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What to Bring to College — Your Dorm Room Checklist

Helping you pack an essential supply for your first year of college dorm life

By Megan O'Leary-Buda
College Dorm Room Checklist For Your First Year of Dorm LifeBefore running out to the nearest store to purchase the items for your dorm room, it's a great idea to check out your college's Web site (more specifically their Office of Residence Life page).

Frequently there will be a list of items that are not permitted on campus, sometimes including air conditioners, space heaters, pets, toasters, etc.

Also, be sure to contact your college roommate to decide who is bringing which items from your dorm room checklist. This lowers the possibility of a duplicate supply of items that may not fit in the small space of dorm room storage.

Here's a college dorm room checklist of essential items that you will want to bring:

  • Alarm clock
  • Bed linens/towels
  • Carpet/throw rug
  • Chair/bean bag
  • Clothes drying rack
  • Compact refrigerator
  • Computer
  • Cup/mug/glass/plate/bowl/silverware
  • Dish soap
  • Fan
  • Fish
  • Handi-Tak to hang posters
  • Hangers
  • Iron
  • Laundry bag
  • Laundry detergent
  • Medicine
  • Microwave (one cubic foot)
  • Plants (real or fake)
  • Radio/stereo
  • Rolls of quarters for laundry
  • School supplies
  • Sewing kit
  • Shower caddy
  • Telephone
  • Toiletry items/soap dish
  • TV/VCR/DVD player

Megan O'Leary-Buda holds a master's degree in higher education administration from The University of Akron. She works at Quinnipiac University as a residence hall director for off-campus properties, a position that allows her to create new programs for first-year transfer students, sophomores, and juniors. She also supervises resident assistants living in the neighborhoods surrounding the campus.


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