Extra Items for College
- liveblesstravel
- Jul 27
- 4 min read
When your child heads off to college, one thing is almost guaranteed, they won't have much extra space. Between tiny dorm rooms and shared living areas, every item has to earn its place. That's why, when it comes to packing, less is often more.
That said, there are a few small items that can make a big difference. Whether they add convenience, comfort, or just a little piece of home, these are a few college essentials you may not have thought of:
Over-the-door basketball hoop with a mini ball – A fun way to take a study break, relieve stress, or challenge a roommate without ever leaving the dorm. (If the set you purchase doesn't come with a pump, don't forget to send a pump too.)
Sonic-style nugget ice maker – If your student loves the soft, chewable ice from Sonic or Chick-fil-A, this is a fun luxury that they'll use every day for drinks and water. Plus, many college kids say they miss having ice readily available to them like they did at home. This option is much cheaper than a fancy ice machine.
Mini Brita water pitcher – Saves money, reduces plastic bottle waste, and keeps cold, filtered water readily available in the mini fridge. This is the perfect size for those small refrigerators and holds 6-cups of water at a time.
Portable car battery jump starter – For students bringing a car to campus, this compact device can be a lifesaver if their battery dies, especially late at night or in a remote parking lot. Plus, it has a light and doubles as a phone charger! In full transparency, we have both of these in the link. One is in one child's car and one is in the other's child car. We bought them separately and when they were on sale. We like them both!
Desk lamp – Dorm lighting isn't always ideal or maybe the roommate wants to sleep with the lights off while the other roommate is up late studying. A good desk lamp provides better lighting for studying without disturbing anyone. What you pick depends on size and style.
Over-the-door organizer – This is one of those items that doesn't seem exciting until move-in day. We use ours as a dorm "pantry," storing snacks, breakfast items, paper products, and other grab-and-go essentials. It holds far more than you'd expect and frees up valuable shelf and drawer space. The linked video will show you our plan for a pantry.
3-in-1 Apple charging station – Instead of multiple charging cords cluttering a tiny desk or nightstand, a charging station keeps an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods charged in one compact spot. It's a simple way to keep things organized.
A place to dry shower essentials – One item people rarely think about is where to set a wet shower caddy, flip-flops, or towel after walking back from the community bathroom. A simple $5 boot tray from Target works surprisingly well. If you can find a drying stone that fits inside the tray, even better; it helps absorb moisture and keeps the area cleaner and drier. I'm still looking for one that is the right size.
Long-cord surge protectors – Dorm rooms never seem to have outlets where you actually need them. A surge protector with a long cord makes it much easier to set up a desk, charge devices, and avoid stretching cords across the room. Check with your dorm/apartment safety guidelines. Most need this power/surge switch on them to be approved.
A quality raincoat (and a waterproof backpack) – If your student is heading to school in the South, invest in a lightweight raincoat they'll actually want to wear. Those beautiful open-air campuses are great...until an afternoon thunderstorm rolls through. And since so many students carry laptops, iPads, and other electronics between classes, a waterproof backpack is just as important. Staying dry is nice—protecting hundreds or even thousands of dollars in electronics is even better.
Something to leave them - I left our older son a bulletin board filled with photos of his family and friends. Some parents write notes ahead of time to leave. Others have a surprise gift like a pillow with their family pet's photo. Think of something special. No matter how big or how small, it will make a difference!
Renter's insurance -- even a dorm! I have a full blog post about this.
Sometimes the best dorm/apartment details aren't the biggest ones; they're the thoughtful items that make everyday life just a little easier and help a dorm room feel more like home or simple comforts (like a raincoat).
After posting this blog, someone reminded me of slim hangers! This is so true! Dorm closets are small, if you even have a closet (some use furniture). My kids both like these in the link. They are smooth and say their shirts come off and on easier.
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