Hey nice to see you here! I remember getting a few patterns from you!

Dorm room needs would be IMO things that don't take up much space, the rooms are tiny here!
DD had:
Fridge
hot pot for heating quick things like soups,ramen noodles etc
a few foods and snacks
Extra long twin sheets
a little plastic basket thingy to carry bathing stuff to the showers
flip-flops to wear to and from the showers
4 towels (closet was tiny!)
she couldn't hang anything on the walls that was heavy at all because no nails were allowed
I can't remember any thing else

It's been a long time since we faced that question, but what I remember is bedding. Usually the beds are twin or bunks and sometimes extra long. Target/Walmart and other stores all sell the extra long sheets, blankets, etc., in college towns. Since my DD's roommate was a high school friend they were able to get the bedspreads (matching) before school started. A microwave and small dorm-sized refrigerator are nice to have. A toaster oven would be great, but not really needed--just convenient. They need a laundry bag or basket to carried to the laundry room, along with detergent, etc. Coat hangers, bath soap, towels and washcloths. Maybe a bulletin board, laptop computer (mandatory in some schools here in FL). They need kisses and hugs and frequent e-mails, too.

Welcome to the KT Cherie. Hope you'll stick around the table and join us. We get some great conversation going! Good luck to your DG.

My stepson just returned from enrolling at Baylor yesterday. This university doesn't allow cooking of any sort in the dorm room, unless it can be done in a small microwave oven, so no toaster oven or cooking pots. It would be best to look at the list of 'allowables' that she received with her introduction packet.

laptops are mandatory pretty much for any school. she would probably get great use from multiple 1G or higher jump drives for her computer work that needs portability. how about some gift cards to local restaurants, the university bookstore for office supplies, maybe even advance purchase some event tickets for things going on, on campus like sports etc... she'd probably like an itunes gift card.

i never lived in a dorm but the above lists cover alot of what friends had. my DH is in college now and gets alot of use out of his UCF student card. it's a debit card set up for use at his school that gets refilled w/ money and used in everything on the campus like copy machines, starbucks, restaurants, scan-tron test sheets etc...we have his set up to a visa gift card so that if his UCF card was lost or stolen it has a limited value, not linked up to a bank acct that can be withdrawn from. ~ liz

Yes, there is usually a list.......of what to bring and what NOT to bring plus what is already provided.
My daughter's college provides what's called "microfridges" which are a combo microwave and refrigerator. They can also have coffee makers. They can't have any other type of appliance though.
We also needed the extra long twin bed sheets. We got her things like a desk lamp, bulletin board, a laptop computer and printer (she could send her files elsewhere to print but it was nice to have it in her room), a laundry bag (and detergent to go with it), there are really cute little shower bags with various compartments (we got hers at Bed Bath and Beyond, they have lots of neat little dorm accessories). My daughter took a big terry robe too to wear back from the shower. Her school also has restrictions on nails in the walls so we got her a bunch of those double sided adhesive squares to hang things up......you can also get those that have adhesive on the back and hooks on the front for things like bulletin boards.....she also used push pins for lighter things (but probably shouldn't have!) I know I'm repeating what others have written but I guess it just shows there are common needs among different colleges and universities.
Good luck, it's an exciting time!
Angela

My brother' daughter went to university near me, over three hundred miles from her home. After seeing her room we went the store and bought a shelving unit ( very inexpensive, less than $20) made of wood slats that you screwed together. It was perfect for one spot in that room. A regular bookcase would not have fit there because of the way they are made. We basically built this in the space. She put her shoes on the bottom level, used the next level for baskets, extra storage especially in winter, and the next for books and on the top the microwave fit perfectly with her basic utensils. We got a lightweight cafe rod and put it on the front and added "curtains" to hide it all. Kept the clutter down, and within a week everyone in her dorm had one. Space is so at a minimum there she even stored her out of season clothing and extras at my house.

If you contact the college they usually will provide a list of suggested items for the dorm room - and a list of things not too bring. Most schools will have that available on their web site. Look for the section of Housing and or Residential Life.

Stores like Bed, Bath and Beyond also have tear off sheets available at each store that you can take with you.

I don't have time to read everyone's answer so just let me say if this is a repeat, I am sorry.

One thing I learned from our cruise experience that came in so handy...was to buy...over the closet door shoe Organizers. In each pocket you can store goodies for hair or bath or whatever. You can see what is in the pocket so no hunting and it is so wonderful for taking up no extra space and using space that probably wouldn't be used any way....and she can even use it for shoes too..

Just look at the picture on the link below and imagine it filled with things a school girl might need instead of shoes.

Here is a link that might be useful: Shoe Organizer

You'll need to call the school before buying sheets.. not all have the extra long mattresses.

Lots of good ideas so far. One of the french memo boards (padded fabric with ribbons crisscrossing) is nice to hold photos and cards.

No candles or incense, but the reed diffusers are okay.

We got our daughter a microwave that had a build in toaster. She loved it! Other wise no toast! LOL

The gift that we buy all highschool grads heading to college are those lounge chairs that fold up and go into their own little bag. They are great because they stash under a bed, they just don't take up much space. That way they have something more comfortable than just a desk chair, plus have extra seating when they have friends over or have them to grab and take along to outside things too. We get the ones that have the foot rests. They also have a rocking chair version!

A roll of quarters and dimes if their laundromat in the dorm uses coins (some use "credit cards.") Here in the southwest, it is hottest in August and September, so I always urge bringing a nice fan as the stores in the local town where the school is always have run out. One of those little sets of drawers is always nice too-- the ones you assemble out of cardboard. Be sure her luggage is soft sided so she can cram it under her bed. The shower caddy should have drain holes in the bottom so it can go right into the shower with her.

When I lived in a dorm about 8 years ago at Seattle University, these are things I needed:

*single bed sheet set/pillow
*small garbage can
*wall clock
*alarm clock
*small fridge
*shower caddy to haul stuff to showers
*flip flops to wear in shower
*desk lamp
*desk organizer/bulletin board
*couple of towels/washcloth
*small tv
*stereo

Most dorms have kitchens with microwaves, stoves, etc. on each floor or very nearby, and most don't allow cooking appliances in rooms, even coffee pots. In my dorm we could hang things with thumb tacks, so those were nice to have too for decorations, pictures.

2 things every dorm room needs! a window fan, and a clip-on light for the top bunk or loft. we also had a rug... (check out home depot for the roomsized ones, cheap!)

i wouldn't get too much extra for the doem cause as soon as the kids can, they migrate out (usually after freshman year) to apt housing. have her check with room-mates to see what they're bringing and will be willing to share, or "rent" like the mini fridges from the school.

i'd also include a small tool set. the kids are forever rearranging the beds, etc. we also bought each kid one oversized tub. they were used to hold winter clothes and often used as "coffee tables"...

flip-flops or cheapie crocs are a must for less than sanitary showers and bathrooms. we tried the rolls of quarters but more often than not, the 3 close by kids brought home tons of dirty clothes, but so did the one 2 states away, lol...

we always made a sam's club run after the kids got settled.

as for linens this isn't the time for anything fancy. all 4 took existing bedding from hs days.

last, target is already selling dorm goodies...saw them today...

I have two kiddies in college now, so here are thoughts off the top of my head:

First of all, it's great if you can find out the size of the room and whether there is any room for a little shelf, if possible. Some universities have to cram three in a room instead of two, so in that case there wouldn't be room. But an inexpensive, extra shelf/drawer unit is a great help.

In the fall it can be very hot, depending on which way the window faces, so a fan is a must.

I believe most schools rent combo micro/refrigerators and I found that to be the handiest as they deliver to and take away from the room so there's no carting it upstairs. Also, you don't have to worry about storing it over the summer.

A computer locking cable is very important (it loops through a hole in the desk for both a standard and laptop,) and an extension cord might be a good idea too, as well as a surge protector.

Don't forget coat hangers.

I guess the key is that there's most likely less room than you would guess, so not much room for superfluous stuff. The t.v. sit-coms show huge, spacious rooms that are unheard of, even in the ivy schools. If you haven't yet, see if there might be a "virtual tour" of your grandchild's dorm room on the school's website, or at least a list of suggested items. Have fun!

Most of the items here DD used..don't assume the long sheets as was stated, not true always (DD's as regular sheets)

Tool set she'll be the envy of the floor
DUCT TAPE..especially if not grey
PRinter is nice if she doesn't have one already.
snacks are good to keep in room

Vickey--MN

Cash for laundromat and vending machines. I remember my aunt sent me a dollar bill with a note on a card "Have a Coke on us." I still remember that card, it's been nearly 40 years!

For the vending machines and laundry, they often use a card that kids (parents!) load with a chosen amount.

I have a son in college.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned above (may have missed it) is a medicine/first aid kit. My son's came in very handy at school.

My son also took a futon - those were very popular in his dorm building. The boys put one bed lofted above the futon, the other bed lofted above the fridge, microwave, tv, etc.

I'd suggest that you don't buy her anything like a tv, bedding, fridge, coffee pot, futon, etc. until you check with her first. She and her roommate might need to coordinate which one of them is bringing the tv, the fridge, the coffee pot, etc., since space is often as such a premium. Girls sometimes coordinate their bedding, too.

My son would have preferred no quarters or rolled coins for the laundry, since his school uses a student card for things like that. The card is much more convenient.

The usb drive mentioned above was a good suggestion, particularly in the higher capacity as mentioned. As others mentioned, your granddaughter will probably need a laptop, and also a printer, an external hard drive is good and convenient to use to back up her work.

For girls an iron is a great gift, although she and her roommate might want to coordinate that, too. A lint brush is good.

If she doesn't have a digital camera, you may consider buying her one of those. Those college memories are wonderful, it would be nice if she captured them in photographs.

Good luck!

Google the university's name & then noodle around for somehting about 'new students' or residential halls...
They should have a list of what is & isn't allowed. And what is provided, dresser, desk, lamp, bulletin board..
Depending on the size of the University & the surrounding town... gift cards to the 'box stores' like target, bed bath & beyond, sam's club, etc. are great if they are coming from a distance & don't want to haul small fridges, microwaves, etc.
I did a laundry bag, plain white, with sorting instructions, washing hints, etc. in a permanent marker, along with some cash for soap, bleach, etc..
Lots of universities have catering staff via the student unions - you could get a 'welcome gift basket' or cake or something to share & make new friends with... And ! you might see if she'd like a subscription to the home town paper... mine's online - but it sure doesn't include much in the online edition - not like the printed one..

Most dorms don't allow toasters,hotplates or other electric cooking appliances but do allow microwaves.

We found it was far less expensive to buy DD a new fridge rather than to rent each semester.

She took about four large plastic bins for storing towels and extra clothing on the floor of her teeny tiny closet.

A bulletin board or a magnetic board is nice to have.

Desk organizers are a must. Desks are tiny. Also book ends to keep books in place on the single book shelf usually provided.
Some dorms have kitchens on every floor.

Over four years their roommates and lifestyles change. They may qualify for a single room (free) if they become resident advisers, they may join a sorority/fraternity with a house or they may choose to move into other off campus housing.

They will always need a stock of toiletries and personal hygiene products.

A set of bed risers is nice for increasing under bed storage.

A flashlight that stays plugged in the wall and goes on in a power outage.

A sleeping bag for overnight guests or overnight trips with friends.

As for the above comment about an iron "if it's a girl". My DH and DS both know how to iron. Boys could find one useful too. Along with a portable ironing board.

And make sure they get insurance to cover loss and theft of items in their rooms.

I have a DD in college & doing the dorm thing now. She's going on her 3rd in the dorm - she likes it, crazy kid. Anyway, all of the above is good. I'd go to the college website and check it out. Some have suggested extra long sheets but again check that out. As for the sheets, we bought very comfy sheets for her second year. The stuff she bought at Target her first year was just not comfortable. We bought it at JC Penney - their website has a place specific for dorms. We got a lot of good ideas there.

As for appliances, my DD's dorm came equipped with everything - the ability to loft the beds, combo micro/refrig but not TV. She cannot have a toaster (although she does have one hidden). She can and does have one of those small George Foreman grill things and uses it often. We were told she can have this because it does not have the hot coils exposed like a toaster.

Also, every student receives their own laptop. So, it really does pay to check out what the college and dorms provide.

My husband has worked in the college for years and used to be a resident director. He said a small safe as many kids leave their rooms unlocked, and things get stolen often. Also, no candles at all. Lots of the kids have rice cookers and cook soups and chili in them, or small crock pots, but many colleges won't let them have that. He said that the stores on campus charge a ton for things, so making a shoe box or plastic box of the same size filled with cough drops, tylenol, ibuprofin, band aids, and things of that nature, so basically a first aid kit... including allergy meds and things like that. a small fridge, a fan, an iron and small board that fits under the bed.

Most of these things are listed.

Here is a link that might be useful: A sister's love for her brother building a support for autism blog.

Keep in mind the high theft rate in colleges so don't plan on having anything there that's sentimentally valuable. Assume it will be stolen. Especially that laptop so remind her about continual backups. An 8gb USB drive with a lanyard can go around the neck and backup continually and lots of room for the work on there. If she lost her work, it would set her back a lot.

And I haven't seen it mentioned about security. Call me sexist is you will but I'm more concerned about females than males in dorms in this respect. I would equip them with a pepper spray and possibly a whistle, yes even in the dorm. We've all heard about the recent crime sprees and a little precaution could be very valuable. A short self-defense course ahead of time would be valuable too. Not to scare her, but give her confidence and help her understand when to be cautious and how to be alert. Some of this is basic but we all tend to get lax in personal security. I'd even go for one more and that's a door "club" I think it's called. Essentially a stick against the doorknob. They are surprisingly effective.

The camera idea is good, but be sure to photograph the room BEFORE anyone moves in, just in case there's damage allegations. I had that problem come up with my first apartment.

Back to furnishings, I agree that it's hard to be sure until you know who else is there. But to have an idea list is important. Go with the basics first, the bedding, personal care items and clothes, then on the furnishings see what happens. I am sold on the plastic shelving. SO lightweight! And you can take two of them and keep adding shelves so you can go to the ceiling if you want. Floor space of course will be at a premium and often the above floor space gets wasted. So even adding a shelf or two will make a significant difference. And remember analog TV is being shut off next February so if they don't have cable, it'll affect the type of tv then.

I was going to suggest a lockbox or something that could be chained to something solid to hold some of the backups, valuables when they're gone and the like. Like a safe, it won't STOP theft, but could slow it down and could help dissuade the semi-honest thieves from impulse shopping.. Oh and I think it was said, but an outlet strip with good surge control and a circuit breaker for computer at least. Count the number of outlets you'll need to get an idea if you need more than one. You probably will.

Keep thinking multi-task, multi-function, multi-use and concentrated and repeat it over and over. Make it your mantra. Very few things should be brought that are only one use. Keep asking what else will work? For instance, even sneaking in a toaster.. why not use a George Foreman grill? I'd definitely see if they can have one You certainly can toast on that and cook something on it other than pop tarts. People even make pancakes on it! How about combination body and hair wash instead of one of each? Less to carry. Dish soap will work fine as a hand soap, and is an effective pre-treater for laundry so you don't need all kinds of cleaners. Find a laundry detergent they like and try not to have to have a bottle of detergent, another bottle of fabric softener and softener sheets on top of it. How about just a detergent with a softener if they must have softener, one that they like in as concentrated formula as possible, again, keeping size as small as possible. Also think concentrated. Two rolls of Scott 1000 sheet bath tissue will outlast 9-10 rolls of most other brands. Easier to store one (extra) roll or a 9 pack? And really, it'll work for facial tissue too so you could eliminate a box there. Again, multi-task, multi-function, multi-use and concentrated.

Another idea, a couple microfiber cloths can be used for cleaning, if they clean and clean glasses if needed. And a bottle of multipurpose cleaner. You don't need 25 cleaners. Something like a small convection oven will act as an oven to bake potatoes, works great for pizza rolls, bagel bites, etc. Might be too big though so it's only an idea. How about a small supply of trash bags? How many will think of it? And to have them up front wouldn't take much room. One other think that I find convenient is a heavy duty TV tray like the Tablemate that folds up flat and takes very little room. Can be used as a table, a shelf or whatever else. I use one for my laptop computer next to my recliner and in the motel room when I travel.

Guess there were more things than I thought I could suggest, but that's about all I can think of offhand.

Good luck to her! Hope it's a safe, happy and rewarding experience!

I knew I'd forget something!! I'd violate my one rule for one item, a large read alarm clock. You can use that as the room clock and I'd suggest an atomic one that will reset itself in the event of a power outage, though they should have a battery backup or are battery powered. Few people replace the batteries in the ones with a backup. But an atomic will reset at 2am so conceivably could save missing a class. And a 2 alarm version could be handy if classes are at different times or could serve 2 people.

Also if anything going uses batteries, do her a favor and replace them with fresh alkaline batteries. If it's important item, send an extra set.

Argh! One last thought and I'm going away!!! I promise! But if it's a standard type bed, a good idea for storage is to put some blocks under the legs of the bed to raise it up. You can store a lot more under there.

Forgot to mention a few things myself. A melamine bowl and plate, a knife, fork and spoon, a paring knife, a coffee mug. Rent or buy a little fridge. Don't forget the health kit and the allergy medications too. A sleeping bag is good for sleep overs and guests--and for when your roommate kicks/locks you or your friend out of your room because his or her Significant Other (for one night SO or longer term SO) is spending the night. I love those bed pillows that look like the back of an easy chair with arm rests--nothing is comfortable in the dorm room, and this helps give a comfortable place to study. A basic tool kit is great to have. It was the most valued high school graduation gift my DD got and now I give the same to graduates. Lowe's has a nice one. Be sure to bring a fan with you as the town is usually out of fans by the time you arrive.

Also, long before leaving for college, find out whose ATM is on your campus. Then go to that bank and open a checking and savings account with that bank. Do this in plenty of time to get checks printed and receive the ATM card. Make sure you have the right to make direct deposits to the account--never know when an emergency will arise. And one charge card for EMERGENCIES only.

We have a warm fall here, so we sent DD to college with light weight clothing, telling her to bring it home at Thanksgiving and we would send up winter clothes then. They will be walking in the rain lots, and maybe snow too. Be sure that they have some all weather shoes, rain coat and a good umbrella.

The thing to do is to list all the things you think that would be handy, then begin to pare the list. The function of a dorm room is to provide a place to sleep, to study, and to store clothing. Everything else is secondry. Keep that in mind while you cull your list.

Look at your list again, and then priortize each item starting by giving no.1 to the most essential and work down. Hopefully, only the top half of the list is critical and rest could be omitted without an impact on the primary functions. Don't let the dorm room become an extension of a junk room at home. First on the list would be a computer, printer, paper, writing supplies, calculator, personal calendar with spaces to enter appointments/classes schedules, alarm clock w/battery backup, and reference materials. Next, comes personal items: clothing, toiletries, shower items, and for girls, a limited amount of makeup and perfume.

Once the essentials are listed, we can consider other items such as a radio. Believe or not, a radio is not essential to class studies, but can be nice to have. Many students bring huge boom boxes and speaker sets. These are theft targets, bulky, and disturbing to others if played too loudly. A small personal rsdio has the disadvantage of poor sound quality. Consider a clock/radio/alarm combination with headphones, or an alarm clock and a personal radio with head phones.

Some things have changed so rapidly for kids now, it's hard to believe....the kids I know now don't use a radio or boom box, they use their ipods. They don't use paper calendars, they use their blackberries or electronic calendars on their laptops.

An alarm clock is a great suggestion. My son has one that is programmable for different days - that way he can program it OFF for the weekend. That one is very nice, that way if they go away for the weekend and forget to shut off their alarm clock, it won't wake their roommate up on the weekend.

Very nice headphones, like Bose, are a great gift, too. It helps block out the noise so they can sleep or study.

Lots of great suggestions here. I agree with the coordinating with roomies before buying any large items or bedspreads.

If the beds can be "unbunked" and the roomies choose not to loft the beds; then a set of bed risers and plastic rolling storage bins come in handy.

While buying a small refrigerator is ususally cheaper, remember someone has to move it in and out of the dorm. DD's dorms never had elevators. It got old fast hauling that dang refrigerator up and down to the third floor.

WOW....I am amazed by all the ideas that you have posted...Thank you so very much.
I am going to create a list of ideas and send it to my Granddaughter and daughter and come up with what needs to be done....Thanks again for your help and I will try to chime in every once in a while and not just be a lurker!!
blessings
Cherie

Post-It notes! Really good for reminders.