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You need these items before moving into college
35
items First time living away from home can be overwhelming. If you're a soon-to-be freshman or you're preparing to send one off, this is the ultimate list of everything you'll need to bring to prepare you for the school year
Sections
4
College Linens and Laundry
Toiletries and Hygiene
Appliances/Shared Items
Household Items
College Linens and Laundry
These Tekla sheets are so buttery soft, the quality lasts a long time, and the prints are to die for. Perfect for your dorm or college apartment. Aim for at least 2 sets
Bedroom
Hands down some of the best towels, small but super absorbent, affordable and comes with a little loop built in for hanging if there isn't a towel rack
SALVIKEN bath towel, white, 28x55" - IKEA US
I have these pillows, and EVERYONE compliments me on how comfortable they are and they've kept their shape for 2 YEARS. You can get a 2-pack for $60 which is a steal
Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows Official Website
Dorm mattresses SUCK on their own. This Sleepyhead mattress topper is great for providing extra spinal support while you sleep. The gel material means you don't have to worry about fiberglass and is cooling for hotter months
Sleepyhead Twin XL 2" Gel Memory Foam Topper
The fluffiest goose down comforter, perfect for relaxing after long classes and keeping you warm in the winter
Charter club heavy weight down comforter queen
Keep your clothes nice and organised with hangers
Clothes Hangers - Walmart.com
The handiest little hamper. Keeps dirty clothes out of view with the lid, 3 compartments for dark, light and whites separation and each compartment can be removed and carried to the laundry, perfect if its far
Tota 90L Grey Laundry Separation Basket
Mishaps happen, make sure you're prepared to help you or your roommates if disaster strikes
Sewing Sets & Kits: Arts & Crafts
So needed for when you don't have time to put your clothes in the dryer. This rack has so much space to put your laundry on and let dry while you do other things
Laundry Rack
For walking back from the shower particularly if the bathroom is shared. Might be a no-brainer but this cotton blend one is super lightweight and doesn't get that musty scent or weird texture after many uses. Also comes in a bunch of colors :D
Turquaz Women's Robes Sleepwear
Toiletries and Hygiene
Get one of these and fill it with necessary meds like Tylenol, Tums, Zyrtec or any other medication you'll need and keep it close to reach. Will definitely prevent scrambled CVS runs in the middle of the night
Holii Travel Pill Organizer, 8 Compartments
These packs can be made hot or cold. Will come in handy for cramps or curing hangovers
TrekProof
I promise you you'll need these at least once
Amazon.co.uk: Bandaids
Keep all your shower products organised with this mesh shower caddy, easy to clean and handle to make it simple to take over and back
Mesh Shower Caddy Basket Portable for Dorm
For those with communal showers make sure you've got a pair of shoes to wear to and from the shower
Amazon.co.uk: Shower Shoes
Create hanging space with these command hooks. Super sturdy and easy to apply and remove so that security deposit stays safe
Damage Free Adhesive Hooks & Strips | Command
If you don't have a mirror in your room this is perfect for checking your hair/makeup/outfit before you head to class. Hangs over the door so no wastage of space either
Over The Door Mirrors
For all my people in the humid areas, I know that excess moisture can be a pain in the butt to deal with. These moisture-absorbing bags hang in your closet and abosrb that excess water to prevent that musty smell on your clothes. Just change it out o...
Damprid Products Online - Best Prices Ireland
Has HANDS-DOWN saved me from losing my socks, unmentionables and any other small piece of clothing that I couldn't afford to lose in the laundry machine. Makes unloading out of the machine much quicker and fits in the laundry hamper bag I mentioned a...
SUERIV Mesh Laundry Wash Bags
Appliances/Shared Items
Super affordable coffee maker, and with proper care, will last you all 4 years and beyond. No more spending money on overpriced coffee from cafes. Just pop the pods in and start for instant coffee. Perfect for those late study nights
Nespresso coffee machines (23)
If the fridge space in the dorm is particularly small, consider a mini fridge to keep in your room for easy food and snack storage. Also perfect for shared apartments
Compact refrigerator and fridge in many colors
The mightiest portable speaker that money can buy. Super handy for parties, tailgates, you name it
JBL Wireless & Bluetooth speakers
Perfect for chill nights, comes built in with Hulu, Netflix too
Happrun Projector - Elevate Your Entertainment
Forget sleeping in through all your classes. The Hatch alarm clock is designed to gradually introduce light as you wake, working with your circadian rhythm and stopping that groggy feeling in the mornings. Perfect for those fall/winter months where s...
Restore 3 - Smart Sound Machine Alarm Clock
A cute rug can really brighten up your space and won't break your security deposit. Target offers a bunch of small and affordable rugs perfect for a shared living space
Area Rugs : College Dorm Decor
A handheld steamer is great to get your clothes looking crisp, especially while you're on the go or don't have room for an iron and ironing board. So easy to use and affordable
BEAUTURAL Portable Handheld Clothes Steamer
I literally never see these on any list but an outlet tower is the perfect solution for when there may not be enough outlets for all your appliances. Place it next to your bed, desk or anywhere that needs it. My friends never worried about having a p...
Power Strip Tower AOFO 8 AC Outlets 4 USB
No one likes the big lights in college so a nice colour-changing lamp like this can set a vibe before or after class without messing around with lightbulbs or taking up too much space
Amazon.co.uk: Sunset Lights
Household Items
Of course, your dining set is a must. These are great as they're lightweight, don't break easily and microwave/dishwasher safe and they don't break the bank either
18PCS Wheat Straw Dinnerware Set Unbreakable
Posters can brighten up a space and make it more personalised to you. Not super expensive and can be used again year after year
Frank Ocean Poster
A sleek stainless steel paper towel holder with a built-in tension arm for one-handed tears. And less than $10!
Paper Towel Holders: Home & Kitchen
VERY UNDERRATED ITEM. So important to label all your things, whether they stay in the dorm, your bag or wherever you bring them on campus. One of those items that you may not use all the time but will come in SO handy when you remember you have it an...
Label printer – nelkoprint
Allergens, smoke, mould and dust are no match for an air purifier. Literally saved me from mould poisoning in my dorm. A little pricey but SO worth it and can be used for all 4 years of college and beyond
Find Your Ideal Air Purifier: Clear Air Solutions
Some dorms may provide a vacuum, but in case yours doesn't or if you're not in a dorm. Splits into a handheld vacuum and is easy to store. No need for that random dustpan and brush that cleans nothing
Featherweight
If your bed is a loft you're not going to have much room to be placing your phone/laptop or anything else up there. With this table you can twist it on the bedframe for handy storage and unscrew it at the end of the year.
SPACELEAD Bedside Shelf Clip-On for Dorm