I’ve had so many requests to create a post specifically for dorm room finds most used/appreciated by the boys. There is certainly overlap with the list for girls, but I kept it as streamlined as possible. Let’s face it . . . for the most part the boys are not as invested in how the room looks and more concerned with the necessities. I’ve included some tips and tricks we’ve picked up over the last couple of years.
RIDE OR DIE BAGS
My love for these bags (on sale) runs deep. They have held up well for two years and many moves (my daughter has moved more than most). They hold a great deal and are easy to stack. They are ideal if you are driving.
Pro Tip: Number them (in the label window) in the order you want to unpack them. For instance, “bedding #1” is the first bag you open with the mattress protector and pad. “Bedding #2 would be the sheets and comforter. You’ll thank me when the room is tiny and there is stuff EVERYWHERE. It gets confusing and can be a bit tense if you have a lot of bodies in the room. Numbering the bags makes it a breeze.
THE FAMOUS TRIO
Riley LOVES this combo and has the most comfortable bed. We have stuck to this formula. Of course you don’t need the foam topper but it sure does make the bed a dream.
Pro Tip: Encasement, then foam topper, then the white mattress pad.
AWARD WINNING SHEETS
This set (award winning) comes with one pillow case but I recommend this set with two. The boys don’t need decorative pillows but it’s nice to have two pillows to lean against.
Pro Tip: I recommend sticking to darker colors . . . things get dirty even when you are washing them.
PILLOW SET
This set is a no brainer. Great quality and will last throughout the college career.
CLASSIC COMFORTER
This plaid comforter is treated for stain removal. Freshman eat and sleep in their rooms so anything you can do to mitigate stains is great. Remember to buy TWIN XL. This navy one is also a great option.
Pro Tip: Boys don’t tend to chat with roommates about the design of their rooms. But if you choose something classic and in the navy family, you are more likely to luck out and have things coordinate.
HANGING NIGHTSTAND
Without a nightstand, the kids need a place to set a book, phone, pens, etc. This is a great solution as it just hangs from the bed frame.
A MUST HAVE FAN
A must have. Hands down the most requested item by students. Riley loves her. It’s powerful and very quiet. The Target price is better than Amazon, by the way.
Pro Tip: Check Costco as they tend to carry this over the summer months.
LIGHTWEIGHT BLACKOUT DRAPES
Blackout drapes are key. It’s wild how much light can come in the dorm windows. These are very lightweight, effective, and easy to hang.
Pro Tip: Use this rod (very lightweight) and these command hooks made especially for curtain rods. Easy peasy.
POWER TOWER
The outlets are never in a great place. This is a must and I recommend having it close to their desk.
Pro Tip: Use one like this that has a place to charge phones.
DESK LAMP
Dorm lighting is not always the best. It’s really nice to have a task lamp like this for the desk. And there is a place to charge a phone.
GREAT STORAGE OPTIONS
The hanging sweater bag is ideal for the wardrobe. The most bang for your buck and great for t-shirts and sweatshirts. The rolling cart is nice for food items and snacks the boys may want in the room.
CLEAN TOWELS
These are key. My daughter loved them, too. They kids want to keep their skin looking good and reusing washcloths is just a bad idea. So much bacteria gets trapped and the laundry isn’t being done often enough. Disposable face cloths are truly a necessity.
Pro Tip: You can put these on subscription once the school year starts and have them shipped directly to the dorm. Easy!!!
SHOWER SHOES
These don’t need an explanation. Communal showers = shower shoes. That is all.
Pro Tip: This was so helpful! We bought one for Riley and she set her wet shower caddy and shower shoes on it (she kept it under her desk off to the side). It keeps the rug or floor from getting wet.
DARK SET OF TOWELS
These towels have fantastic reviews. Riley found having two bath towels was perfect.
Pro Tip: Stick with a dark color but be sure to wash and dry them a couple of times before you send your kiddo off.
A DOORSTOP
Those heavy dorm doors are designed to slam shut and they do!!! Moving in and out is a pain when the door keeps closing and locking. Be sure you have one of these.
Pro Tip: Encourage you child to use it regularly to invite people to pop in. Phones have made college life a bit different. Any chance to have the door open and just be social is a great idea.
DECORATIVE FLAG
Grab a college or USA flag and you’re done! The boys love a flag over their bed. Add in a couple of photos they might want and you’ve successfully designed a college dorm room.
Pro Tip: Stock up on command hooks to hang things like this.
STOCK UP ON HOOKS
Grab a couple packs of these. They are great for hanging shower towels, hats, flags, etc.
Pro Tip: You can hang a strip of blue painter’s tape behind these to protect the paint. They don’t always come off the wall in clean way.
The complete list for boys can be found here. I’ve included things like a thermometer, first aid kit, and more. I will say that things tend to sell out quickly so I would get my list checked off and then sit back and enjoy the summer. Big adventures await. Enjoy the process.
I’ll be back with a post about moving in and out and the cleaning supplies you need. I think I’ve gotten it pretty dialed in and it’s a subject very few people talk about.
I also have a post on dorm and apartment finds for the girls in this post.
