When I moved into my college dorm as a freshman, I remember wishing there was a simple way to send friends and family a list of everything I still needed — similar to the registries people create for weddings and baby showers.Between bedding, storage, laundry supplies, toiletries and all the little things I didn’t realize I’d need until move-in day, the shopping added up quickly.
I wanted a way to make a cohesive list that everyone could shop while avoiding bad communication that resulted in duplicates and deficits.Since then, I’ve led the back-to-school shopping for my family.
I handled my own college shopping and helped my brother, who’s now a senior in college, with his move in.Next up is my sister, who’s a senior in high school, and I’m already thinking about what she’ll need when it’s her turn to move into a dorm.
This time, though, I’m making a registry.A dorm registry can serve two purposes: It keeps your college shopping organized in one place, and it gives friends and family who want to support you an easy way to buy something you’ll actually use.
Most if not all retailers keep track of what requests have been fulfilled so there won’t be any duplicate purchases and, depending on the retailer, you may also be able to have items shipped or picked up at a store near your college, which can be particularly helpful if you’re moving far from home or need to fly to school.As someone who worked for her campus Residential Life office throughout all four years of college and helped support countless move ins and move outs, I know which dorm essentials students actually use (and which ones they probably don’t need).So below, I’ve rounded up places where you can create a dorm registry or shareable wishlist, along with the essentials I’d recommend adding before move-in day.Pictured here is an ancient photo of me and my suitemate on move-in day, freshman year of college.
I was 18 with an overpacked car, adult braces and a dream.Cour...