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My Son’s First Year College List
30
items Everything we actually bought to send my son off to college — dorm essentials, tech, organization, laundry, everyday basics, and the little things I didn’t realize he’d need until we started packing. Sharing what was actually worth buying (and what I...
Sections
7
Dorm Room Essentials
Tech & School
Laundry & Cleaning
Bathroom & Shower
Organization & Storage
Things We Almost Forgot
Dorm Room Essentials
I wanted to make sure that my son had a lockable box for any private items that need to be stored while at school. This was perfect size to put in a drawer!
Medication Lock Box with Combination Code
I use this calendar to put all of the college vacation dates on it along with events the school was holding. This way our son could see what we were doing versus what he was doing!
AT-A-GLANCE 2026-2027 Academic Desk Calendar
This was a must based on what our son was used to sleeping on! Twin beds at college are always extra long.
Linenspa 2" Gel Memory Foam Topper Twin XL
These are so nice to remove makeup!! I ended up splitting this 30 pack with my son to take to college. He uses them as washcloths and hand towels and they can be washed with his shower towels.
MOONQUEEN 30 Pack Microfiber Face Towels
With having three other roommates, I wanted to make sure he had a lamp that was dimmable so not to bother them while studying late.
White Crown LED Desk Lamp Dimmable USB Port
After trying these out ourselves, I immediately bought for my son to use at college. All pieces can be washed together! Very soft and no pilling.
Twin XL 3-Piece Cooling Sheet Set - Grey
Tech & School
We’ve always used computer glasses until I found this! I sent one to school with him to continue protecting his eyes.
Hanging Blue Light Monitor Protector 23-24"
My favorite part about Apple products is that their core parts are built by Apple, which is why viruses don’t happen as often. As a first year student without a declared major, we decided to go with this laptop based on the variety of work he would h...
Apple 2026 MacBook Air 13" M5, 16GB, 512GB
This was a must to protect his new laptop! This plug allowed him to plug his monitor, gaming system, phone cords and laptop!
TESSAN Surge Protector 8 AC 3 USB Ports
Laundry & Cleaning
These keep his desk garbage can smelling fresh and the can clean.
Glad 4 Gallon Small Trash Bags, Febreze Cherry Blossom, 34 Count
This hamper stands up and doesn’t slouch. I chose this one because of the lid and the basket insert so that he could carry laundry without using a basket that would take up more room.
SOLEDI 100L Large Collapsible Laundry Hamper
Bathroom & Shower
My son said this is the easiest razor to manscape without accidentally cutting yourself. He said it’s really easy to clean and keeps the charge.
MANSPOT Manscape Groin & Body Hair Trimmer
Boys use blow dryers too! This is compact for his shower caddy. Low noise!
Conair Dual Voltage 1600W Travel Hair Dryer
These are great for the price! Sending these with him made me feel better than him having to figure out where to buy at school.
AquaSonic Replacement Brush Heads
For the amount you get for the cost, these are great! My whole family prefers them because of the soft cotton tips and multiple uses.
Amazon Basics Double-Tipped Cotton Swabs, 500 Count
Compact for toiletry bags at college! It doesn’t get as close as a razor but it’s great for chest and arms.
Mbzoey Electric Foil Shaver for Men - IPX7 Waterproof, LED, USB-C
My boys have used this hair powder for years!!! It’s the only one they’ll let me order. You can’t find hair powder in stores near us. They like the texture it gives their hair and they state that it stays all day.
Schwarzkopf got2b Powder'ful Vol Style 10g 2x
This shower caddy holds full size shampoo, conditioner, body wash bottles. It hangs evenly even with the weight distributed differently. My son really likes that he can use his phone without bringing it out of the bag.
Bukere Portable Shower Caddy Tote Bag - Large, Quick Dry, Hanging
These towels are great for how quickly they dry. They’re very compact for how large they are. You can wash all of them in one load as well, which is a bonus at college when you’re paying for laundry. It’s also nice that they have a hook on them so yo...
JML Microfiber Bath Towel Set Grey 6 Pack
Shower shoes are a must when you’re sharing four stalls with an entire floor of boys!
Weweya Unisex Non Slip Shower Slides
Organization & Storage
To give my son more space we ordered this shelf that went on top of his desk. It fit perfectly and was easy to put together. It helps with storage as well.
Desk Shelf with 2 Drawers, 38.5" Hutch
We bought this to protect his new laptop and carry all his cords. It’s padded so in case he drops his backpack, it won’t be damaged.
Lacdo 360° Laptop Sleeve for 13" MacBook
We hung this on the side of his top bunk so that he could put his phone in it at night and I filled it with snack so that he would have those available to him along with some handwipes and bottles of water at night!
Lilithye Bedside Caddy Hanging Organizer
Things We Almost Forgot
I TRIED to forget this at home but my son didn’t let us 🙄
If You're Looking for a Sign to Drink Flag 3x5ft
Living in northeast Ohio, an umbrella is a must during the fall and spring seasons, while walking all over a college campus.
Rain-Mate Windproof Compact Folding Umbrella
These are a perfect size for under a desk garbage can. It’s a bonus that the bags come with it!
JOYMOOP Slim Trash Can 3-Pack 2.2 Gal White
Mom-Approved Favorites
A definite must to save money on plastic. The dorms have water fountains with water bottle refill stations. I have owned one for a year now, no weird smells and so easy to clean.
PROBTTL 32oz Borosilicate Glass Water Bottle
Perfect size for college dorm fridges! Even though there are bottle refill stations it’s nice to have water in the middle of the night without leaving the room.
Brita Small 6-Cup Water Filter Pitcher, White
Why allow your phone to look cracked? I always have these on hand to replace my kids phone screens. I love that you get 3 for the price!!
Ailun 3 Pack Tempered Glass for iPhone 17/16 Pro
I bought these hooks to hang over his closet so that his winter coat could be hung up outside to save room and his shower towels that have a loop attached to them can dry.
FYY Over Door Hooks, Single-Hanger 4 Pack