College costs a fortune. And it doesn’t stop at tuition, room and board fees, and course materials; once you’ve got that taken care of, there’s the yearly dorm room shopping list. “Each school’s list is slightly different but they’re all ridiculous, full of unnecessary items,” says one of our editors, Margot (she should know; she sent two kids to college in the past four years). “You don’t need three sheet sets plus pillow protectors.”
We surveyed the dorm room checklists of four major retailers and cross checked them with our editors (several of us have kids in college, and all of us have been kids in college). What did we learn? There’s a thin line between “essential” and landfill. Here’s our take.
- First, do away with the nonessentials: lap desks, body pillows, string lights, hair towels, Fitbits, DVD players, bean bags, decorative pillows, accent tables, and multiples of most things.
- Next, take stock of what you already have and consider sourcing from student message boards or local yard sales; reuse first, consume second.
- Finally, shop with care. Invest in a few classics that will endure longer than their flimsy alternatives.
N.B.: Our list is the core of dorm room products, leaving out furniture and kitchenware for our purposes.
1. Twin XL Sheet Set
![our pick for long lasting sheets is the company store\2\17;s classic per 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/the-company-store-classic-percale-collection-733x496.jpg)
2. Pair of Standard Pillows
![the company store\2\17;s down free pillow \2 pack is \$39. many of the d 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/the-company-store-down-free-pillow-2-pack-white-733x496.jpg)
3. Twin XL Duvet and Cover
![the lacrosse twin xl light down comforter is \$\139 at the company store. the l 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/the-company-store-lacrosse-down-comforter-733x496.jpg)
4. Utility Blanket
![a good utility blanket is a favorite for its durability and versatility. the tw 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/schoolhouse-electric-utility-service-blanket-733x496.jpg)
5. Classic Desk Lamp
![a case for quality lighting: i\2\17;ve had the same desk lamp since coll 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/anglepoise-type-75-mini-desk-lamp-slate-grey-733x496.jpg)
6. Towels
![one place to spare your wallet is with towels. there\2\17;s no guarantee 22](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ikea-afjarden-white-towels-stack-733x726.jpg)
7. Bathroom Caddy
![take a pass on the plastic bath caddy, which most kids will dispose of anyway a 23](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ofs-grey-enamel-utility-caddy-733x496.jpg)
8. Slim Metal Hangers
![if you want to save on space, the container store\2\17;s chrome hangers 24](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/the-container-store-chrome-metal-hangers-733x496.jpg)
9. Closet Organizer Drawers
![the white elfa mesh closet drawers store socks and sleepwear nicely and made of 25](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/the-container-store-white-elfa-mesh-closet-drawers-733x496.jpg)
10. Laundry Hamper
![the steele narrow elevated laundry basket has a sturdy steel frame and a remova 26](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/steele-narrow-elevated-laundry-basket-733x496.jpg)
11. Wire Baskets
![wire baskets are good for corralling bedside essentials, extra toiletries, desk 27](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/schoolhouse-electric-municipal-gym-basket-733x496.jpg)
12. Under-Bed Storage Boxes
![a remodelista go to is the muji soft under bed storage case in cotton linen wit 28](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/muji-soft-under-bed-storage-case-cotton-linen-733x496.jpg)
13. Multipurpose Tool Box
![steel toolboxes can be made into college ready kits with first aid items, toile 29](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/muji-steel-toolbox-white-733x496.jpg)
14. Over-the-Door Mirror
![besides under bed storage, over the door storage is another strategy to employ 30](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ikea-garnes-over-the-door-mirror-733x962.jpg)
15. Classic Alarm Clock
![this one is for fun, since many students use the alarm application on cell phon 31](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/braun-bnc004-alarm-clock-white-733x496.jpg)
16. Trays
![a set of durable trays will help corral loose items on top of a dresser, desk, 32](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/schoolhouse-electric-compartment-cafeteria-tray-733x496.jpg)
17. Pedal Trash Bin
![in a dorm where most things sit out in the open, there\2\17;s no hiding 33](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/rubbermaid-defenders-trash-can-small.jpg)
18. Canvas Curtains
![depending on the curtain rod situation, you don\2\17;t want to show up t 34](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/pb-teen-classic-sailcloth-blackout-drapes.jpg)
For more ideas on dorm room living, see:
- 9 Small-Space Ideas to Steal from a Tiny Paris Apartment
- Small-Space Solutions: 17 Affordable Tips from a NYC Creative Couple
- Expert Advice: 10 Secrets for Living in a Small Space
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