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14 college shopping list essentials that will make dorm life easier

A student works in his dorm room on the first day of the fall 2020 semester at the University of New Mexico, Aug. 17, 2020 in Albuquerque, N.M.
Sam Wasson/Getty Images, FILE

July 27, 2021, 8:04 AM

Choosing what to bring to bring to college and getting packed to head to campus is always an undertaking.

MORE: Macy's back-to-school sale includes uniform essentials up to 50% off

A plan is essential to make them move less stressful and stay within your budget. Before college, back-to-school lists are typically filled with new clothes, pens, paper and backpacks, but at the collegiate level, you might need to commit to some larger purchases. Considerations might include noise-canceling headphones or a small personal mini-fridge for your dorm room. The investment in back-to-school shopping for new high school graduates is always more expensive.

MORE: Back-to-school supplies under $1 at Walmart

Before you buy or pack anything, be sure to check with your school and with your new roommate about what items will and will not be allowed. Most schools will send a list prior to moving in with all the details.

By exploring our essentials list, we have made it easier for you and your child to feel prepared as you plan for the next step in life. (Pro-tip: be the person who has a tool kit).

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Organization

Walmart

The Happy Planner Painterly Pastels Stripes Classic 18 Month Planner

You've got big things ahead. This Classic size Happy Planner was designed with pastels watercolor designs. The laminated cover has a pastel rainbow with matching plastic discs.

$17.82

Walmart

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Walmart

Sterilite Plastic 66 Qt. Ultra™ Storage Box Stadium Blue Set of 4

Sterilite's Ultra™ Latch Storage Box line is ideal for those customers who want the ability to quickly identify contents yet need a durable storage solution. The recessed lids allow same size storage boxes to stack neatly on top of each other to use vertical storage space efficiently.

$57.46

Walmart

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Bath accessories

Bed Bath and Beyond

Women's XX-Large Heart AquaFlops Shower Shoes in Grey/Turquoise

Protect your toes in the ultimate summer style with the comfy look of AquaFlops' Shower Shoes. In a striking design, these slip-resistant flip flops feature durable drainage holes to aerate your feet; perfect for indoor showers or trips to the pool.

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75% off

Bed Bath and Beyond

SALT™ Mesh Shower Tote

The strong and sturdy design of the Mesh Shower Tote from SALT is a helpful hand for all of your shower and bath accessories. The rubbery, breathable mesh fabric dries quickly, and includes strong handles to support heavy items.

$2.49
$9.99

Bed Bath and Beyond

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Bed Bath and Beyond

Wild Sage™ Sadie Hooded Bath Robe

A relaxed fit robe in cozy flannel fleece with a coordinating sash belt.

Bed Bath and Beyond

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Small appliances

17% off

Walmart

Frigidaire 3.2 Cu ft Retro Dry Erase Compact Refrigerator

The Frigidaire Retro Eraser Board Refrigerator will give you the extra storage you need for all of your food and beverage needs. This 3.2 cu ft refrigerators black finish is sure to complement the room and fit any decor perfectly. It will fit nicely in a variety of spaces from dorm rooms to garages.

$130.74
$159

Walmart

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Walmart

Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker, Oasis

The Keurig K-Mini single serve coffee maker in Oasis features a sleek design with matte finish, and at less than 5 inches wide is the perfect size for any space or occasion.

$79.99

Walmart

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Bedding

Bed Bath and Beyond

Nestwell™ Cotton Comfort Waterproof Twin XL Mattress Pad

This Mattress Pad provides a superb waterproof barrier, protecting your mattress from moisture. A felt liner with a laminate liner behind it, plus high-quality poly fill, backs up the soft cotton sateen exterior.

Bed Bath and Beyond

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Walmart

Becky Cameron Premium Ultra Soft Arrow Pattern 3 Piece Duvet Cover Set

Enhance and improve your bedroom décor with the all new Becky Cameron double-brushed 3-Piece duvet cover set. Tailored for a perfect fit and made with the finest imported microfiber yarns for ultimate comfort. This luxury duvet cover set is expertly stitched for durability to last a lifetime and raises the bar for coziness and elegance. Includes two matching pillow shams to bring elegance to any bedroom!

$25.99

Walmart

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Walmart

Mainstays 36-Pair over-the-door Shoe Rack - GunMetal/Mesh

While using that dead space behind your door, Mainstays Mesh & Metal OTD Shoe Rack holds up to 36 pairs of shoes on display to easily find what you are looking for.

$19.88

Walmart

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Electronics

86% off

Walmart

Eye-Caring 9 LED Clip-on Book Light for Reading in Bed ,Light with 5 Brightness

Clip-on light is for creating highly efficient and convenient products for users. Solving daily problems and making life more convenient. The light holder and its arm can be adjusted and set the perfect direction and light for your need.

$11.99
$88

Walmart

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Walmart

Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones II

Turn any space into an instant office or simply a place to unwind, listen to music, or make phone calls. Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones deliver everything you need to be productive: world-class noise cancellation, Bluetooth for quick wireless connectivity, and a dual-mic system to make or receive clear phone calls, even in loud environments.