Dorm room extras that made life more comfortable

lookingforward · June 2018

At this point, I think someone should say, "Don't bring too much." It's not like he's stuck with only what he unpacks on opening day. There are shops, parents visit, you can mail certain things or send them via Amazon.

bjkmom · June 2018

I don’t think anyone is planning to buy all this stuff, any more than we would buy everything on the BB&B dorm list. But it’s nice to see the things that other parents have found useful for their kids tha we might not have thought of, like, say Command Strips.

twoinanddone · June 2018

^^ My child had an 'illegal' griddle and a few other small appliances.

Big Brother is always watching.

hopedaisy · June 2018

You can take two large Command hooks, position them on each side of a window, and then hang a lightweight curtain/rod to make a more cozy environment. My niece did this and it really warmed up the room.

thermom · June 2018

Seconding recs for small electric kettle (for tea & cocoa) and mattress topper. We got my D a memory gel foam topper and she loved it vs. the hard, plasticy mattress.

I'm sure a lot of the organizational doodads work great for some kids, but mine is a slob so everything just gets piled up on every available surface anyway.

)

bjkmom · July 2018

Amazon is having Prime Day today. (They do have Prime accounts for students, and they're a great deal!)

I just got an Echo Dot (aka "Alexa") for $29.99, and a 6 plug surge protector for $29.00 (ballpark price)

StPaulDad · July 2018

Ceramic pineapple.

firstwavemom · July 2018

I got my daughter some sheets at TJ Maxx or Marshalls. It had a side pocket on it. That was not a feature that I was searching for but my daughter said she loved that pocket for her phone. Go figure.

mom0126 · July 2018

@bjkmom ,is there a mattress pad you recommend from amazon, possibly in prime day today? I saw some but not sure which one to get.

sta3535 · July 2018

If you bring anything that the college already provides for you, then it's an extra. Although, keeping some extra food & drinks in your dorm room is smart idea IMO. Microwaves and cooking tools aren't really extras, but it all depends on if your kitchen area already provides you with a microwave, pots, pans, and cooking equipment, but some people would rather use their own.

Although, batteries is an interesting one: Alarm clocks, remotes, and even gaming controllers. Some alarm clocks don't use batteries.

I'll also add body mirrors as well.

Knowsstuff · July 2018

Can't add a lot to what has been said but a good mattress pad and protector. Buy a few and have her try it out at home. Some are just more comfortable. We got mattress protectors for bed bug protection. Decent electrical strip to bring up outlets to their bed level also for computers, cell phones etc . Yes command type strips. My daughter has to have plants also. Have her write down what's important for her to have also so she is comfortable at school. It shouldn't be here complete current room though. Lol Oh... Definitely a comfy comforter. I had to laugh. For my son... Just entrance into the room is enough... Ha.

Knowsstuff · July 2018

So I can add a few things... My son had a corner room meant for 3 kids but it was only him and his roommate. So we went to target and they had a reasonably priced futon. They used it daily. Also a 22 inch or larger monitor. Yes, my son took up his ps4. But the monitor was used from anything from Netflix watching, playing games to doing joint homework. Just easier on a bigger screen.

RandyErika · July 2018

New to the college thing here, with twin Ds starting in a month. One D will have a microfridge provided by the school, so we’re set there - I’m assuming that’s a combination microwave oven and refrigerator, as opposed to a teeny tiny refrigerator. If I’m wrong, we’re screwed.

Question regarding my other D. Her roommate has agreed to buy a refrigerator, and we’ll provide a microwave. Should we find out what model she’s bringing and buy a microwave that fits on top? Or is it likely they’ll want to buy or use a separate piece of furniture to house the microwave and other items? I’m thinking space will be at a premium, but I’m clueless. Also, any brands or model I should seek out or avoid? I’m guessing whatever will make popcorn, warm up pizza, and cook frozen mac & cheese will suffice.

Knowsstuff · July 2018

@RandyErika most times the microwave will go on top of the fridge. Regardless of model . Also check with your school online housing. There is usually a watt limit they will suggest like 800 watts. It is usually listed under housing.

Cheeringsection · July 2018

Make sure the frig has a real freezer before you buy anything that must stay truly frozen. Many dorm models don’t really get cold enough to even freeze ice.

1399HdJ · July 2018

Has anyone tried out "Microfiber" sheets? I keep seeing them in the Twin XL size, and Amazon has some highly rated, but I can't help but think cotton is better.

bjkmom · July 2018

^^Why not order a set of pillowcases, just to check them out?

cfsnowy · July 2018

Has anyone tried out "Microfiber" sheets? I keep seeing them in the Twin XL size, and Amazon has some highly rated, but I can't help but think cotton is better.

Your instincts are sound. Microfiber sheets are very hot and sticky. Cotton or thick flannel, depending on season, is best.

GoatGirl19 · July 2018

I live in New England and would like to say that most dorm rooms in our area are overheated, not underheated, so unless you like to be REALLY warm while sleeping, I'd avoid flannel and microfiber sheets.

GoldPenn · July 2018

@1399HdJ
Cotton is definitely better! I bought microfiber sheets from Target and they don’t last as well as cotton. They feel really soft and nice at first but after several washings, they start to pill.

Dorm room extras that made life more comfortable

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