Back to School Shopping!

Because I am EXTREMELY anal and overly organized, before I went to college I created my very own dorm check list, which lists every possible item you may forget to bring to college but will end up most likely needing. Here is the list in its entirety, please let me know if I left anything off!!

Dorm Check List!!
(Red=electronic, blue=bath, pink= bed, Green=organization/other, purple=laundry, black= school supplies, Orange=clothing)

• Barrel
• Alarm Clock
• Desk organizer
• Rug
• Backpack
• Shelf
• Trash bags
• Swiffer
• Snacks
• Flashlight
• Under-bed Storage
• Small fan
• Adhesive Hooks
• Mounting Tape
• Paper towels
• Lysol wipes
• Ziploc bags
• Pushpins
• Dry-erase board
• Toolkit
• Small umbrella
• Air freshener
• Night light
• Brita pitcher
• Flash drive
• Computer
• Printer
• Surge protector
• Rechargeable batteries
• 3-2 prong adapters
• Laptop case
• Extension cord
• Printer paper
• Mattress pad
• Blanket
• Headrest pillow
• Sheets/ pillowcases/ comforter
• curtains
• Laundry marker
• Stain remover
• Laundry bag
• Drying Rack
• Quarter dispenser
• Detergent/fabric softener
• Sewing kit
Lint Remover
• Paper clips
• Rubber bands
• Scissors
• Highlighters
• Ruler
• Stamps/envelopes
• Index cards
• lap desk
• Address book
• Planner
• Stapler/staples
• Notebooks/folders
• Labels
• Post-it notes
• Duct Tape
• Razors/shaving cream
• Pepto-Bismol
• Bathrobe
• Aspirin
• Vanity Mirror
• Imodium
• Cosmetic organizer
• Neosporin
• Band-Aids
• Cough drops
• 2 body towels
• 3 face cloths
• 2 hand towels
• Ice pack
• Midol
• Shower tote
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Tissues
• Rain Boots
• Rain Coat
• Clothes appropriate for the weather wherever you may be going


Yes, it may seem that I included everything under the sun, but all of this stuff, along with shot glasses which I stupidly forgot, WILL be handy at some point along the way. Although I like to save money, I also like to plan in advanced and buy things ahead of time when I find them at good prices, rather than waiting until the last minute I need an item and splurging because I have no other choice. Use this list early and pick things up as you go, as you find them at a good price, don't wait until last minute and buy overpriced items just because you may need them.

My advice for the new college student looking for dorm finds is to strategize when shopping. Compare all of the circulars and websites and see where you can get the best deal. Then divide this list by place and get things where they are best priced. Bed, Bath & Beyond may be overpriced on some things but you can truly find some good deals there when college time rolls around, and they ALWAYS have that 20%-off coupon, so utilize that wisely. Target is my all-time favorite for back-to-school shopping because all of their bedroom decor/organization supplies are color coordinated and you can truly build a nice look for next to nothing. Don't go overboard though! Whenever I go to Target, I have a hard time sticking to my list and usually walk out with more than I intend to (I just can't resist!!). Finally, my secret weapon is The Christmas Tree Shop! Their circular right now has so many perfect college essentials for soo cheap! I just recently bought a 4-piece closet organizer (1 each of a canvas hanging sweater/shoe organizer, and 2 canvas and plastic underbed drawers) for just $9.99!! Even at Target, just one of the hanging organizers is $10.. so it was a MAJOR deal! They are also good for cheap basics like loofahs, toothbrush holders, sheets, etc.

So overall, just browse before you buy and go shopping with a list and a plan... and most importantly, stick to it! I promise it will save you a bundle and leave you with a beautifully put-together dorm room!

Happy Saving,
L