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College is a big step, especially if your teen will be living on campus. It’s may be the first time they'll be out on their own! They may be crazy with excitement, but there’s also a chance that they're a bit apprehensive about the change; It will be a new place and they may not even know anyone. As a parent, it can scare you to send your child off to a new place, maybe one completely across the country, so how do you prepare them to live on their own? All you can do is to help ensure your child has everything they'll need to get started on their own. I'm going through this myself, so I've put together my best tips for helping your college-bound teen move into a dorm room, whether it's across the country or right across town and I even made a printable list to help you shop and pack!
What to Watch Out For

There are some mistakes that many new students make when moving into a dorm room for the first time. One of the biggest is waiting until the last minute to buy the things they'll need. You want to go shopping as soon as you know what to get for their dorm room. These items will go quickly, and you may not get the exact items they want or you may not find it at all. The same goes for supplies like pens, notebooks, etc.

You’ll first want to see what the college supplies in the dorm rooms. Some supply beds, dressers, and desks and some don’t. Don’t forget to also pack a small toolkit in your teen’s supplies to help assemble any out-of-the-box furniture.

You also want to make sure that your child has a good-sized storage box. These are not only good for packing, but dorm rooms generally don’t have a lot of storage. An underbed storage box is great for dorms that have separate beds rather than bunk beds and if there's room, you can also look into getting a lockable footlocker that can also double as a table or seating.

Lastly, pay close attention to move-in schedules and allow for plenty of time. You will sit in traffic on your way to the campus – a LOT of traffic. You will also need to wait for your turn in the elevator (if there is one.) Extra time can make all the difference.

The Essentials

There are several things your teen will need on move-in day.

When it comes to bedding, the beds are generally Twin XL size, which is a little longer than a standard Twin, so you'll need a bedding set in that size. They will also need sheets, pillows, and blankets. Include both a quilt or light blanket along with a heavier comforter. In the warmer months, they can fold the comforter at the bottom of the bed, but they'll have it when the weather gets colder. You'll probably also want to get a mattress protector to go over their mattress, and then a nice, thick foam topper because dorm beds aren't known for their comfort.

Your child will also need school supplies and desk supplies, such as organizers, a desk lamp, etc.. A laptop is essential for any college student. It can be used for assignments, but also for entertainment. A printer is probably a good idea, and don't forget to get an ethernet cable if there isn't going to be wifi in the dorms. A surge protector with lots of sockets and a few USB ports is a good idea as well.


Storage is key. As mentioned above, boxes that can slide under the bed are a great option. You can also purchase stackable crates to hold everything from snacks to personal care items. Speaking of snacks and personal care items, you’ll want to hit those sections of your favorite store before they go.

When it comes to clothing, opt for a minimalistic wardrobe with pieces that can mix and match. They'll also need clothes hangers and a laundry basket, and a set of towels. A mesh shower tote, a robe, and shower shoes or flip-flops are also a must if they'll have to slog down the hall to a shared bathroom. You also want to pack posters, pictures, etc. that will make the dorm room feel more personalized. Lastly, they will need any important papers and medications they may be taking.

The Not-Really-Essentials

Before you purchase bigger appliances or kitchen items like a mini-fridge, TV, or hotplate, check with the college to make sure they're allowed. It could be that they deem some items a fire hazard or that the wiring is too old for so many gadgets in the building, but you don't want to purchase those higher-priced items without checking first.

Next is the space consideration. If they have a roommate, (or two, or three...) there may not be room for any of those bigger appliances.


If they're lucky enough to have a lot of space or just one roommate, a mini-fridge can double as a nightstand. A hotplate and coffeemaker might come in handy in the mornings; You can even find a breakfast station that combines the two and adds a small toaster oven into the same space. If a microwave is permitted, they can come in handy for reheating leftovers, making ramen, or popping popcorn.