21 Not-So-Obvious Things to Remember for College Dorm Rooms

Last week I was on the road (over 50 hours in the car!) driving from Texas to Maryland to take my son to college for the first time. I wanted to share with you the things I learned that are helpful for most dorm rooms-- things that may not be obvious to buy or pack.

I did not include the traditional "mini-fridge and microwave" kind of stuff in this list-- only things that are not top-of-mind for most people in this process.

By the way, my son did let me set him up pretty well! Not sure how long he'll keep it that way, but above is a photo of how I left his closet.

And now, drumroll please... the list:

• Lots of 3M Command adhesive hooks, various sizes and types. Our dorm rules did not allow nailing anything into any walls.
• Printer paper. We bought the printer, but didn't think about how he'd need paper for it!
• HDMI cable or monitor cable. We had an extra monitor for his laptop so he'd have two screens, but it didn't have a cable to connect them together.
• Loooonnng ethernet cable. Making sure you can use a wired connection anywhere in the room.
• Extension cords. Because you never know when you need them.
• Power strips/surge protectors. There are never enough outlets in rooms like these, plus you need to protect your electronics from power surges.
• Accordion file. Although students today have much less paper than their parents did, they still need a place for a few files to be stored for warranties and course syllabi and materials. An accordion file with 13 pockets or so is small and is perfect for starting out.
• Light bulbs. Bought a new desk lamp, but it didn't come with light bulbs.
• Bookshelves. There were not any bookshelves provided, which is weird because students have books. We put some together quickly from Target.
• Paper towel holder & paper towels. Again, with the adhesive mount on it. 
• Disinfectant wipes. Gotta clean something sometime, even if you are a college boy.
• Disposable plates, cups, and utensils. For clean drinking cups, for that random birthday cake for someone in the suite, or for leftovers brought back from the cafeteria.
• Zip closure freezer bags in quart and gallon sizes. I use these all the time, plus, to fly on a plane you need the quart size bags to put your liquid toiletries in. Unlimited reasons to have these! He will thank me later.  :)
• First aid kit. Basic Neosporin and bandages, etc.
• Hangers. Should be obvious but it wasn't to me-- duh!
• Garbage can. They don't provide them. 
• Oscillating fan. They don't have AC in Maryland everywhere like we do in Texas!
• Bathrobe. Living in a co-ed suite, we insisted our son have one even though he never used one at home... also, it gets cold in Maryland!
• Tide "Pods" for laundry. Kind of foolproof for college guys, and it won't be messy with spilled liquids or powders in the room.
• Lap desk. I use one myself at home. They make it easier to work on a laptop and keep your machine (and your lap) cooler. It's even good for your hard drive and components because you can accidentally block the fan when you put computers down on soft surfaces.
• Assorted drawer dividers. For the desk drawers for paper clips, pencils, pens, etc.

Of course there were many other things that we brought with us, but many of them are obvious and boring. What would you add to the list from what you've learned? Share in the comments!

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Comments

[Phoebe]

also hair ties and headbands were never mentioner either

[Phoebe]

sorry last one i swear but dishes were mentioned in e few comments, but no one mentioned dish soap or spongers for dishes.

[dana]

I recommend getting different colored towels or pay to get them monogrammed so that you always know which towel is yours and don't use someone else's!!

[Stacespace]

Don't forget a mini toolkit! The boys were already borrowing my daughter's pink tools within minutes of our departure!!

[Molly]

People always say that alarm clocks are not necessary because everyone uses their phones now, however mine saved me so many times when my phone didn't make it to the charger, somehow turned off, or fell somewhere where I wasn't able to hear it well. It never hurts to have to turn off another alarm!
Plus very good for exam days or other important days when you stay up late and can have another backup in case the first one doesn't wake you up!

[John]

An oscillating fan (which could be picked out at http://bestoscillatingfans.com) was definitely a lifesaver for me at college. Not only did it keep me cool, it also provided a bit of white noise to help drown out the noise which only a dorm full of partying freshmen can make. Normally you'd want to get the quietest fan you could, but for a college dorm louder is almost better.

[Jessica]

One thing I saw on this list that I know I'm not allowed to have in my dorm is extension cords due to fire hazards. Make sure to check the school website and/or welcome packet to see what things students can and cannot have, especially if you live far away- no need to pack things that students cant have. Also if possible students should try to talk with their roommate(s) to see who has what so students don't have doubles of things- google docs can be great, or facebook for this. also look to see what furniture is supplied. If the student is in a suite style room they may want an extra chair

[Desiree]

Command hooks are great! And I definitely agree about the mattress topper I also recommend a mattress pad/ mattress protecter if it isn't provided.

A printer can be good, but look and see if there is a computer lab in your child's dorm. Most colleges provide free computer labs open all hours that way you don't need the added expense of the printer, paper, and ink. Plus it's already a fee that you are paying for as part of their tuition.

I saw someone put down smoke detector? Interesting idea, but every single smoke detector has to be screwed into the ceiling, therefore at the end of the year you have to pay a property damage fee. The dorm room has to be in the same condition it was in when your child first arrived on move in day.

I recommend getting some closet organizers that way any clothes you don't want wrinkled won't be.

Bed risers are great but a lot of colleges and universities are telling people they aren't allowed anymore. They are basically banned in Iowa. No college lets you use them.

A mini ottoman is always nice to decorate your room but also a great way to add storage.

I recommend a cutting board. My freshman year I made sure I always had fresh fruit and veggies to snack on.

Air freshener works great, but also a dryer sheet on the back of a fan works to if you don't have a car on campus, or time to run to the store.

A planner. I can not stress how much you really need to stay organized in college. A planner is a great way to do that.

Plastic shower hooks on a hanger makes a great DIY scarf hanger and it saves you money. Target sells these hooks for less than $2.

A colorful rug can always make you feel at home.

Dish detergent is nice. Especially if you do plan on bringing a few dishes besides anything that is paper.

I also recommend some sort of drying rack that you can fold up and store afterwards because the dryers at school are not the best!

Though for the question on quarters. Some schools don't make you pay for laundry. Others make you pay a flat fee as part of tuition. Or you pay in quarters I recommend checking with the school your child has decided to go to and ask them about that.

A can opener. And a canning jar opener. I can not stress how much these have become my best friends in college! Joking of course, but you will find that you will use them a lot. If the can opener can't open it use the canning jar opener.

A comfortable desk chair would be highly recommended, the chairs provided by the college are made of wood, they creak, and are lightly padded. Bring your own chair! Though you'll need to check with the residence hall office to see if they will store the chair or if you have to.

And just to let you know this is a sophomore year perspective from my freshman year!