Inside this edition: Are the things your kid is going to need for dorm life in college.

Hey y’all!  It’s your girl Rainey with a little help for YOU – my tribe – the Rainey Crew.  It is summer and I am getting ready to send a child to college.  ME… sending a child to college.  It would be funny if I did not know it was true.  Anyway, I know there are more of you all out there trying to figure this all out.  So, this process is new to me, because I did go to college, but I did not stay in a dorm.

What I want to do is help you out with what I know so far.  Updating the post will come as I learn more, so make sure and subscribe so you’ll know when I make changes.  These are the supplies your young college bound child is going to need come August.  Bear in mind that each school is different, and you should verify their requirements (like sheet sizes). Overall, this list should cover almost everything. I believe that I have compiled the ultimate list your kid will need for dorm life.

Linens and Laundry

  • Mattress Pad – I can only imagine the comfort level of those dorm mattresses.  A good mattress pad will give another level of comfort.
  • Sheet sets – 2 sets usually twin size.  Check with the school before you buy.
  • 2 Pillows – One so he/she can rest their head on and the other to cover their head to block out the noise of their room mate(s).
  • 2 -3 Bath Towels.
  • Blankets (2) – They may not be able to control the temperature, so it won’t hurt to have a second.
  • Comforter – You will never have to wonder if they are warm enough.
  • Hangers – Be sure to get the slim hangers.  That will allow them to maximize on what little closet space there may be.
  • Laundry basket – You may be tempted to choose a bag, but a basket means the clothes would stand a better chance of getting in it.
  • Laundry detergent – I really love the detergent pods.  Beats lugging around a gallon of detergent. Just sayin’.
  • A drying rack for the laundry.
  • Febreeze

For the Room

  • Alarm Clock –  This will not be a purchase if you already have one.
  • Trash Can and trash bags
  • Bedside lamp and a desk lamp
  • A small fan – Again they may not be able to control the temperature in the room and not all dorms have AC.
  • A combination bulletin board and wall calendar
  • 3M hooks and tape to hang the above calendar and pictures etc?
  • A small tool kit. – You never know.
  • Under the bed storage containers.  –  During orientation pay attention to the beds.  Is there storage already there or is there empty space.  If there is space use the containers.
  • Bed Lifts.  To make sure you maximize on your storage options you can use bed lifts to get a couple more inches of height for taller containers.
  • An area rug. – 6’x9′ is usually a good size, and some schools offer Carpet Programs, so the carpet is waiting there for you instead of you lugging in your own.

For the Desk – Stationery Needs

  • Pens and mechanical pencils – No need for a sharpener.
  • Memory cards – SD cards or USB flash drives
  • Stapler
  • Notebooks – College Ruled
  • Index cards – 3×5 is usually preferable
  • Post it Notes
  • Duct Tape and Invisible write on tape.
  • Scissors
  • Highlighters
  • Ruler
  • Light bulbs

Technology

  • Laptop – this will allow them to work almost anywhere, but packing up their desktop is always an option as well.
  • A monitor – Two screens are better than one especially if one is bigger.
  • A printer (optional) and a ream of paper.  If there is room for a printer on the desk.  This is really a convenience not a necessity.
  • All the appropriate cords for the devices.  Pay close attention to the male and female connections that connect devices.  This will save you a lot of time and frustration when it is time to connect it all.
    • Ethernet
    • USB
    • HDMI
    • Power
    • Multiple extension cords
  • Surge protectors to protect all this electronic equipment.
  • Noise cancelling headphones

Food Preparation

  • Small refrigerator – Check with the school to see if it is allowed.
  • TV – Depends on the size of the room and the room mates
  • Small Instant Pot or Rice Cooker- Check with the school.
  • Microwave – Check with the school
  • Paper Towels
  • All-purpose cleaner and disinfectant
  • Dish soap
  • Microwave safe dishes – bowls, plates, cups
  • Paper plates
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Utensils
  • Can and bottle opener
  • Disinfecting Wipes

Toiletries

  • Pain relievers
  • A small first aid kit
  • Shower Caddy
  • Flip Flops – for the shower
  • Hair product
  • Shower Gel
  • Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Combs and brushes
  • Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
  • Nail clippers
  • Lotion
  • Hair dryer/curling iron
  • Razors and shaving cream
  • Deodorant/Anti-perspirant
  • Cotton swabs/pads

Clothing

  • Sweaters/Fleece Hoodies
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Dress Pants – at least one pair
  • Shoes (comfortable dress shoes)
  • Dress Shirt – Thrown in a tie just in case.
  • Jeans
  • Shorts
  • Button down shirts
  • T-Shirts – good for layering
  • Sweats
  • Pajamas
  • Sneakers
  • Heavy jacket
  • Light/Rain jacket
  • Winter Gear – Get at least two of each you know they will get lost.
    • Gloves
    • Scarf
    • Hat
    • Boots
  • Swimsuit

Miscellaneous – The Obvious

  • A backpack
  • The Child – Haha! that’s just me being funny.

Good luck to you all, as your offspring head off to a new chapter of their lives.  It is overwhelming, but you can do it.  Use the checklist to make sure you get what your kid needs for dorm life. I think you should be pretty much set.  If you think of something I forgot, comment below and let me know so I can add it to the list.

One more thing. If you are interested in having this list in a more formal format like a checklist you can purchase it here. I made a copy just for you.