College dorm checklist
A printable list of what to bring (and not bring) to your dorm. Check your college's housing rules first; many ban certain appliances.
Bedding & room
Bathroom & health
School supplies
Tech
Documents
Laptop guidance
- Check your major first. Engineering, architecture and design programs often require Windows or specific specs; many colleges publish a recommended-laptop page.
- Typical student specs: 16 GB RAM, 256–512 GB SSD, all-day battery. A Chromebook can work for writing-heavy majors if your courses run in a browser.
- Save money: use education discounts, certified refurbished models and campus software licenses (Microsoft Office is often free for students).
- Protect it: back up to cloud storage and consider theft or accident coverage.
What not to bring
- Candles, incense, string lights with open bulbs, hot plates and space heaters (usually banned for fire safety)
- Halogen lamps
- Large furniture before you see the room
- Pets (except fish, where allowed)
- Mini fridge or microwave before checking with your roommate and housing rules
- Too many clothes; bring one season and swap at breaks
Frequently asked questions
What should you not bring to a dorm?
Most colleges ban candles, space heaters, hot plates and halogen lamps. Check your housing rules, and coordinate big items like a mini fridge with your roommate.
What laptop should a college student get?
Check your major's requirements first. For most students, 16 GB RAM, a 256–512 GB SSD and all-day battery life is plenty; use education discounts or certified refurbished models to save.