Photo Credit: Residence Hall Linens

Disclaimer:  We’d like to thank Residence Hall Linens for sponsoring this post.

For some it may be a time for packing up our dorm room for others it’s the time to celebrate our high school graduation.  But now is a GREAT time to pull out your trusty journal and create your dorm room checklist for Fall.

Toted as our ‘home away from home,’ we find ourselves looking at our ‘packed up’ bared wall room with relief as we head home to our fully decorated ‘home bedroom,’ Yet, before ‘checking out’ and turing in our keys, we have a quick flashback to the first day we set foot into our new home.

The day you and your family lugged WAY too many pairs of shoes up the five flights of stairs (because the elevator was broken), you were excited and scared.   2 trips to Wal-Mart and sending mom home with your extra pairs of shoes, you made a home.  While it may not have looked like what we see on TV, it was home.

Now looking at your bare walls, you know better now as what to bring and what not to bring next year.  With one year down and three more to go, our classy interns and staff sat down and discussed our move in process AND our must haves for the dorm.  

Photo Credit: Residence Hall Linens

Here are the items making the cut on our dorm room checklist.

1 – Shower caddy.  ~Hope A and Meg D, Writers & Debra, Managing Editor

Essential for carrying our shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer to and from the showers.  If you don’t have a bathroom connected to your room, it’s a LONG walk to the community one down the hall…especially as a classy co-ed with curly hair who needs a jumbo bottle of conditioner at all times.  Debra states, ‘I purchased several caddies.  One even had a spot for my toothbrush, toothpaste, glasses and contact lens case, which made my life infinitely easier.’

2 – Dry Erase Board.  ~ Emily L, CLCS Duquesne Editor

I love having a place to color code my schedule where I can see it every time I am in my room. Also, my board had an area where I could leave notes to myself or roommate. Freshman year, I would put an inspirational quote on it weekly.

3 – Mini fridge + Rug/Mat.  ~Martha, Editor

While many of us lug a refrigerator to the dorm, a rug/mat under helps with any spills/clean up.

4 – Lap top cover or lap top desk.  ~Martha, Editor

If you plan to work while sitting on your bed, you will need a lap top desk to prevent your computer from overheating.

5 – Shower shoes.  ~Kristen T, Editor

It is a long walk to those showers.  Protect your feeties.

6 – Duct Tape.  ~Lauren D, Writer

You can literally fix everything with a little duct tape. You will never think of it, but I cannot tell you how many times I’ve needed duct tape. From hanging posters, lights, putting up pictures, fixing straps on clothing, and blinds, you’ll need it.

7 – Lysol or Clorox disinfectant wipes.  ~Mallory H, Editor

I use them to clean nearly everything in the room, and they even work as dust collectors when you run out of dusting spray!

8 – Egg Crate Pad.  ~Sarah G, Social Media

I couldn’t sleep without it at school!

Photo Credit: Residence Hall Linens

9 – College Dorm Bedding Sets.  ~Debra, Managing Editor

While we may want to bring out our inner ‘HGTV‘ decorator and select our own combination of sheets, bedding, comforter, egg crate, and towels, it is MUCH easier and cheaper to buy a prepackaged dorm specific bedding sets.

Photo Credit: Residence Hall Linens

10 – Trunks. ~Kaylee K, Social Media

Triples as storage, seating, and decor.  What more could we want?

Missed Part 1 in our series?

Click Here:  Dorm Checklist – What Not to Forget!