And it doesn’t stop at tuition, room and board fees, and course materials; once you’ve got that taken care of, there’s the yearly dorm room shopping list.
1. Twin XL Sheet Set
Our pick for long-lasting sheets is the Company Store’s Classic Percale Collection.
They stay crisp, are available in a rainbow of colors, and come in the Twin XL size most colleges require for dorm beds; $32 for the Percale Fitted Sheet, $22 for the Percale Flat Sheet, and $32 for a Pair of Percale Solid Pillowcases.
2. Pair of Standard Pillows
The Company Store’s Down-Free Pillow 2-Pack is $39. Many of the dorm room checklists we came across warn against buying only one pillow.
3. Twin XL Duvet and Cover
The LaCrosse Twin XL Light Down Comforter is $139 at the Company Store.
A good utility blanket is a favorite for its durability and versatility. The twin Utility Service Blanket is $139 at Schoolhouse Electric and has all the qualities to withstand the test of time: 100 percent wool, machine washable, moth-proof, and in a neutral color.
4. Utility Blanket
A case for quality lighting: I’ve had the same desk lamp since college because it’s a classic and works in each apartment I’ve moved into since.
5. Classic Desk Lamp
Our pick is the British classic Anglepoise Type 75 Mini Desk Lamp (it comes in basic colors like Slate, shown above, but also in cheerful colors like red and powder blue); $140 at Horne.
6. Towels
One place to spare your wallet is with towels. There’s no guarantee your student will keep track of a set of expensive towels, so here’s a place to scrimp.
Take a pass on the plastic bath caddy, which most kids will dispose of anyway after graduating from the dorm.
7. Bathroom Caddy
This OFS Utility Caddy ($46 at Cornerstone Demo) does double duty: filled with shampoo bottles in college it’s a bath caddy; filled with cleaning products in your first apartment it’s an under-sink solution.
8. Slim Metal Hangers
If you want to save on space, the Container Store’s Chrome Hangers are $8.99 for a pack of four.
The White Elfa Mesh Closet Drawers store socks and sleepwear nicely and made of epoxy-coated steel, will last four years and beyond; $107.96 for the narrow size and $113.96 for the medium at the Container Store.
9. Closet Organizer Drawers
10. Laundry Hamper
The Steele Narrow Elevated Laundry Basket has a sturdy steel frame and a removable canvas bag; $100 for the frame and bag, $40 for single bags at Food52.
11. Wire Baskets
Wire baskets are good for corralling bedside essentials, extra toiletries, desk goods and more.
12. Under-Bed Storage Boxes
A Remodelista go-to is the Muji Soft Under-Bed Storage Case in cotton-linen with a polyurethane lining.
13. Multipurpose Tool Box
Steel toolboxes can be made into college-ready kits with First Aid items, toiletries, or extras like light bulbs, batteries, small flashlights, and actual tools.
14. Over-the-Door Mirror
Besides under-bed storage, over-the-door storage is another strategy to employ in a dorm room, starting with a full length mirror.
15. Classic Alarm Clock
This one is for fun, since many students use the alarm application on cell phones, but the Braun BNC004 Alarm Clock White is a classic and lasts for years.
16. Trays
A set of durable trays will help corral loose items on top of a dresser, desk, bedside table, or inside drawers. Schoolhouse Electric makes a good selection from lightweight fiberglass.
In a dorm where most things sit out in the open, there’s no hiding an ugly trash can. This one, the Rubbermaid Small Defenders Trash Can in powder-coated steel, fits under a desk and resembles a boxy stool; $115.23.
17. Pedal Trash Bin
Depending on the curtain rod situation, you don’t want to show up to the dorm with curtains designed for a specific sized rod. These Classic Sailcloth Blackout Drapes have a pole pocket but can also be clipped on.
18. Canvas Curtains