The dorm assignment is in and the goodbyes are getting real—it’s officially time to send your student off to college. Whether you’re preparing to send off your very first college freshman or helping a seasoned sophomore or junior settle into a new space, one thing is clear: college move-in day is fast approaching.

That final stretch of summer isn’t just about soaking up time together. It’s also the perfect time to get organized, gather the dorm essentials and make sure your student heads back to campus feeling confident and comfortable. To help streamline the process, we turned to the experts: real parents who’ve done the college send-off (and return) more than once. Our trusted testers have packed cars like pros, learned what gets used and what ends up shoved under the bed, and found products that survive more than one school year. Their tried-and-true picks make this list practical for every college student — from wide-eyed freshmen to dorm-room veterans upgrading their gear. Every item listed has been tested and loved. 

Ready to shop smarter? Let’s get into it.

Make The Bed

Cooling Eucalyptus Sheet Set 

Just because they are living in a small shared space doesn’t mean they need to sacrifice comfort. We love Sijo’s AiryWeight™ Cooling Eucalyptus bedding that brings hotel-level comfort to any college campus. Made from eucalyptus wood, it’s naturally moisture-wicking, breathable, and hypoallergenic—ideal for students who sleep hot or have sensitive skin. It comes in a number of colors and feels light yet luxuriously substantial, helping the dorm room look intentional and cozy.

Cooling Eucalyptus Comforter

They’ll need the matching Sijo AiryWeight Cooling Eucalyptus Comforter which is a game-changer for dorm living — lightweight, breathable and perfect for year-round use. Made from the same sustainable eucalyptus fibers, it feels soft and cloud-like without being bulky or overly warm. Bonus: it’s easy to care for and durable enough to last beyond freshman year.

Lightweight Bamboo Blanket

The Luxome Lightweight Bamboo Blanket is the ultimate blend of comfort and breathability, made from 100% viscose derived from bamboo. It has a temperature-regulating design which makes it ideal for the unpredictability of dorm room temperature control—cool in the heat, cozy in the cold. Generously sized and beautifully quilted, it adds a polished, high-end look to any space. Perfect for dorm rooms, this blanket brings luxury-level comfort to your college student’s new home away from home.

Carry it All Campus Style

Backpack 

Dagne Dover’s Medium Dakota Backpack will carry all her gear to class. With its minimalist aesthetic and comfortable, adjustable straps, this backpack offers both style and comfort to get her to class or for a quick weekend away. Made from durable, water-resistant neoprene, it features a padded laptop sleeve, multiple interior pockets, and a convenient luggage sleeve for seamless organization.

Backpack Lounger

Anyone who has tried to use a bulky backpack as a pillow knows there must be a better way. Introducing the Playamigo, an all-in-one backpack lounger built for campus quads, tailgates and everything in between. It unfolds into a comfy, adjustable seat with a built-in mat and storage for snacks, drinks, books and essentials. Lightweight and easy to carry, it’s the ultimate grab-and-go setup for relaxing, repping school spirit or kicking back on the quad between classes.

Makeup Bag

The KST Trainwreck Case (aka Keep Your Sh*t Together) is the ultimate dorm-side organizer for chaotic mornings and shared bathroom runs. This lightweight, water-resistant pouch holds all the essentials, such as makeup, skincare, and meds, without falling apart under pressure (or a messy roommate). Durable and washable, it’s the bag that helps you stay pulled together—even when everything else feels like a trainwreck.

Toiletry Bag

Gravel’s Explorer PLUS Toiletry Bag is perfect for guys navigating dorm life, gym showers or weekend trips. With smart compartments, a waterproof toothbrush pocket, and a detachable TSA pouch, it keeps everything organized and mess-free. Hang it on a hook, zip it shut, and he’s good to go—no clutter, no leaks, no digging around. Built tough, travel-ready and made to last.

Dorm Room MVPs

Sandwich Maker

Skip the dining hall or the local bagel place with the Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker, a dorm or apartment-friendly game changer for quick, customizable breakfast on busy mornings. In just five minutes, it cooks a warm, layered sandwich using your favorite ingredients—from eggs and cheese to English muffins or bagels. Compact-sized, it fits easily on a dorm desk or shared kitchenette counter, with removable, dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup. Perfect for dorm life, it’s a no-fuss way to fuel up before class—no meal plan required.

Iron

Say goodbye to wrinkled clothes and bulky ironing boards with The Nori Press, a dorm-room essential. This compact, handheld steam iron press is like a flat iron for clothing. It heats up fast and works on everything from delicate silks to tough denim. It’s perfect for college students who need to look sharp for class presentations, internships or nights out, all without taking up precious space. Lightweight and easy to stash in a drawer or suitcase, it’s the ultimate low-maintenance way to ensure they don’t look like they just rolled out of bed.

Fabric Shaver

College wardrobes work hard—and The Nori Trim helps keep them looking fresh. This rechargeable fabric shaver quickly removes fuzz, lint and pilling from sweaters, joggers, blankets and even dorm furniture. It’s small enough to store in a drawer, but powerful enough to make your favorite hoodie look brand new. A great pick for students who want to extend the life of their clothes and show up polished without spending extra time or money.

HEPA Air Purifier

If your student deals with allergies, dust or unpredictable air quality, they will need a Clorox Medium Room True HEPA Air Purifier for their dorm room. It removes 99.97% of allergens, odors, and even wildfire smoke, with a color-coded air quality display and auto mode that adjusts fan speed on its own. Quiet, compact, and low-maintenance, it’s an easy way to keep shared air feeling fresh and clean—no roommate drama required.

Red Light Therapy

Helight Sleep is a compact red light device that helps students fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply—without apps, noise or distractions. It’s 28-minute cycle mimics the calming rhythm of a natural sunset, using red light (at a precise 630 nm wavelength) to support melatonin production and cue the brain to wind down. It’s silent, doesn’t mess with circadian rhythm like phones or blue light can, and is rechargeable for easy dorm use. Whether they’re coming down from a late-night study session or trying to unplug from screen time, it’s a smart, science-backed way to bring better sleep into any campus routine.

Because Dorm Bathrooms Are… Dorm Bathrooms

Essentials

Unfortunately, a dorm bathroom (or frat house) is never as clean as home, so students need to be prepared when “on the go”. The Everything Essentials Bundle from Roame is a must-have for college students—compact, stylish and thoughtfully curated for shared spaces and spontaneous needs. Each bundle includes Cloud 999 hydrating hand sanitizer, portable soap sheets, flushable wipes and biodegradable toilet seat covers that take up minimal drawer or backpack space yet deliver maximum convenience.

Slides 

Wingwoman Comfort Recovery Slide is the dorm essential they didn’t know they needed. Lightweight, supportive, and breathable, they’re perfect for post-class lounging, post-gym recovery, or just keeping comfy around the dorm. Bonus: they’re machine-washable and podiatrist-approved—so your feet stay happy all semester.

The start of a new school year brings excitement, nerves, and a whole lot of packing. But with the right essentials—from cozy bedding and clever appliances to space-saving organizers and comfort-focused gear—your student can settle in feeling confident and comfortable. Whether it’s their first year away or a return to campus life, these parent-tested favorites are designed to last beyond move-in day. Here’s to a smooth send-off and a successful year ahead!