By Janice Simon, The Organized Auntie
May 23, 2018
Do you have a niece or nephew heading to college this fall? Auntie to the rescue! Let's go shopping!
First, most colleges have checklists of the items that freshmen often need. These lists are really useful as you organize your shopping trips online and offline with your niece or nephew. Once you know the dorm name, you can even download the list directly and get a head start.
You may also consider sites like
Dormify and
Roomify which offer packages of dorm room gear so you can do “one-stop” shopping of room essentials. You pick the sets based on your niece's or nephew's desired bedding colors, place your order, and have it to delivered to your niece or nephew over the summer. You can also find some cool and cute dorm decor on these sites.
Still, if you or your niece or nephew prefer choosing individual pieces, and if you don't want to forget the essentials, here’s The Organized Auntie guide!Sheets and Beddings. Twin beds in dorms are usually considered Twin XL, and your typical twin sized sheets won’t work. Stores usually have a “bed-in-a-bag” set with a comforter, sheets, and a pillowcase. Depending on the dorm bed set-up, a set of
bed risers could give more underbed space.
Bedside Caddies. Tucked under mattresses, these
caddies hold power cords, glasses, and other items. I also love this
Urban Shelf from The Container Store.
3M Removable Wall Hangers. Most colleges have rules about hanging up pictures with thumbtacks, nails and tape. Use the
removable wall hangers to avoid leaving damage behind. Removable hooks can be used for towels, hats and necklaces.
Mattress Protector and Mattress Pad. Since mattresses are provided, this is just a good idea from a hygiene and allergy management standpoint. A mattress pad is good to add since the mattresses aren’t the softest. Toss in a body or European style pillow to sit against the wall on your dorm bed more comfortable.
Shower Caddies. Shower caddies are usually
plastic tubs or mesh, and most have compartments and pockets to organize all of needed bathing items. It can easily be carted back and forth to the dorm room or stashed on a counter or underneath a cabinet – depending on the dorm room set up.
Towels. A set of towels should include a couple of large towels, hand towels and wash clothes.
Desk. For the desk, you’ll need a pencil cup and
some drawers to organize papers and supplies.
Surge Protector. This is much needed for plugging in and charging laptops and other electronics. Make sure it has a few USB connections as well.
Storage Containers and Closet Organizers. To carve out more space in tiny dorm closets, use a
hanging sweater container for t-shirts, sweatshirts and other clothes.
Plastic drawers can be used for holding clothing and other supplies. Depending on the dorm layout,
underbed storage containers are great to hold extra supplies and seasonal items.
Add in a few
tiered hangers or a
double hang closet rod to save space. Have your niece and nephew check with their roommates about an
over-the-door mirror since you only need one.
First Aid Kit. Buy an already made first aid kit or build your own with bandages, over-the-counter medications, and antiseptics.
Before they head to college, hand them
The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker. It’s a great guide for both young women and men.
Finally, you may want to consider getting yourself a packet of tissues for the day they move into their dorm. Time flies, doesn't it?