Top 10 Back to School Essentials for College Dorms

Entry #1391, July 18, 2012

We are already to mid July and before you know it kids will be getting ready for back-to-school activities, routines and more. At my house, my oldest son (18) is on his was to his Freshman year at college. The list of items that the University has sent home is huge! I started thinking this would be a great list to help other students headed back to school. Whether this is their first year or not, take a look at these college essentials that every college student could use.

Create a space that is uniquely yours

Image via

Top 10 Back School Items – College Dorms

1.) Bedding

Comforters, sheets, and pillows are essential for the dorms. Ensure you find out the size of the beds from the college or university before you buy bedding. (My son’s dorm has extra long twin beds, and that was essential when shopping for a sheet set!). They are often called ‘Twin Extra Long“.

Create the perfect dorm room!

Image via

2.) Bath Linen

Washcloths, hand towels, and bath sized towels are crucial in dormitories and they can never use enough. (Considering they probably will do laundry once a month). Ensure you buy quality towels that are absorbent and can withstand the abuse of a college student. Trust me they will be used for more than just drying off from the shower.

3.) Shower Tote

Whether the dorms have communal showers or individual showers connected to the rooms, having all of your shower tote essentials in a tote or caddy is essential. Opt for a mesh one or a material that can dry easily to prevent getting mildewed and gross from moisture.

4.) Over the door mirror

Full length mirrors are often forgotten but are essential to see your ENTIRE body. (Many college students seem to think all you need to see is your face!) Whether you opt for a full length mirror that can hang on the back of a closet door, or you buy a framed variety that can hang like a picture, a mirror is often forgotten but will be used by everyone on your dorm room floor.

Dorm room ideas for must-have essentials!

Image via

5.) Alarm Clock

Waking up in the morning, or even at night will prove to be essential at college. Ensure an alarm clock that plugs into the wall and not run solely on batteries is brought to college. Don’t depend on just your cell phone or your roommate to wake you. Alarm clocks with multiple alarms can prove to be helpful, so you don’t have to reset your alarm for each new time.

6.) Hanging Clothes Organizer

Make the best use of your small closet with a vertical hanging organizer for your shoes, sweaters and foldable clothes. The hanging clothes organizer will keep all your belongings orderly and will help you cram more into your closet than you first imagined.

Create more space in your dorm closet

7.) Laundry Bag

Laundry is one of the most dreaded chores to do at college (at home too!) Make the chore easier with a good laundry bag – multiple ones is a good idea. Ensure they have sturdy handles and rolling varieties may prove to be handy if your laundromat is within your dormitory.

8.) Coffee Maker

Coffee, Tea, and water may prove to be the best drinks to consume at college (we won’t mention the alcoholic beverages). A coffee maker that doubles as a tea maker could become a college students best friend, late at night or early in the morning. Opt for a variety that has an alarm or even a travel sidecup like the Hamilton Beach coffee maker.

9.) Portable Laptop Desk Holder

College students spend a lot of time in the bed… not just sleeping, but studying, eating and everything else. A laptop desk for writing, resting a laptop, or just having a flat surface other than your desk can prove to be essential. Creating a productive study area can be hard. This desk will help make life easier. These can be found at most houseware stores in the back-to-school area.

Dorm essentials that you will need for college

Image via

10.) Floor and Table Lamps

One of the most underrated essentials for a dorm room are table and floor lamps. Whether you are trying to study, or need extra light near your bed or sitting area, the overhead fluorescent fixture in the room will not be sufficient, and it will wake up your roommate! Opt for a few lamps that are versatile and don’t require strange sized bulbs!

For more college dorm ideas on Stagetecture, click here.