Dorm Essentials Checklist

A dorm room is small, shared and subject to rules, and the best checklist is one that reflects those facts. This list is organized by area of the room so that you can pack or shop in order. Use it as a starting point, and adapt it to your college's rules, your room and your roommate.

Always check your housing rules first, because items that are common in one place may be banned in another. This list is general information.

Before you buy anything

• [ ] I have read the housing rules on prohibited items.
• [ ] I know the room size, mattress size and what is provided.
• [ ] I have talked to my roommate about who brings what.
• [ ] I know whether there is a kitchen, laundry and storage.
• [ ] I have a budget, and I will not buy everything at once.

Sleeping

• [ ] Sheets, two sets, in the right mattress size
• [ ] Pillow and pillowcases
• [ ] Duvet, blanket or comforter
• [ ] Mattress protector or topper, if wanted
• [ ] Extra blanket for cold nights
• [ ] Sleep mask and earplugs
• [ ] Small fan or lamp, if allowed
• [ ] Alarm clock or phone alarm

Tip: bedding sizes vary by country and college, so check before buying.

Studying

• [ ] Laptop and charger
• [ ] Notebooks, pens and folders
• [ ] Planner or calendar app
• [ ] Desk lamp, if the room does not have one
• [ ] Headphones
• [ ] Backpack
• [ ] Water bottle
• [ ] Calculator, if needed
• [ ] Flash drive or cloud backup
• [ ] Sticky notes and a small whiteboard

Tip: wait for the syllabus before you buy textbooks.

Storage and organization

• [ ] Under-bed storage bins
• [ ] Over-door hooks or organizer
• [ ] Hangers
• [ ] Shelf or cubes, if space allows
• [ ] Drawer organizers
• [ ] Laundry basket or bag
• [ ] A small trash can and bags, if not provided
• [ ] Storage for shoes

Tip: measure your space and look at the room photos on the housing page.

Bathroom

• [ ] Towels, two or three
• [ ] Shower caddy
• [ ] Shower shoes
• [ ] Toiletries
• [ ] Toothbrush and toothpaste
• [ ] Hairbrush and hair items
• [ ] Razor and shaving items
• [ ] Bathrobe, if sharing a bathroom
• [ ] Toilet paper and tissues, if not provided

Tip: bring a small bag to carry items between room and bathroom.

Laundry and cleaning

• [ ] Laundry detergent and pods
• [ ] Dryer sheets, if used
• [ ] Coins or payment card for machines
• [ ] Cleaning wipes
• [ ] Small brush and dustpan
• [ ] All-purpose cleaner, if allowed
• [ ] Sponge and dish soap, if there is a kitchen
• [ ] Stain remover

Tip: check how laundry is paid for, and what times are quiet.

Small kitchen items

• [ ] Reusable plate, bowl, cup and cutlery
• [ ] Mug and water bottle
• [ ] Microwave-safe containers
• [ ] Can opener
• [ ] Kettle, if allowed
• [ ] Mini fridge or microwave, shared with a roommate and only if permitted
• [ ] Snacks and non-perishable foods
• [ ] Reusable bags

Tip: many dorms prohibit hot plates and open-element appliances.

Tech and cables

• [ ] Phone charger and spare cable
• [ ] Power strip or surge protector, if permitted
• [ ] Portable charger
• [ ] Extension cord, if permitted
• [ ] Adapters, if traveling internationally
• [ ] Speaker, if allowed and used considerately
• [ ] Ethernet cable, if needed

Tip: check electrical rules, since some colleges limit high-power items.

Health and safety

• [ ] Prescription medicines and copies of prescriptions
• [ ] First-aid kit
• [ ] Pain relief and cold remedies
• [ ] Thermometer
• [ ] Hand sanitizer
• [ ] Glasses or contact lenses, with spares
• [ ] Insurance cards
• [ ] Emergency contacts list
• [ ] Door wedge or lock, if allowed
• [ ] Flashlight

Tip: know where the health center is and how to reach campus safety.

Comfort and decoration

• [ ] Photos and posters
• [ ] Adhesive hooks or strips that do not damage walls
• [ ] Rug, if allowed and agreed with your roommate
• [ ] Throw blanket
• [ ] Small plant
• [ ] String lights, if allowed
• [ ] A few items that feel like home

Tip: check rules on nails and adhesives.

Documents and money

• [ ] Photo identification
• [ ] Admission and housing documents
• [ ] Financial aid and payment papers
• [ ] Bank card and some cash
• [ ] Health insurance information
• [ ] For international students: passport, visa, acceptance letter and certificates
• [ ] Copies of all documents, stored separately

What to share with a roommate

Agree in advance who brings:

• [ ] Fridge
• [ ] Microwave
• [ ] Rug
• [ ] Fan
• [ ] Printer
• [ ] TV or speaker
• [ ] Cleaning supplies

Talk about how you will share, and what happens if an item breaks.

What to skip

• Large furniture
• Duplicate appliances
• Candles and open-flame items
• Too many clothes
• Valuables you cannot afford to lose
• Anything banned by housing rules
• Items you can buy later if needed

What to buy after you arrive

• Groceries and snacks
• Storage items that fit your room
• Seasonal items, if allowed
• Textbooks, after the syllabus
• Items your roommate does not have
• Bike or transit pass

Final thoughts

A good dorm setup is simple, compliant and shared sensibly. Check the rules, talk to your roommate and buy the basics first. You can add comforts as you learn how you live in the space.