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College Dorm Needs: The Basics - compiled list for my daughter!
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Stacey Elkins
My daughter is starting college this fall. I have found all sorts of suggestions for things she needs. I decided to compile them here so I can start checking off all the suggested needs! Hope this helps you too.
Sections
8
 
Decor Basics
 
Kitchen Basics
 
Bathroom Basics
 
Clothing Basics
 
School Basics
 
Health & Beauty Basics

Decor Basics

We are not fancy people, so we won't be spending a fortune decorating her dorm room. Here are some basics to get her started.

 
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Lamps are a must for softer light - this is a smaller one, but it also has usb ports and a touch base
Touch Bedside Table Lamp with USB - 3 Way
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It isn't cute, but I love how it has the power strip and charging ports on it.
Power Strip & LED Desk Lamp, 3 Outlets, 4 USB
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I just thought this floor lamp was fun!
FULSUNT 42W LED RGB Floor Lamp with Remote
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Love this shaggy rug. Tile is cold!
Ophanie 3x5 Grey Fluffy Shag Area Rug
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Another shaggy rug option
Zentavio 4x6 Feet Soft Fluffy Area Rug
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These are cute - and my daughter already has the polaroid camera!
17Ft 50 LED Fairy String Lights with Clips
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Great for studying & hanging out - like it has pockets!
Nestl Reading Pillow - Shredded Foam Grey
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Need this to be able to hang things on the wall!
EZlifego Heavy Duty Double Sided Tape 9.85FT
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My daughter would die if I bought this for her - I might get my sister to get it. Ha!
Take Your Ass To Class Funny Dorm Sign 8x10
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Cute mini trash can!
Umbra Mini Waste Can 5L with Swing Lid
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Good trash can - not too big
MOPALL Slim Bathroom Trash Can with Lid
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I like the color options this one has for bedding.
Amazon Basics Twin XL Comforter Set, Coral
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My daughter doesn't like the top sheet, so this is just the bottom sheet!
Utopia Bedding Twin XL Fitted Sheet - Grey
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alternative option for full length mirror - and they are shatter proof
JEOYOO Full Length Wall Mirror, 4 Pcs, 8"X8"
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Mattress topper is a must with dorm beds!
MATBEBY Twin Size Cooling Mattress Pad
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3 inch mattress topper - they say at least 3 inches
3" Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper Twin XL
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They say dorm chairs suck (their words - not mine)
Sweetcrispy Ergonomic Mid-Back Office Chair
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Desk hutch for more storage
Nromant Wooden Desktop Bookshelf with 6 Shelves
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Kitchen Basics

Even though she will have a meal plan, there are always basics you want to keep nearby. 

 
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I went for aesthetics with this one - so cute. I also like it has a freezer, so ice can be made!
Havato 3.2 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer
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I like this ice cube maker for the mini fridge.
PHINOX 64 pcs Ice Cube Tray with Lid & Bin
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My daughter loves Sonic ice. She might prefer this ice tray!
WIBIMEN Mini Ice Cube Trays - 4 Pack Blue
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This would have to be a graduation gift for sure, but a great ice maker!
Countertop Ice Maker, Self-Cleaning, Black
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This is small enough to fit in a mini fridge!
Brita Metro Water Filter Pitcher, 6-Cup, White
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Easy way to do dishes if needed!
Dixie Large Paper Plates, 10 Inch, 204 Count
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Microwave safe bowls
Dixie 10 Oz Small Paper Bowls, 72 Count
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No one wants to do dishes!
Amazon.com: Dealusy 300 Count Extra Heavy Duty Clear Plastic Silverware, 100 Forks, 100 Spoons, 100 Knives, BPA-Free, Heat Resistant, Disposable Plastic Utensils Set, Plastic Cutlery Set, Plasticware Bulk : Health & Household
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It kinda matches the mini fridge I found - couldn't resist!
Nostalgia Retro Compact Microwave Oven - Pink
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You always need napkins…
500 Count 1-ply White Lunch Napkins
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I like that these have the quick size on them. It helps you not to waste paper towels.
Bounty Quick Size Paper Towels, 16 Rolls
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Cleaning basics are a must in a college dorm, especially to keep illness away and to clean up messes!
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, 75 Ct, 4 Pack
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Bathroom Basics

We don't know yet if she will have a communal shower or not. I am planning as if she will. Either way, these are good things to have.

 
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If she goes to a dorm with a communal shower, this is a great option to carry her things.
Fammart Mesh Shower Caddy with 7 Pockets
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Shower shoes are needed and I like how these have the holes in the bottom for run off.
shevalues Women's Arch Support Shower Shoes
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Another option for the shower caddy - and it has a place for her phone!
Portable Mesh Shower Caddy & Toiletry Bag
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This is actually to put your bathroom caddy on so things don't get wet & moldy
Super Absorbent Dish Drying Mat - Gray S-11"x14"
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Towel wrap so you don't have to worry about it falling off!
Turkish Linen Women's Waffle Spa Wrap
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Need a robe for those just in case times!
NY Threads Women's Plush Fleece Bathrobe
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Get bath towels and stick to the same pattern - they can be easily identified as yours
SKL Home Rhapsody Jacquard Bath Towel, Multi
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Another bathroom shoes option - I like all the colors that come with this option.
Quick-Drying Shower Slippers for Women - Lightweight, ...
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Clothing Basics

I know she will take her clothes with her, but there are some things I want to think about ahead of time.

 
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Comfortable tennis shoes for walking! These were recommended by a college student.
New Balance 550 Womens Shoes
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I heard a laundry bag, not basket, was the best because it is easier to carry. I like the outside bag for detergent and all.
Laundry Backpack with Shoulder Straps - Black
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Tile floors can get cold. These are cute and warm!
Evshine Warm Knit House Slippers for Women
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Rain jacket - enough said
Avoogue Women's Lightweight Waterproof Raincoat
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Rain boots are a need - might as well make them cute!
Western Chief Women's Tall Waterproof Rain Boot
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Game day purse!
Aveniee Clear Stadium Approved Crossbody Bag
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School Basics

She has been doing online school for a couple of years, so we need to go back to the basics.

 
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You need a good backpack. I like the stylishness of this one.
VANKEAN 17" Laptop Backpack, Light Blue
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Cute backpack option! And I love the price!
15.6" Laptop Backpack for Women - USB, Anti-theft
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Several students recommended an ipad for notetaking and other things.
Apple iPad 11" A16, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, Silver
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I like this ipad case, because it has space for the pencil.
ESR iPad 11th/10th Gen Case, Black, Stand
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Stylus pen that is compatible - and affordable!
Stylus Pen for iPad 9th&10th Gen - White
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This was an interesting suggestion, since most people use their phones now. I guess you don't have to worry about the battery!
Amazon Basics Small Digital Alarm Clock
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A wall calendar was suggested - I like the cork board on this one too.
17"x13" Magnetic Dry Erase Calendar Board
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Extension cords are a must! This is 6 foot. I like all the options (and affordability) of this one.
6 Ft Surge Protector Power Strip - 8 Outlets
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10 foot extension cord option - like the different plugs
10ft Extension Cord Power Strip 8 AC Outlets
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Desk caddy - like that you can put tv/monitor on top
OPNICE 2-Tier Monitor Stand & Desk Organizer
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Umbrellas are a must have and this one fits in your backpack!
NPCQUN Windproof Compact Travel Umbrella
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I like this personal safety alarm! I like it can hang on her backpack too!
She's Birdie Personal Safety Alarm - Aqua
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Scissors are the random things you forget you need for just about everything
LIVINGO 8" Titanium Non-Stick Scissors 2 Pack
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Health & Beauty Basics

She seems to like to get sick - ha. So, here are some things that were recommended as beneficial.

 
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I have seen a dehumidifier suggested by a lot of people. Dorms are pretty musty!
BREEZOME 60 OZ Quiet Dehumidifier with Timer
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I would have loved these in college with noisy roommates!
Bluetooth Sleep Mask Headphones for Side Sleepers
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Crappy dorm room lights means you need a lighted mirror
FENCHILIN Lighted Makeup Vanity Mirror
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I am giving us two options for mirrors, because this one is more compact.
HUONUL Trifold Makeup Mirror with Lights
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My daughter sleeps with her fan on, so this is a good alternative for her to have in the dorm.
Honeywell HT-904 TurboForce Table Fan, White
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My daughter definitely has the makeup! Great basic organizer!
STORi Chloe Stackable Clear Makeup Organizer
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She will definitely need a first aid kit.
Be Smart Get Prepared 110 pc First Aid Kit
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She wears lots of jewelry - this may be a good option!
ProCase 4-Tier Jewelry Organizer Stand - White
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Tissues are a must!
Puffs Plus Lotion Facial Tissue, 18 Cubes
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This is good for not just the smell of the dorm, but for healthy essential oils.
InnoGear 5-in-1 Essential Oil Diffuser
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A thermometer - wouldn't have thought of that!
Boncare 10 Sec Oral Thermometer - Light Blue
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Several people said calamine lotion - wouldn't have thought of that one!
Caladryl Calamine Lotion, 6 Fl Oz
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Melatonin for help sleeping - just in case!
Amazon Basics Melatonin 5mg, 120 Gummies
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College causes headaches!
NUVICARE Extra Strength Acetaminophen 500mg
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Everyone needs bandaids!
Care Science Fabric Adhesive Bandages, 200 ct
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Storage Basics

Storage is a premium in a dorm. Here are some ideas I curated from others.

 
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Tons of hooks was suggested!
Heavy Duty Adhesive Hooks 12 Pack Waterproof
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I don't know if over the door hooks will work or not, but putting on my list just in case.
Mars-Rock Over Door Hooks 4Pcs Heavy Duty
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I like this variety pack for hooks!
Command Variety Pack: Hooks & Strips Kit
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Storage caddies are a must. I like this one because it can hook on the bed frame.
Loghot Bedside Caddy Organizer - Light Pink
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Shoe storage caddy - like it!
Whitmor 8-Section Hanging Shoe Shelves - Grey
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There is all sorts of randomness she will need to organize. I like this one.
Sywhitta 4-Tier Rolling Utility Cart, Black
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I like this hanging storage because it would be great for sweaters, jeans, tshirts, etc.
MAX Houser 6 Tier Hanging Closet Organizer
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Storage is a necessity - it can look cute too.
4 Tier Stackable Plastic Storage Bins
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I like that these are clear so she can see what is in them.
WYT Clear Storage Latch Bins, 6-Pack, 5L
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I like these for underbed storage, plus she can label them to know what is in them.
Large Under Bed Storage Containers - 2 Pack
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Storage ottoman, visitor's stool, table top, step stool - used for lots of stuff!
Mxfurhawa Round Ottoman with Storage, Cream
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I like these hangers for dorm rooms, because they allow for the extra space.
AMKUFO 6 Pack Closet Organizers & Storage
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Cute floating shelf for just those things you need!
Floating Bedside Shelves Wall Organizer
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I must be obsessed with hanging options! I like these for pants!
3 Pack Velvet Pants Hangers for Closet
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Someone said to get one with as many hooks as possible - good for bulky sweatshirts, etc.
Over The Door Hooks Towel Rack Hanger (1Pack)
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Great for hanging on end of bed for purses, backpacks, etc.
WHITECLOUDZ 30-Pack Black S Hooks for Hanging
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Velvet hangers so your clothes don't fall off
Amazon Basics Velvet Non-Slip Suit Hangers
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Smaller storage bins for the randomness that accumulates - medicine, etc.
Citylife 6 Pack Small Storage Bins with Lids
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Cleaning Basics

 
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There is not enough room for a full on vaccuum, so this is a great alternative
BLACK+DECKER QuickClean Cordless Vacuum
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