College Dorm Essentials: What You Actually Need for Your Son’s First Year

It’s that time again—college move-in season. This summer, my husband and I are sending our second son off to college, where he’ll be playing football alongside his older brother. As bittersweet as it is to pack up another room, we’re walking into this round with so much more confidence and peace of mind than we did the first time.

Because truthfully? The first college send-off can feel like a mad dash between Walmart and Amazon, fueled by “What else are we forgetting?!”

This blog post is here to help you skip the panic. We’ve learned exactly what’s essential for a guy’s dorm life—and just as importantly, what isn’t. So you can stay present, enjoy the moment, and avoid those midnight Target runs during move-in weekend.

I’m sharing our full College Dorm Shopping Checklist below complete with real-deal recommendations and Amazon links.

College Dorm Shopping List for Guys

(From Parents Who’ve Been There):

Bathroom & Grooming

Everything he needs to stay fresh and clean—without calling home to ask if he really needs to wash his towel this week.

• Toothbrushes/Toothpaste + holder

• Floss

• Mouthwash

• Deodorant

• Shampoo/Conditioner

• Body wash/Soap

• Loofah

• Body Lotion/Oil

• Hair Styling Products

• Hair Brush/Comb

• Chapstick

• Contact solution/case (if needed)

• Storage bin/basket

• Bath towels

• Face towels/washcloths

• Qtips/Cotton Balls

• Face cleaner/astringent

• Shower curtain and liner

• Shower curtain hooks

• Bath rug

• Toilet bowl brush/plunger

• Toilet bowl cleaner

• Bathroom cleaner

• Cleaning Sponges

• Toilet paper

• Shower sandal slides! (staph runs rampant in dorms)

• Cologne

• Dude Wipes

• Poo-pourri Spray

• Razors + Extra Blades

• Manscape Lawn Mover

Make It Feel Like Home - Bedroom Essentials

From sleep to study to snack time, here’s everything that makes a dorm room feel like home (and not a prison cell).

• Bedside lamp

• Fan (dorm rooms can get hot)

• Refrigerator

• TV Monitor

• Surge protector

• Under-bed storage bin (if space allows)

• Screwdriver Tool Set

• Twin XL Comforter set (with fitted/flat sheets + pillowcases)

• Mattress topper (a must for those plastic dorm beds)

• Pillows

• Extra pillowcases

• Kleenex Boxes (4+)

• House Slippers

• The BEST Mini Safe

• Hard Sleeper Alarm Clock - a MUST!

• Bible

• Personal journal

• Window Curtain Rod (non drill)

• Window Curtain

• LED Floor Lamp

Everything Has It's Place - Closet & Laundry

I've told our guys to take a good hard look at their schedule and book themself for 1-day/wk to do their laundry and deep clean their room.

• Socks

• Underwear

• Shoes (sporting cleats, tennis shoes, and slides)

• Laundry detergent (liquid - pods often don't break down in dorm laundry mats)

• Laundry Basket (travel friendly - the laundry mat is typically a hike)

• Over-the-door Full Body Mirror

• Hangers

• Hanging closet organizer 

  
  

Snack Station - Kitchen Setup

Fast food is not only an unhealthy option it's the much more expensive option. Helping your guy create some healthy habits from the get-go will reap long-term rewards

• Blender/Shaker Cup

• Tupperware/storage containers

• Kitchen Towels

• Dishwashing sponges + sponge holder

• Dishwashing liquid

• Trash can (Large size - they have a ton of trash)

• Trash bags

• Fork/spoon/knife set

• Ziplock bags

• Foil

• Can opener

• Plates, Bowl, Cups Set (4)

• Paper towels

• Dish drying rack

• Kitchen cleaning spray

• Snacks: bars, chips, oatmeal, meat sticks

• Protein Powder

• Supplements/Vitamins

• Chip Clips

• Refillable Water Jug

• Brita Water Filter

  
  

"Get To Class" Smart Student Must-Haves

These items don’t fit neatly into a category—but trust me, they make all the difference.

• Backpack

• Laptop

• Graphing Calculator depending on Field of Study

• College-ruled spiral notebooks

• Highlighters

• White out

• Pens and pencils

• Post-it Notes

• Portable charger

• Umbrella

• Scissors

• Desk Organizer

Keep It Tidy - Cleaning Supplies

In addition to the cleaning items above these are a must!

• Hand vacuum (great for crumbs and dirt in tight spaces)

• Swifer + Refill Sheets

• Clorex Wipes

• Fabreeze Spray

• Organization Cart

  
  

A Little Extra (If You're Extra)

Some of these might be more of an absolute essential!

• Emergency seatbelt cutter (I know, I’m extra—but it gives me peace of mind)

• Travel toiletry bottles (for trips home or away games)

• Portable Speaker

• Games: Uno, Deck of Cards, LCR

• Quilted cooling mattress pad

• Command Hooks/Heavy Duty Velco Strips to Hang Flags and Posters

• Air Purifier

• External Hard Drive

• First aid Kit

• LED light decor

• Batteries

• Flashlights

Final Thoughts: Why This List Matters

We’ve made the early morning move-ins, the late-night Walmart runs, and the “Mom, I forgot my…” phone calls. But with this checklist in hand, you don’t have to.

Whether it’s your first time sending a son to college or your fourth, this list helps you focus on what really matters: soaking in every hug, laughing through the chaos, and enjoying this new chapter together.

Let’s make dorm life as smooth as possible for these guys—and a little easier on us parents, too.

Got questions or want the Amazon links we used?

I’m happy to share the exact items we bought. Just leave a comment or send me a message!