College Move-In Checklist: What Freshmen Really Need

Before buying anything, read the housing office's list. Common rules cover:

• Mattress size (many dorms use Twin XL, which needs special sheets)
• Banned items like candles, space heaters or some cooking appliances
• Whether a mini fridge or microwave is provided

Also ask your student to message their roommate so you do not both bring a fridge.

• Sheets that fit the dorm mattress (often Twin XL)
• A mattress topper and a mattress protector
• Pillow and pillowcases
• A comforter or duvet, plus a light blanket
• An eye mask and earplugs for a noisy hall

• Under-bed storage bins (measure bed height first)
• Hangers and an over-the-door hook
• A small shower caddy and shower shoes
• A laundry bag or hamper and detergent
• A small toolkit and command strips (many dorms ban nails)

• Laptop and charger (check if the school recommends a type)
• A surge-protector power strip, if allowed
• Desk lamp
• Headphones for studying and calls
• Backpack and a simple planner

• A basic first-aid kit and any regular medicines
• Copies of insurance cards and important contacts
• A reusable water bottle
• A small flashlight

Talk with your student about where the campus health center is before they need it.

Bulky items like bins, lamps and bedding can be shipped to the school (if mail is accepted before move-in) or to a nearby address. Many families wait to buy décor until they see the room. If your student will be ordering their own supplies through the year, a membership of their own may make sense — see our guide on whether Prime for Young Adults is worth it.

• Big furniture (rooms are small)
• Lots of décor before you see the room
• Every kitchen gadget — dining halls cover most meals
• Duplicates of what the roommate is bringing