Lexi Coen
First came the college tours, then the acceptance letters, and suddenly you’re knee-deep in a sea of packing lists, #dormroomgoals and Target hauls. And now? It’s happening. You’re officially preparing to send your freshman off to college. (Yes, for real. Deep breaths.)
It’s a strange mix of pride, excitement, and wondering how on earth time moved this fast. One minute you’re packing lunches and checking homework, the next you’re navigating dorm check-in times and wondering if twin XL sheets are a scam. Spoiler: they are, but you’re still going to need them.
As I have been preparing this summer to send my daughter off for her freshman year in just a few weeks, I have learned a few things. Moving into your dorm today is not like it was in the 1900s (as the kids like to joke). Yaffa blocks are not a thing. Storage crates found who knows where won’t do. And cinder blocks sold to freshmen on move-in day for lofting a bed are nowhere to be found. Today’s dorm rooms are part Pinterest board, part personality showcase, and fully stocked with modern must-haves.
But here’s the secret seasoned parents have shared: you don’t need to overdo it. Start with the must-haves, add a few creature comforts, and skip the items that will collect dust under the bed all semester. Whether your freshman is minimalist, maximalist, or somewhere in between, these essentials will keep you focused — and maybe even make move-in a little less stressful for everyone involved.
Here are some of the dorm room essentials that I’ve bought for my college freshman.
Moving and Storage Bags
Packing for the big dorm move does not need to be daunting. Moving and packing can be made easier with these incredible and inexpensive Heavy Duty Large Storage Bags. These bags are an ideal alternative to moving boxes, and can even be used for storage when your college student is home over summer break. These 29x13x15 plastic bags are foldable, and can easily be stored in the dorm room or be sent home for safekeeping during the school year.
Turkish Towel Set
Made with 100% Turkish cotton, these towels (with 69k great reviews on Amazon) are soft, absorbent and thick and are available in a wide array of colors. The set comes with 2 bath towels, 2 hand towels and 2 wash clothes and you can add a matching bath sheet so your freshman will be set for the start of college.
Bamboo Deluxe Bedding Bundle
Comfort is key in any situation, and dorm rooms are no different. Practical and stylish, the Bamboo Deluxe Bedding Bundle by Quince offers maximum comfort – always a necessity after a long day of classes. Made from 100% viscose from organic bamboo, this bedding is plush, hypoallergenic and easy to keep in excellent condition. The luxurious soft and silky smooth sateen weave makes for easy comfort in any dorm room and adds a level of elegance that is hard to achieve in such a confined space.
The 300- thread count bedding bundle includes duvet cover, 1 sham, fitted sheets, flat sheet and 1 standard pillow cases. For maximum efficiency, the fitted sheet fits mattresses up to 16” deep and are equipped with elastic that stretches around its entire perimeter. Plus, the set comes in a wide range of colors to match your personal style and make your dorm room feel more like home.
Be sure to check your dorm requirements to see if you need Twin or Twin XL.
Woozoo Oscillating Fan with Remote
Thanks to the Woozoo Oscillating Fan, surviving dorm stuffiness just got easier. This compact device delivers serious airflow, keeping your living space cool and comfortable.
The Woozoo’s 3-5 settings let you customize the breeze, ranging from a gentle breeze to a powerful stream. Plus, the remote included with the fan enables the user to control speed settings and shut-off times without moving toward the fan.
And the best part? This fan is designed to be virtually silent, allowing for a night of uninterrupted, perfectly-conditioned sleep.
Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock
If you thought waking up for high school was hard, then you’d be shocked to find out that waking up for your 8am class is a whole other challenge. While your phone does have its own alarm, when the consequence of waking up late is missing a lecture — an alarm clock becomes crucial.
Unlike a phone, which may take you down a midnight TikTok rabbit hole, an alarm clock is refreshingly old-fashioned – it rings, you wake up, and just like that, your day begins with no distractions.
Better yet, these days, alarm clocks are designed to serve as just another decoration to match your dorm’s theme. The possibilities are endless –vintage-style alarm clocks or even ones that glow – are just two examples of what is currently on the market. There’s a match to every aesthetic, and our favorite? The Philip’s Wake-up Light, with five natural wake-up sounds, FM radio, and a colored sunrise and sunset simulation.
LoveShackFancy Round Storage Ottoman
Storage ottomans – the thing we never knew we needed. Dorm rooms are notorious for their lack of storage, but an upholstered ottoman is the perfect way to stay chic and organized. These comfortably padded ottomans serve as so much more than simple decor – they offer storage space to stash away textbooks and blankets, seating for friends, and an elevated surface to facilitate the nightly jump onto your dorm’s lofted bed.
With countless styles and prints available through Pottery Barn, you and your roommate will have no problem finding ottomans that perfectly match your dorm’s color scheme.
No matter how many bins, bags, or bedding bundles you pack, nothing fully prepares you for that final hug in the dorm parking lot. But with the right essentials in hand—and a little trust that you’ve raised them well—your freshman will be off to a great start. Here’s to a smooth move-in, a cozy dorm, and a college journey full of growth, adventure, and maybe even a few clean towels. Just don’t forget some extra tissues for the ugly crying in the parking lot!
Lexi Coen is a social media manager who lives in Westfield, NJ with her three children and husband. She has a masters in journalism and has worked in public relations and marketing. Her current passion is a mix of driving to ice hockey practice for her two sons and packing her daughter for her very first year of college. At the moment, she is really focused on wall decor and the perfect shampoo.
