Moving into college can be stressful, especially when this might be the first major move in your lifetime. You’re responsible for buying all of the necessary items -- bedding and bath supplies, school supplies, books, electronic and cooking equipment, and packing your clothes, among other things. 

Colleges and universities typically send you a packing list, which typically includes essential items, along with some not so essential items and leaves out some things you will absolutely need. Ensuring all your loose ends are tied away by move in day can be difficult, but we’re here to help! 

The items on your list that should take precedence are bedding and bath accessories because sleeping and showering are the most important aspects of living. Sure, decorations are equally as essential, but you can always get them later. Whereas, if you arrive on move-in-day without bedding or shower items, you won’t be sleeping comfortably that night!

You can purchase each item separately or buy them all at the same time in a value package -- but more on that later. 

For now, we’ve created a list of bedding and bath essential items you need to have on move-in-day to ease tension and eliminate headaches! Follow this list to ensure a breezy move-in to your new dorm room and a comfortable night’s sleep after the end of that long day. 

• Sheets, Blankets, and Comforters 
• Mattress Toppers 
• Bath Towels, Hand Towels, and Washcloths 
• Shower Caddy and Shower Shoes 

Sheets, Blankets, and Comforters 

If you haven’t been made aware yet -- all of your new bedding for your dorm will need to be purchased in the size Twin XL. Why Twin XL? Well, this size mattress measures 39 x 80 inches long and is the same width as a standard Twin mattress. The only difference is the addition of length to accommodate taller sleeps, and since your college or university doesn’t know your height, you automatically get the longer mattress. 

This won’t make bedding more difficult to find as nearly all colleges and universities utilize Twin XL mattresses. So, all you need to do is ensure you see Twin XL on the label, not just Twin, because these sheets won’t be long enough. 

With that being said, let’s start with sheets. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to come prepared with two sets of sheets. That way if one set of sheets is in the wash, you can replace them with the other set. Sometimes, washers and dryers are hard to come by in college, so doing laundry can become an all day affair. It’s best never to assume your laundry will be washed and dried quickly. 

We know the saying about sheets -- the higher the thread count, the better the sheets. However, this is not always true, a set of 200-300 count sheets will be soft, comfortable, and hold up over time. Microfiber is a common fabric for sheets and it is soft and cozy, so more expensive does not mean higher quality. Sheets that are good for your wallet are nice to sleep on as well. 

When it comes to throw blankets, you’ll probably want to pick up more than one. You’ll want one for your bed and another for other endeavours -- like studying at your desk, in a study room down the hall, at the library, to take to sport events, etc. The one on your best can strictly be used for naps and added warmth during the winter months while the other can act as your travel blanket. We really don’t think that you can have too many blankets! 

Lastly, you’ll need a comforter for your bed -- one that fits your personality and the dorm room aesthetic you’re striving to create. These can be a reversible comforter, textured one for added coziness, a bold patterned one that is as bold as you are! The options are endless. 

Mattress Toppers 

A very important pro tip -- college dorm mattresses are not comfortable! They are basic mattresses that are usually old, and worn out, sitting on top of a metal wire frame. Which means they are in desperate need of a little tender love and care. 

We cannot stress this enough -- you need a mattress topper. If there’s anything you splurge on when buying your college items, this should be the one. A good night’s sleep is important to keep you healthy, staying sharp during class, and awake long enough to accomplish all of your goals for the day. 

Trust us, even if it doesn’t seem that bad -- finding a comfortable spot on an uncomfortable mattress is one of the most difficult things to do. So, an awesome, gel or memory foam mattress topper you can sink into after class is necessary. 

Fortunately, you have a few options. If you prefer a more firm mattress, a 1.5 inch memory foam topper will provide adequate padding and keep you feeling comfortable all night long. Additionally, you can purchase a 1.5 inch gel foam mattress topper which provides support as well as cooling technology to keep you at a comfortable temperature and wick away moisture as you sleep. If you often feel hot at night -- this is the mattress topper for you. 

If you prefer a more comfy, cushy sleeping experience a 2.5 inch mattress topper provides tons of body support. If you are the type of person who enjoys sinking into your mattress and nestling into one spot for the night -- this is the mattress topper for you! It comes in the gel foam option so you get the comfort of memory foam with the moisture control technology of gel, it offers the best of both worlds. 

Bath Towels, Hand Towels, and Washcloths

Let’s talk about towels because you need to have them. Communal bathrooms typically have paper towel dispensers, but since most students currently have their own bathrooms -- you’ll be in the market for a few hand towels. Besides, who really wants to dry their hands with paper towels anyway, it’s not nearly as comfortable. 

Just like sheets, our general rule of thumb is to have two sets of bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths -- if not more. If you are fine with using the same towel more than once, this will do just fine, but if you like getting a different towel each day -- you may want to consider buying more. 

We suggest using a washcloth instead of a loofah for two reasons. The first is, loofahs are harsh on your skin, these are harsh on skin and can cause damage and irritation. The second reason is they are a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Loofahs come into contact with areas of the body that aren’t clean, so the bacteria they pick up can sit in the nooks and crannies of the loofah and multiply -- only to come into contact with your skin on the next wash. 

To go with your new washcloths, we suggest matching hand towels and bath towels in matching colors! 

Last but not least, we also think it’s a good idea to add a bathrobe to your shower accessories. You never know who will also be in the bathroom, in the hallway, or even in your dorm room once you’re finished in the shower. Coming back to an unexpected visitor while wrapped in your bath towel can be very uncomfortable for you and everyone else. 

A bathrobe covers more of your body than a bath towel while also being more secure around your body. This will give you added comfort and peace of mind while moving to and from the bathroom. 

Shower Caddy and Shower Shoes 

Finally, our last two essential items are a shower caddy and shower shoes. A shower caddy is a container that is used to hold and transport all of your shower products and tools like shampoo and conditioner, body wash, face wash, and razors.

Since everything has a place, this makes for easy transportation to and from the bathroom. This beats trying to hold all of your products in your hands along with towels, a change of clothes, and anything else you might need to take with you. The ease and convenience of a shower caddy will go a long way, so we suggest you purchase one! 

Shower shoes are also necessary. Even if you have your own bathroom, we wouldn't trust the shower stall floor. Athlete’s foot is the real deal -- if you don’t know what this is, it’s a fungal infection that occurs between the toes resulting in a scaly rash that causes itching, stinging, and burning. So, please protect your feet with a pair of shower shoes. 

You can purchase shoes made specifically for the shower that come complete with antimicrobial material and drainage holes to help the water run off your feet!

Now finally, let’s talk about bedding and shower packages. We’ve mentioned a lot of items you’ll need to purchase. A value pack includes all of these items so you can check them off your list in one clean sweep. They include all of the necessary bedding we mentioned as well as the shower items, and even extras like storage options, a laundry bag, desk lamp, and portable fan. All you have to do is select your favorite color or design and all of these dorm room essentials will be shipped to your door or university!

There are also packages that include more or less items, you can find ones that include the bare basics or ones with an extensive number of items and even include some decor pieces! There is a value package for all budgets.