Muchita Shopping

Shopping lists

Dorm room checklist

Start with what you need for your first nights, showers and laundry. This editable dorm checklist is a starting point, not your residence's official packing list. Reuse what you have and leave optional purchases skipped until you know the room.

Your checklist ↓

Confirm your assigned room's bed and mattress dimensions, bathroom type, supplied items and prohibited items. Agree shared purchases with your roommate separately; the residence's current rules and inventory override this list.

Your checklist

Saving, sharing and item plans

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Choose one plan per row. The checkbox is separate. If you own some and need more, split the item into two rows. Optional items start as Skip.

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Bedding that fits

Sheet and pillowcase sets

Quantity: 2 · Need to buy

Match mattress width, length and depth; reduce the count if bedding is supplied.

Duvet or blanket

Quantity: 1 · Need to buy

Bring a suitable one you own; add a cover if your duvet needs one.

Pillow

Quantity: 1 · Need to buy

Use one that suits you and matches your pillowcases.

Mattress pad or protector

Quantity: 1 · Skip

Check whether required or supplied; confirm the mattress measurements before adding.

Bathing and toiletries

Bath towels

Quantity: 2 · Need to buy

Bring usable towels you own; adjust the count to your laundry routine.

Personal toiletries

Quantity: 1 · Need to buy

Pack the products you normally use; no need to buy a new full set.

Shower caddy

Quantity: 1 · Skip

Add if you will carry toiletries to a shared bathroom; check where it can sit or hang.

Pair of shower sandals

Quantity: 1 · Skip

Consider for shared showers; reuse a suitable pair that fits.

Laundry and cleaning

Laundry bag or basket

Quantity: 1 · Need to buy

Choose one you can carry to the laundry room and store in your space.

Clothes hangers

Quantity: 6 · Need to buy

Check the wardrobe and clothes you will hang before increasing this starting count.

Laundry detergent

Quantity: 1 · Need to buy

Choose the type required by the laundry machines and follow its dosing instructions.

Room cleaning supplies

Quantity: 1 · Need to buy

Check which areas you clean and which products suit their surfaces.

Cleaning cloths

Quantity: 2 · Need to buy

Use cloths you already have if suitable for the room surfaces.

Vacuum or floor-cleaning equipment

Quantity: 1 · Skip

Ask about hall loans before buying; choose equipment for your actual floor.

Study supplies

Laptop or computer

Quantity: 1 · Skip

Check course needs and campus access first; reuse your suitable computer and charger.

Desk lamp

Quantity: 1 · Skip

Add if needed and not supplied; choose a lamp permitted by your residence.

Headphones or earbuds

Quantity: 1 · Skip

Use a pair you own; confirm compatibility with your study devices before replacing.

Basic writing supplies

Quantity: 1 · Need to buy

Bring the pens and paper you use; follow course lists for anything specialised.

Approved power strip

Quantity: 1 · Skip

Only if needed and explicitly permitted; follow the residence's electrical requirements.

A few eating essentials

Plate and bowl

Quantity: 1 · Skip

Add a small personal set if eating in your room; check fit for any permitted appliance.

Cup or mug

Quantity: 1 · Need to buy

Bring one you already use; choose for the drinks you make.

Personal cutlery set

Quantity: 1 · Skip

Add if eating in the room; a small set is enough to start.

Food storage container

Quantity: 1 · Skip

Add only for food you plan to store; check its size and intended use.

Dish soap and washing sponge

Quantity: 1 · Skip

Add if washing your own dishes; check where washing is allowed.

Check before adding

Storage box

Quantity: 1 · Skip

Measure usable shelf or under-bed space after checking supplied storage.

Small fan

Quantity: 1 · Skip

Check need, permission and possible hall loans before choosing a model.

Mini fridge

Quantity: 1 · Skip

Check whether supplied, rentable or prohibited; agree any permitted purchase with your roommate.

Before you shop

Match the bedding to your actual bed

Ask for mattress width, length and depth before choosing sheets or a pad. A label such as single or Twin XL is not a substitute for those measurements. Check whether bedding is supplied before ordering a set.

Make one inventory with your roommate

Compare what the residence supplies with what each of you plans to bring. Agree any shared purchase and its cost before placing an order. Mark supplied or already available items in the list so they do not become duplicate buys.

Ask about loans and leave room to settle in

Ask the hall desk whether cleaning equipment or fans can be borrowed, and check how loans work. Bring the basics first; measure spare storage space after moving in. An uncertain extra can stay skipped until you see a use for it.

Confirm permission before comparing prices

For a lamp, fan or electrical accessory, check the residence's current approval requirements first. Once an item is allowed and needed, choose its exact model and size before checking its price with Muchita Shopping. Check delivery charges and conditions separately.

Questions about this list

Do all dorm beds need Twin XL sheets?

No universal bed size applies. The US residences cited here use extra-long twin beds, but your own assigned room may differ. Get its mattress dimensions, including depth, and buy bedding that fits those measurements.

Can I bring a mini fridge or cooking appliance?

Check your residence's supplied inventory and current appliance rules first. UT Austin supplies a microwave/fridge combination and does not allow residents to bring their own; Illinois allows certain small units under its own limits. Neither rule is permission for another residence.

What should I buy before move-in, and what can wait?

Fill confirmed gaps in bedding, towels, toiletries and laundry supplies first. Shower accessories depend on the bathroom you will use. Extra storage, a fan, a mattress pad and appliances can wait unless your residence specifically requires them.

Sources and scope