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My son’s sophomore year at college will be starting in a month. His freshman year was spent in a shared dorm room the size of a shoe box. Packing was easy because there was no space. This year he has better options and will be sharing a campus apartment with three of his friends. He has his own bedroom, his own bathroom, and since there is a kitchen to cook his food, no campus meal plan. We’ve had to rethink his college dorm essentials list to include all the new items he’ll need. Here’s the must have campus essentials for a new apartment, along with a few often forgotten items!
Essentials For A Campus Apartment:
For the Kitchen:
1. Cookware. This includes a basic set of pans, a skillet, and cooking utensils. We purchased a Great Gatherings Black Aluminum 30-Piece Cookware Set from Big Lots. It not only included the basic pots and pans, it included everything a beginning chef would need, from spatulas, slotted spoons to a manual can opener. He’ll be able to use this the rest of his college career!
2. Dishes, cups, plates, utensils. I’d recommend two to four of each of these. That way they have to wash them instead of letting the dirty dishes pile up.
3. Dish towels, dish clothes and dish detergent. Add in some paper towels for when the dish towels and dish clothes get dirty, and for wiping up messes.
For the Bedroom:
1. A Bed in a Bag Set. I’m not sure who invented these wonders, but I love them. Sheets, comforter, and pillowcases all in one? Yes, I’m all over it. Tip: If you purchase an extra sheet set, fold up the sheets and pillowcase and then store them in another pillowcase to make them easy to find.
2. Wall Art. Because the kids will want to express their personality!
3. Curtains.
4. Desk Supplies to help keep them organized.
5. A Mattress Protector. No one wants to have to pay for a ruined mattress at the end of the year.
For the Bathroom:
1. Towels and wash clothes. Find fun ones like these Living Colors Dark Blue Triangle & Stripes Bath Towels to give the bathroom a spark of color.
2. Laundry Basket. They may not wash their clothes, but at least they’ll be able to find them.
3. Bath mat.
4. Shower Curtain.
They’ll also need usually forgotten items, like basic cleaning supplies. If your children are like my son they may not be used often, but they’ll be on hand if the urge strikes. Be sure to add laundry detergent, a plunger, dish detergent, and toilet paper to the list. I know they’ll be thankful for that last item! I also purchased a Bissell Sweep-Up Cordless Sweeper to make it easy to clean messes.
We found a ton of our supplies at Big Lots. Not only do they have a large assortment of high quality back to college items, like mattresses, ready to assemble furniture, small appliances, bedding, sheets and pillows & throws, they’re reasonably priced. Styles and assortment vary by store, so I’ll be checking out the Big Lots near his campus for any last minute items.
That’s a major concern to me as a parent who’s paying college tuition. With the tuition prices, there’s not much money left for other things! If you don’t have a Big Lots store near you, you can shop online at BigLots.Com.
I’ve included a printable checklist you can use to purchase all the needed supplies, plus “nice to have” extras. Just right click on the image, and print (choose full page or 8″ by 10″ setting.)
What is the one item you had to have for your first apartment or dorm room?
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Aah, this list brings back memories, some lovely essentials you’ve included. Lovely list
What a smart list to have to be prepared for college. I’m going to print this out for a friend of mine who’s daughter starts her first semester this fall.
Thank you so much for this great printable check list. My oldest will be going to college soon. Will have to share this with her.
I thought it was fun going from dorm room to apartment. I remember having fun shopping for apartment things, but also quickly learned how expensive it can get. I ended up moving to an apartment because I had a boyfriend that visited who couldn’t visit me in the all girls dorm. 😉
This is such a great checklist!! I remember moving into the dorms and needing so much more than I actually brought!! LOL!!
This is indeed a great dorm room essentials free printable list. It is always important to be prepared and having a list is the best way to be prepared. Big Lots does have a lot of great deals and would be the best place to pick up most of the items you need for your dorm room. Thanks for sharing the list.
Great list. I only have one child in college and since his university is close to home, he opted to stay with us instead. I will share this with my friends who have kids going away for college. Thanks for sharing.
This is fabulous! Perfect and helpful for those who are heading off to college oh so soon! I still have a few years to go for my oldest!
I have a few friends and family members who are going off to College, after this summer. I will definitely share this checklist with them.
We are a few years away from needing dorm essentials. But I like the checklist. It is a great way to make sure you don’t forget anything.
These are all essential for dorms or apartments, especially the mattress pad. Thankfully my kids are all done with college, but I well remember stocking up on all these great essentials.
This would have been so helpful when I went off to college! It’s such a huge time, and it’s so overwhelming so little lists like this are so helpful!
Jasmine / http://www.jasminekeclipse.com
This is a great check list to make sure they have everything they need. You don’t want to figure out you need a plunger when you actually NEED it lol!
This is a great list for kids going away to school. There is so much they always need to have!
These are definitely some good picks for college. There’s a lot you need! I definitely recommend picking up a bedbug-proof mattress cover.
Big Lots has the best stuff and awesome prices. I will be needing that check list next year. This year I just get to enjoy the senior year.
This is a nice check list, I’m not there yet but I love decorating. When my time comes I will be all over while trying to tuck my emotions in. lol I’ve not been to Big Lots in a while, maybe it is time to pay them a visit again.
A must have list for all your back to school needs. I definitely will not forget the mattress pad.
Love this list. My stepson is heading off for his sophomore year next month and needs some new stuff.