The college is selected, now it’s time to outfit the dorm.  You’ve gotten the 100 item list from the college on what your student needs to bring.  It’s a bit overwhelming.  Here are some essentials you want to start with:

  1. Number one.  Numero uno.  A GOOD mattress pad.  Yes, you bought the Twin XL sheets.  But the actual mattresses are paper thin and you need a good mattress pad.  After a few bad ones that barely made the year – this is the one to get, yes it is more money – but will last the entire 4 years, and the comfortable sleep is so worth it:   Tempurpedic Mattress Topper XL.  Keep an eye out for coupons and sales – they do exist.
  2. Dorm fridge.  Check with your roommates to coordinate, if sharing you can get a larger one.  Check out Home Depot or Lowe’s for sales.  This is a nice one, without a freezer – which is basically useless anyway in a dorm fridge.  Freezerless dorm fridge.  Some times colleges will offer rental programs for fridges.
  3. Air fresheners.  Especially if you have a son or athlete.  Nothing more needs to be said on that topic.
  4. Command strips.  They are especially useful and can help you with getting your security deposit returned:

5. Under bed storage boxes.  You know you will be sending the first aid kit to end all first aid kits, no better place than an under bed storage box.  These are nice because they have wheels – you can pick them up at any Target: 

For a more comprehensive list, this is a great reference article from Real Simple:  Real Simple College Checklist

Some of this advice certainly seems outdated – like an alarm clock.  What kid doesn’t use the alarm function on their phone?  So use your best judgement, you know your child best!  Don’t forget the tissues for that first drop-off!