been putting together a college dorm checklist so we would be prepared.

This is my second and last child to leave for college so I had some idea of what she needed. However, in my experience, girls are different than boys when deciding what they need for the 9 months away at school. (Haley wants everything, Brendan just wanted bare necessities.)

Together, we made this checklist that I thought might help other parents as they get ready to send a son or daughter off to college. This list includes some obvious and some not-so-obvious college dorm necessities. Have a look!

Image Credit: MorgueFile.com - Public Domain

Obvious -- Need Fridge for Cold Snack & Drink Storage - Check on the Size

Perfect for a college co-ed! Inside view:

Not-so-Obvious: Bed Risers - Need the Extra Storage

Kennedy Home Collections Adjustable Black Bed Risers - 8 Inch
Kennedy Home Collections Adjustable Black Bed Risers - 8 Inch
Dorm rooms are notoriously small. Every square inch you can squeeze out for storage is a must. By lifting the bed a few inches, you can use the under part for storing luggage, plastic storage boxes filled with dishes, out of season clothes, purses, school supplies and more. These risers help make the most of the space you have!
 
college dorm checklist
college dorm checklist

What Should be on my College Dorm Checklist?

Students and Parents work together

There are very obvious items that students will need for moving into the dorm and attending school. Things like computers, printers, notebooks, folders, cell phones, toiletries, clothes, etc... are not hard to come up with.

Other items will actually depend upon the rules and regulations provided to you by the Housing Office at your school. You don't want to take something that they will just make you turn around and take home. For instance, most schools do not allow toaster ovens or George Foreman Grills. Each school has its' own idiosyncrasies and it's easier to plan if you know what those are.

Image Source: CollegetoCareers.com

Comforter for Your College Dorm Checklist - Twin Extra Long

Chezmoi Collection 2-Piece Super Soft Goose Down Alternative Reversible Comforter Set, Twin X-Large, Black Grey
Chezmoi Collection 2-Piece Super Soft Goose Down Alternative Reversible Comforter Set, Twin X-Large, Black Grey
Though the photo looks like a full sized comforter, it is actually the twin extra long size. Haley thought the reversible black and gray would look good with the zebra designed sheets. This is a goose-down alternative comforter that will keep her warm and cool year 'round!
 

Microwaves in Dorm Rooms

I went off to college 29 years ago. Back then, microwaves were still new and not allowed in dorm rooms.

A girl on my floor successfully kept a microwave in her room for an entire semester by placing a set of rabbit ears on top.

You Need some Towels - for your College Dorm Checklist

3 PIECE "ZEBRA" BLACK & WHITE BATH, HAND & WASH CLOTH TOWEL SET
3 PIECE "ZEBRA" BLACK & WHITE BATH, HAND & WASH CLOTH TOWEL SET
A set of towels is something every student will need -- actually about 3 sets minimum (they don't like to do laundry most of the time). This set includes a wash cloth, hand towel and bath towel. Haley has 3 of these on her college dorm checklist but I may get her 4...
 

A Good Surge Protector - Should be on your College Dorm Checklist

Belkin 6-Outlet Wall Mount Surge Protector with Dual USB Ports (1 AMP / 5 Watt)
Belkin 6-Outlet Wall Mount Surge Protector with Dual USB Ports (1 AMP / 5 Watt)
A really good surge protector is important for college dorms. Not all are new buildings and protecting your investment in electronics like computers, printers, televisions, phones, etc... is a smart decision. Power surges can happen anywhere but are likely in old buildings. This surge protector even has 2 usb connections for charging sell phones, MP3 players and any other devices that need to be charged.
 

Ironing Companion for the Student - a helpful accessory on your college dorm checklist

Household Essentials Over-The-Door Ironing Board Holder, Silver
Household Essentials Over-The-Door Ironing Board Holder, Silver
Haley will be taking a full size ironing board and iron. She's likes to have one available if she needs it. We decided to get this over the door organizer to hold the board and iron so she can get to them easily but they won't take up valuable space.
 

Microwave for Snacks and When the Cafeteria is Closed - College Dorm Checklist

Oster OGG3701 .7-Cubic Foot 700-Watt Digital Microwave Oven
Oster OGG3701 .7-Cubic Foot 700-Watt Digital Microwave Oven
Haley is allowed a 700 watt or lower microwave. Because she is part of the young generation, she cooks better in a microwave than she does with a stove! This is the model she has added to her college dorm checklist.
 

Remember, check with your school's Housing Office for a list of acceptable items to bring to school.

Drown Out the Dorm Hallway Noise - with a Sound Machine

White Noise Sound Machine | Portable Sleep Therapy for Home, Office, Baby & Travel | 6 Relaxing & Soothing Nature Sounds, Battery or Adapter Charging Options, Auto-Off Timer | HoMedics
White Noise Sound Machine | Portable Sleep Therapy for Home, Office, Baby & Travel | 6 Relaxing & Soothing Nature Sounds, Battery or Adapter Charging Options, Auto-Off Timer | HoMedics
Haley cannot sleep in pure quiet -- good thing since she'll be living in a dorm with hundreds of other students. She's not crazy about yelling, talking screaming though that could very well go on in the dorm hallways. So she has decided she wants a sound machine to drown out unwanted noises.
 

Collegiate Trunk on your College Dorm List - Great for Hauling and Storing!

Seward Trunk Rover, Black, One Size
Seward Trunk Rover, Black, One Size
When my son went off to college, he had a trunk like this. It was so wonderful to just load it up with all his school supplies, dorm room items, hangers and anything else we could fit. We put it in the van and off we went! A lot easier to carry the loaded trunk up the stairs at the dorms than to make a million trips with small loads. Haley want's this black one. It has wheels even! She plans to unload it and then keep it at the end of the bed for storage during the year.
 

Be Honest...

Are you ready emotionally to send your child to college?

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checklist for college dorm living
checklist for college dorm living

Making Your Own College Dorm Checklist

If you don't receive one, either request one or visit your school's website and find out what the rules are concerning what your student can bring with them to school. It will save some heartache and maybe money in the long run.

Take personality, hobbies, extra-curricular activities and course study into effect when coming up with your checklist. We all want our students to be comfortable during their time at school.

Though I have parred down Haley's original list, I think she will have everything she needs and a few things she wants to make her dorm life comfortable. Good luck to your student!

Image Source: Public Domain via Pixabay.com

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