Preparing for the college drop-off is an exciting — and possibly overwhelming — time for any parent and child. As students head back to campus life and new freshmen move to their semi-permanent homes, there are never-ending checklists parents have to go through to send their kids off prepared and ready to take over campus life.
That said, there’s shopping to be done! Whether your kid is going to a nearby college or venturing to an out-of-state university, there are must-haves every student needs in their dorm. There are plenty of great checklists for what college-bound students need, but here are other things worth considering before they start their adulting journey.
What do you actually need? | What can you leave at home? | Tech | Bedding | Kitchen | Storage and organization | Cleaning supplies | Beauty | More to shop
![SABRENT 4-Port USB 2.0 Data Hub with Individual LED lit Power Switches [Charging NOT Supported] for Mac & PC (HB-UMLS)](https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_focal-100x100,f_avif,q_auto:eco,dpr_2/newscms/2023_33/1895049/41-zihifs1l-sl500-62e92905a30c2.jpg)
What do you actually need for college?
Aside from common student needs such as backpacks, books and electronics, most college students will need home goods and essentials to make the transition from their childhood abode easier. According to CollegeBoard's checklist, some important items they'll need to pack include:
- Storage bins and organizers
- Laundry supplies
- Desk supplies like sticky notes, folders, pens, notebooks and a desk lamp
- Everyday toiletries and accessories like a shower caddy and shower slides with grippy soles
- Household and kitchen items like food storage containers, silverware, trash bags and plates
What should you not bring to a dorm?
While you might be tempted to pack your kid's favorite decor, there are some things that don't belong in a dorm. Dorm rooms have limited space for furniture and personal belongings (and most already have big-ticket items like desks and bed frames), so it's important to limit their checklist to only the essentials.
College tech essentials
Sabrent 4-Port USB 2.0 Data Hub with Individual LED
![SABRENT 4-Port USB 2.0 Data Hub with Individual LED lit Power Switches [Charging NOT Supported] for Mac & PC (HB-UMLS)](f_avif,q_auto:eco,dpr_2/newscms/2023_33/1895049/41-zihifs1l-sl500-62e92905a30c2.jpg)
For dorms with limited outlets, this four-port USB charger delivers a simple solution. They can easily connect their devices, and the charger is thin enough to maximize their work space.
Afrog Multifunctional LED Desk Lamp
Whether they're spending late nights studying or just need a little extra light in their room, this desk lamp has five lighting modes and five brightness levels (for a total of 25 possible combinations) that can be controlled with a simple tap. It also has a USB charging port and an auto timer that shuts off after an hour.
Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook
Gone are the days of paper notebooks that pile up year after year. This smart notebook connects to an app where pages can be scanned, stored and wiped clean for reuse. It's not only good for the environment, it's also a major space saver.
Pixel Eyewear Thera
Between online courses and writing papers, students will be spending even more time in front of their screens. Blue light glasses are a must for reducing eye strain and headaches. We love the well-made and stylish variety from Pixel Eyewear.
RiotPWR iPhone Cloud Gaming Controller
For the gamers who don't have enough space in their dorm room for a full set up, this mobile controller will help them get in the zone anywhere. It connects directly to their phone and, according to the brand, is compatible with thousands of gaming services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and PS Remote Play.
Chic Geeks Crimson Faux Crocodile MacBook Case
If your kid is taking a MacBook to school, it’s wise to invest in a sturdy, protective cover. You can’t beat the array of unique colors and designs from Chic Geeks.
Trova Go Portable Biometric Safe
Help them keep their most valuable possessions safe with this portable biometric safe that connects to their phone and can only be opened via an app or their own fingerprint.
College bedding and sleep essentials
Room Essentials Microfiber Solid Sheet Set
If you don't want to spend too much on sheets that likely won't make it past the year, this highly-rated set from Target comes in five colors and is less than $10. It boasts a near-perfect five-star rating from almost 13,000 shoppers.
Pottery Barn Teen Power Bed Risers
Bed risers are perfect for creating under-bed storage opportunities. This one does double duty by also providing additional outlets — ideal for the room that has a singular outlet hiding in a hard-to-reach place.
Peach Skin Classic White Sheet Set
These sheets (with a 1,500 thread count) are incredibly soft! They are hypoallergenic, come in a dorm-friendly twin XL size (as well as standard bed sizes) and have 18-inch deep pockets, making them great for fitting over all the layers you can put on dorm beds.
Dormify Gel Foam Mattress Topper
Dorm mattresses aren't historically known for being super comfortable, so you'll probably want to get a mattress topper of some kind. This one was created specifically for twin XL beds, touting features like anti-slip material and straps to keep it extra secure. You can choose between a 2 or 3 inch thickness.
Hatch Restore 2
If your teen struggles with morning wake-up calls, this is the perfect solution for their snoozing issues. The sunrise alarm clock features different light modes to wake them up with a soothing soft glow. Also, it comes with relaxing noise to ease their mind before bedtime. It's also a Shop TODAY editor favorite.
College kitchen essentials
The Original Hotpop Microwave Popcorn Popper
Improve their movie nights or late night study sessions with this popcorn popper. The bowl is collapsible, comes in 20 different colors and currently has 23,000+ verified five-star ratings.
Fasta Pasta Microwave Cooker
If they don't have access to a stove, the microwave will be their best friend. This dorm-friendly microwave pasta cooker is the all-in-one tool they need to make perfectly al dente noodles time and time again. All they have to do is put in their pasta and water, microwave, use the lid to strain out excess water and they're good to go! A nutritious (and cheap) meal in under 15 minutes.
Hamilton Beach 1.7L Illuminated Glass Kettle
Sometimes college life is synonymous with copious amounts of coffee and soups. This glass kettle boils water quickly to make tea, hot chocolate and instant ramen easily.
Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker with Timer
If they always forget their breakfast, make their life simple with this sandwich maker from Hamilton Beach. The two-in-one breakfast maker lets them prepare a fresh sandwich with the fixings of their choice. It can cook their meal in five minutes or less and is a convenient way to make their favorite sandwich recipe.
Magic Bullet 11-Piece Personal Blender
Magic's Bullet Blender is sure to make their breakfast time easier thanks to the fast and versatile design. They can blend, mix and chop their favorite foods in seconds. Also, this portable blender is a great way to fuel them up with something a little healthy during their busy class schedule.
Megachef Electric Food Warming Tray
If they're limited on counter space, this warming tray will come in handy. The electric tray can fit multiple dishes and makes it easy to heat up family dinners and other meals for big parties.
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker
The slim size of Keurig's K-Mini coffee maker — less than 5 inches wide — makes it perfect for apartment or dorm living. It brews cups 6-12 ounces so it's perfect if they need a little boost or a big cup of joe to start their day.
Mason Dixie Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich with Sausage and Egg
Most college students will exist on only coffee if you let them. They also aren't exactly known for making the healthiest choices, which can be attributed to their lack of time and space. But these microwaveable breakfast sandwiches make it easy for them to have an easy, quick and nutritious meal at the start of each day. This set of four boxes includes eight sandwiches.
College storage and organization essentials
Internet's Best Hanging Closet Organizer with Drawers
Space is a premium in dorm rooms or in apartments with roommates. These hanging drawers provide more storage and take up less space than a dresser.
Room Essentials Adjustable Double Rod Garment Rack
Improve their small closet storage with this garment rack. This option comes with double rods and an adjustable top rod to hang accessories. Also, this works as a visual wardrobe to help them keep their outfits ready for the week.
Cove Long Garment Hanger
This innovative hanger will improve your kid's organizational skills if they struggle with hanging their clothes. It's great for hanging long maxi dresses, jumpsuits and matching sets, all while avoiding unnecessary creases or dust from collecting from the floor of the closet.
Moralve Space-Saving Pants Hangers
Another way to save closet space is with these pants hangers that hold up to five pairs each. With hooks on both ends, you can hang them straight across to see exactly what you have and collapse it when you need the space.
Papier Genius Juice Academic Year Planner
A planner will be vital for keeping their assignments organized. This one is dated from August 2024 to July 2025, so it’ll last their entire academic year and then some. It comes in two colors and you can choose between a hardcover or spiral version.
JanSport Central Adaptive Backpack
Designed to resemble the brand's classic SuperBreak backpack, this version is adaptive and suitable for mobility devices. Key features include a shortened height and decreased depth so users can easily reach items at the bottom of the bag and easy release buckles and finger loops for dexterity limitations. It comes in four colors — black, blue, pink and tie dye.
Lululemon Everywhere Backpack 22L
At the end of the day, they're at college for school! So they'll need a backpack with enough space to carry the essentials for the day. It has an interior padded pocket that fits laptops up to 16 inches, side pockets that are perfect for water bottles or umbrellas and even a zippered pocket in the front.
College cleaning essentials
Sneaker Lab Shoe Wipes
Keeping white sneakers pristine takes some serious upkeep, but these handy, environmentally friendly wipes make it easy. We love that they come in individual packets that are easy to stash in the pocket of a backpack.
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Value Pack
Let's face it, college kids aren't always the cleanest. This three-pack of disinfecting wipes can at least help them protect themselves and their roommates from germs.
STNKY Bag Pro
Avoid potential laundry mishaps with this odor-shielding bag from STNKY. It comes in two sizes and can be thrown directly into the washer and dryer with dirty clothes inside, making the transfer process a breeze (and ensuring no garments are lost in the process).
College beauty essentials
Room Essentials Mesh Shower Caddy
Whether they have to share a communal bathroom with other residents on their floor or just have to share a bathroom with a handful of other roommates, a shower caddy like this one is vital. The mesh pockets help to ensure water doesn't get trapped in there so it can dry thoroughly.
Spa Headband Set
They'll immediately recognize this headband/wristband set from every "Get Ready With Me" video they've seen on TikTok. The headband is meant to keep hair out of their face and the terrycloth wristbands are meant to soak up water to keep it from running down their arms so they can do their complete skin care routine in peace.
Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant Spray
Keep their hygiene top level with this dry spray deodorant from Dove. This formula has a coconut-infused scent and is made with aluminum-free ingredients. Plus, this will keep them sweat-free for all their daily activities. It's a favorite of associate editor Kamari Stewart, who says she was surprised by how well it worked and how long it lasted after being skeptical of aluminum-free deodorants in the past.
Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier
Dorm rooms can be pretty dry, so make sure to pack them up with this wireless rechargeable humidifier. The Hey Dewy is portable enough to carry in their bag and offers up to an eight-hour mist.
More college essentials to shop
Downy Wrinkle Releaser Fabric Spray
While they may not understand or appreciate the importance of ironing/steaming clothes, they can definitely manage to use an easy wrinkle release spray. This one promises wrinkle-free clothing with just a few spritzes and a onceover with your hands to smooth it out.
Proctor Silex Compact Travel Iron & Garment Steamer
As they start having to wear more business attire as they go out on internships, a steamer goes from a non-factor to their most prized possession. Funderburk says someone is always asking for a steamer at her college so set them up to be the person who came prepared!
Society6 Frog Dance Poster
Society6 has a plethora of fun designs they can decorate with in sizes that don't take up too much space. This whimsical poster of frogs dancing around a disco ball is sure to be a hit amongst roommates and friends.
Spacelead Clip-On Bedside Shelf
In smaller dorms, they'll have to get creative with the space. This clip-on bedside shelf is the perfect way to do that without creating any permanent damage (that you'll end up having to pay for later). Shop TODAY intern Celia Funderburk is currently using this exact one and gives it her seal of approval.
Anecdote Candles Coffee Break
When they need a sweet escape, your kid will love this tongue-in-cheek candle that smells like a coffee break. The scent is infused with the warmth of vanilla, patchouli and cedarwood — it smells like "the joy of missing out."
Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle
A water bottle is the one accessory that college students carry with them wherever they go. If they're on TikTok, they probably know all about the viral Owala bottle so they'll be excited to get their hydration in. This one holds 24 ounces of liquid and has a flip-cap that reveals (and shields) its wide-mouth opening.
All-in-One Toolkit
This handheld kit features 23 tools, including a level, screwdriver, hammer and more, and it retails for less than $30. Talk about compact and efficient! Who needs a bulky tool set when this one is small enough to throw into a drawer?
Aroeve Air Purifier
Between cooking, cleaning and spraying various fragrances, an air purifier is a must-have for any dorm room. This highly-rated option has gotten the seal of approval from nearly 16,000 verified five-star reviewers. According to the brand, it uses a HEPA filter that removes pollen, smoke, dander, hair and more from the air.
Pura 4 Smart Fragrance Diffuser Set
If they're not allowed to burn candles in their dorm room, a scent diffuser is the next best thing to keep the space smelling fresh. This set comes with the machine and four scents — lavender, linen, yuzu citrus and white tea. You can snag this bundle for just $70 during Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale and it's a deal you won't want to miss because the device alone normally retails for $50.
