Good morning. I’ve been chatting with two of my best friends because we all have seniors who will be graduating from high school this year. Our children have known each other since they were born and I can’t believe this milestone year is upon us. While they are all still deciding where they will land next year, one thing is for certain – they will be moving into a dorm room! Thought it would be fun to start a college prep series. Today I am sharing some of the things that are on our list to buy. My dear friend, Michelle, already has a son in college so she has shared a wealth of knowledge with us. While this is just scratching the surface, it might help if you are starting to create your list of must-haves.
A FEW MUST HAVES
- Large Storage Bags – they hold so much even clothing still on hangers. Plus the fold up tiny to store under the bed. Ideal if you are driving your college student to their new home. I already bought a set and might buy one more.
- 2 Pack Pillows – very comfy, we use them already
- 2″ Mattress Topper – this comes highly recommended by friends
- Shower Caddy – must have and I like the minimal design
- Bedside Organizer – clever use of space when the rooms are so small
- Collapsable Drying Rack – we ordered one to try here, my daughter hangs everything so this is key, she can put it up overnight and it folds down to a small cylinder when not in use
- Air Purifier – every dorm room needs one especially if prone to allergies
- Twin XL Duvet Set – this site is fantastic. So many cute options. Target is great, too.
This is just a starting point and things that have come highly recommended to us. I love that they are tried and true and have been a success with the college kids.
BRING ON THE STYLE
My daughter and her friends have been talking about these cute headboards. I can see how it would make the bed so much more comfortable and up the cute factor.
This headboard is a best seller. It comes in many color options including a faux leather style.
My daughter will also be stocking up on these long sleeve tops. She loves them and they are a better price than the original.
STAYING ORGANIZED
I created a spreadsheet so I can keep track of what I’ve purchased, where it’s from, and where I’ve tucked it away (otherwise I’ll never remember). Hoping this keeps us organized so that there is more time to enjoy summer rather than frantically getting things ready. This is all so new for us, so we welcome any and all suggestions. I honestly can’t believe we are at this stage in our lives but it’s wonderful to see our seniors becoming so independent and confident. It’s amazing to watch it all unfold (despite the occasional break down). And by starting early, we are hoping to keep the stress at bay when it comes to move in day.
A WORTHWHILE CONVERSATION
I shared this post a couple of years ago and remains one of my favorite. An AMAZING conversation in the comment section. So many wonderful things to think about when choosing what life looks like after high school. Chatted about everything from choosing the right school to choosing a different path altogether. If you haven’t already, I think it’s worth a read.
I plan to do more with this college prep series so stay tuned.
My best tip: When you go through a tour or eventually an orientation, ask to see a dorm room in their building. Measure the closet and drawers for depth and width, height. Same with any drawer and space under the bed, if there is any. That way you can come prepared with bins, baskets, handing closet rods that work for each space most efficiently. Also, look for a full length mirror or a way to attach one.
Get a single room if available. At first the thought is that it’s fun to have a roommate. Most end up wishing they had a single room. Friends will stop by all the time so a single room space doesn’t have to be lonely. But, even best friends, as roommates, often don’t work out, especially when one decides their boyfriend can be there at all hours. Some sleep late, another is an early riser. Trust me.
Yesssss!!!!!
I recommend including a small basic tool kit. There were several instances over the course of my son’s college days (he has since graduated from UT Austin and now starting his MBA at UNT) when he needed a hammer or a screwdriver, etc. Include a few Command hooks in the kit also. If possible, you should bring a more robust tool kit to move-in day, but your daughter could benefit from a simple tool kit as well. I also recommend a tap light for the closet and a night light for the bathroom (if she has a private bath). Like Susan03 mentioned as well, having measurements in advance is super helpful.
Great list! We bought that actual bedside organizer and it was hard to put together and then did not work out as my girls bed didn’t accommodate a hanging piece. She prefers one that has a panel that slips under the mattress. To echo on the other comments, our daughter was gifted a basic tool bag for graduation and we used it during move-in and she has used items from it several times and has also been able to assist others with tool needs. And the most shocking item she “can’t live without” is the small handheld vacuum she keeps in her room. They have dark grey carpet that shows everything and she loves keeping it swept up!
We also sent my son to school with a tool kit! Beddies bedding was our best purchase since lofted beds are so hard to make in a dorm. Thankfully, boys require way less stuff than girls. My son lives in a coed dorm and we made 4 trips and were done unloading. The girl’s parents seemed like they were moving an entire house in. Less is more!
Yes to the hand held vacuum!
Other things that my freshman daughter brought and uses all the time:
– mattress cover/protector then the n the topper over that
– command hooks in various sizes
– fan
– a mini fridge ( some schools will allow to bring your own some schools require you rent from them)
– brita water filter
– personal size keurig
– surge protected extension cord
– multi pronged charger
– drawer liners/scented sheets
If your daughter’s dorm room has a lofted bed, purchase an extra long phone charger.
@cassiesugarplum has a great list and loads of information for moms sending kids off to college. Check it out. Such a fabulous though emotional time!
Yes, it’s here:
https://hisugarplum.com/dorm-room-essentials/
We ordered at BBB in the same city where the college is and pick them up when we land. This saves us the problem of lugging big items around – mine went out of state. We timed our Amazon purchases to be delivered after the college is open to getting shipment for incoming freshmen – so they are there waiting when we got there.
Make sure the shower caddy has holes on the bottom to drain water! A sturdy laundry bag, battery operated disc lights for the closet, lots of command hooks for robes, towels, holding charging cords so they don’t fall behind the bed, if no AC get a fan early before they sell out – same with XL bedding, it goes quick. And really you need less than you think because they will accumulate stuff and you may have twice the stuff to bring home!
Definitely send her with a tool kit. But ALSO bring what I call “Mom Bag” to move in – few basic tools, scissors to cut open items, tape, zip ties, command hooks, garbage bags (everyone is moving in at the same time and the communal garbage/recycling spots are quickly over flowing), extension cords, multiple outlets, and WATERS and SNACKS! You don’t wan’t to have to unpack her things to find the items you need from the start. And anything you can assemble or unwrap at home and bring helps – you’ll be grateful to be able to just plug in a fan or lamp without unpackaging. Bring clothes already on hanger to just pop onto closet rods, etc.
Our daughter started a running gift registry on Amazon for her graduation. That way family can purchase, and if not, she can use her money to get her needs before college.
It’s such an exciting time! Our senior is still deciding his next move, but we’ve been taking in all the advice as we go. One thing to add is a basic medicine “cabinet” or little first aid kit. A mom friend of mine suggested a small plastic box and include things like pain relievers, bandaids, antibiotic ointment, eye drops, hydrocortisone cream, tums, etc.
And all these mentions of a tool kit reminded me of the gift we did for our graduating seniors for my son’s hockey team last year. We got them each a small tool kit, and the gift was well-received!