(This post has been in my drafts for almost two years lol.) I asked. You answered. From now on, new posts will be uploaded every Monday. Ya girl is still getting adjusted to college life so bear with me while I work out my schedule.
Dorm shopping is arguably the best part of going to college. I said what I said. What’s not to love about buying throw pillows and new wall decor? Of course, we can’t forget the coffee cups. Personally, I love the memory foam mattress pad. Sleep has never felt so good.
Introducing: Overseas Dorm Shopping
When I first started dorm shopping, I hit a little situation. Stores such as BedBath&Beyond, Target, and HomeGoods were an ocean away. These are college shopping holy grails. BedBath&Beyond even has shopping lists approved by your college for you to use. There was no way for me to peruse the countless aisles, filling my cart with items I definitely will not use.
This is when the extensive internet searching kicked in. My three main concerns were: buying the right dorm supplies, getting them to South Korea, and moving them into my dorm. Easy peasy right? Actually, yes. All thanks to these 10 articles, my dorm shopping experience was a breeze.
Breaking It All Down
Before we begin, let me explain the three categories each of these articles falls under.
First, we have the ‘Dorm Shopping Lists’. Here you can find everything you would ever need in your dorm. These lists are so detailed, that you can’t and shouldn’t get everything in them.
This is where the ‘What Not To Buy Articles’ come in. Each article in this category helps you shop smarter and save money on unnecessary supplies. However, think really hard before you strike items off your list. What is unnecessary for some may be a holy grail for you.
Finally, we have the ‘Dorm Move-In Day Guides’. Although not directly related to dorm shopping, these guides help you organize all your supplies to make for a smooth transition into the dorms. Read them before you start shopping, while you are shopping, and after you are done shopping. They are that important.
Now that the three categories have been introduced, let’s get into these articles, shall we?
Dorm Shopping Lists
1. The Ultimate College Shopping List by Jessica Slaughter
If you are in need of a detailed dorm shopping list that comes in a printable version, look no further. Jessica has put together a comprehensive shopping list broken down by dorm areas so you can stress less and shop more.
My Recommended Buy: Ikea Raskog Cart. I have this one in mint green.
2. Dorm Room Essentials 101: College Packing List by Ashley Brooke Nicholas
It’s always good to have a backup shopping list.
My Recommended Buy: Thin Hangers. You will need all the space you can get in your closet, trust me.
3. 12 Things You’ll Forget to Pack For College by Eyeliner Wings & Pretty Things
My Recommended Buy: Painter’s Tape. This will come in handy when you need to tape down extension cords. My dorm only has outlets underneath the desk, so I had to get creative with extension cords for my bedside lamp.
4. 15 Dorm Items You Didn’t Know You Needed by Society19
My Recommended Buy: HP Envy Wireless Printer. Further down this list, I will link to a post recommending you don’t buy a printer. This is honestly up to you. I don’t like reading documents on my computer and tend to print out my syllabi and handouts my teachers provide.
What Not To Buy Articles
5. What Not To Bring To College | 10 College Products You Do Not Need by Sophia Lee
Best “Do Not Buy”: Too many decorative pillows. The standard size of dorm beds are twin XL. There is not enough space to fit a plethora of pillows, or plushies for that matter. You can check out my dorm room tour and see that I have three decorative pillows and I place them on opposite ends of my bed to avoid a cluttered look. Trust me, do not waste money on extra decorative pillows.
6. 10 Items You Don’t Need for College by The Honey Scoop
Best “Do Not Buy”: Numbers 1 – 5 and number 9. You will not be able to fit your entire wardrobe in your closet. Instead, bring season appropriate clothes with you, and switch your wardrobe on a mid-semester break. Same goes with your shoes. You actually need less than five pairs in my opinion: everyday, workout, slippers, a pair for professional settings, and party shoes. If you have a desk, you don’t need a laptop tray. Props to you if you can read books for pleasure at college. I bought a chair for my dorm and there was no space for it, so now it is chilling in the corner of my childhood bedroom. Finally, most colleges prohibit the use of candles in housing because they are fire hazards.
7. Buy This, Not That: College Dorm Edition by Living the Gray Life
Best “Do Not Buy”: Definitely grab a clothes steamer instead of an iron and ironing board. You save space and the results are practically the same. Just make sure to steam your clothes and hang them up before you need them.
8. What You Really Need For College by Meadow Sweet Lane
Best “Do Not Buy”: 100% agree, you do not need a computer lock. The best tip I got from this article though is to bring an umbrella and a raincoat. If you get an umbrella that can fit in your backpack or bag, you will save yourself the embarrassment of walking into a lecture completely wet.
Dorm Move-In Day Guides
9. 11 Move-In Day Tips You Will Thank Me For! by The University Network
Best Move-In Day Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute! This is the final week in July. You should be buying your dorm supplies now and have everything purchased a week or two before your move-in date. That gives you time to organize everything and strategize for your actual move-in.
10. The Ultimate Guide To Preparing For College Move-In Day by Jessica Slaughter
Best Move-In Day Tip: The entire guide. Full stop. I am not joking when I say this article saved my life during my first move-in. This semester I am changing campuses and I will be revisiting this article when it is time to move-in. Seriously, the information here is priceless.
…and there you have it!
I hope this post helps you find the best supplies for your dorm. I have completed five dorm move-ins since my freshman year and I am a junior now, it does get easier. Feel free to ask me questions about dorm supplies, decorations, do’s and don’ts, etc. in the comments below. You can also check out my previous dorm room tour for inspiration.
