Must Haves for the New College Student

Beth Rice 17/05/2018

It seemed like the years stretched out ahead with plenty of time to spare and now suddenly, that time is up and you’re getting ready to send your child off to college. This year I’m joining the ranks of parents who are prepping their kids to live away from home for the first time. As I assemble my own list, I’m looking to make my new college student as comfortable and organized as possible with the least amount of furniture, supplies and accessories to keep track of. With a smaller space and a roommate to consider, there won’t be room for her shoes in the middle of the room, her towel bunched up on the bathroom floor, or her little piles of bobby pins everywhere.

It’s About Saving Space

Whether your child stays in a dorm or their first apartment, it’s likely they will be dealing with a small space. With a roommate (or roommates) and the demands of taking care of themselves on top of continuing their education, I’m committed to going with a less is more approach to setting my daughter up.

For the Dorm Room

My kid will be staying in a dorm room with a roommate. Her college supplies a twin bed and a small desk and dresser. While she won’t need much in the furniture department, here is a list of top items needed for dorm life.

  • Mattress protector and mattress pad for added comfort
  • Set of XL twin sheets
  • A comforter or blanket
  • A bathrobe and bathroom caddy so toiletries are easier to transport from dorm room to the shared bathroom

This Water Resistant Bathroom Tote from Amazon comes in mint or navy.

  • A pair of flip flops for the shower
  • A set of towels in a bright color for easy identification
  • Plastic underbed storage bins, if space allows
  • A laundry hamper and laundry bag

The playful laundry bag is from Bed, Bath and Beyond.

  • A weekend bag that’s soft and folds so there’s no need to store luggage
  • A first aid kit
  • A fan, if needed
  • A power strip with a surge protector
  • Lamp, if needed
  • Some photos of family and friends
  • Trash can, if not provided by school

For the Apartment

If your child will be housed in their first apartment, we’re recommending these top three furniture items that are great for saving space. Items are likely to be moved in and out of dorm rooms or apartments for the next four years, so durability is a major factor to consider.

A Day Bed, Chair Bed or Storage Bed:

A day bed like the Amish Panel Day Bed can double as both sleeping area and couch. Keep in mind the space underneath for storage.

Amish Panel Day Bed

The Amish Panel Day Bed

Amish Traditional Platform Bed

A storage bed like the Traditional Platform Storage Bed offers extra storage space. Particularly useful if there’s little closet space.

Amish Mission Prairie Chair Bed

The Amish Mission Prairie Chair Bed offers two pieces of furniture in one and saves space in a shared bedroom or small apartment.

A Student Desk

The Amish Mission Corner Computer Desk lets your student make use of a corner in order to save space.

Amish Office Furniture Mission Corner Computer Desk

The Amish Mission Corner Computer Desk

A secretary desk like the Amish American Arts and Crafts Secretary Desk makes another great student desk option. It is small and compact and closes up neatly. Set your student up with a good supportive seat with the Amish Shaker Desk Chair.

Amish American Arts and Crafts Secretary Desk Amish Shaker Desk Chair

The Amish American Arts and Crafts Secretary Desk and the Amish Shaker Desk Chair

A Handy Ottoman

Ottomans are no longer just for feet and come in handy as mini tables and extra seating. If space allows in apartment or dorm, invest in an ottoman that your student is sure to get a lot of use out of and is easy to move.

Mia Caster Ottoman Alice Ottoman

Add some fun colors to the student living scene with a cushy Mia Caster Ottoman or Alice Ottoman by Precedent.

One worry to cross off the list is your student’s new furniture wearing out or breaking down. These solid wood space saving items are ultra-durable and will last long after graduation.

I’ll make a checklist of items needed, and once they’re all crossed off I’ll give my daughter a hug and leave her to greet her new college experience. Will I miss her shoes in the middle of the kitchen, her towel bunched up on the bathroom floor, and her little piles of bobby pins everywhere?

Yes. You bet I will.

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