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GON Recommendations
My Ultimate List of Must-Have Items for Your
College Dorm
by Maria Gracia | Updated on May 9, 2025
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Having a college-age daughter has given me a good understanding of
what's essential in a typical dorm room and what's not. Here’s my ultimate
college dorm checklist that I used for my daughter Amanda’s freshman
year. I’ve also added a few items now that she’s a rising senior living in an
apartment on campus.
GON RECOMMENDATIONS
The Original
Get Organized Now!
Website - Since 1997
by Maria Gracia
Copyright Get Organized Now!™
611 Arlington Way, Watertown, WI 53094
CLOTHING
Bras
Bubble Umbrella
Business Outfit
(Presentations/Interviews) with
Shoes
Coat/Jacket (Fall/Winter)
Gloves
Hat/Cap
Jeans
Jewelry/Jewelry Box
Lanyard
Pajamas
Pants/Skirts-Casual
Purse
Rain Coat
Rain Poncho
Scarf
Shirts-Casual
Shorts
Shoes/Sneakers/Boots
Slippers
Socks
Sunglasses
Statement Outfit (For Going Out)
with Shoes
Sweatshirts/Sweatpants Sets
Swim Cap
Swim Shorts
Swim Suits
Underwear
Workout Clothes
ELECTRONICS
AirPods/Head Phones/Charger
Computer/Charger
iPad/Charger
Phone/Charger
Portable Travel Charger
Surge Protector (UL Listed)
Watch/Charger
GROOMING
Body Wash/Soap
Crocs/Flip Flops for Shower
Curling Iron
Deodorant
Hair Brush/Comb
Hair Crimper
Hair Dryer
Hair-Conditioner
Hair-Shampoo
Hair Straightener
Hair Ties/Clips
Loofah
Lotion
Make-Up
Make-Up Brushes
Make-Up Mirror
Make-Up Remover
Nail Clippers
Nail File
Perfume/Cologne
Q-Tips
Razors
Skin Care
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Towels (Bath, Face, Hand, Hair)
Tweezers
DORM ROOM
Area Rug
Bed: Blanket
Bed: Comforter
Bed: Mattress Cover
Bed: Mattress Pad
Bed: Pillow
Bed: Sheets/Pillowcases
Boot Tray
Chair Pad
Clothes Steamer
Decor
Dehumidifier (or DampRid)
Desk Organizer
Fan (Tower and/or Tabletop)
Iron/Steamer (Auto Turn-Off)
Hangers/Space-Saving Hangers
Lamp (Desk/Bed)
Laundry Bag (Backpack Style)
Laundry Basket
Laundry Drying Rack
Lawn Chair for Sitting Outside
Make-Up Mirror
Mini Vac with Handle
Mirror (Full Length)
Reusable Water Bottle
Shoe Rack
Shower Caddy
Step Stool
Storage-Collapsible
Suitcase (Travel)
Trash Can (Small) Garbage
COMFORT ITEMS
Photos
Room Decor
Stuffed Animals
HEALTH/MEDS
Antibiotic Ointment
Benadryl
Cortizone
First-Aid Kit
Feminine Products
Hand Sanitizer
Ice Packs
Lozenges
Microwave Heating Pad
Motrin
Prescription Meds
Thermometer
Tums
Tylenol
Vicks
Vitamins
Zyrtec
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Academic Planner
Accordion Folder
Index Cards
Highlighters
Notebooks
Paper Clips
Pens
Pencils (Regular and Colored)
Post it Notes/Tabs
Ruler
Scissors
Sharpies
Stapler/Staples
CLEANING/ORGANIZING
Command Strips
Command Strip Towel Hook
Clorox Wipes
Dryer Sheets or Dryer Balls
Dust Rags/Feather Duster
Laundry PODS
Lint Roller/Brush
Lysol Spray
Micofiber Clothes
Paper Towels
Swiffer
Toilet Brush
Toilet Cleaner
Toilet Paper
Tools (Small set: Flathead and
Phillips Screwdriver, Hammer,
Pliers)
GROCERIES
Bottled Water
Dry Popcorn
Crackers
Flavored Sparkling Water
Goldfish
Granola Bars/Protein Bars
Paper Lunch Bags (For Popcorn)
Paper Dishes/Plastic Utensils
Paper Towels
Peanut Butter
Pretzels
Salt/Pepper
Soup (Campbell’s Microwave
Version) Trust me…this is important
for that day they catch a cold. And
they will!
Food Storage Containers
Tissues
Trash Bags
Ziploc Bags (All Sizes)
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Driver's License (with Real ID)
ATM Card
Credit Card
Student ID
Health Insurance Card
Passport (for International Travel)
Social Security Card (Employment)
KITCHEN NEEDS
Air Fryer
Baking Dish
Brita Water Filter
Colander
Cookie Sheet
Cooking Utensils (Spatula, Tongs,
Ladle, Slotted Spoon, Whisk,
Measuring Cups)
Cutting Board
Dinnerware (Small Amount)
Frying Pan (Medium)
Glasses/Mugs (A Few)
Keurig
Knives
Microwave
Mini-Fridge
Mitts/Pot Holder Set
Mixing Bowls
Pot (Medium)
Silverware Set (Small Amount)
Slow Cooker