Dorm Room MVPs: Real Essentials from Real College Students
What 5 Students from 5 Different Schools Say You Actually Need
It’s June, which means it’s grad season… which means you’re already starting to pack for college drop-off—mentally, emotionally, and maybe even physically (Container Store run, anyone?). Whether you’re a rising freshman or a parent staring down an ever-growing list, the million-dollar question is: What do you actually need?
To help separate the must-haves from the never-used, I polled five real college students—a mix of rising juniors and seniors from University of Colorado/Boulder, Clemson University, Ithaca College, Susquehanna University and University of Miami—who’ve lived both the dorm and off-campus life. Their answers? Surprisingly practical, refreshingly honest, and full of smart little tips you won’t find on a mass-produced checklist.
Let’s break it down, student by student. ..and because sharing is caring, I’ve linked all of the student-recommended items on my LTK page for easy shopping.
CW, rising junior at the University of Colorado Boulder:
—Space-saving pants hangers
—Rechargeable lamps
—Extension cords/power strips
—Smart TV (invited friends for movie-watching!)
—Dishwasher drying pad to put under the shower caddy
KM, rising junior at Clemson University:
—Body pillow, propped up on the bed as a makeshift couch
—Make up mirror
—Rolling cart with shelves
—Extra tall bedside table, good for the lofted bed
—Under bed drawers, packed and labeled at home making move in/out easy!
DW, rising senior at Ithaca College:
—Roller cart with shelves
—Multi speed fan
—Charger block with multiple outlets, uses at at home in the summer, too.
—Mesh shower caddy
HK, rising junior at Susquehanna University:
—Over the door hooks
—Square cubbies, used for nightstand/tv stand/drawers
—Woozoo fan (everyone seems to love this one!)
—Honorable Mention: ‘fake grenery/plant makes it feel less like a jail cell.”
SK, rising junior at the University of Miami:
—Clothes drying rack becuase the going-out clothes can’t go in the industrial dryers!
—Shoe rack
—Brita filtered water pitcher
—Under bed storage (it’s a must if you haven’t picked up on that)
Whether your student is heading off with color-coded bins and a label maker—or tossing things into duffel bags the night before—these tried-and-true essentials are the items that actually earned their spot in the dorm. Each school and setup is different, but comfort, convenience, and smart storage came up again and again across the board.
So take it from the sophomores and juniors who’ve been there: start with the basics, skip the gimmicks, and don’t underestimate the power of a good fan, even in upstate New York!