Sending Your Child Away to University? Dorm Essentials We Bought for Our Daughter’s First Year
It feels like yesterday that we were the parents getting ready to send our daughter off to UBC for her first year of university
There were the big emotions, of course — excitement, pride and that realization that your child is actually going to be living away from home.
But there was also a much more practical question:
What does she actually need?
We searched lists, asked questions, added things to our cart, took things out, and tried to imagine everything she might need in a little dorm room away from home.
Now, a year later, we're on the other side of that first move-in.
So for the parents doing it for the first time this year, we thought we'd share the dorm essentials we bought for our own daughter — and hopefully make your university move-in prep just a little easier.
First: You Really Don't Need to Pack Everything
This might be one of the biggest things we learned.
When it's your child's first time living away from home, there's a natural instinct to prepare for every possible situation.
But dorm rooms are small.
Start with what they'll actually use and remember that most forgotten items can be picked up later.
For us, the best purchases tended to be the simple things that made everyday dorm life a little easier.
Make Their Bed Comfortable
Their dorm bed becomes much more than somewhere to sleep.
It's their place to relax after class, FaceTime home, watch Netflix, study and probably eat a snack or two.
We focused on comfortable bedding and a few things that would make the space feel cozy.
Before buying, check the exact mattress size provided by your child's residence — don't assume every university or residence is the same.
Small-Space Storage Is Your Friend
One thing you quickly realize when you see a dorm room:
Every inch counts.
Under-bed storage, organizers, slim hangers and collapsible bins can make a small room much easier to live in.
We tried to choose things that were useful without filling the room with even more stuff.
And remember: whatever goes into that dorm in September eventually has to come back out!
The Not-So-Exciting Essentials
These aren't necessarily the things your student is excited to shop for, but they're often some of the most useful.
Laundry supplies.
A hamper.
Towels.
Cleaning supplies.
Basic first aid.
An umbrella.
Extra chargers.
A reusable water bottle.
All those little things that magically appeared at home now need to appear in their dorm room.
And yes, this is also when they discover that laundry doesn't actually do itself.
Set Up a Simple Study Space
You don't need to recreate an entire home office.
A comfortable, uncluttered desk with the basics is enough.
We looked at practical things like desk organization, headphones, charging cables and other everyday school essentials.
One important tip: check the residence rules before buying electrical items or appliances. What's permitted can vary between universities and even residences.
If They're Coming to Vancouver...Rain Gear
For students heading to UBC, SFU or another school around Metro Vancouver, don't underestimate this one.
A good rain jacket, umbrella and shoes that can handle our wet weather are worth packing.
They're going to be doing a lot more walking than they probably did at home.
And Vancouver will eventually introduce itself properly.
Usually with rain.
Don't Forget a Little Piece of Home
Not everything needs to be practical.
A favourite photo.
Their usual mug.
A cozy blanket.
Something silly from their bedroom.
A favourite snack.
Those little familiar things can matter when the excitement of move-in settles down and they realize they're actually living somewhere new.
You don't need to create a Pinterest-perfect dorm.
You just want to help create a little space that feels like home for now.
What We Bought for Our Daughter
Last year, while preparing for our daughter's first year at UBC, we put together an Amazon list with many of the dorm essentials we purchased for her.
We're sharing it again this year in case it helps another parent who is currently staring at an empty suitcase wondering where to start.
SEE THE DORM ESSENTIALS WE BOUGHT →
You definitely don't need everything.
Every student, residence and family is different. Think of this as one parent's starting point rather than a must-buy checklist.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
FREE Dorm Essentials Checklist for Parents
Last year, we were the ones making lists, checking them twice and still wondering what we might be forgetting.
So this year, we turned what we learned into a simple First Year Away From Home: Dorm Essentials Checklist for other families getting ready for move-in.
It's completely FREE — just a little something from one parent to another.
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE DORM ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST
Print it out, keep it on the fridge, bring it shopping or hand it over to your soon-to-be university student and let them start checking things off.
Because that's part of this milestone too — letting them take the lead a little more.
[DOWNLOAD THE FREE CHECKLIST →]
No email sign-up. Just download, print and start packing.
And One More Thing for the Parents...
Last year we were preparing for the dorm room.
But looking back, we realize we were really preparing for something much bigger.
A new chapter.
The first year away from home is a milestone for them — but it's a pretty big milestone for us parents too.
You'll buy the bedding.
You'll pack the storage bins.
You'll probably ask at least five times whether they remembered their charger.
And eventually, you'll have to say goodbye and let them figure some of it out themselves.
Take the move-in photo.
Give them the extra snacks.
Try not to worry too much.
And celebrate how far they've come.
To all the parents getting ready to send a child off to their first year away from home this fall — we were you last year.
You've got this.
And if you're a parent who's already done the first-year move-in, we'd love to hear from you:
What's the ONE thing you're glad you packed — or wish you had?
Let's help this year's first-year parents make their lists.