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It is hard to believe that the end of summer is upon us. Time sure does fly when you’re having fun! But as they say, all good things must come to an end. My kids are both heading off to college soon; my son will be a sophomore, and my daughter will be a freshman. As a result, I have put together a list of 20 must-have college dorm items for girls.
Why a list for girls and not boys, you ask? Well, my son is quite independent and miraculously did most of the packing himself for his freshman year last year. I just flashed the credit card when needed. As you may know, my daughter has Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Over the past few years, we have spent a lot of time in a multitude of situations trying to find ways to decrease her anxiety level. A common thread in all of these situations was staying organized and neat. As a result, this time around, I am going to be a little more hands-on. Some of my suggestions are focused on organization, while others were just too cute to pass up!
Before I dive into all things dorm room, I want to let you in on a little secret! I’m an emotional wreck these days! On the whole, every day comes with a complimentary emotional roller-coaster ride. On the one hand, both of my “babies” will be gone this year, which makes me sad, and on the other hand, my husband and I will be empty nesters when they leave, which has me feeling all excited! In any event, please wish us luck as we try to navigate these unchartered waters.
And now, check out these must-have college dorm items for girls.
STUDY AREA
- Desk organizer: Good study habits start with an organized desk!
2. Desk lamp with smart features: Undoubtedly the coolest lamp! The display includes the time, temperature, and date.
3. Lap laptop desk
4. Power strip tower: offers surge protection and has a night light
Bathroom finds, makeup and toiletry organization.
5. Portable shower caddy: Especially for shared bathroom setups.
6. Hanging shower caddy: Specifically, this item has a non-slip collar for a secure fit over the showerhead.
7. Rolling bathroom cart
9. Toothbrush holder: Especially easy to clean.
10. Makeup organizer with drawers: With respect to organization, this item is a must when trying to get to class on time. That is if your daughter has as much makeup as mine!
11. Rotating makeup organizer: Indeed, a must-have!
12. Full-length mirror and jewelry organizer: Given that bathroom sharing may be involved, this will definitely come in handy. It can hang over the bathroom door which is very convenient in a dorm room!
13. Hair tool organizer: Undoubtedly something that I will get for myself!
Cleaning
14. Toilet plunger and bowl brush combo: Altogether, a space-saving combo.
15. Broom and dustpan
16. Cordless vacuum: Because cordless, lightweight vacuums are awesome!
17. Cleaning supplies caddy
Storage and organization
18. Underbed storage: Of course, under the bed means out of the way!
19. Hanging closet organizer
20. Bedside hanging organizer: In order to keep the bed nice and neat.
21. Hanging jewelry organizer: For one thing, a girl can never have enough jewelry! However, she’s got to have somewhere to put them!
22. Storage trunk: Due to its dual use as storage and a side table, I highly recommend this item!
Just a few more to go
Everything laundry
23. Laundry backpack: Our daughter’s dorm room was on the 4th floor and the laundry machines were on the 1st floor. And of course there was no elevator in the building! This backpack really made life easy for her.
24. Handheld fabric steamer: Without a doubt, a great space and time-saving option. Finally, no bulky ironing board!
Cute bedding essentials
25. Twin XL Bed In A Bag: Undoubtedly easy peasy with all things bedding in one bag.
26. Quilted fitted mattress pad: In addition to a great set of bedding, a mattress pad can add comfort and mattress protection: soft, breathable, and machine washable.
27. Cozy, cuddly blanket: Especially useful if your child will be at college during the cold winter months.
“Luxury items”
28. Electric kettle: Especially for the tea and hot chocolate drinkers.
29. Coffee maker: So that your coffee drinker will be happy!
30. Echo Dot with clock: In order to support dancing in the shower, an echo dot is a necessity!
In conclusion
Prior to crafting this list, I was in need of a little direction where college packing for girls was concerned. Admittedly, I had a lot of fun putting it together, and I hope you will find it helpful. By no means is this a comprehensive list, but maybe you found something on here that you didn’t think of before.
Undoubtedly, this is a difficult time if you are a parent of a kiddo heading off to college. I get it because you and I, my friend, are in the same boat. Mixed emotions come with the territory, at least for me. On the one hand, I will miss them like crazy, but on the other hand, I can’t wait to start my life as an empty nester. Wherever your emotions lay right now, I wish you a smooth transition, and I will keep you in my thoughts.
To sum up, thank you so much for stopping by my blog! Also, please come back anytime!
Lastly and most importantly, I would love some feedback on my post. If I have omitted anything you think should be included, I would love to hear your suggestions! As long as you guys keep coming back to my blog, I will be a happy, grateful old soul.
MUCH LOVE AND PEACE
22 Comments
Alejandra
August 7, 2022 at 6:18 amReally helpful tips
Roman Mosaic Art
August 8, 2022 at 11:08 amSuper love the list, it is very comprehensive down to the kettle lol. Thank you so much for sharing…
Stephanie
August 8, 2022 at 1:18 pmThis is such a great list! I wish I had even half of this stuff in my first dorm room. I did use a lot of extra storage things and a few caddies and carts like you have to hold my bathroom stuff.
Jodi
August 8, 2022 at 1:33 pmThis makes me wish I was in college again LOL! Such great ideas 😉
Beth
August 8, 2022 at 1:56 pmThese are all excellent picks. The power strip tower is especially important. Dorm rooms rarely have enough outlets.
Meghan
August 9, 2022 at 12:13 amLove the rotating makeup organizer and the under bed storage! Excellent dorm items, thanks for sharing!!
Melanie williams
August 9, 2022 at 5:33 amThere are some really good ideas here for sure. With limited space it is always best to get organised and use storage ideas to the max x
Sarah Stockley
August 9, 2022 at 6:30 amGreat ideas! My daughter has just left school and will start at a college in September. She won’t live away from home but I love the desk organiser which she could have here.
Hope
August 9, 2022 at 10:49 amExcellent list of must haves !
Tammy
August 9, 2022 at 11:26 amLots of great ideas to keep it stylish on a budget especially when working with a dorm space. It’s important to have that space and make it your own.
Shilpa Bindlish
August 9, 2022 at 11:32 amIt’s undoubtedly an exhaustive list of options. I have some of these items but a few are yet to be purchased.
Lisa
August 9, 2022 at 12:36 pmThere are some excellent items for young women here. The rotating makeup organizer and echo dot sound so useful, I think I want them for myself too!
Yeah Lifestyle
August 9, 2022 at 1:49 pmMoving out of the house into a college dorm for the first time can be so daunting so having a checklist such as this to make sure all the important items have been ticked off is so crucial
Khushboo
August 9, 2022 at 6:43 pmThat’s a very helpful and good list. I remember when I was young I had many of these with me.
Marianne
August 10, 2022 at 6:46 amThese are cool picks, thank you for sharing.
Christine
August 10, 2022 at 12:20 pmLove this list. I think you cover everything and I like the bedding set. Thanks for sharing.
Deanna | Life By Deanna
August 10, 2022 at 6:41 pmThe rolling bathroom cart is a great idea
Krystal
August 10, 2022 at 7:02 pmThis is a great list for anyone going to college. Great suggestions!
Anike
August 15, 2022 at 12:42 pmI need a full length mirror =) thanks for sharing the list
Charlie-Elizabeth Nadeau
August 16, 2022 at 6:48 pmWow this would of made my dorm room experience so much nicer! Great list and cool tips. Thank you for sharing. I want the lamp with smart functions, what a smart idea!
Kelly
August 17, 2022 at 12:15 pmSharing this with my cousin, who’s going off to college next week!
Connie Barnett
August 18, 2022 at 1:57 pmThis is a super awesome list! I shared it with my niece who just moved in the dorm this past weekend. Plus there are a couple of things I really liked too.