Your Ultimate Dorm Room Guide to Moving In Without Breaking the Bank

The summer after your high school graduation is an exciting time, filled with plans for adventures and fun before starting college. If you’ll be moving away from home to go to college, you’ll also have many things to do to prepare. One of the most important tasks is planning what will be needed in your new dorm room, and how you’ll manage to keep the costs in check as you create your shopping list.

At ScholarshipOwl, we’re all about smart strategies for your college journey, and that includes setting up your new digs without draining your family’s savings. Let’s tackle the “what to buy” and “how to save” so you can focus on the joys and challenges that lie ahead as you begin your college journey, like making new friends, experiencing campus life, and gearing up for the academic rigors that await you!

Focus on the Essentials

We’ve all heard about how small dorm rooms are. You’ve probably witnessed that for yourself if you’ve toured college dorms. Whatever you’ve seen or heard about, you’ll realize for yourself that it’s even SMALLER than you estimated, because usually when you tour a dorm, the tour guide is either showing you a dorm that has been especially set up for that purpose OR they’ve chosen a dorm room from a resident who is known to keep their room organized and tidy.

It’s also important to note that dorm housing is harder to come by. Many colleges try to make room for incoming freshmen by assigning them to a “triple” room, meaning that instead of sharing with one roommate, you’ll be sharing with two roommates, all within the sized dorm room as your peers with just one roommate. Sharing such a small space with two roommates can be particularly challenging, so if you are in this situation, you’ll want to be especially strategic in deciding what to bring with you to campus.

So first things first, let’s break down what you’ll actually need. If you are moving into an apartment with roommates, you’ll have a bit more space, but you’ll also be sharing that space with others, so you’ll want to opt for a minimalist approach.

Bedding

• Twin XL Bedding

A dorm room typically will come furnished with a Twin XL bed for each resident. If you aren’t sure what size bed you’ll be provided, call the housing office to find out. Note that a Twin XL is NOT the same size as a standard Twin bed. So if you have a standard Twin bed at home, unfortunately you won’t be able to bring your existing bedding with you to school. For your bedding, you’ll need at least two sets of sheets so that you can launder your sheets at least SOMETIMES during the year lol! You’ll also need a comforter, pillows to sleep on, and perhaps a decorative pillow or two if you like.

• Mattress Topper

Dorm mattresses are NOT known for their comfort. They are sometimes thinner than a standard mattress, and they aren’t replaced very often by the college. Some students find that it can be challenging to sleep in their dorm bed, but a good-quality mattress topper can make all the difference. While a mattress topper isn’t “required,” it’s highly recommended – and of course it doesn’t take up any additional space, so if you can incorporate one into your budget, it’s well worth it!

Studying

• Desk Lamp

A desk lamp is essential for late-night study sessions, enabling you to avoid turning on the overhead light and potentially disturbing your roommate(s).

• Basic School Supplies

Be sure to purchase school supplies such as notebooks, printer paper, pens, highlighters, stapler with staples, post-it notes, etc. Depending on your personal organizational style, you might want to also add binders and/or folders to your list. If you are taking any art or design classes, you’ll need to get the needed supplies for those classes as well.

• Laptop

You’ll want to have a laptop to use for homework as well as for bringing to class. You’ll find that many students use their laptops for notetaking, rather than taking notes by hand. If you have an existing laptop that you can use, that will be fine – but if not, you’ll want to buy a laptop. Note that you may be able to find a perfectly suitable used laptop by asking your friends or family, or by searching for options on Facebook Marketplace, local buy/sell ads, NextDoor, eBay, etc. Just be sure to check the reviews of any seller before purchasing a used laptop to ensure that you’ll be happy with your purchase. Ask a parent or other trusted adult to help you with selecting a reputable seller.

• Power Strip with Surge Protector

A power strip with surge protector is essential for plugging in your electronics. You might have one at home that you can bring with you to school rather than purchasing a new one.

• Small Trash Can

If your dorm doesn’t supply one, you’ll want to have a small trash can to keep your space tidy.

• Storage Solutions

With such a small living space, you’ll want to maximize opportunities for storing your stuff. Consider under-bed bins, desk organizers, small vertical shelving units, etc.

Bathroom & Personal Care

• Shower Caddy

Having a shower caddy is super helpful if you’ll be walking down the hall to a communal bathroom / shower facilities.

• Towels

You’ll need to have at least two sets of bath towels, hand towels and washcloths. You can save money by bringing towels from home rather than buying new.

• Basic Toiletries

Make sure you bring shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, body wash, toothbrush and toothpaste, shavers / shave cream, and any personal hygiene products that you’ll need.

• Flip-flops/Shower Shoes

It’s critical that you wear waterproof flip-flops/shower shoes since you’ll be using a shared shower. This is essential to help prevent transmission of fungal infections such as athlete’s foot that can linger on shower surfaces.

Laundry & Cleaning Supplies

• Laundry Hamper/Bag

Having a lightweight way to store and transport your laundry to the laundry room (or your parents home!) is essential.

• Laundry Products

You’ll want to have laundry detergent on-hand to be able to launder your clothes at school. If your dorm uses coin-operated machines, you’ll also want to have quarters. But many dorms now have loadable laundry cards, which makes the process simpler. Optional items you may want to consider include a stain-remover stick or spray, dryer sheets, etc.

• Basic Cleaning Supplies

All students should have a standard multi-purpose spray cleaner, dish soap, sponges, dish towels, and paper towels. Even if you have a meal plan, you’ll find that you will still sometimes snack in your room. By keeping your small space clean, you’ll avoid unwelcome smells and also ensure that your dorm doesn’t attract bugs. You’ll also be a roommate who is more enjoyable to live with!

Clothing

• Don’t Bring Your Whole Closet

Be selective when deciding on what clothing to bring with you to school. Remember that you’ll have minimal space, so choose items that are practical and that pair with other clothes in your wardrobe. Most students find that college campuses have a casual vibe, so keep your dressy clothes at home, except for perhaps one or two items that you might want to wear for a fun evening out with friends or a date night.

• Consider the Weather

Choose clothes that make sense for the weather you’ll experience when you move to school. Weather in your new home may be very different from where you live now, so investigate what you should expect in the fall, winter, and spring.

• Bring Less if You’ll be Visiting Home Often

If you plan on returning home for a visit before Thanksgiving, you can bring fewer clothing items with you in the short-term. Bring only what you’ll need for the first few months of school. When you are ready to return home for a visit, bring clothing items with you that you didn’t really wear and/or are no longer appropriate for the winter weather, so that you can make room in your school closet. Once you are home, you can select additional items to take back with you to school to get you through the end of your first term.

Other Essentials

• Command Hooks/Strips

It is critical that you purchase hooks / strips that won’t damage the walls. Command is one brand, but there are others. Read the packaging to ensure that what you are buying won’t damage surfaces. If you cause damage to your dorm room walls, you’ll be charged for repairs when you are ready to move out.

• Mini First-Aid Kit

One item you’ll definitely want to have is a basic first aid kit for unexpected injuries or illness. Your kit should have bandages of varying sizes, antibiotic ointment, pain reliever tablets (acetaminophen and ibuprofen), and antiseptic wipes.

• Reusable Water Bottle

Having a reusable water bottle to take with you to and from classes will help you stay hydrated. Most campuses have bottle refill stations, enabling you to be both eco-friendly as well as save money since you won’t be relying on bottled water. Be sure to wash your water bottle often to avoid bacteria growth on its surface.

• Backpack

Choose a backpack that has a cushioned compartment for your laptop as well as space for other essentials.

• Basic Dishes & Cutlery

You’ll want to have a plate, bowl, mug, and fork, spoon and knife on-hand for snacking in your dorm.

Apartment Needs

If you’re moving into an apartment, you’ll also need to consider basic kitchenware (plates, cups, cutlery, a few pots/pans), bathroom cleaning supplies, and potentially a few pieces of shared furniture like a small couch or dining table.

Cost-Saving Strategies

Given all of the other costs associated with college, you’ll want to do everything you can to keep your dorm costs down as much as possible. Here are some tips for stretching your budget:

• Borrow From Family & Friends

Ask your family if they can help you go through your home to select items that you may need more than they do. Chances are, there are some old towels and dishes they have that you could use. They might have a desk lamp, storage bins, or other items on your list as well. After you’ve exhausted your options at home, as other friends and family what they might have that you can borrow for school.

• Purchase Used Items Rather than New

Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and apps like OfferUp or Nextdoor are goldmines for gently used furniture, decor, kitchenware, clothing, and more.

• Focus on Shopping from Low-Cost Retailers or Buy Items on Sale

Walmart, Target, and IKEA are popular retailers that sell lower-cost products ideal for a college dorm room. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for back-to-school deals and seasonal clearance sales.

• DIY & Repurpose

Get creative and repurpose what you have. Maybe a fresh coat of paint is all you’ll need to breathe life into your childhood, making it an ideal choice for your dorm room!

Coordinate in Advance with Your Roommate(s)

Where possible, reach out to your roommates before you move in together. Discuss what you’re each planning on bringing, and coordinate with each other to avoid duplication that takes up room in your shared living space.

• Create a Shared Google Spreadsheet

You and your roommates can update this living document throughout the summer as you plan for moving in, noting what you’re each bringing that will be shared.

• Split Costs for Bigger Purchases

For items you and your roommates would like to have but that no one already owns, agree to split the costs. Examples:

• • Dorm Fridge
  • Microwave
  • TV
  • Coffeemaker
  • Throw Rug

Note: Not all campuses allow students to have appliances in their dorm room, so before you purchase any kitchen appliances, find out what is permitted.

• Consider Coordinating on Decor & Vibes

While individual items like bedding might be personal, talk about the overall aesthetic you want for your shared space. You don’t have to perfectly match, but knowing their color preferences or style can help avoid clashing and ensure you both feel comfortable.

Preparing for Moving Day

Moving to college is more than just buying things; it’s about getting everything there!

• Travel Light

See above – refrain from packing up everything you own. Because as difficult as it might be to leave some of your favorite things at home, you’ll be glad you did when it’s time to pack, move, potentially ship, unpack when you get to school, and do it all again when it’s time to move home at the end of the year!

• Consider Ground Shipping for Large Items

For items that are heavy or bulky but can’t fit in your car, look into ground shipping services like UPS or FedEx. Sometimes, shipping a few boxes is cheaper than renting a larger moving vehicle or paying excess baggage fees on a plane.

• If School is a Plane Ride Away, Buy Near Campus

Moving far from home adds more cost to school. Rather than buying items in advance during the summer, one option is to bring just the barest of essentials with you, and then get everything else after you arrive in your new college town. This may be much more cost-effective than shipping items out to the campus.

• Utilize Campus Resources

Many colleges have “swap” programs for returning students selling items, or events where they give away donated dorm essentials. Check your college’s student life or housing website.

Make the Most of Your Dorm Space & Budget

By planning ahead, borrowing items from friends and family, coordinating with your roommate(s), and getting smart about where and how you shop, you’ll find that planning for your new living space can be both fun and lower-cost. And the time, money, and dorm space you save will enable you to truly enjoy this exciting time in your life!