ECO FRIENDLY COLLEGE DORM SHOPPING LIST
I’m going to get straight to the point because most people skip this part anyway. (Don’t worry, I don’t take offense. I do the same thing)
I’m about to launch my youngest baby bird out of the nest and into the wild world of college dorm life. I want her dorm room to be a cozy, healthy haven that screams “responsible eco-warrior” instead of “science experiment of cheap plastics and weird smells.” Let’s be real, moving into a dorm can be expensive, but you don’t have to sell a kidney to make it greener. I’ve spent years obsessively researching non-toxic, eco-friendly alternatives (some might call it a hobby, my kids call it a personality trait).
And because I love saving the planet and a good deal, here are three money-saving tips to keep in mind:
1. Shop from within your house:
You’ll be amazed by what you already have lying around, no need to buy new when home shopping saves you time and money.
2. Embrace pre-loved items:
Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local Buy Nothing groups. Many dorm essentials are barely used and begging for a second life.
3. Hunt for student discounts:
Stores love students. Think Target, Apple, North Face, Nike, Levi’s and don’t forget to stalk Amazon for price drops.
In my efforts to make mindful purchases:
- I look for products Made in the USA if possible
- I chose products with thousands of really great reviews
- I try to find products that are plastic-less (or plastic-free)
- At times, I choose a more expensive item because it’s likely to be better constructed, ensuring its longevity. ***Bonus – I can easily sell or donate it when I no longer need it.
Below is my hand-picked list of eco-friendly dorm items to help your college kid (and mine) stay healthy, save money, and maybe even make Mother Earth just a little less cranky. Let’s do this!
Bedding & Towels
When it comes to bedding, options like Oeko-Tex certified, organic, or bamboo materials can be excellent choices. I really try to make sure my kids’ bedding is free of toxins since they spend so much time sleeping and hanging out in their beds.
- These sheets at Target or these sheets at Amazon because they were super soft and fit perfectly over the mattress topper. Definitely get 2 sets (just in case they spill something and can’t do laundry right away).
- Pillowcases – 2 sets
- Blanket/Comforter/Duvet Cover: This is all preference. My daughter wanted a blanket but some love a duvet cover so you can easily wash it. This one has really lasted.
- Mattress Topper: I did a three-day deep dive on this one. Super important to me since college kids spend so much time in their beds. I chose this one because my younger child would also would use it, and it has great resale value. My kid had some back issues and this was perfect. Plus, her friends loved hanging out in her bed because it was so comfortable. ***Because I got this topper, I didn’t bother buying a separate mattress cover since it already had one. This was the only thing my college kid used before putting on the sheet which saved me money only buying one thing.
- Cheaper Mattress Topper: BUT if that topper is too pricey, I did a ton of research, and everyone loved this option too, it was my second choice.
- Coop Pillows: These are a bit pricey, but I keep pillows for YEARS, so I’d rather invest in good ones. I have these all over my house, I love them so much. You can adjust the fill to make them as big or as flat as you like.
- Towels: I like this set because you get 2 washcloths, 2 hand towels (my daughter uses those at the gym) and 2 towels. She has 2 sets which is more than enough.
Dorm Room
- Woozoo Fan: This is a MUST for those of you whose kids have absolutely no air conditioning and it’s 95 degrees.
- Surge Protector and Extra Surge Protector: You probably only need one, but my husband insisted she take 2. ***A flat plug is great for behind a desk or bed and definitely want to have some USB ports.
- French Press Coffee Maker: My kid is a bit of a coffee snob and wanted the French Press. It’s the best French Press that’s not glass. I loved it so much I bought a large one for myself
- Stainless Steel refillable K-Cups: If you kid absolutely insists on a single serve coffee maker, at least use these stainless steel refillable K-cups.
- Electric Tea Kettle
- Jewelry Organizer
- Apple Air Tags for Backpack and Keys
- Desk Lamp with Bonuses: When a lamp that is just a light isn’t “cool” enough
- Boot Tray (best thing we ever got). We got a large one so everyone in the room could share it and they only needed one by the door. Keeps them from dragging rain, snow and mud into the room.
- Tool Kit (the whole floor loved my daughter – she was the only one with tools). Again, you can create your own tool bag if you have extras.
- ** (Option 2) Thor’s Hammer Tool Kit if you need to make a statement while literally saving the planet. This is not just for boys, my husband carries this around in his truck and my daughters are both “borrowing” it.
- We bought the Zero Water 10-cup and it’s been working great, also here’s a great guide for choosing a water pitcher.
- Air Purifier
- Lightweight Vacuum (another item that was popular with the kids on my daughter’s floor)
- Easy to use, but still cool Alarm Clock
- Reusable Cloths to clean spills/wipe surfaces (these are the ones I use at home too)
- Ice Maker
First Aid Kit
Here is a great complete kit, but if you want to make your own kit, here’s some ideas
- Adhesive Bandages
- Antibiotic Ointment (like Neosporin)
- Ice Pack
- Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen
- Cold Medicine
- Bandages and Scissor
- Essential Oils if that’s your thing
- Heating Pad
- Feminine Care Products
Laundry
- Earth Breeze and Clearalif laundry Sheets: Just check with your college first because some don’t allow laundry sheets. But if they do, I highly recommend them. They’re easier to carry and better for the environment and your health. I’ve used both of these and they work great.
- Wool Dryer Balls: Skip dryer sheets and use these instead
- Bag/Basket/Hamper: this depends upon where the laundry room is located. Some like backpacks if they have stairs but we had an elevator so my daughter wanted this one on wheels
- Collapsible Dryer Rack
- Non-slip Hangers: We love these and just ordered more
- Shower Shoes
- Hanging Shower Caddy/Toiletry Bag
- Shower Caddy (if you don’t want a hanging version)
- Blow Dryer: BUY 2 – one for your daughter and one for YOU
Miscellaneous
- Wearable blanket: This one seemed silly, but she uses it like every day
- Emergency car tire inflator: For students with cars
- Bike tire pump: For students with bicycles
- Sewing Kit
- Reusable coffee/tea mug
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Lock Box for Valuables and Medications
- Overnight Travel Bag for Trips HOME
- Backpack
- Headphones
- Noise Reduction Earplugs: my daughter absolutely loves these
Remember, don’t stress.
I know you’re striving to create a comfortable and inspiring space for your kids, one that also mirrors their individuality, but they may not actually “need” as much as you think. If you’re not sure your kid is going to “need” something, you can always wait and get it to them later. Here’s to an enriching, unforgettable, and eco-conscious college adventure!
Affiliate Disclosure:
I have affiliate marketing relationships which may result in my earning a small commission from purchases resulting from links posted. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases when using my link. These commissions help cover my expenses including my website www.livingcleananddirty.com which is another helpful resource to living your “greenest” healthiest life.
