Everything I’m Packing for My Son’s College Dorm Move-In Day… The Essentials + some…

Everything I’m Packing for My Son’s College Dorm Move-In Day at Francis Marion University

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This fall, my oldest son is heading off to begin his college journey as a freshman at Francis Marion University and will be housing at the college dorm. While I’m incredibly proud and excited for him to step into this new season of life, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t tugging at my heart a little. He’s the first of our 4 kids to leave home, and even though he’ll only be a short 45-minute drive away (which I’m very grateful for), the shift is real—and emotional.

One of the ways I’ve been coping with this transition is by diving headfirst into dorm room prep. He’s a laid-back teenage boy, and honestly, he’d probably show up with just a duffel bag and figure the rest out later if left up to him. But for me, this has been my little project—my way of making sure he’s comfortable, prepared, and set up to focus on his academics and athletics.

I’ve spent time talking with friends and family who’ve lived on college campuses, and I joined a Facebook group for “Dorm Room Mamas” to swap tips, advice, and ideas. I’ve also been incredibly touched by how many items on our Amazon dorm list were gifted by friends and family as graduation presents—helping us take on this expense together.

So if you’re looking for a college move-in day checklist, or just want to see what we packed for our son, here’s our realistic, storage-friendly dorm room essentials list. Whether you go all out or keep it simple, you’re doing an amazing job!!

Shop our full Amazon dorm list here:
Amazon Dorm Essentials for College Freshman

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What His Dorm Setup Looks Like

At Francis Marion University, my son will be living in a suite-style dorm. He’ll have one roommate, and together they’ll share a bathroom (toilet and shower) with two suitemates in the connecting room. It’s a setup that gives a little more privacy than traditional dorms, but it also means coordination, cleaning, and sharing responsibility—especially when it comes to bathroom supplies and common space items.

They’ve already connected and decided to split the big stuff: my son is bringing his Chicago Cubs mini fridge, and his roommate is bringing the microwave. Such a simple conversation, but it’s made prepping way easier.

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Dorm Room Organization and Storage Essentials

Organization was my biggest priority when building this list—because college dorms are small, shared spaces where clutter adds up fast.

• Under Bed Storage Dressers with 5 Drawers – Perfect for clothes, extra linens, hoodies, snacks, or shoes. Dorm beds can be raised, so this space is a must-use. Two of these will fit side by side under his 80″ long twin XL dorm bed, providing 10 drawers for maximum storage!
• Hanging Closet Organizer – Helps him keep shoes, shirts, athletic wear, and towels in order without digging through piles.
• Over-the-Door Storage – Great for any extra items (This will go in his closet since his dorm doesn’t allow them over doors).
• Foldable Fabric Storage Bins – Ideal for socks, tech gear, snacks and other loose items. These can go on the wire shelves the dorm provides.
• Rolling Utility Cart – Keeps notebooks, pens, chargers, and earbuds easy to find near a cramped desk or bedside, or he can use this for his bathroom items. Either way, extra storage and organization are never a bad thing.
• Moving Bags with Carry Handles – We are packing everything into these handy moving bags to streamline the process. Plus, they can be reused for anything else.
• Closet Organizers and Velvet Hangers – These space-saving closet organizers will free up closet space and reduce clutter in his small wardrobe cabinet as they allow 6 items to hang from one hook. They pair perfectly with these velvet hangers, so clothes don’t fall off.

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Comfort Items to Help Him Feel at Home

Sleep and comfort are key to staying focused and healthy during the semester. These dorm essentials make his space a little more relaxing:

• School Wall Flag – I mean, no one wants a boring dorm room wall, so what better than his school flag to add a little decor?!
• Twin XL Mattress Pad and Topper – Dorm mattresses are not great. This memory foam mattress pad and topper will make a huge difference.
• Twin XL Comforter, Sheets & Pillows – We are sticking with his school colors – red, white & blue – for his bedding. And yes, he knows not to wash those red sheets with any whites, lol.
• Multiple Device Charging Station – Holds and charges his phone, ipad, air pods and watch, all at once so he’s not tangling up cords.
• Personal Fan – Dorms can get stuffy. A small fan helps with airflow and doubles as white noise.
• 4×6 Area Rug – So he doesn’t have to step onto a cold dorm floor first thing in the morning.
• Cork Board for Wall – His girlfriend and I plan to add some photos and handwritten notes to this so he can bring a little bit of home with him.
• Desk Lamp with Charging Stations – He may be up late studying sometimes and this will allow him to not disturb his roommate.

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Shared Bathroom Must-Haves

Because they’re sharing a bathroom with two other guys, these items were non-negotiable:

• Shower Caddy – Keeps all of his shower supplies in one place. Easy to grab and go.
• Shower Shoes – Suite-style bathrooms still need protection. Flip flops are essential.
• Quick-Dry Towels & Hand Towels (Multiple Sets) – A couple of full sets means fewer laundry emergencies.
• Toothbrush Holder – The bathroom sink in his dorm room is small and space is limited!
• Under Sink Clear Stackable Storage Drawers – Let’s be real – boys aren’t always the best at staying clean and organized, but hopefully these will help him utilize the small space under the sink better.
• Cleaning Supplies – We plan to do a thorough cleaning of the dorm before we start to move in, and he will keep some bathroom cleaner, wipes, toilet brush and other basics on hand!
• Toilet Paper – Nope, the college does not provide this and I’ve been told it’s best for each person to keep their own stash if they don’t want to run out at the worst time!

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Laundry Essentials

He may end up bringing his laundry home on the weekends, but he may not….

• Laundry Backpack – This can double as his laundry basket and he can just throw it on his back when he’s ready to head to the university laundry facility.
• Dorm Room Laundry Kit – The bare neccessities!

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Extras We’re Sending…

Some other must-haves that we’re packing:

• Chicago Cubs Mini Fridge – He’s had this for years and it has sentimental value, so this is a must-have we didn’t have to shop for. Check with your college on any size restrictions.
• Microwave (roommate’s bringing it) – One of those things that’s nice to share.
• Over the Fridge Hanging Storage – For their plastic cups, forks, etc.
• Damage-free Picture Hanging Strips/Hooks – Whether hanging light curtain rods, photos, towels, etc, this variety pack is perfect.
• Lots of Snacks – Because hungry athletes are always looking for food.
• School Supplies – Highlighters, pens, notebooks, index cards, calculator… all the essentials.
• First Aid Kit – It’s never a bad idea to have basics on hand.
• Narcan – A safety item suggested by my sister who lived on campus. I hope it’s never needed, but I’m glad he has it.
• Additional items recommended by his university: trash can, personal hygiene items, laptop, a flashlight with batteries, television, small vacuum cleaner, approved surge protector, umbrella.
• Items recommended by family IF he ends up having enough room: Keurig (already have) & coffee pods, and a cold/hot water dispenser (already have). My sister said the water dispenser is great for when he needs to fill up his water bottle before class or practice or needs hot water for a cup of noodles or oatmeal.

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Final Thoughts From a First-Time College Mom

This process has been bittersweet—but mostly, it’s been filled with love, lists, and support. Whether you’re doing a minimalist dorm setup or going all out like I did, there’s no wrong way to prepare your child for college. What matters most is that they feel supported as they begin this new chapter. This process can feel overwhelming, I know. Just take it one day at a time and trust that your child will let you know how to best support them along the way.

You – mama – are loved, seen, appreciated and still needed!

If you’re sending your first child off too, and you’ve been dealing with a mix of excitement and heartache, I see you. Preparing for this move-in day has been one of the most meaningful ways I’ve processed this transition—and I hope this guide brings some peace and direction to your own journey. You can shop our full Amazon dorm list below, as well as download a free Dorm Packing Checklist below. Hope this helps!! Good luck on your journey!

XOXO, Jalena Dawn

View our full Amazon dorm list here:
College Dorm Essentials on Amazon – Freedom Forest Farm