50 Questions to Answer First

Stop. Slide that credit card back in your wallet and set down that dorm room shopping laundry list. Yes, you are facing the mother of all back-to-school shops. And, yes it seems like your freshman needs a million expensive things.

But before you wander through the endless (and, we promise you, they are endless) aisles of plastic underbed storage containers, laundry baskets and Twin XL sheets, take a look at these 50 questions.

Then, fix a snack for your off-to-college teen, sit down and try to tackle these together. Open your laptop and drill down on the college website to the “Student Housing” section to see what you can discover. Look for the specific dorm your teen has been assigned to and take note of the room dimensions and any specifics provided.

One warning, as you go through these questions, college will begin to seem very, very real.

Note: We are a reader-supported site and we receive compensation from purchases made through some of the links in this post:

What should you buy for a college dorm room?

College Dorm Rooms and Storage

1. Are the room dimensions available on the college website for the specific dorm room to help you plan how to use the space?
2. Are there closets or wardrobes and how much hanging space is available? Would a hanging clothes bar help optimize the closet?
3. How much floor space is there in the closet and will a shoe shelf be useful or fit?
4. Are the beds elevated or bunk or traditional? Do you need bed risers to raise the bed to make room for storage space? These might be useful since they have a plug and USB ports. (Note: many beds are already elevated so risers are not needed. Plus, if there are bunk beds, do not get risers!)
5. Are desks and desk chairs provided?
6. Does the dorm room come with a dresser?
7. Does the room come equipped with lamp or trash can/recycling bin? Is there overhead lighting? Is a lamp by the bed something that your student could use in addition to a desk lamp? The one has a USB port and wireless charging platform, too.

8. Is there a bookcase, or do you need to buy a folding hutch for book storage?
9. Will your student have roommates, and if so, how many? Will they coordinate on decor or share things like a TV, computer printer, mini-fridge — perhaps with a Compact Fridge Cart to sit it on? This cart is indestructible and is an efficient way to store non-perishable snacks and supplies like paper towels, silverware, plates, and bowls.

10. How cold/drafty are the rooms, and how much extra bedding is needed for the winter?
11. Is there air conditioning, and if not, will it be hot, and what size and type of fan would work best? This one, by WOOZOO has become very popular.

12. How much room is there for under bed storage drawers or what size storage bins will fit best?
13. Is there any room for suitcases or will they need to be brought back home? Can you use duffel bags that can be slid under the bed or will the IKEA blue bags be the easiest way to transport things?

Download our FREE Off-to-College Checklist here. 

14. How heavy a sleeper is your student? Does he have an alarm clock he depends upon or will a cell phone alarm suffice?
15. Will your teen be taking valuables (passport, jewelry, money, credit cards, prescription drugs) from home that could require a small safe or lockbox?
16. Is your teen taking a pillow from home or do you want to get them a new pillow?

17. Is the college mattress provided dirty and feels like a brick? Will your student sleep better on a mattress topper? There is a wide range at many price points.

18. How many outlets does the room have and what power/strips or surge protectors will be useful? Many colleges prohibit regular extension cords.

19. Does the weather turn cold early so winter clothes go with your student in September or will they have a chance to switch out shorts for a heavy coat during fall break?

Dorm Decor

20. What bits of home does your student want to take with them?
21. How much wall space does your student have and will he decorate it?
22. Does the school allow decorations to be hammered into the wall or just stuck on? Are there any wall hangings outlawed?
23. Do the windows have blinds or do they need to be provided?
24 Is the floor carpeted or would an area rug be useful/desirable?
25. What is the square footage of the floor for the best rug size?

Bathroom

26. Is the bathroom shared by a suite of rooms, or is it down the hall or nearby?
27. Does your student need a robe or towel wrap for modesty when walking to the bathroom from her dorm room?
28. Can toiletries be stored in the bath on a cart or carried back and forth in a shower caddy? This one is available in seven colors.

29. Where can a wet towel be hung to dry?
30. Does your student already have flip-flops that can be worn in the shower?

31. Are you sending towels from home or buying new?

32. Would adding a monogram to new towels keep them from getting lost in the laundry room?

Dorm Common Room

33. Would a coffee maker be permitted or is it (or other) appliances forbidden? We LOVE this Keurig mini that is 5″ wide and comes in six colors.

34. Does the common room have furniture or are students expected to provide it?
35. Will your student have siblings/out of town friends visiting and do they need extra sheets and blankets?
36. What rentals, if any, does the campus provide such as microwaves, water coolers, mini refrigerators?
37. Are there kitchen facilities and does your student need to bring pots, pans, plates, silverware, etc?

Laundry and Cleaning

38. Will your student drop off her laundry and will she be given a bag for that?
39. If he does his own laundry, how far away are the machines from his dorm room and is it easier to carry a bag or a basket with handles?
40. Is there a vacuum cleaner that can be borrowed on occasion?
41. What cleaning are students expected to do in their room, bathroom, kitchen, and/or common room and do they need their own supplies?

Shopping: College Checklist

42. Is there a retailer where you can take advantage of college shopping discounts, either in person or online? Here is the Target Store Locator.

43. What are the relative costs of shipping or using the “buy here/deliver there” programs?
44. What box stores are closest to campus? Will you be able to shop there or pick up previously ordered supplies?
45. Is it easy to get to a drug store or campus store or should your student bring extra toiletries?
46. Is there a package delivery location close enough to receive packages and can your student carry heavy ones back to their room?
47. Will the student have access to a car to be able to buy additional items he might need during move in?
48. What are your student’s electronic needs and does his college offer any discounts for computers purchased through the bookstore?

Move In Day

49. Is there an elevator or only stairs in the building?
50. Are you driving or flying with your student on the big day?

You Might Also Want to Read: 

12 Things All Freshmen Need for College

10 Packing Hacks for Your College Freshman