What You Can Buy for College Now – Even Before You Know Your Dorm Room Setup

Starting college is exciting...and let’s be real, a little overwhelming. Whether you're a parent prepping your kid or a student diving into dorm life, the urge to “get everything now” is strong. But what can you confidently buy before you see the actual dorm room? Here’s the good news: there are a bunch of essentials you can scoop up early without regret, and we’ve broken them down for you! These tried-and-true items are useful in every dorm situation, no matter the layout.

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1. Bedding Basics (Standard Twin XL = Safe Bet)

You can buy bedding now, no problem! Dorms almost universally use Twin XL beds.

• What to grab now:

  • [ad] Twin XL sheet set (x2 if you want to avoid laundry stress)

  • [ad] Comforter or duvet

  • [ad] Mattress protector

  • [ad] Mattress topper (Game changer. Dorm beds are... not great.)

2. Storage Solutions That Fit Anywhere

Even though room layouts vary, these storage items always come in handy.

• What works everywhere:

  • [ad] Under-bed storage bins or zip-up bags

  • [ad] Over-the-door hooks or organizers

  • [ad] Collapsible hampers or rolling laundry baskets

  • [ad] Drawer organizers for desks or dressers

3. Bathroom Essentials (Yes, you’ll need a caddy—trust me)

Unless they’re in a suite-style room (rare), students share bathrooms. Be prepared.

• Grab these early:

  • Shower caddy

    • [ad] mesh dries faster if you don't have hooks

    • [ad] hanging caddy if you have hooks

  • [ad] Shower shoes (flip-flops work fine)

  • [ad] Towel sets (2 bath towels + 2 hand towels = solid start)

  • [ad] Robe for the walk to the bathroom

    
    

4. Tech & Charging Gear

Whether the bed is against a wall or floating in space, these items are always useful.

• Must-haves:

  • Long phone charging cable (10 ft is ideal!)

  • [ad] Surge protector with USB ports

  • [ad] Desk lamp (with storage or outlets = bonus)

  • [ad] Bluetooth speaker or headphones for chill time

5. Cleaning & Comfort Items

You don’t need to deep clean the dorm every day, but a few basics go a long way.

• Essentials to buy now:

  • [ad] Disinfectant wipes

  • [ad] Mini vacuum

  • [ad] Small fan (airflow = key in stuffy rooms)

  • [ad] Lint roller or fabric spray

    
    

6. Personal Touches You’ll Want Anyway

The room doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect on day one, but a few comfort items make the space feel like home fast.

• Ideas:

  • [ad] A few framed photos

  • [ad] Fun dorm prints for your walls

  • [ad] Cozy throw blanket or this one

  
  

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Coming Up Next…

We’re breaking this down even further! Look out for upcoming posts like:

👉 The Ultimate Bedding Guide for Dorm Life

👉 Bathroom Must-Haves for Shared Living

👉 What NOT to Pack for College (Seriously, don’t bring it)

👉 Dorm Desk Setup That Actually Works

Be sure to bookmark this post or share it with a fellow college-bound family!