Getting College ready can be a little overwhelming because there is so much you want to do and remember to bring so you feel prepared! One of my favorite thing about heading off to college was the weeks my mom and I spent picking everything out to make sure I had everything that I needed and that it was homey. My mom and Dad are the masters of getting their kids settled off at college. Having three sisters, they had plenty of practice in their years.
We would always make a big trip with everyone and everything and unload everything up and get straight to work. First cleaning, then unpacking the big stuff, then the decorating and organizing! My mom always worked on the bed, making sure it was the comfiest bed you have ever been in. Mean while my Dad would be setting up all the electrical stuff; tv, printer any other cords we needed.
Getting settled in and making it homey, I think has such a good impact on how you feel when you’re family leaves and you’re navigating through your new independency. That is why I put together a list of all the things you might need to make sure you’re prepared & comfortable! Below I will be breaking them up into categories and explaining why I think they are on this list. I also kinda went right down the middle with what kinda of forming situation you might be facing!
I was in a freshman dorm where my roommate and I had separate rooms and a shared kitchenette, bathroom and living room area so we had a lot of rooms to cover! But I know some dorms are just one single room with minimal space and twin beds so this list can go either way just adjust according to your situation.
Everything You Need to Make Your Dorm a Home
So you can see there is a lot of things here but somethings on her may not be important or add value to your space so don’t feel like you have to have all of this to have a perfect dorm. Your perfect homey space is going to be having things of value to you and things that make you feel good and productive. Now a days they have so much better room inspiration/ lists and guides ( like this one lol) than they did when I was leaving for college. So these options are way cuter and way more affordable.
I have added so many different categories like bedding, kitchen supplies, decor/furniture/organization, health & safety, cleaning & laundry, household essentials, bathroom, and productivity! One of my favorite gifts that I ever received before I left for college was from a family that I used to babysit for and she gave me a toolbox set! I used that more than anything else I brought to college and it was such a good one that I literally still use it today on my DIY projects like the playhouse!
Isn’t it cool to think that the gift someone gave me before I left for college is the gift that has been with me through all my big changes/ moves in life and is something I use daily to this day! So if you buy anything off of this list I think it should be that!
Bedding
All of the bedding stuff I added was like the basics because the fun part is picking out the pattern/ design on your pillows and comforter. I added the mattress protector because you just want to stay clean from a bed that was used before and it also helps with any accidents (spills/throw-up…), or allergies! Definitely a must- and this one is reasonably priced and comes with a pillow protector too! My mom always made sure we had a good memory foam on all our beds because it makes it feel super cozy and like it’s your bed not just a dorm. The sheets that I added are the ones I sleep on today and they are so cheap so its affordable to buy 2 sets so you always have a back up in case you can’t get to the laundry that day or something happens! They are the softest sheets I have ever slept on and never ride up because of the deep pockets! Definitely worth it to get two with this price! The pillows that I added are the best and keep you cool and comfortable and don’t get flat over time!
Kitchen Supplies
You want some reusable dishes and silverware that are affordable. These are all great options linked above because they are so cheap and also look aesthetically pleasing and are easy to maintain. A good coffee maker is a must have! You never know when you’re going to be pulling an all nighter and let’s be honest there is no better way to start your day than a cup of coffee. This Nespresso machine is on major sale right now and is super simple with the pods!
Decor & Furniture & Organization
The plants and a good rug are my number one suggestions to make sure your room is cozy and feels like home! Fake plants for the win and they can warm up any space- even a dorm! A rug is like the center point of the room so definitely get one that makes you happy but will also be easy to clean and not look worn or dirty ( like a fluffy or high pile rug). The one I linked above is from one of my favorite rug brands ( I actually have it in my house now and it is so soft and comfy but also literally does not stain-even with two toddlers) and the best part is that it is affordable and now available at Walmart!
The other things like the cute and multi use furniture is a good way to make any space feel warmer and more welcoming. The little chairs are small enough to move around and not take up to much space, a nice throw and some throw pillows and you are already feeling ready to have people over! Add a cute lamp and a couple mirrors and now your room feels brighter and more open! The round one would be so cute but the full length one would also be efficient for getting ready!
The cute frames are super cheap and a nice way to tie in a little part of your home. The wall calendars also add a great decor feature while keeping you organized! It is so nice to be able to visually see your tasks and events everyday!
Health & Safety
I think everyone should bring saftey gadgets and have their health items prepared so it is like mom is always with you! It never hurts to be too prepared. Bring that safety whistle, pepper spray ( I carried one on my keychain all through college) and utility knife. You never know when you might need it. Also, a good first aid kit and back up medicine is nice to have on hand so you never have to run out to get it when you actually need it! And you might be the one all your friends come to when they need something! My top two to have on hand is Tylenol (obviously) and these up and up tummy pills. They cure everything, because I have celiacs disease I always have something going on with my stomach and these help and are so nice to have on hand! Benadryl is good to have for allergy relief or if you have a reaction to something etc. Obviously it is also recommended that you always check with your doctor first before taking anything!
Cleaning & Laundry
This laundry bag is the one I use today and I love it. It is efficient to use but also easy to store away when you don’t need it. It’s also cheap and looks cuter than those plastic baskets! Make sure you have a good stain remover and laundry detergent I like using the powdered tide but this one is really. good and smells super homey. The pods are a great option to because they simplify the process and are easier to store and tote around.
One of the best cleaning tips that I learned off of tiktok that I do now is the leaving a dish sponge that has dish soap in it and cleaning your shower while you’re in in for the next time. It makes it so much easier to keep up with an it is honestly so satisfying.
Household Essentials
Like I said above my number one household essentials would be the tool kit you never know when you are going to need it and it is something that will go with you forever! You have to go to school and have the essentials you know like the trash can for the room and maybe one for the bathroom. Maybe a little mini fridge/ freezer combo for that late night snack. The tv,this one is the best it is small so it won’t take up too much space, it is super affordable and you don’t need any additional thing all of the apps you would need are on there. You can also airplay music and use it as a speaker. Making sure you have like paper towels, batteries, and toilet paper stocked up (if you have a private bathroom)
Bathroom
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Productivity
Make sure you have your desk and work space organized and prepared! It will definitely help you stay on top of all your work and to keep you motivated! One of my favorite things to do is get school supplies and organize it all. It makes you feel super prepared when you sit down to start studying.
If you find something that you are bringing to college tag me and let know I would love to add it to the list if I missed anything!!
Also, if you get all settled in send me pictures of how your spaces came out! I would love to see!!
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