What I Bought for my College Dorm

Shopping and planning out your college dorm can be exciting, but it can also be so daunting. Four years ago, I remember shopping and planning out my own college dorm. I wish I had a list to guide me through it all. So, I have made that for y’all who are currently shopping for their own college dorm!

***Please note that every college dorm is different and so is every college. Each college will have different rules and guidelines as to what you can and cannot bring with you. Please follow them. At the same time, every dorm is different with its set up, too, so please be mindful of its set up, too.***

The Ultimate College Dorm List

Bed

  1. Duvet cover/quilt/comforter
  2. Bed skirt
  3. 2+ sets of sheets
  4. Pillow Inserts
  5. Decorative Pillows
  6. Mattress pad/topper
  7. Headboard (if so desired)
  8. Throw blanket from home
  9. Stuffed animal(s) from home
  10. Pillow pet(s) from home
  11. Pillows
  12. Heated blanket/weighted blanket (if applicable)
  13. Slippers

Dresser

  1. Perfume tray (if desired)
  2. Jewelry tray(s)
  3. Jewelry organizer(s)
  4. Necklace rack
  5. Alarm clock
  6. Lamp(s)
  7. Hair tools/brushes organizer(s)
  8. Hair tools
  9. Hair brushes
  10. Makeup
  11. Makeup brushes
  12. Makeup organizer(s)
  13. Nail polish
  14. Nail polish remover
  15. Dresser organizer(s)
  16. Hair spray/dry shampoo
  17. Drawer liners

Wall

  1. String lights
  2. Wall decorations
  3. Clock (if desired)
  4. Command strips
  5. Command hooks

Bathroom

  • Shower caddy
  • Flip flops
  • Toiletries
  • Plastic cup
  • 3+ Body towels
  • 5+ Wash cloths
  • 3+ Hand towels
  • Shower curtain (if suite style)
  • Bath Matt (if suite style)
  • Shower Matt (if suite style)
  • Shower curtain liner (if suite style)
  • Medicine
  • First aid kit
  • Feminine products Bandaids
  • Mini trash bags (if suite style)
  • Mini trash can (if suite style)

Desk

  1. Desk Lamp
  2. Framed photo(s)
  3. Textbooks

Food Items

  1. Keurig/Coffee maker (if desired)
  2. K-Cups (if desired)
  3. Tea kettle (if desired)
  4. Tea bags
  5. Mugs
  6. Plastic and/or paper plates and bowls
  7. Plastic and/or metal utensils
  8. Plastic cups
  9. Coffee creamer
  10. Mini fridge
  11. Magnets
  12. Storage basket(s)
  13. Snacks
  14. Pot(s) and/or pan(s)
  15. Brita water filter
  16. Tumblers
  17. Water bottles

Closet

  1. Clothing
  2. Shoes
  3. Accessories
  4. Shoe rack
  5. Command hooks
  6. Hangers
  7. Disposable masks
  8. Cloth masks
  9. Clothing rack
  10. Mirror
  11. Storage bins

Desk

  1. Textbooks
  2. Notebooks
  3. Binders
  4. Notebook paper
  5. Tape
  6. Tape dispenser
  7. Stapler
  8. Staples
  9. Pencils
  10. Pens
  11. Pencil case
  12. Calculator
  13. Sticky notes
  14. Note pad(s)
  15. Books
  16. Checkbook
  17. Files
  18. File holder
  19. Folders
  20. Envelops
  21. Stationary
  22. Monitor(s) (if desired)
  23. Mousepad
  24. Computer mouse
  25. Planner/to do list (if needed)
  26. Chargers
  27. Desk pillow and/or back relief
  28. Desk chair and/or chair cover
  29. Index cards
  30. Storage baskets and/or cubbies
  31. Desk hutch (if desired)
  32. Backpack
  33. Printer paper
  34. Printer (if applicable)
  35. Printer ink (if applicable)
  36. Cork board (if desired)

Miscellaneous

  1. Bookshelf
  2. Storage cubbies
  3. Under bed storage bins and/or drawers
  4. Stand up lamp
  5. Rug
  6. Lanyard
  7. Curtains
  8. Trash bags
  9. Trash can
  10. Laundry basket
  11. Laundry detergent and/or fabric softener
  12. Any other desired decorations
  13. Soap
  14. Hand sanitizer
  15. Room spray/scent plug-in’s
  16. Duffel bag and/or suitcases to visit home, of course!

Happy shopping and cheers to the next four years plus or minus some of college!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Why I Lived on Campus All Four Years of College

When it comes to deciding where to live in college, it can be pretty daunting. One of the best decisions that I made was to live on my college campus all four years of my college experience. I lived in a dorm for two years and then an on-campus apartment for the next two years. So, I will be sharing today why I decided to live right on campus throughout my college years!

Before I dig into the reasons as to why I chose to live on campus all four years of my college experience, I want to make a few remarks. Everyone has their own decisions to make when it comes to making that decision. For me personally, it was best for me to live on campus for all four years of my college experience. However, that may not be the best decision for someone else. While it was the best way for me to go, it may not be for someone else.

Proximity to Campus Life & Classes

It is always super nice to be able to roll out of bed and be in class 5 minutes later without any worry of being there late! I have found the proximity of living on campus to be great not only for getting to class but also for being in the midst of all of the robust campus life fun. The easy walk to be able to simply get to class without needing a car or to an on-campus event is pretty great. Not to mention, having free food at the dining hall is pretty nice at times too, even when it may not be the best. When I lived in the dorms, I could easily eat there whenever I wanted to on a meal plan, but I chose not to once I moved to my on-campus apartment. I have been able to meet and see so many people within my college campus that I would not have been able to meet and see if it wasn’t for living on campus!

Safety

One of the biggest reasons that I decided to live on campus was for the safety aspect. My college is pretty small and requires that people check with the security guard at the main gates before coming in. There are also other security restrictions, like automatic locks on all the doors, that allow for me to feel extra safe. Something that I feel I would not have as much living off campus.

Living with Classmates

As someone who is about to graduate from college, I have loved being able to live right next door and across the hall from all of my friends and classmates. Whether it be a dorm or an on-campus apartment, it is so nice to be right then and there with all of my friends, too. Once I graduate, I won’t be able to walk across the hall to see my friends, so I am glad I got to enjoy this perk of on-campus living while I could!

Through it all, living on campus has been extremely convenient for me! Whether it be an easy breeze walk to class, quick access to meals, or close proximity to everything on my college campus, having a place to call my own right beyond the gates of my second home has been oh so sweet!

XOXO – Katie <3

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15 Items I LOVE Having in my College Dorm/Apartment

With college move-in coming upon us quicker than ever, it definitely is exciting to make your lists and check them twice on what you need for your dorm/apartment. It definitely is daunting to be sure you have absolutely EVERYTHING that you need. Luckily, going away to college is not like packing your bags for a trip to Italy, as most likely there will be a Target nearby your college. As a college Senior, I have been through all of the ups and downs of packing and deciding what to bring to your new dorm/apartment. Throughout my time as a college student, I have figured out what products I LOVE having in my dorm/apartment, which I have listed 15 of them here!

1 – Bath & Body Works Wallflower

No one that I know likes a room that smells weird! Unfortunately, college dorms and even apartments can most definitely have strange odors from time to time. Luckily, Bath & Body Works’ Wallflowers are great to add a fresh scented aura to any small space. Upon moving into my Freshmen dorm, I purchased one of their plug-in Wallflowers, which can easily be refilled once every 4-8 weeks with a new scent. If you’re like me and you LOVE Bath & Body Works, then you know that they carry several super amazing scents from lotions to perfumes to soaps which of course are available for their Wallflower plug-in refills. Bath & Body Works’ Wallflowers have definitely been my favorite over the years, and I will definitely still be using them after college too!

2 – Throw Blanket

Nothing says I need to wind down better than cozying up with a throw blanket after a long day of classes. Over the years, I have LOVED having a throw blanket in my dorm/apartment. Not only does it make me feel really homey in my home away from home, but it also keeps me warm when the dorms/apartments are ridiculously cold (which they can be!).

3 – Cards Against Humanity

Cards Against Humanity has definitely been a classic card game amongst many adults of all ages, but especially college students. The majority of college-aged students that I know are big fans of Cards Against Humanity, which makes it an excellent social gathering. In fact, many college students host parties in their dorms/apartments just to play this awesome card game. That being said, it is definitely worth looking into purchasing a pack before you make the move to college.

4 – Fan

College dorms and even apartments are extremely weird with their heating and air systems at times. One day you may be living in a sauna and the next you may be living in what feels like an igloo. Keeping this fact in mind, I would definitely purchase a fan no matter the size before you go off to college, as you will have days where you need it. I sometimes even carry around mini battery-powered fans that I found for under $2 at Walmart during the Summer.

5 – Mugs

I feel that a persons’ mug collection tells a bunch about themselves and who they are. Mugs are such a fun way to have something that is uniquely yours while telling a bit about yourself. I know that I LOVE to collect mugs from my travels, as I have a few in my collection from when I studied abroad in Europe. Additionally, I also have a ton of mugs that are bright and bubbly with flamingoes and Lilly Pulitzer prints. Having a mug (or five) in your college dorm/apartment is a great way to tell a bit about yourself while also having something right in your own space that you can use to whip up your favorite morning drink.

6 – Air Purifier

Like any bedroom back at home, college dorms/apartments can get VERY dusty. Before I went to college, my mom invested in an air purifier for my dorm, and I am OH SO GRATEFUL that she did. Air purifiers are a lifesaver, as they simply purify the air in your dorm/apartment throughout the day – something that not all the dusting and mopping in the world can fully do.

7 – Fun Magnets

Like mugs, I LOVE to collect magnets from my travels! Magnets are just such a fun way to decorate your fridge or mini fridge with all your adventures from the years. Besides how fun they are, magnets are also extremely easy to transport and super duper affordable. That being said, one or even 20 magnets definitely will not hurt the budget and leave you with some super fun digs for your new fridge no matter its size.

8 – Vacuum

A vacuum has definitely been my saving grace during my college years! Having a vacuum has allowed me to keep my place clean and neat. Personally, I feel that this item is worth the investment for anybody moving into a college dorm/apartment without explaining too much!

9 – Decorative Banner

Bar carts, over the bed, and desk side, OH MY! The possibilities for where to hang a banner are ENDLESS. Decorative banners have always been a favorite of mine, as they are easy to transport as well as either make or order online. I have found that banners make for a fun nice touch in any place, especially one that you’re making into your second home.

10 – Anti-Wrinkle Spray

My step-mom bought me anti-wrinkle spray when I moved into my Freshmen year dorm, and it has definitely been one of the best things that she introduced me to! Anti-wrinkle spray is a simple and practical way to get rid of wrinkles in your clothes without having a use an iron. All you have to do is spray it on the garment where the wrinkles are, straighten out the wrinkles on the garment, and poof they are gone!

11 – Plates & Utensils

This one mostly goes for those living in a dorm, since having plates and utensils in an apartment is pretty much a necessity. When in a dorm, the dining hall food most definitely gets old, even after the first week. In my dorm, I most definitely made a ton of microwaveable dishes that required a plate and my own utensils. They were most definitely a lifesaver for me in my own dorm!

12 – Throw Pillows

Like a decorative banner, throw pillows definitely add a personal and fun spice to your dorm/apartment. I have found having throw pillows to make my dorm room extra homey while away from home too!

13 – Bar Cart

Whether for snacks or drinks, bar carts are definitely the way to go! I LOVE having a bar cart in my apartment, as I can successfully store all of the snacks and drinks that I enjoy throughout the days. The best part about a bar cart is that you can easily add a banner or frame and really make it your own. The possibilities are limitless with a bar cart!

14 – Coffee/Tea

Whether you love coffee or tea, I would definitely get a few of your favorite morning drink staples before heading off to college. Although I am an avid tea lover, I do know many people who LOVE coffee and have really benefitted from having their own Keurig. At the same time, the dining hall may only offer so much when it comes to coffee and tea and Starbucks/Dunkin’ adds up real fast. Whatever floats your boat in the morning when it comes to drinks is what you need to stay afloat throughout the crazy college days!

15 – Wall Art

Like a throw pillow, mug, throw blanket, or magnet, wall art is a telltale way to make a space specifically yours. While you may be moving into a space temporarily that many have lived before you and will live after you, having your own wall art sets your place apart from everyone else’s. Most importantly, wall art makes your space uniquely yours.

Even though college dorm/apartment can be hectic from time to time, it is also really exciting! While my list varies on categories of items that I cannot live without while away at college, each of these items has truly made me feel much more at home in my brand-new and temporary space. Hopefully, the items that I shared will provide you with some inspiration on what to get for your own college dorm/apartment as you make a new space your own too!

XOXO – Katie <3

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