COLLEGE DORM CHECKLIST
THE ULTIMATE
SHOP AT WWW.DORMCO.COM
START HERE
DO YOU KNOW HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR DORM BED FOR MAXIMUM COMFORT?
BEDDING
1. MATTRESS ENCASEMENT
TWIN XL MATTRESS ENCASEMENT
Your first line of defense between your old dorm mattress and your bedding. Not knowing who slept on your mattress years before you makes an encasement essential.
TWIN XL MATTRESS TOPPER WHAT’S A SET?
TWIN XL SHEETS (2 SETS)
1 FLAT SHEET 1 FITTED SHEET 1 PILLOWCASE
TWIN XL BEDDING BLANKET
2. BED TOPPER An extra layer of padding that will actually make your bed pleasant to sleep on. Memory foam and featherbed rank the highest for comfort, while Serene foam keeps you cool all night.
TWIN XL COMFORTER BED PILLOWS (1 OR 2)
3. MATTRESS PAD
EXTRA PILLOWCASES
An extra boost of comfort to keep your mattress topper in place while also protecting your topper investment for future use.
TIP : Buys you extra time when laundry day doesn’t fit your schedule.
4. SHEETS
BEDDING ACCESSORIES
Twin XL is the standard sheet size needed for dorm beds. TXL Sheets will also fit Twin beds should your university not provide extra long beds.
HEADSIDE CADDY TIP : Keep things close to your bed and in reach!
5. BLANKET
BODY PILLOW/BEDREST TIP : Turns your bed into a comfortable study, sitting, or sleeping area.
Don’t leave your feet stuck out in the cold!
6. COMFORTER
LAPDESK BED CLIP LAMP
College comforters are your main line of defense against the nighttime chill. And maybe more importantly, sets the tone for your dorm decor.
TIP : Get extra reading/work done in bed while your roommate sleeps!
BLACKOUT CURTAINS/BLINDS TIP : While not directly on your bed, blocking sunlight is essential for extra sleep!
STANDARD DORM ROOM BEDS ARE SIZED TWIN XL!
WHY TWIN XL?
The XL = 5 extra inches of length (39” x 80”). When it comes to bedding you don’t want to be short sheeted. Twin XL will be sure to fit both Twin and the more common Twin XL beds.
PACKAGES LOOKING FOR WAYS TO SAVE?
HAVE A DIFFERENT SIZED BED? SHOP AT BYOURBED.COM FULL
QUEEN
KING
OVERSIZED
FULL XL
QUEEN XL
CAL KING
Traditionally dorm beds have been Twin XL, however in recent years some universities have been adding larger sized bedding, such as Full XL or even Queen.
YOU CHOOSE YOUR COLORS & STYLE!
Consult with your roommate(s)
FULLY-LOADED PACK
Luxury, not a necessity
DormCo has it
Living off campus or commuting to school? Chances are you won’t have a Twin XL bed. Check out Byourbed for the best in bedding of any size.
Available in package deal
For suite style dorms (Bathroom within room)
COLLEGE DORM CHECKLIST
THE ULTIMATE
ORGANIZE
SHOWER/BATH
HOW OFTEN HAVE YOU HEARD THAT DORM ROOMS ARE SMALL? Dorm rooms are tiny, which means you will need a lot of dorm essentials for saving space and keeping your dorm stuff neat and organized.
DO YOU HAVE A SUITE STYLE DORM OR WILL YOU HAVE A COMMUNITY BATHROOM? Knowing this will determine the things that you do and do not need to buy!
SHOWER CADDY/TOTE SHOWER SANDALS
TRUNK/FOOTLOCKER TIP : Fill your trunk up with essentials you gather months prior to college to help with packing. Then, while at school use your trunk for storage, seating, or a table!
HANGING CLOSET SHELVES TIP : Save money by purchasing organizing packages like DormCo’s TUSK College Storage. TM
SNAP CUBES TM
TIP : Bulky wooden shelves are not ideal for dorms. SNAP Cubes give plenty of shelf space with the ability to collapse flat for easy move-in/move-out or can be collapsed and hidden if your room needs more space. TM
SHELF SUPREME TIP : Keeps your mini-fridge, microwave, plates, cups, silverware, and more in an organized location.
TIP : You’ll be sharing a bathroom with a lot of people. Shower sandals will ensure your feet stay clear of any germs.
BATH TOWELS (AT LEAST 2) WASHCLOTHS (AT LEAST 2) TIP : Loofahs and/or bath sponges will work too!
HAND TOWELS BROTOGA
TM
TIP : Take a robe! The Brotoga is the comfiest robe in the world! Wear in your dorm, to/from the bathroom or anywhere comfort trumps all! TM
BATH MAT SHOWER CURTAIN TISSUES TOILET PAPER
SHOE STORAGE TIP : Better than having a shoe pile in your closet!
UNDERBED STORAGE TIP : In college, the space under your bed is vital to use! It’s no longer where you shove stuff you don’t need.
CLOTHES IRON
BED RISERS TIP : Check with your college first to ensure they meet safety codes.
STORAGE HOOKS TIP : Great for your towel, jackets or robe!
OVER-DOOR STORAGE
Yes, it’s dreadful, but by making it easier with college specific laundry bags and hampers, maybe it won’t be so bad!
MINI IRONING BOARD/BLANKET TIP : Don’t lug a huge ironing board from home, there’s simply no room.
LAUNDRY HAMPER/BAG/BACKPACK TIP : Use a laundry backpack for easy transport to and from the laundry room. It will take a load off!
SMALL DELICATES WASH BAG
HANGERS TIP : Tiered hangers hold 4-5 times more (saves space)!
JEWELRY/ACCESSORY ORGANIZER
TIP : Allows your delicates to be washed with your other clothes, which saves both time and cost!
COLLAPSIBLE DRYING RACK TIP : Keeps your best clothes safe from the college dryer.
MILK CRATES/BINS SUITCASE OR DUFFLE BAG(S) TIP : Needed for roadtrips, spring break, or going home.
Consult with your roommate(s)
LAUNDRY
FEAR OF LAUNDRY?
Luxury, not a necessity
WASHEZE
TM
TIP : Washing detergent, softener and dryer sheet all in one makes laundry a breeze!
DormCo has it
Available in package deal
For suite style dorms (Bathroom within room)
COLLEGE DORM CHECKLIST
THE ULTIMATE
SECURITY
ELECTRONICS
BRINGING VALUABLE ITEMS TO COLLEGE?
WHAT ELECTRONICS DO I REALLY NEED?
When it comes to your valuables, especially your laptop or computer, it is better to be safe than sorry.
You don’t want to bring too much, but there are certain things you cannot go without.
SMALL TV (BEST UNDER 42”)
LAPTOP SAFE WITH TETHERING CABLE TIP : Fit just your laptop with our Iron Brick Safe or upgrade to fit other valuables with our impressive SWOL Safe. TM
COAXIAL CABLE (FOR YOUR TV)
TM
VIDEO GAMES/CONSOLES
GO VAULT® PERSONAL SIZED SAFE TIP : Good for money, jewelry, or your passport.
TV STAND/ELECTRONICS SHELF
ANCHOR LOCKING SYSTEM
TIP : Mounting your TV will damage your dorm walls. A TV stand is a must-have if your dorm lacks a dresser!
TIP : Smart for expensive tech items or bikes.
COMBINATION LOCK/PADLOCK
LAPTOP/TABLET
DOOR STOP
ETHERNET CABLE TIP : Need depends on your university dorm Wi-Fi.
PRINTER/PRINTER INK
SAFETY FIRST AID KIT
PROTECT YOURSELF?
TIP : Procrastinator? Maybe bringing your printer is a good idea so you can print last minute assignments.
Stay safe in and outside of your dorm whether you’re out late, have night class, or get a bump on your knee.
ALARM CLOCK TIP : A good back-up to your smartphone.
SURGE PROTECTOR(S)
PERSONAL ALARM
EXTENSION CORD(S)
TIP : Creating a loud noise can help prevent an attack from ever happening!
FAN
DEFENSIVE SPRAY
CHARGERS FOR ELECTRONICS
TIP : For seriously dangerous situations
USB FLASHDRIVE
DORM FIRE EXTINGUISHER
COMPUTER SOFTWARE TIP : Check with your school to see what free software you can obtain as a student!
FOR YOUR DESK NEED HELP STUDYING? Maximize your efforts by creating a productive and comfortable work and study environment.
BATTERIES LIGHTBULBS
DESKTOP BOOKSHELF
FLASHLIGHT
TIP : A necessity for all of those textbooks. Check out DormCo’s College Cube or Classic Dorm Desk Bookshelf!
CALCULATOR SPEAKERS/HEADPHONES/EARBUDS
PLANNER/CALENDAR DESK ORGANIZER TIP : Labeled bins for the days of the week are a smart way to stay organized.
PRIVACY DORM DIVIDER OR PRIVACY FRAME/SCREEN
DESK LAMP
Consult with your roommate(s)
TIP : Create a private study environment and/or an undisturbed area for sleep.
Luxury, not a necessity
DormCo has it
Available in package deal
For suite style dorms (Bathroom within room)
COLLEGE DORM CHECKLIST
THE ULTIMATE
SEATING
WHERE WILL MY FRIENDS SIT? Although dorm rooms are small, you’re going to need additional seating. After all, you don’t want your friends sitting on the cold hard floor or on your bed.
COLLAPSIBLE SEATING BUTTERFLY CHAIR MOON CHAIR CLUB CHAIR PAPASAN SOFA
MINI-FUTON STORAGE BENCH
TIP : Maximize your storage with products that have a dual purpose additional seating and storage!
Seating that can be hidden in a closet, up against a wall, or under your bed when not in use.
COOKING/EATING
COLLEGE RECLINER TIP : This chair folds down into a compact cube making it easy to pack up to and from college.
DECOR
WHAT’S A COLLEGE CHECKLIST WITHOUT DORM DECOR? The key to shopping for decor for dorms is to have fun - enjoy it.
AREA RUG
PLAN ON SNACKING? You will want to get the college products necessary to create your own mini-kitchen within your dorm room.
MINI-FRIDGE
TIP : 3’ x 5’ or 4’ x 6’ - Great for your side of the room. 5’ x 7’ through 6’ x 9’ - Great as a room sized rug (
).
FULL-LENGTH OR TABLE MIRROR HEADBOARD
TIP : Separate freezer versions are the best!
TIP : Transforms your dorm bed into a look that feels less like a dorm and more like home.
MICROWAVE TIP : Check wattage allowed by your residence hall (usually 700 watts or less).
COFFEE MAKER TIP : Buying from your college coffee shop can add up quickly!
FLOOR LAMP DRY-ERASE MESSAGE BOARD/MARKERS BULLETIN BOARD POSTERS
INSULATED TRAVEL MUG
GLUE DOTS
MICROWAVABLE COOKWARE
TIP : Hang photos or posters!
TIP : Check out cool products like the Dueling Cooker ®.
SHELF LINERS
EATING UTENSILS
TIP : Provides both decor and a clean cover-up to your previously used desk and closet drawers/shelves.
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE(S)
REMOVABLE AND REUSABLE WALL ART
WATER FILTERING PITCHER FOOD STORAGE
TIP : Ideal for dorms because they add a pop of color and personality to your walls without causing any damage.
TAPESTRIES
COOKIN CADDY ® TIP : Hangs over your mini-fridge and has pockets to keep your cooking utensils and plates organized.
HOT POT
TIP : Cover your dorm wall, place on your bed, or use as a window shade.
PHOTO HOLDERS ROOM SCENTS
TIP : A convenient way to cook Ramen Noodles, soup, and other stovetop items without needing a stove or microwave.
SMALL BLENDER
Consult with your roommate(s)
Seating that provides a more permanent seat.
STATIONARY SEATING
TIP : An instant way to give your dorm a fresh feel!
DECORATIVE PILLOWS
Luxury, not a necessity
DormCo has it
Available in package deal
For suite style dorms (Bathroom within room)
DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF
(BUT DON’T FORGET THEM EITHER)
CLOTHING/ACCESSORIES
DESK SUPPLIES
TOPS (LONG SLEEVES, SHORT SLEEVES, TANK TOPS, ETC.) BOTTOMS (JEANS, SHORTS, SKIRTS, ETC.) 2 WEEKS WORTH OF:
PENS PENCILS
TIP : This will limit the amount of laundry you will have to do! Laundry twice per month is the most you’ll want to do laundry - or have time for!
UNDERWEAR SOCKS
ERASERS HIGHLIGHTERS
SLEEPWEAR
PERMANENT MARKERS WHITE-OUT POST-IT NOTES INDEX CARDS LOOSELEAF PAPER PAPER CLIPS PUSH PINS SCISSORS
OUTERWEAR (JACKET/COAT, SWEATSHIRTS, ETC.) EXERCISE/SPORTSWEAR 1-2 SEMI-FORMAL OUTFITS FOOTWEAR BATHING SUIT
TIP : Consider packing: sneakers, boots, sandals, and other casual footwear. Most importantly, locate the shoe storage you need to match the number of shoes you plan on bringing.
BELT(S) HATS
PACKING TIP :
JEWELRY
SHOULD I BRING ALL OF MY CLOTHES?
WATCH SUNGLASSES HANDBAGS
STAPLER/STAPLES TAPE RULER
No! Only bring clothes you know you are going to wear. Also know the climate your school is located in. You can always swap out your clothes when you go home for the holidays when the weather starts to change.
3-HOLE PUNCH ENVELOPES STAMPS TIP : Stay in touch with friends and family the old fashioned way!
TOILETRIES
WONDERING WHY WE DIDN’T INCLUDE YOUR NOTEBOOKS, FOLDERS, AND BINDERS?
SHAMPOO/CONDITIONER
FACIAL CLEANSER
SOAP/BODY WASH
FACE LOTION/BODY LOTION SHAVING CREAM
HAIR BRUSH/COMB HAIR STYLING PRODUCTS DEODERANT Q-TIPS COTTON BALLS TOOTHBRUSH TOOTHPASTE MOUTHWASH
RAZORS GLASSES CONTACTS/CONTACT SOLUTION TWEEZERS MANICURE KIT PERFUME/COLOGNE HAIR APPLIANCES BLOW DRYER, STRAIGHTENING IRON, CURLING IRON, ETC.
DENTAL FLOSS TOOTHBRUSH HOLDER SOAP HOLDER
Consult with your roommate(s)
Unlike high school, college courses often require specific notetaking and/or course material, so wait to see what your professors suggest.
MAKEUP FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS
Luxury, not a necessity
DormCo has it
TIP : Buy your textbooks after the first week of classes - this can save you a lot of money!
FOOD SNACKS
NON-PERISHABLES, CHIPS, CRACKERS, RAMEN, ETC.
DRINKS COFFEE, TEA, SPORTS DRINKS, HOT CHOCOLATE, ETC.
Available in package deal
For suite style dorms (Bathroom within room)
DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF
(BUT DON’T FORGET THEM EITHER)
CLEANING/LAUNDRY
KITCHEN
PAPER TOWELS
DETERGENT
ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER
DRYER SHEETS
TOILET CLEANER
FABRIC SOFTENER
TOILET BLEACH TABLETS
STAIN REMOVER
DISINFECTING WIPES
LINT ROLLER
SLIM ICE TRAY
UTENSIL WIPES
SEWING KIT
SMALL TRASH BIN
DISHWASHING SOAP
STORAGE BAGS
CAN/BOTTLE OPENER
SMALL TRASH BAGS
SPONGES
UNSURE HOW TO DO LAUNDRY?
HANDHELD VACUUM
Check out DormCo’s YouTube How-To Video: Laundry Virgin?!
MINI-BROOM/DUST PAN
URL: tinyurl.com/hye6wey
HEALTH & WELLNESS
CHIP CLIPS
THE
CAR
CONTROVERSY
GETTING AROUND
PROS
vs
CONS
Convenience!
No job, no cash, no gas.
You’re not stuck on campus, go explore!
You might end up playing chauffer.
Carpool and have friends chip in for gas money.
Parking permits can be costly.
PROOF OF HEALTH INSURANCE
CAR & PARKING PERMIT
IT’S 100% NORMAL
IMMUNIZATION RECORDS
BICYCLE
PERSONAL PRESCRIPTIONS
BICYCLE CHAIN/LOCK
TO BRING YOUR FAVORITE STUFFED ANIMALS TO COLLEGE! MAKE YOUR DORM FEEL AS CLOSE TO HOME AS POSSIBLE!
MULTI-VITAMIN
SKATEBOARD
PAIN RELIEF MEDICATION
BACKPACK/BAG
ALLERGY MEDICATION
WALLET
COLD/FLU MEDICATION
STUDENT ID HOLDER
RANDOM COMPACT TOOL KIT DUCT TAPE SAFETY PINS SMALL PLANT PLAYING CARDS EYE MASK/EAR PLUGS
Consult with your roommate(s)
STUFFED ANIMALS
TOP 3 ITEMS
PERSONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE STUDENT ID PASSPORT SHOULD I BRING MY SOCIAL SECURITY CARD?
Nope. This is best to be left at home!
Luxury, not a necessity
TO NOT BRING TO YOUR DORM
1
CANDLES
2
HIGH WATTAGE APPLIANCES
3
NAILS/SCREWS
CELL PHONE
DEBIT/CREDIT CARDS
PHOTOS
FIRE HAZARD!
DON’T DAMAGE YOUR DORM WALLS!
SHOP AT WWW.DORMCO.COM
HAND SANITIZER
KEEPSAKES
AND DON’T FORGET TO CREATE YOUR OWN PERSONAL LIST!
DormCo has it
Available in package deal
For suite style dorms (Bathroom within room)