🧳 Dorm Room Set-Up: What I Got Right (and Totally Didn’t)

Picture it: the summer before my son moved into his college dorm. I was OBSESSED. Like, “measuring-the-furniture-on-graph-paper” obsessed. I scoured the res hall website for floor plans, stalked the parent Facebook page like it was my job, and overanalyzed every single detail of that tiny room.

Now, full disclosure—I did work in higher ed, and I’ve helped with move-in day dozens of times. I’ve watched families drag overflowing carts up three flights of stairs, sweating through their matching “#CollegeMoveIn2025” t-shirts. But this time? This was personal. My baby was going to college. And I was going to make sure his home-away-from-home was perfect.

Did I nail it? Not entirely. But can you learn from my wins and my mistakes? Absolutely.

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📐 Tip 1: Find the Floor Plan

First things first: figure out what kind of space you’re working with. Whether your student is living on campus or off (unless it’s in a suspicious basement with no windows and a $200/month rent), there’s probably a floor plan online.

Dig deep enough, and you might even find furniture dimensions. Just remember: not all rooms come with the same furniture, so don’t get too attached to any one layout.

Bonus tip for the Type-A parents: Yes, I broke out the graph paper. No shame. I was trying to help my son maximize privacy and comfort. If layout matters to your student, don’t be afraid to nerd out with a custom mock-up.

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🪑 Tip 2: Add the “Extras”

Once you’ve got the basics, start thinking about what else your student will need:

• Rug

Some rooms are carpeted, some are not. A simple 5×7 Shag Rug or Oval Area Rug works well. (Pro tip: These get disgusting. Don’t get too attached—toss it at the end of the year if needed.)

• Storage Ottomans

If your student is lofting their bed (like mine did), they’ll need a way to climb in. A 30″ Storage Ottoman or Small Storage Ottoman does the trick—and doubles as storage. Win-win.

• Extra Seating

Friends visiting? They won’t want to sit on the bed. We picked a comfy chair for my son…which ended up in a friend’s room permanently. (You’re welcome, whoever you are.)
Consider something portable and cozy: Sofa Sack Bean Bag Chair, Faux Fur Saucer Chair, or Oversized Faux Fur Reading Chair all work.

• Outdoor Chill Zone

My son brought a Camping Chair and Portable Hammock—and honestly, that was genius. He moved in early, set up outside, and just watched the chaos unfold around him.

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🛏️ Tip 3: Splurge (Smartly) on Bedding

Yes, dorm beds are almost always Twin XL. So yes, you’ll need new bedding. Here’s what worked for us:

1. Mattress Topper: Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
   Mandatory. Get a gel memory foam topper and don’t let them tell you they “don’t need it.” They do.
2. Sheets: Microfiber Twin XL Sheets
   Two sets. One even went under the bed as a makeshift bed skirt to hide the chaos beneath.
3. Blanket or Comforter
   Depends on your student. My son was content with a Plush Microfiber Blanket, but CozyLux Twin XL Bed in a Bag or another Bed in a Bag option are convenient too.
4. Pillows Bed Pillows for Sleeping
   Just buy new ones. That way, they’re not stealing yours when they visit home. You’ve been warned.
5. Extras
   We discovered a gap between the bed and wall—hello, awkward sitting situation. We ended up with two bulky reading pillows… and then realized we should’ve gone with the Wedge Pillow Reading Pillow everyone online recommended. Learn from us.

Throw blanket? Just one. My son packed four. They came back in the ottoman, still perfectly folded.
Heated Blanket? We added that later (some schools don’t allow them, so check first).

And if you’re really feeling fancy? Try storage throw pillows—cute and functional.

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🎨 Tip 4: Decor is Overrated (Kind Of)

My son had all these plans: wall art, posters, Lego displays. And they looked awesome—for about a week. After that? Dust collectors. And a nightmare to take down.

Of course, decorations are personal. I’m not going to tell you exactly what your student needs (except to say: no fake ivy. Trust me).

What they do need:

• Personal Lighting
  Overhead lights aren’t cutting it. Get string or globe lights, and for the love of all things convenient, get a remote. Better yet, a pack of remotes to control everything from bed.
• Desk Lamps
  Careful here. Dorm desks fill up fast—between laptops, books, drinks, and that one random sock—space runs out quick.
• Candle Lamps
  My son loved his… until it spilled hot wax everywhere. 😬 He learned. We all learned.

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🎁 Final Thoughts

Whew. That was… a lot. But it really isn’t, once you get into it.

If you want a simple checklist of the items I mentioned, [click here]. (Or, let’s be real—bookmark this page so you can panic-shop at 11pm the night before move-in.)

Your student’s space doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect. It just needs to be comfortable, functional, and a little bit theirs.

You’ve got this. And hey, even if you don’t get it all right, that’s okay too. Just remember: college is a learning experience—for them and for us.

P.S. Want more dorm hacks, move-in tips, or hilarious mom-mistakes turned helpful advice? Sign up for my newsletter here!

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