Dorm Room Essentials - Needs v. Wants

It can be overwhelming to plan and budget for the things your college freshman will need and want for their dorm room in the fall. The checklist below can help you plan now with your student. The items on the “needs” list can be purchased or pulled from items you already own anytime and help you spread out your spending for budgeting purposes. Discuss your student’s “wants” list and be sure to coordinate with their roommate to share or divide up expenses once dorm room assignments have been made by your college. Hope this listing helps you get started with a checklist and our links provide some inspiration to make their dorm room as comfortable as possible as their new “home away from home.”

(*See gallery of product photos with Amazon links at the bottom of this post)

NEEDS

1. Mattress Topper

• Lucid 4-inch 3-in-1 down alternative pillow top + gel memory foam combo https://amzn.to/3TEfSKE (my daughter loves it and wants one for home!)

• Lucid 4-inch gel memory foam https://amzn.to/3TutAi2

• Novella 4-inch gel memory foam with breathable bamboo cover https://amzn.to/3IO5KZJ

2. Mattress and Pillow Protectors

• Mattress Encasement https://amzn.to/49brYPX (LUCID Encasement Mattress Protector - Completely Surrounds Mattress for Waterproof Protection - Dorm Room Essentials - Twin XL)

• Pillow Waterproof Protectors https://amzn.to/4cqNVgP (Set of 2 Standard Size SureGuard Pillow Protectors - 100% Waterproof, Bed Bug Proof, Hypoallergenic - Premium Zippered Cotton Covers - Smooth)

3. Bedding

• Sheets https://amzn.to/4aq9psf (3-Piece Microfiber Luxury Style Bed Linen Set - 45 color options!)

• Mattress Gap Wedge Pillow (alternative to headboard) https://amzn.to/3xC65w6

• Pillows (Send at least 2)

• https://amzn.to/498jrgv

• https://amzn.to/3TRmKEJ

• Comforter & Pillow Sham Set

• Bedsure Twin XL 5-piece bedding set (22 color options) https://amzn.to/4aqztn1 (Bedsure Twin XL Comforter Sets - 5 Pieces Reversible Twin XL Bedding Sets, Bed Sets Comforters, Sheets, Pillowcase & Sham, Grey XL Twin Bed in a Bag for College)

• Lush Decor Reyna Ruffle Comforter Set - 2 Piece https://amzn.to/3TvxRl9 (Cozy Ruffled Bedding Set - Timeless Elegance and Comfort for Dorm Room - Twin XL, White)

4. Bath Towels

• Martha Stewart Bath Towel 6-piece set https://amzn.to/3TNXFKz

• 2-piece Turkish Cotton Bath Towel set https://amzn.to/4am9TzA

• If your daughter is going through sorority rush - consider a small kitchen tea towel to keep in her rush bag to protect her seat when sitting on the grass between visits to sorority houses. Find personalized and school-related towels in our Etsy shop - https://www.etsy.com/shop/JJoCreativeCo?section_id=48300137

5. Robe - Whether your student has a roommate or must travel down the hall for showers, they may need a robe. *Ask your student…some will prefer to just bring clothes with them to change into and a robe may not be a necessity for all.

• Men’s 100% cotton Turkish Terry cloth bathrobe https://amzn.to/3Vui48M

• Women’s 100% Turkish Terry cloth bathrobe https://amzn.to/3Vrj9OM

• Women’s Turkish linen waffle knit bath robe short https://amzn.to/3IQvcO5

6. Laundry Basket - Ask your student their preference…the rolling option might depend on if their laundry room is on their hallway or if they have steps to carry laundry up/down. Rolling option fits under beds in most cases.

• Rolling Slim Laundry Hamper with clear side panel window https://amzn.to/3xbdbHJ

• Backpack Laundry Bag https://amzn.to/4au73bU

• Collapsibile Laundry Basket https://amzn.to/3VIxmXw

7. Shower Caddy

• Mesh pocket shower caddy https://amzn.to/3VvdoiU (Mesh Shower Caddy Portable for College Dorm Room Essentials with 8 Pockets, Hanging Shower Caddy Dorm Basket, Quick Dry Shower Bag for Bathroom)

8. Bath mat

• Memory Foam Bath Mat Rug https://amzn.to/3Vwff7f

• Fun “Get Naked” Bath Mat Rug https://amzn.to/3VvIerF

• Fun “You Look Good” Bath Mat Rug https://amzn.to/4a8xIv6

9. Closet Organization

• 24-compartment Hanging Clothing Organizer https://amzn.to/497Ai3k (Legging Organizers And Storage, Behind the Door Storage Organizer, Clothes Closets Roll Holder Hanging, 24 Compartment Organizer, Space Saving, for Yoga, Shirts, Pants, Towels (24 Compartments, Black))

• Slim Velvet Hangers https://amzn.to/3TO5e43 (20 / 50 / 150 pack options)

10. Charging Stations (Pro tip: Get two - one for bedside and another for desk side especially for hair tools.)

• Power Strip https://amzn.to/4azhB9V - 10 FT Extension Cord, Power Strip with 12 Widely AC Outlet 3 USB, Flat Plug, Wall Mount Overload Surge Protection

11. Backpack - don’t forget to send a compact umbrella and waterproof cover to keep in their backpack

• North Face Jester backpack (popular!) https://amzn.to/3JRch6k

• Cute Women’s Travel backpack https://amzn.to/3xfLhtY

• JanSport Laptop Backpack https://amzn.to/3Vxwjdc

• Adidas backpack https://amzn.to/3VrUMk5

• Compact umbrella https://amzn.to/3TKOuKZ

• Backpack rain cover https://amzn.to/498OOYg

• Lululemon “Everywhere” backpack

  https://mavely.app.link/e/Rdz3lsD4HLb

• Lululemon “New Crew” backpack

  https://mavely.app.link/e/ahE8UtQ4HLb

12. Computer - Send from home or check with your student’s major for recommendations. Some popular items linked below.

• 13-inch Apple MacBook https://amzn.to/3VuhI1W

• Acer Aspire Slim Laptop https://amzn.to/49e1I7w

• HP 14-inch Laptop https://amzn.to/495ZZB7

13. Step Stool - These are essential to keep in closet or bedside for lofted beds.

• Folding step stool https://amzn.to/3IROwL2

• 13” folding step stool https://amzn.to/3ITe3U1

• Velvet storage Ottoman Cube https://amzn.to/492U7Zq

• Round Velvet Storage Ottoman with gold base https://amzn.to/3VuhI1W

14. Filtered Water Bottle - Faucet water on campus can be a little suspect for drinking. Send your student with a refillable filtered water bottle to keep in their room or backpack.

• Brita Filtered Water Bottle https://amzn.to/3Vr9sjm

15. Plates, Cups & Utensils - The less they have to clean by hand the better! Opt for a good supply of disposable paper plates, Solo cups and utensils. We did provide a set of reusable sturdy plates/bowls/cups as well. Maybe buy a few “real” knives for cutting meats.)

• 12-piece plastic dinnerware set (microwave safe) https://amzn.to/3TNWsD3

• Plastic Disposable Clear Cutlery Tray https://amzn.to/3TQl8L6 (1 pack has lasted all year for my daughter and roommate.)

• Gold Aesthetic disposable cups https://amzn.to/4aJYiL9

• Splurge on a large tumbler or water bottle that will keep their ice longer! Send ice trays for their mini fridge too!

• Stanley tumbler https://amzn.to/43waWe8

• Yeti tumbler https://amzn.to/3xbkQWv

• Ice tray with lid and bin https://amzn.to/3vsJKQX

16. Medicine/First Aid

• Standard First Aid Kit https://amzn.to/3TuD0Km

• Also send cold & flu, allergy, headache/pain medicine - so your student doesn’t have to run out when they are feeling under the weather! I love these 2-piece stackable drawers to keep medicine, vitamins and first aid items organized but visible https://amzn.to/3IVo3vK.

(*See gallery of product photos with Amazon links at the bottom of this post)

WANTS

1. Fan - A few options are below whether your student prefers a table and standing fan. My son has the tower fan and loves it still as a sophomore.

• Table Fan https://amzn.to/3PCRq9W (WOOZOO Fan, Small Oscillating Desk Fan, Table Air Circulator, 3 Speeds, 46ft Max Air Distance, 11 Inches, 112° Adjustable Tilt, 30 db Low Noise)

• Standing Fan https://amzn.to/49dTgoO (Dreo Tower Fan for Bedroom, 24ft/s Velocity Quiet Floor Fan, 90° Oscillating Fans for Indoors with 4 Speeds, 4 Modes, 8H Timer, Standing Fans, Bladeless Fan, Black)

2. Air Purifier - https://amzn.to/3xab4nD

3. Area Rug - A few styles are below. The size will depend on your room space but 5x7 or 8x10 have the most impact on room decor and cover more of the ugly floors, if your space allows.

• Modern Abstract Blue Rug https://amzn.to/4cq9r5b (Modern Abstract Blue Faux Fur Area Rug with Non Slip Rubber Backing)

• Pink Teal Orange Yellow Vintage https://amzn.to/49eBaCZ (Antep Rugs Elite 8x10 Vintage Bohemian Distressed Oriental Medallion Indoor Area Rug (Pink, 7'10" x 10')

• Navy Seafoam Blue Orange Rug https://amzn.to/3VCltT9 (SAFAVIEH Madison Collection Area Rug - 5'3" x 7'6", Blue & Light Blue, Boho Chic Medallion Distressed Design)

• Sage Brown Ivory Rug https://amzn.to/3vUVM5P (SAFAVIEH Adirondack Collection 6' Square Ivory/Sage ADR112W Modern Abstract Non-Shedding)

4. Desk Hutch Bookshelves

• Sturdy Desk bookshelf hutch with shelves https://amzn.to/43ifjcJ

• Adjustable desktop bookshelf https://amzn.to/3PuH7EP

• 2-tier counter organizer white/gold - https://amzn.to/3VuZRrE

5. Desk Chair Slipcovers - https://amzn.to/4c7Ns1F

6. Lamps

• Desk lamp with charging port https://amzn.to/3vfKs41

• Desk lamp with charging port and pencil holders https://amzn.to/498kcpR

• Preppy gold decorative lamps with rectangle white shade (set of 2) https://amzn.to/3TyMnse

• Preppy gold decorative lamps with USB charging ports (set of 2) https://amzn.to/49ZYh5A

7. Mirrors

• Lighted desk mirrors (variety of sizes and shapes available) https://amzn.to/43va5u8

• Full-length gold framed mirror with stand or hanging options  https://amzn.to/4abxMd4

• Over the door full-length mirror https://amzn.to/4a3uEjV

8. Wall Decor (Art/Flags)

• Framed canvas print wall art https://amzn.to/4cxiDET

• Custom Flags with Your Text/Photo/Graphic https://amzn.to/4cxDI2f

• Neon Signs for wall decor- https://amzn.to/4bO82DW

• Twinkle Star 200 LED String Lights (66 ft Plug in String Lights - https://amzn.to/4d2sT7K

• Boho Tassel Garland (several color options) - https://amzn.to/3ybAq5b

• Select NCAA YouTheFan Store School Spirit Decor Items - Shop by your school!

• Custom school or dorm colors wall art canvas or tapestry on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/JJoCreativeCo

9. Headboard/Bed Decor

• Headboard

• Versatile White DIY Headboard https://amzn.to/43vOUbk (bring zip ties to attach to bed frame - https://amzn.to/43tgUwr)

• Headboard cushion to fill the gap between mattress/frame https://amzn.to/3voUBeA

• Wedge Pillow Bolster Pillow Headboard https://amzn.to/3TPzFH2

• Tufted Velvet Headboard (multiple color options) https://amzn.to/498MErC

• Mattress Gap Wedge Pillow (alternative to headboard) https://amzn.to/3xC65w6

• Decorative Throw Pillows

• Cotton Euro 26 x 26 pillow sham https://amzn.to/3TPOmtW

• Velvet 28 x 28 pillow covers https://amzn.to/4ctg5rg

• Custom lumbar/throw pillows on Etsy (school or room colors, personalized name/initials monograms) - https://www.etsy.com/shop/JJoCreativeCo

10. Curtains for Windows and/or Closets

• Lush Decor White Curtains (available in lengths 84”, 95” and 108”) https://amzn.to/4aoz8kX (we used 84” inside window frame and 95” for covering closets)

• Room Darkening Curtains https://amzn.to/49dj7x4 (NICETOWN Room Darkening Light Grey Curtains for Bedroom, Dual Rod Pockets & Hook Belt Thick Faux Linen Thermal Curtains Window Treatments for Living Room/Bedroom, W52 x L84, 2 Panels)

• DON’T FORGET YOUR CURTAIN ROD and ADHESIVE ROD HOLDERS (Pro tip: buy both kind of rod holders and return what you don’t need. You’d rather have what you need on move in day!)

• Tension Shower Rod option https://amzn.to/3PvPUqj

• Rod (black, silver, gold options) - https://amzn.to/3Vrk2H9

• Flat Adhesive Rod Holder for Inside Wall - https://amzn.to/4atjPYm

• Bracket-style Adhesive Rod Holder for Out from Wall - https://amzn.to/43sVX4J

• Curtain Rings with Clips 40-pack - https://amzn.to/3IPEMRf (works great for sliding closet curtains back and forth)

11. Tall Cabinet for Bathroom or Pantry

• Tall 75 inch cabinet with doors and shelves https://amzn.to/3vw9dJ6 (Cozy Castle Freestanding Pantry Cabinet, 75" with Doors and Adjustable Shelves, Wood Storage Cabinet for Kitchen, Bathroom or Hallway, White)

12. Bedside Cabinet

• Sideboard cabinet with doors and gold legs/hardware https://amzn.to/3TPOwkX (LYNSOM Storage Cabinet with Doors, Free Standing Living Room Cabinet, Modern Wood Buffet Sideboard for Kitchen, Bedroom, Hallway, Entryway, Office, White)

• Tall Dresser Storage Unit with 6 drawers https://amzn.to/3xfJvsO

• Tall Dresser Storage Unit with 5 drawers https://amzn.to/3TO5XlF

13. Shelving Rack

• Over Toilet or Mini Fridge Shelf Rack https://amzn.to/4a3sPTX (CAPHAUS Bamboo Over The Toilet Storage, Behind Toilet Bathroom Shelf Rack with Hooks & Adjustable Feet, 24-Inch Freestanding Toilet Shelf, Bathroom & Laundry Organizer, Balcony Plant Stand, Black / White / Natural colors)

14. Storage Solutions

• Under-bed 3-drawer storage cart with wheels https://amzn.to/4avcXcZ

• Basket set https://amzn.to/3IQoaZF

• Clear Plastic Organizer storage bins https://amzn.to/3VpClMS

• Under desk or under-bed 3-tier rolling cart https://amzn.to/3TP047U

15. Large Trash Can

• Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can - Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin https://amzn.to/3IMuHVk

• Slim 10.6 gallon kitchen garbage can with lid/foot pedal https://amzn.to/3VwgOC9

16. Extra Seating - You student may want a cozy chair, futon or storage bench for extra seating, if space allows.

• Futon 65” modern folding sofa bed with USB https://amzn.to/3vro5bW

• Mini Futon 43” inch Armless loveseat couch https://amzn.to/4arCXFT

• Bean Bag Chair https://amzn.to/3TO6qnV

• Swivel Accent Chair https://amzn.to/4a8zgVW

Check my Linktree for other highly requested Amazon links for our dorm room designs.

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