
Created by parents and students who have navigated move-in weekend first year, our dorm room checklist is a practical guide to make planning, organizing, packing, and unpacking for campus living less chaotic. While the essentials listed may seem like a lot to pack and haul to your college campus, most are compact and easily stored in containers under the bed or in the closet of your freshman dorm room. Keep in mind, you'll be adjusting the list based on your needs, but it's a good starting point that also includes a to do list of often overlooked action items. Let's get started.
Follow these simple steps to better plan and organize your mve to campus:
- Download DormSmart's Dorm Room Checklist. Requires (Get Adobe Acrobat Reader)
- Check your school housing policy for what to bring and what not to bring to campus, adjust the list.
- Make space at home to pack your dorm room essentials.
- Inventory items you have at home first then create a shopping list and budget. Check items off the list as acquired.
- Number your boxes. As you pack each item, mark its box number on the checklist to quickly locate essential items when you arrive on campus. Note that box size and weight matter if you must carry it a long distance to your residence hall or up the stairs to your dorm room.
- Finally, use the checklist as an inventory for your school property insurance, keep your receipts.
Dorm Room Bedding (check mattress size with college)
Box # | Box # | ||||
2 Sheet Sets (extra pillowcases) | Blanket | ||||
Duvet & Duvet Cover Set or Comforter Set | Mattress Cover (bedbug protection) | ||||
Mattress Pad | Foam Topper | ||||
Pillows (for sleep and to transform bed into daytime seating) | Soft Throw (for lounging and outdoor events) |
Dorm Size Cooking/Eating Supplies
Box # | Box # | ||||
UL Listed Compact Refrigerator or Microfridge - consult roommate | UL Listed Auto Shutoff Small Coffee Maker (NO Hot Plate) - consult roommate | ||||
BPA Free Microwave Safe Dishes (2 large plates, 2 small plates, 2 bowls) | 2 - 4 Break Resistant Tumblers | ||||
2 Reusable Water Bottles | Insulated Travel Cup | ||||
Water Pitcher (must fit in dorm size refrigerator) | Eating Utensils (2 forks, 2 teaspoons, 2 tablespoons, and 2 butter knives) | ||||
BPA Free Microwavable Cookware (e.g., Fasta Pasta) | BPA Free Storage Containers (square saves space) | ||||
Can Opener | Chip Clips | ||||
Measuring Cup (microwavable) | Measuring Spoons | ||||
Paring Knife (check school policy) or Peeler | Pizza Cutter | ||||
Salad/Spaghetti Tongs | Small Funnel | ||||
Spatula/Turner | Colander (collapsible saves space) | ||||
Dorm Sink Stopper (if needed) - consult roommate | Dish Scrubber | ||||
Dish Liquid | 2 Pot Holders | ||||
2 Dish Towels | Trash Bin - consult roommate | ||||
Trash Bags | Paper Towels | ||||
Disposable Plates and Utensils (if preferred) | Study Snacks/Food/Bulk Snacks (save money) | ||||
Coffee Supplies | Bulk Drinks (e.g., bottled water to store under your bed) | ||||
Storage Bags (e.g., store food, toothbrush, and toiletries, change to reduce germs) |
Cleaning Supplies
Box # | Box # | ||||
UL Listed Compact Vacuum Cleaner - consult roommate | Bucket with Lid (safely store cleaning and laundry products) | ||||
Cleaning Products (include a few old cleaning rags) | Toilet Brush (if in-suite bathroom) - consult roommate |
Computing
Box # | Box # | ||||
2 Ethernet Cables 14ft and 25ft (when wireless fails, run 1 cable to the desk and 1 to your bed) | Computer - check compatibility requirements with school | ||||
Laptop/Tablet Sleeve (protection when running around campus) | Computer Bag/Bookbag (must hold school supplies and computer) | ||||
UL Listed Surge Protectors with Overload Protection (flat plugs save space) | Compact Printer with Cable (for procrastinators) - consult roommate | ||||
Printer Ink and Paper - consult roommate |
Dorm Room Decor
Box # | Box # | ||||
Area Rug - consult roommate | Photos from Home (digital photo frames save space) | ||||
Lightweight Message Boards | Message Board Accessories (e.g., dry erase markers or chalk and eraser) | ||||
3M Command Strips for hanging wall decor (save dorm room deposit) | Wall Decor (e.g., removable and reusable wall decals and break resistant mirror) |
Dorm Room Friendly Electronics (UL Listed)
Box # | Box # | ||||
Alarm Clock (consider using phone) | Portable Music Player (consider using phone) | ||||
TV Combo (whatever your needs, just dorm size) - consult roommate | Noise Canceling Headphones (tune out noisy residence halls) | ||||
Cable Splitter (if you do not want to share) | Extra Cable (depends upon location of cable tv outlet) | ||||
Surge Protector with Overload Protection - check school housing policies | UL Listed Fan - consult roommate | ||||
UL Listed Air Cleaner - consult roommate | Removable Tap Lights for Closet (if needed) | ||||
Pest Control - check school policy and consult roommate | UL Listed Desk Lamp (no halogen) | ||||
UL Listed Bedside Table Lamp (no halogen) | Electronics Charger(s) | ||||
Inexpensive Camera (consider using phone) | Extra Batteries |
Dorm Room Furniture (What does your school provide for students?)
Box # | Box # | ||||
Bed | Desk and Chair | ||||
Bedside Table (one that provides additional storage) | Extra Seating (space permitting) |
Laundry Supplies
Box # | Box # | ||||
UL Listed 3-Way Auto Shutoff Iron or Steamer - consult roommate | Ironing Board - consult roommate | ||||
Hangers (hanging clothes saves space) | Folding Dry Rack (for drying sweaters or fine washables) | ||||
Sweater/Delicates Wash Bag Set | Laundry Staples (e.g., detergent, softener, color bleach, and stain remover) | ||||
Lint Roller | Sewing Kit | ||||
Laundry Hamper (e.g., pop up, folding, or backpack) |
Safety and Security
Box # | Box # | ||||
College First Aid Kit | Flu and Cold Season (e.g., meds, cough drops, and thermometer) | ||||
Pain Relief Medicine | Multivitamins or Vitamin C | ||||
Hand Sanitizer (use after class or lab, before touching your face or food) | Prescriptions | ||||
Laptop Lock | Bicycle Lock | ||||
Dorm Room Safe/Lockable Storage | Defensive Spray or Alarm - check school policies and state and local laws | ||||
Flashlight | Key Chain | ||||
Compact Tool Kit | Rain Poncho | ||||
Umbrella | Rain Boots (must have in areas like New Orleans) | ||||
Sun Screen | Sun Hat (ideal for outdoor activities in hotter climates) |
Shower Supplies
Box # | Box # | ||||
Waterproof Shower Bag or Caddy (quick drying) | 2 Each Bath Towels, Hand Towels, and Washcloths or Scrubbies | ||||
Spa Wrap or Robe | Slippers | ||||
Shower Shoes | Shower Curtain (if needed) - consult roommate | ||||
Bath Mat (if needed) - consult roommate | Hair Appliances | ||||
Hair Products (e.g., shampoo, conditioner, styling products) | Razor or Shaver | ||||
Shaving Cream | Shower Soap | ||||
Toothbrush/Toothbrush Holder | Toothpaste | ||||
Mouthwash | Dental Floss | ||||
Deodorant | Foot Powder (be kind to your dorm mate) | ||||
Q-tips | Tweezers | ||||
Manicure Kit | Air Neutralizer (kill odors) | ||||
Extra Toilet Paper | Disinfectant (kill bacteria) | ||||
Personal Toiletries (e.g., makeup and other personal items) | Tissues |
Storage and Organization
Box # | Box # | ||||
Storage Bins (collapsible bins on shelves, under your bed, and in the closet) | Lockable Trunk (for secure storage, travel, and extra seating) | ||||
Under Bed Storage | Bed Risers (check school policy and dimensions of bed posts) | ||||
Hanging Storage (check your closet dimensions) | Storage Caddies (for school supplies, hair appliances, or makeup...) | ||||
Over the Door Storage Hooks (hang book bags, purses, jackets, and wet towels) | Space Bags (minimizes bulky clothing or blankets when not in use) | ||||
Clothing Bag (protection for dress clothes) |
Getting Around Campus
Box # | Box # | ||||
Bicycle (inexpensive bike to get around on or near campus) | Bike Accessories (e.g., helmet, lock, basket, repair kit, pump) |
School Supplies (Can you utilize electronics in your classrooms?)
Box # | Box # | ||||
6 College Ruled Notebooks | 6 Folders | ||||
6 Report Covers | Stapler | ||||
Staples | Staple Remover | ||||
3 Hole Punch | Scissors | ||||
Index Cards | Tape Dispenser | ||||
Tape | Push Pins | ||||
Post-it Notes | Pens (red, black, blue) | ||||
Standard #2 Pencils (testing) | Erasers | ||||
Highlighters | Ruler | ||||
Calculator | Rubber Bands | ||||
Paper Clips | Binder Clips | ||||
Desk Organizers | Academic Planner |
Everything Else (includes to do action items)
Box # | Box # | ||||
Proof of Health Insurance | Immunization Records | ||||
Accident/Theft Insurance | Emergency Contact Card | ||||
Evaluate/Adjust Mobile Phone Coverage/Pack Charger | Open Bank Account/Get a Bank Card | ||||
Establish a Monthly Budget | Add Money to School Card (e.g., campus purchases, services, and laundry) | ||||
Coins (if no card system) | Register Bicycle | ||||
Register Vehicle with School/Obtain Parking Permit | Cool Weather Items (e.g., coat and jacket for early fall) | ||||
Equipment for Activities (e.g., music, sports, cheerleading) | Clothing & Accessories (e.g., casual, dress, workout, avoid expensive jewelry) | ||||
Luggage (for travel over school breaks) |
Moving Your Essentials to Campus
Box # | Box # | ||||
If needed, reserve your moving trailer or transport early! Don't forget a dolly. | Moving Supplies (e.g., boxes, packaging materials, tape, sharpie, and tool kit) |
A few tips for a successful move-in weekend
Move-in weekend is busy! There are thousands of boxes arriving on campus with many students trying to locate them. Exactly why you should use your dorm room checklist to prepare for your move to college. Whenever possible, it's best to purchase your dorm room essentials early, pack them in an organized fashion, and accompany them to their final destination, your dorm room.
If you must ship your dorm room essentials to campus, remember to:
- Use your campus shipping address; and
- Give yourself plenty of time to locate your items (mark that you need to retrieve them on your list).
When you arrive on campus, there's lots to do to settle-in, all while participating in mandatory activities such as freshmen orientation. It's best to allow your family to help you unpack, organize, and style your dorm room into a home away from home to save time and get the best start for Monday classes. It makes the transition to college life more comfortable for everyone, especially you. Don't forget this move is also a big change for your family so put them at ease by communicating often. Have a successful year at college!