You and your college-bound student may have been planning for this moment for 18 years (give or take), but it’s still good to have a checklist (or several) of what they do and don’t need to lug to campus for their living space.
Here’s a couple dozen (give or take) questions parents and students need to think about while shopping for that optimal dorm experience:
1. If your student is to have roommates, how much will they share in terms of décor, entertainment systems and minifridge?
2. Are desks, desk chairs and dressers provided? (Most provide all of these, some don’t)
3. What are your student’s electronics needs, and does his or her college offer discounts for computers purchased through the bookstore?
4. What are the room dimensions? Dimensions are generally available on the school’s housing website.
5. Does your university allow decorations, lights, posters and/or framed art to be hammered or stuck on the wall? What types of wall hangings are allowed?
6. Is the room carpeted? If not, what is the square footage of the floor for the best rug size?
7. Will the student need a foam topper? Many dorm beds are hard and will require a topper which changes the depth of the sheets required.
8. How much floor space is available in the closet for organizers, such as a tiered one for shoes?
9. Do windows have blinds or must they be provided?
10. Is there a bookcase, or should your student add a small one for the top of the desk for book storage?
11. How much hanging space is available in closets? Would a hanging clothes bar, which maximizes space, help?
12. Are the beds bunk, raised (most are raised) or traditional? Will you need bed risers to raise the bed to make room for storage space if they are traditional?
13. Does the room have lamps, trash cans and/or recycling bins?
14. Is there any room for suitcases, or must they be returned home? Think about using those ever-handy duffel bags instead. They do double duty for laundry.
15. Is there a “dorm floor” vacuum cleaner that can be borrowed on occasion or will one have to be purchased for the dorm room?
16. Is there air conditioning? If not (plenty of dorms at schools up north do not have AC) fans will be needed for circulation.
17. Are space heaters allowed? Some say yes; most say no because they are considered fire hazards. If not, plan for a good down comforter. Some older university dorms are drafty.
18. Is there a dorm common room and if so, what is provided? Should you bring (or share) a coffee maker, microwave, mini fridge, utensils?
19. Is there a place for valuables on the dorm floor such as a place to keep a passport, jewelry, credit cards or prescriptions or will a small lockbox be required?
20. How many outlets does the room have, and what power strips or surge protectors are allowed?
21. Can toiletries be stored in the bath on a cart or do they need to be carried back to the room via a shower caddie?
22. Is there a drying rack in the laundry for anything delicate or should you buy one?
23. Will your student drop off his or her laundry (this is a purchased service) and will they be given a bag for that, or should one be purchased?
24. What cleaning are students expected to do in their room, bathroom, kitchen and/or standard room, and do they need their supplies?
25. What big box retail stores are closest to campus? Will you be able to shop there or pick up previously ordered supplies?