Back to College: Dorm Room Supply List, Part 2

Here is part 2 of my dorm supply list. Boy, this looks like a lot of stuff...it's very easy to see why college kids on their way home for the summer have their cars packed to the ceiling with stuff. It's crazy to think of just how much stuff we need...even with just the bare essentials.

Household items

• Vacuum cleaner (the dorm may have one for tenant/community use, but a lot of students prefer to have their own)
• Alarm clock
• Desk lamp
• Towels and washrags
• Microwavable Plates, bowls, eating utensils. (disposable or reusable)
• Laundry hamper/basket
• Garbage can (and bags)
• Plastic drawers and/or storage bins/containers for extra clothes, shoes, bathroom items, dishes, snacks, etc.
• Sheets, bedspread, pillows
• If you have an actual kitchen area with stove, then you'll need pots, pans, cooking utensils, etc.
• Can opener (something small and forgettable, but very important)
• Additional appliances such as a toaster or a mini grill. (check dorm regulations b/f purchasing extra appliances.)
• Hair dryer, etc.
  Clothes iron
• flashlight (in case of power outage)
• Fan
• Mirror
• Electric blanket (space heaters are usually not allowed)

Everyday items

• Groceries (drink, sandwich stuff, microwavables, easy prep stuff, snacks)
• Laundry detergent & supplies
• Dishwashing liquid
• Handsoap
• Several rolls of quarters for washing machine/dryer, coke machine, etc.
• Cleaning supplies
• Soap, shampoo, conditioner, razors, etc.
• Plenty of clothes (especially if you live several hours from home and don't know how often you'll be coming home.)
• Medicine & first aid items
• Bathrobe (especially if you have a community bathroom)
• Shower shoes (ditto)
• Ziplok bags

Decor/Personal touches

• Pictures, posters, picture frames
• Bulletin board and/or marker board
• Figurines, souveniers, momentos
• Small area rug

Entertainment

• TV & DVD player, or personal dvd player
• Video game system
• Stereo
• Ipod/MP3 player
• Appropriate cables, cords, adaptors, surge proctectors, etc.
• Camera (to capture all the memorable moments)
• Bicycle, sports equipment
• Books/magazines (I know it may sound a little archaic to some teenagers, but at least one or two shouldn't hurt them too much.)
• Batteries
• board games