Aren’t you glad the stress of college decisions is over? It sure was a nerve-wracking time!
Well, now the fun part starts! Or so it seems. It can get overwhelming with lists of college essentials and ensuring your child has everything they need to start out on their own.

When my son moved back to the US to start college last year, he was just happy to leave ‘home’ and start ‘college life’. Meanwhile, my mind was in overdrive to ensure he would have everything he needed to start life smoothly. I kept telling myself if he needs something he can Amazon Prime it so I don’t have to worry too much.
However, I will say, that starting college is an overwhelming experience. Your child is trying to figure out where to go for class, make new friends, adjust to dorm food (by far the hardest part), and if you’ve ironed out a few details ahead of time, it makes the transition very smooth for them.

If you know me, I do more research than necessary for everything (a by-product of overthinking), but I looked at forums on Facebook for the best dorm essentials, cross-checked with Amazon reviews, and then referenced with seasoned parents, and then made a list of highly recommended dorm essentials that I am sharing with you today!

I would advise you to cross-check with your own college list as well. Some items may be required for your child’s college that I haven’t included. Also, make sure to read up on what’s allowed and what’s prohibited. Typically items prohibited include candles, incense burners, AC.’s, etc.

It is always good to remember that ‘less is more’ when it comes to dorm room products. There is not enough space in dorms and at the end of the year, your child will likely have to move dorms (from freshman to sophomore) and will need to either bring everything home or in our case move things into a temperature-controlled summer storage container. Also, it is fairly easy to order things from Amazon Prime and those can be delivered in a couple days.
Use this list as a guideline, but I have found these things to have greatly benefited my child. So much so, I had to send links to my sons’ roommates, and friends because they wanted the exact same things for themselves.

Some of the items I am listing are affiliate links which means I get a small commission when you purchase at absolutely no additional cost to you. I would appreciate it if you used my links when you can.

Let’s Get Started!

Tarp

When you get to your college dorm drop-off point, you will likely have a drop-off time (limited), and a curbside drop-off where you can unload your car. When you do, it is best to place a tarp on the grass or sidewalk where you can unload everything so it doesn’t get dirty. It is not only the dirt, but it’s also possible the sidewalk or grass is damp from rains before so it is best to have one with you. This can be easily purchased from your nearest Home Depot or on Amazon.
Tarp

IKEA Bags

When packing and transporting things from your home to the dorm, these IKEA bags are on everyone’s list.
Fun fact: When I first bought them, my husband was like what’s the point of this? And my son had his reservations until we got to move-in day. Everyone and I mean everyone had them! So it is best to label them too with your child’s name and room number! All the kids walk in with the same bag.
If you’re flying from another state or are international, bear in mind that if your child has a suitcase or multiple suitcases they will have trouble storing it in the dorm room. Dorm rooms are tiny! Also, suitcases are very hard to take up a flight of stairs in case your child’s room is on the second or third floor. These IKEA bags fold up nicely are super compact and can hold a decent amount of weight.
IKEA BAGS

Wozoo Fan

This is another student favorite! I can assure you that every student will have a Wozoo fan! So don’t send your child without one. The Wozoo fan is available on Amazon but often on sale at Costco and it is best to wait for the sale to get them.

Box Fan

Depending on whether your dorm room has air conditioning or not and depending on the climate in the area, a box fan will be very helpful. It circulates the air and can be placed either in the window or on a higher shelf.
Box Fan

Bed Risers

Bed risers help elevate the bed frame so that you can make the most of the storage area underneath. Also, this is another one of those things I saw most students bring in. It is best to check with your own college resource to see how the beds are configured for height.
Basically, you want to raise the bed frame to the highest setting and put bed risers on the legs. Bed risers easily go on with a mallet. Once the bed is at its maximum height, you can put a 3-drawer shelf or stack storage bins underneath for extra storage which works out really well!
Some students opt for lofting the bed, but we didn’t do it for safety reasons.
Bed Risers

Mattress Essentials

The dorm-provided mattress is possibly the most uncomfortable to sleep on and so this is how most folks now recommend making a dorm bed.

Mattress Encasement

The first layer is the vinyl mattress provided by the college. An optional first step is to get a zippered, waterproof mattress encasement.
The dorm mattress has been used for several years so first wipe it down with cleaning wipes and put on a mattress encasement. This also protects against bedbugs! The mattress encasement linked here is for mattress size Twin XL which is almost standard across all colleges for freshman year. Even so, please check the mattress size at your dorm.
Mattress Encasement

Mattress Topper

This aspect of the bed provides the most comfort so don’t skimp on this part. After much research, we decided on the most recommended by parents and students which was the Lucid mattress topper. A 3-inch mattress topper is ideal unless your bed is lofted and you are close to the ceiling in which case perhaps a 2-inch mattress topper is ideal.
Mattress Topper

Mattress Pad

This provides protection on top of the mattress topper. You may opt for a deep-pocket mattress pad. This one worked best for us.
Mattress Pad

Sheets
The final layer is of course the bedsheets. We opted for fitted sheets and pillowcases and quite honestly you will not need more than 2 sets of sheets. One that is on the bed, and a second one in hopes that your child will actually change the sheets every couple of weeks!
I know of kids who went the whole year with just one pair of sheets because they would take it off, wash/dry them, and put them on again, which works too. And let’s be honest, some kids went all year without changing sheets. A sure-fire way to see if your child actually washed the sheets, is to slip a $20 under the sheets and see if they find it.
I sent my son with one extra set of sheets, in case something spills on the bed, it’s quick and easy to change.

Under the Bed Storage

There are multiple options for under-the-bed storage. Depending on what your child prefers you can choose what works best. I will share what we did and what worked well for us.
We got the Sterlite 3 drawer storage from Walmart which is sturdy and durable and placed that underneath the bed.
We then moved the dorm-provided 3-drawer storage under the bed as well. Since the bed was at its maximum height, this fit underneath easily.
Lastly, we placed two plastic Sterlite storage boxes under the bed for odds and ends.

Bedside Storage

We opted for a tall bedside storage with fabric drawers for additional storage. This also stocked bedside essentials such lamps, alarm clocks, and other nightstand essentials.
Bedside Storage

Plastic Storage Baskets

We opted for 4 plastic baskets to store laundry detergents, air-freshners, cleaning supplies etc. These storage baskets from Walmart worked out so well!

Wonder Hangers

These space-saving hangers were well worth it as the closet provided by the college is quite compact. These wonder hangers have a great way of vertical hanging that allows for more clothes to be hung in the same space.
Space Saving Hangers

Power Strip and Surge protector

These were required by our college and it seems most colleges require you to have one in your dorm. These two came most recommended. Check out the links here.
Surge Protectors and Power Strip

Shower Caddy

If you have to walk the hall to get to the bathrooms, this is an extremely useful shower caddy to take your essentials. My son was able to get a bathroom that was attached to his room but this caddy came in handy for him as well. If you are able to get your own bathroom to share with a double or triple roommate then having a 3-tier stand in the bathroom works very well.
Portable Shower Caddy

Medicine Organizer

You definitely want to supply your child with some basic medicines in case they fall sick. Trust me when they are down with a cold or cough, they won’t want to go to the nearest CVS and pick up meds.
It’s best to only give them medicines that they have already had at home and not give anything new. I supplied some basic cold/cough medicines and plenty of bandages! I used a hanging organizer to keep all the medicines in and he hung that in his closet. It is a clear organizer,so you can quickly grab what you need.
Medicine Organizer

Air Purifier

The college that my son went to is one of the oldest colleges here in the US. Most of the dorms are also very old and awaiting renovation. The air purifier was highly recommended for their rooms and climate. It helps battle germs in a shared environment and we decided to get one. If you even need one for your home this is the best one.
Air Purifier

Laundry Bag

Whether you want a roll-on laundry bag or a bagpack-style laundry bag – that is entirely up to your child. We opted for a canvas bag, that my son just hung at the edge of his bed. It closes with a drawstring and he would just carry it to the laundry room. It has stayed sturdy the whole year and you can’t beat the price.
Laundry Bag

MicroFridge

We opted to get the MicroFridge which is basically a mini microwave and mini fridge combo. These are best rented from the college that supplies it from a company. The advantage of this is that the company will bring it to your dorm and install it for you before your move-in day. This way you don’t have to worry about lugging it in your car and up a flight of stairs. Additionally, the company will pick it up on your last day of college. It is completely hassle-free! It meets the electrical requirements of the college so that is another thing you don’t have to worry about.

Non Essentials

Brita Water Filter

We did not initially purchase this, but my son wanted it a few weeks later and he said it was great to have on hand.
Brita Water Filter

Tool Kit

I don’t think this is essential, but we got our child a tool kit. It came in handy for many things around the dorm. And ended up being shared by everyone on his floor. You would be surprised how many kids want to try and fix things themselves which is always not the best decision.
Tool Kit

Steamer

This is by far the best steamer out there. Most kids will just throw on a shirt. But if they need one, here is a great option. I ended up trying this out at home too, and loved it for myself!
Steamer

Decorative Storage Bins

We kept 4 decorative storage bins for putting random things away. They add some nice color to the room to an otherwise dreary room.
Decorartive Storage Bins

Call Mom Pillow

I found this throw pillow and there was no way I was going to let this go! It is a two-sided pillow that says ‘call mom’ and ‘text mom’. At least my son was reminded to stay in touch whenever his head hit the pillow.
Call Your Mom Pillow
Pillow Insert

There were some other items we added like a small 4 x 6 rug between the two dorm beds. It makes the living space more cosier but it’s best to check with your roommate if they will bring one too. Often space only allows for one rug in the room.
We also had other items such as a small trash can, toiletries, a table lamp, plates and bowls, command hooks, etc. The list is extensive. If you need any links to any other items or advice regarding what is necessary, please drop me a comment.

Some helpful information to make the move-in day easier.

Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes! It is a lot of work. There will be a fair amount of walking, lifting, carrying, and setting up in a dorm room that is likely not air-conditioned.

Make sure to keep water and some snacks to hydrate and fuel.

Once you get to the dorm room, set up the fan first to keep everyone cool!  
Next, raise the bed frame and add the risers to the bed. Leave the dorm-provided mattress on it.
Don’t make the bed though. This way you can use the bed space to unpack and pile things on as you unpack.

Bring some family pictures to make it feel like home. Some wall decor also gives it a nice feel. My son decided to put up some wall decor later on during the week and it looked great.

Finally, enjoy the process! Remember this is the last day you are spending with your child before college starts. Make the most of it. Let them take the lead if they want, and help out as best as you can.
Enjoy and take pictures! Meet their roommate, exchange phone numbers with their parents, say your goodbyes, and bring tissues!

Once you have the essentials sorted, take a look at this ‘Open When‘ surprise you can do for your freshmen!