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The Still Standing List: Dorm Gear That Has So Far Survived My College-Age Son (2 yrs and counting!)

Purple Star emoji 15 items
These are all items that are staples in my son’s dorm room.
 
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We have the SuperBreak Plus size. This is one of the most durable backpacks with a lot of great room.
Backpacks for School, Work, & Beyond
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I know! Everyone talks about these bags! But they’re great. Just don’t overstuff them and they’re very durable.
FRAKTA storage bag for cart, blue, 28 ¾x13 ¾x11 ¾"20 gallon - IKEA
 
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Extra hangers! These are always needed. These are really durable, good for T-shirts and heavy coats.
Plastic Hangers 15 Pack - USA Made, 6lb Cap
 
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We had a different laundry bag that ripped at the seams. This one has made it through! Highly recommend it!
Extra-Large Heavy Duty Laundry Backpack Bag
 
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This shower caddy still looks brand new. When my son brings it home for the summer, I wash it in cold water on the gentle cycle, and let it air dry. Comes out great!
F-color Mesh Shower Caddy with 8 Pockets & Handles
 
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This is the mattress protector that we put around his college mattress and it’s big enough to also cover the foam padding that we got as well. When he brings this home for the summer again, I wash it in cold and gentle cycle, and it comes out great.
AllerEase Max Allergy Mattress Protector Twin XL
 
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We bought this foam mattress topper to make his dorm bed, more comfortable. At the end of the year, we roll it up and put it in extra large clear, garbage bags, and put tape around it so that nothing can get in. So far, it has stayed in great conditi...
Serta ThermaGel Cooling Memory Foam Topper Twin XL
 
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These shower shoes are great. Definitely a necessity in college.
KENROLL Non Slip Shower Shoes EVA Slides KW211
 
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Every school has different specifications as to what you are allowed to have, but this one has been great.
BESTEK Travel Power Strip 6Ft, 4 USB, 6 Outlets
 
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My son’s preferred earbuds!
Raycon Everyday Classic Bluetooth Earbuds Black
 
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Make sure you buy the right ones for your phone, but extra charging cables are always needed. We like the 6 foot ones.
2 Pack Apple MFi Certified iPhone Charger 6Ft
 
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Bought these to have extra charging cubes!
Apple MFi iPhone Charger 2Pack Lightning Cable & USB Wall Adapter
 
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Depending on the bathroom, it might be very small, we bought this for my son to use as a nonslip mat in the bathroom for when they get out of the shower. Can also put it under the dorm bed and put wet shower shoes on here to dry off.
Dish Drying Mats: Machine Washable Polyester Options - Target
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Even if you don’t need all the accessories, this is just a great durable hairdryer. From short hair to long hair that needs to be blown out. Highly recommend!
REVLON Infrared Ionic Hair Dryer w/ Diffuser
 
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We have a couple of these (size is approximately 13x8) for meds and vitamins, bandages, etc, and another for snacks that they want to store. Target has various sizes depending on what you’re looking to store.
Storage Bins & Boxes - Target
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