First—congratulations to the Class of 2026! You did it… now it’s on to the next chapter: Dorm Room Set-Up. After sending two off to college, I guess I’m considered an expert at this (lol).
In both cases, my boys had great freshman roommates, and the whole process ended up being rather fun. Their room setups were very different, but the shopping process was similar. There are definite essentials, and then there are the extras that help make the space feel like home. One thing I learned early on is that dorm rooms are usually much smaller than you expect. What looks spacious in photos really isn’t, so my first suggestion is to start with the basics until you know the exact layout. Find out ahead of time if they’ll have a shared or suite bathroom, whether a fridge and microwave are provided or need to be purchased. If there is a kitchenette and what kind of storage is available. My goal was always to create a space that felt like home, but still had that cool college vibe. By the time it was my second son’s turn, I was definitely more realistic about what would actually get used. At one point I thought having eight of everything—plates, towels, silverware—was a good idea. It wasn’t.
I chose items from Amazon for two reasons. First – they have everything and second – what ever doesn’t work out can be easily return in one swoop. You’re welcome ; )
Room with suite mates & kitchenette (my son Jack’s room at Johns Hopkins – notice the 8 towels lol)
vs. one room with community bathrooms (my son Cooper’s room at Michigan State)
What I’ve learned – Guys and Girls rooms are very different!
For guys, less really is more. Four of everything is plenty, and honestly even that might be generous. I originally thought having extra would make life easier, but it just created more mess. I had everything perfectly folded and organized on move-in day, and from what I heard that lasted about 2 days. My son Jack’s roommate had bins for everything—hoodies, shoes, pants—and it was a system that was actually easy for him to maintain. That’s when it clicked: simple wins. If there’s no kitchenette, keep things basic with water bottles, a few cups, and minimal dishware. Dorm rooms are tight, so maximizing space is key. Lofted beds help a lot because they create room underneath for a futon or hangout area, which I highly recommend. It’s great for watching TV and perfect when friends stay over.
When it comes to bedding, this is where you have to be realistic. No teenage boy is remaking his bed every day, so skip the top sheet. A good mattress topper is the most important item you can buy —the dorm mattresses are the WORST. This is where I splurged and I know they both appreciated it. Pair that topper with a matress pad, fitted sheet and a duvet, and you’re all set. One funny but smart tip I heard was to layer two fitted sheets, so they can just peel one off and instantly have a clean bed. For towels, four is more than enough, and adding a couple of quick-dry towels is a great idea too. Laundry should be as simple as possible—a rolling laundry cart (see below) was one of the best things I bought (they both told me that), and pods are the easiest option for detergent. If it’s easy, they’re more likely to actually do laundry on the regular.
On a side note – this will make you laugh. When Jack came home for Christmas freshman year and we unpacked his suitcase- I thought everything was dirty. His response was no Mom , it’s all clean, I washed it all. I said but it’s all together and inside out. He then said oh that’s how I do laundry. I have a dirty pile and a clean pile. I take off my tee and hoodie together (as a set & inside out), wash it that way, dry it that way and then it just goes together in the clean pile. I laughed and was horrified at the same time.
Walls are where they can add personality and make the space their own. Flags, jerseys, hometown items, photos, and even LED lights are all popular now. Command hooks are still a must, and things like cork boards or panels help display things without damaging walls. Extra storage is always helpful too—stackable crates on top of wardrobes or bedside caddies can make a big difference. One tip that still holds true is to go with a slightly larger mini fridge if you can. It doesn’t take up that much more room, but is much more useful for things like leftovers, drinks, or quick meals, and it can actually save money over time. If drilling isn’t allowed, tension rods and freestanding storage options are popular too… there are creative ways to make things work within the rules.
GUYS:
Start with Essentials – they take up a lot of room! Amazon is your friend, avoid all the running around.
Linens: Click on item to order.
Toppers and Mattress Pad:
(Down Alternative Comforter, Down Comforter, Bed Pillows, Pillow Protectors, Duvet Covers, Twin XL Sheets with color options, Triangle Headboard Pillow with Side Pockets, Rolling Laundry Basket – holds a ton, Thick Towels – also with color options, QUICK DRY towels (helps prevent wet smelly towels!), Foam Toppers, Mattress Pad & Zippered Mattress Encasement- a MUST!)
Electronics and Appliances & More: Click on item to order.
(40″ TV, Tile tracker, UEBoom waterproof speakers (one of my favorite things makes a great gift too), desk lamp, mini fridges, fridge-microwave stand. microwave, Keurig Mini, Ninja single blender, Brita water filter, fans with remote – Dreo Tower & WOOZOO, vacuums, clock that projects time, a shower caddy & extension cords with surge protectors.)
Extras: Click on item to order.
What it looks like all put together:
(Cork Boards & push pins for pictures of Mom : ) Milk Crates, Stackable Storage Bins (great on closet floor for socks and boxers), Tension Rod Shelf, Shoe Storage Towers, Futons, Sleeper Chair, Leather Wall Envelopes, Jersey Display Hooks, Custom Street Signs, Bed Caddy, Bedside Shelf, North Face Backpack, Rain Gear, Umbrella, Spike Ball, Pickleball Paddle, Poker Set, SOCKS!!, Phone Holder for zoom meetings )
Now for the GIRLS-
Girls’ dorm rooms tend to be very different. They usually coordinate with their roommates ahead of time and come in with a plan. Bedding and overall aesthetic are important, along with having a space to get ready and plenty of storage that is both functional and cute. “Decor” a big part of the setup— girls go for a cohesive look with color themes, layered lighting, rugs, and cozy textures that make the room feel more like an apartment than a dorm room. The key is to combine pretty with function resulting in a fabulous space to study, hang out and get ready to “go out.”
Here is what I’ve learned… girls coordinate with each other and they have a plan. They care a lot about their bed, they like having a place to put on makeup and they are all about displaying pictures – lots and lots of pictures! Oh, and they seem to crave cool and cute storage. They also want something a little different. A cool wall, A beautiful carpet or maybe a fantastic light.
Linens & Shower: Click on item to order.
(as a rule of thumb – the down insert should be +2″ x +2″ larger than the cover & standard lofted bed is 36″ for bedskirt)
What it looks like all put together:
(Duvet Covers, sheets in Twin XL, Barefoot Dreams throws, headboards, all types of pillows, shower caddies, QUICK DRY Towels – great for hair!, laundry baskets on wheels – two sizes/colors, a great trunk for storage and last but not least a great cart to use as a bedside table)
Electronics and Appliances (girl version): Click on item to order.
(Mini Fridge, Ninja Single Serve, Bluetooth Speakers, Ice Machine, Plug in Chandeliers and Bedside Lamps )
Extras: Click on item to order.
Walls:
(Removable Wallpaper,Cork boards for Pictures & a fun Colorstrology book for all your new friends)
Rugs: Click on item to order.
(Cool rugs in neutral colors available in various sizes)
Weather Gear, Safety & More: Click on item to order.
( Rain Gear, Umbrella, Safety Alarm, Extension Cords with Surge Protectors, North Face Backpacks, Converse Platform Sneakers, Ugg Slip Ons, Makeup Mirrors & finally a Full Length Mirror)
Storage: Click on item to order.
(Closet Hanging Storage, Fabric Bins, Collapsible Bins, Skinny Rubber Coated Hangers, Over the Door Hooks, Closet Shelves and a Closet Hanging Rod)
Don’t Forgets: Click on item to order.
(Just a few things that will help you pull everything together… Moving Bags XL & Medium, Magnetic Hooks (hold 9-23lbs), Command Hooks & Velcro Strips, Double Sided Tape, a First Aid Kit, Flashlight, Rechargeable Batteries, Common Pharmacy Items, a little Tool Box, an Amazon Gift Card for forgotten items and a starter School Supply Package would be a good pick up too, Wall Calendar and Blue Light Glasses for Major Computer Time)
This post has always been popular with family and friends because these items also make great graduation gifts, so feel free to pass it along. Over the years, some consistent favorites have been speakers, fans, backpacks, and trackers for guys, and cozy throws, mirrors, lighting, and slippers for girls.
I hope this gives you a good start to your college shopping! Remember, divide and conquer. Oh, and please send us pictures!
p.s. buy as much as you can a head of time, because when you arrive to your college town the Target, the CVS, etc. stores will be sold out of the staples you need.
A few last things…. first – something to remind them of their furry friends. I also set up a few food, water & supplies subscriptions for my boys. It’s heavy carrying 2 cases of water back to the dorms. They liked knowing a few things would just arrive at the dorm the 1st of every month. I’ve listed some of their favs, but most snacks on Amazon have a subscribe option.
Click on item to order
(Photo Bracelet, Ice Cube trays & Monthly Subscriptions to their Favorite Snacks and Necessities)
