Okay, so I was wondering what are some necessities I need for my dorm? I know most things are obvious but I just need help pinpointing the most important things. And what are some stores that sell dorm stuff?
There’s… a whole pinned thread of stuff to bring to college…
As for stores, I liked Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Target. Obviously YMMV depending on your stores, and where you live. And if you’re looking for no-name brand bedding or Gucci.
Yes, like SusieAnne said, there’s a pinned thread.
Basically, any store with a home goods section sells “dorm” stuff. Big Lots had snapping plastic containers that I liked. Check some clearance outlet stores. I found a good deal on hangers there. Kohls has a designated dorm section. You can find things at Micheal’s (yes, the craft store). Just look around.
that list is huge lol
BUt I would definitely add the following to your list as they are often forgotten:
mini sewing kit
safety pins
band aids
bengay
cutting knife
rubbing alcohol
thumb tacs
Mini Tool kit like this one at Home Depot:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Workforce-42-Piece-Household-Tool-Kit-007-46/202279687
Cheap little set with about everything you could ever need in college, but handy to have around.
I was just looking for sheets tonight. My son is going to a summer program and staying in a dorm. You need twin XL sheets and some kind of twin XL mattresses pad. The dorm mattresses are thick vinyl to prevent bedbugs. I would imagine sheets would slide off without a mattress pad. Check Overstock.com. Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters have nice dorm decor. Pottery Barn Teen has a dorm section on their site. Big Lots has good prices on storage and other things. If you have a family that gives graduation gifts you might ask for some dorm stuff or gift cards to buy it.
It’s probably a good idea to hold off on comforters and a color scheme until you talk to your future roommate.
PLEASE check your school BEFORE buying bed sheets not all school have xl twin. For example, mine…
Toolkit first for opening boxes, measuring space, screwdriver to put together bookcases, chairs etc. packing tape or duct tape
Then go online to the dorm co. Look at their stuff and then buy it at target, container store or IKEA. Ikea and the container store have a dorm list.
Some stores have checklists right when you go inside.
Take scissors for sure. Never know when you’ll need those.
I just found that www.jcpenney.com has a sale going. The twin XL mattress cover we want is 50% off and many XL sheet sets are on sale. It’s okay to purchase XL sheets if they are too BIG for the school’s mattress. The trouble comes when you purchase sheets that are too SMALL.
If you are driving to your college and you can bring items you can look for dorm fridges on Craigslist. In May, when school is out there are tons of cheap dorm fridges.
Here’s the mega thread on college needs. It’s so old I think it mentions correction tape and white out and popcorn poppers:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/82285-a-to-z-what-to-bring-to-college-p1.html