Quetzal Mama's Dorm Room Essentials

By Quetzal Mama • August 6, 2015

¡Felicidades! You are going to college. We’re behind you and applaud your brilliance and hard work. Puro smartie pants. With only days or weeks until the big move in day, don’t make the mistake of getting sucked into the hype and spending tons of dinero. Take tips from Quetzal Mama. I’ve been there. I sent two kids to college across both coasts and I’m a frugal shopper. I also talked to lots of students and found out their top lists. So, here is the “short list” of items my students tell me are the must haves for the dorm:

~~DOLLARTREE~~
Update! I'm no longer promoting DollarTree. See the article here and find an alternate source for these products: Why Dollar Tree items can make you sick

Shower caddy

(Sorry Mija, not likely your own shower!)

Laundry bag

Antibacterial hand soaps

Shampoo, conditioner, and toiletries

First Aid kit

Sewing kit

Plastic utensils (bowl, plate, silverware)

Plastic hangers

Zip Lock Bags (all sizes)

Shower sandals “flipflops”

(Foot fungus is a thing!)

Shaving razors

Fabric softener

Whistle

Keyring

WALMART

Mattress Pad (put on top of your mattress, makes it tons more comfy!)

Alarm clock & reading lamp

Calendar or Agenda

Pens and paper

Extension cord

Power strip w/surge protector

Extra Smartphone chargers

Multivitamins & Airborne

Disinfectant wipes

(Ew, doorhandles are gross)

Contact lens stuff

Economy packs of toothpaste

Air freshener

24-Pack of bottled water

Laundry detergent
Extra towels

Other Must Haves!

Pictures of family & friends

(and especially Mom)

Noise cancellation headphones

(trust me, you’ll thank you me later)

Those eye shade things (fancy)

Share with Your Roomies

(arrange in advance)

Mini Fridge / Microwave

Printer

Most prof’s will have you upload your papers, so a printer is not essential.

Quetzal Mama Tip!

(You’re Welcome)

Before you leave, visit the post office or local Fed/Ex or UPS Store.

Get a stash of multiple sizes of shipping boxes.

Conveniently, leave them in the garage so your parents send you care packages J

Seriously, Though

Identity theft is huge on college campuses. No seas tonto, leave your important items like passports, social security cards, or expensive jewelry at home. Password protect all your stuff – roommates bring in friends from who knows where?