The Ultimate Dorm Room Checklist

Notebooks and a laptop on a bed

Are you a student or know of a student headed back to college or university this fall?

Do you need a dorm room checklist to help you pack or keep track of items?

Packing for a college or university dorm room can be a challenge.

Fortunately, when you take the time to review, shop, pack, and double-check items, it can make the process go a little more smoothly.

In this post, I offer a helpful dorm room checklist to help college and university students get organized for the upcoming school year.

Please keep in mind, this checklist is meant to be used as a guideline. You can pick and choose which items best fit your needs and situation.

And remember, if you’re ever in doubt about what you should pack or bring with you, consult your college or university.

Now, let’s move onto the dorm room checklist!

Bedding items

  • Antibacterial mattress cover*
  • Bedsheets*
  • Comforter or duvet*
  • Blankets
  • Pillows
  • Pillowcases

*twin size or extra long twin size, depending on your school

Bath Items

  • Bath towels
  • Hand towels
  • Body poufs or washcloths
  • Bath soap or body wash
  • Hand soap
  • Facial soap or cleanser
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Bathrobe
  • Shower caddy
  • Shower cap
  • Flip flops (for the shower)

Beauty and Personal Care Items

  • Comb
  • Brush
  • Hair accessories
  • Hair styling products
  • Hairdryer
  • Flat iron and/or curling iron
  • Tweezers
  • Nail scissors
  • Nail file
  • Cotton balls
  • Cotton swabs
  • Small mirror
  • Contact lenses
  • Contact lense case
  • Contact lense solution/cleaner
  • Eyeglasses
  • Eyeglasses case
  • Makeup
  • Medication
  • Vitamins

Laundry Care Items

  • Laundry detergent
  • Fabric softener
  • Hamper or hamper bag
  • Iron
  • Ironing board
  • Hangers

Desk and Study Items

  • Reading or desk lamp
  • Three-hole puncher
  • Three-ring binders
  • Loose-leaf paper
  • Printer paper
  • Notebooks
  • Pens
  • Pencils
  • Pencil sharpener
  • Eraser
  • Highlighters
  • Pencil or pen case
  • Ruler
  • Laptop rest
  • Wastebasket

Electronic Items

  • Alarm clock
  • Cell phone or smart phone
  • Cell phone or smart phone charger
  • Fan
  • Computer (laptop or desktop tower and monitor)
  • Computer charger
  • Printer
  • Tablet
  • Tablet charger
  • Mouse
  • Keyboard
  • MP3 player
  • MP3 player charger
  • Radio or stereo
  • TV
  • DVD player
  • Extension cords
  • Surge protectors/power strips

Kitchen Items

  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Water filter pitcher
  • Water filters
  • Plates
  • Cups
  • Mugs
  • Utensils (forks, knives, spoons)
  • Dish soap
  • Dishcloth
  • Sponge
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Paper towels

Personal Items

  • Wallet
  • Watch
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunglasses case
  • Lanyard
  • Backpack
  • Purse or bag
  • Combination lock
  • Umbrella
  • Hand wipes

Clothing Items

  • Shirts
  • Slacks
  • Skirts
  • Dresses
  • Sweaters
  • Socks and hosiery
  • Underwear
  • Pajamas
  • Slippers
  • Exercise or gym clothing
  • Shoes
  • Sneakers
  • Light jacket or coat
  • Heavy jacket or coat

Other Items

  • Sports equipment and accessories
  • Musical instruments and accessories

How about you? What do you think of the above dorm room checklist? Which items would you add to or include in the checklist? Join the conversation and leave a comment below!

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About the Author

Rashelle

Rashelle Isip is a New York City-based productivity consultant who helps successful entrepreneurs and business owners manage their time and energy so they can reduce stress, work less, and make more money in their businesses. She has been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, NBC News, The Washington Post, NPR, and The Atlantic. Get her free guide, 5 Unexpected Things You Need to Organize a Work Notebook, by clicking here.

4 Comments

  1. Marlene

    Hello Rashelle,

    I don’t see reading books on your list.
    Also, do young people use MP3,TVs and DVD players?
    I’d like to share this list on my business page Call Me the Organizer, if that is ok with you.

    This is a very good list that you’ve compiled.

    Reply
    • Rashelle

      Hi Marlene, thanks for your comment. Books are a good suggestion; I guess in that case, an eReader and related charger would be a wise addition, too! I added the MP3, TV, and DVD player to the list because I wanted to give people a wide variety of possible items to pack. You never know what might come in handy for someone.
      I’m fine with you sharing the list on your site – would you please be sure to link back to my site when you do? Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  2. Janet Barclay

    I’d add some non-perishable food items: instant coffee, tea, sugar, cookies, crackers, etc. They’ll need to be replenished throughout the year, but it’s good to have some to start out with.

    Reply
    • Rashelle

      Those are some great ideas. I can’t believe I forgot about the snacks! Thanks for your comment, Janet.

      Reply

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