Gifts for college students that fit in a dorm room

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A dorm room is small, shared and full of rules. The best gifts for a college student are things that take up little space and get used every day. Before you buy, look up the school’s housing website. Most schools post a list of what students can and can’t bring.

Check the dorm rules first

Many dorms ban the same things because of fire risk. Common examples:

• Candles and incense, even unlit ones
• Hot plates, toasters, coffee makers with an open hot plate, and other cooking appliances
• Space heaters
• Extension cords
• Halogen lamps

Some schools allow a small fridge and microwave, and some supply them. Rules differ from school to school, so check before you give anything that plugs in. A gift that gets taken away at the first room check isn’t much of a gift.

For the shared bathroom

Many students share a bathroom down the hall with a whole floor.

• A shower caddy that carries everything in one trip
• Shower shoes for the shared floor
• A quick-dry towel and a robe for the walk back to the room

Pick a caddy with holes in the bottom so water drains out and it doesn’t get moldy.

For better sleep

Dorm beds are often hard, and roommates keep different hours.

• A mattress topper. Most dorm beds are twin XL, which is longer than a regular twin, so check the size before you buy. Sheets for a twin XL bed are a good add-on.
• Sleep mask and earplugs for a roommate who studies late or gets up early
• A soft throw blanket

For the desk

A good desk setup makes studying in a small room easier.

• A clip-on desk lamp that attaches to the desk or the bed frame and doesn’t need much space. Choose an LED lamp, since it runs much cooler than other bulbs. Keep it away from pillows and bedding.
• A surge protector power strip. Dorm rooms often have few outlets.
• A power bank for long days on campus

Choose a power strip with a built-in circuit breaker and a recognized safety certification mark, and check that the school allows it. Don’t plug one power strip into another. Keep cords out from under rugs and beds, where they can overheat or get damaged.

For a power bank, also look for a safety certification mark. Charge it on a hard surface, never in bed or under a pillow. Stop using it if it swells, gets hot or smells odd.

For storage

There is never enough room for everything.

• Under-bed storage bins for out-of-season clothes, shoes and extra supplies
• A collapsible laundry hamper with handles for the trip to the laundry room
• Over-the-door hooks for towels and coats

Don’t hang anything from or cover the sprinkler heads or the smoke alarm. That can stop them from working, and many schools fine students for it.

For feeling well

Students often get their first cold away from home with no supplies on hand.

• A small first aid kit with bandages, a thermometer and an ice pack
• A reusable water bottle
• A list of the campus health center’s hours and phone number

Ask the student before adding any medicine. If you send food, label it with its ingredients, since a roommate may have a food allergy. Include a few snacks that don’t need a fridge.

A gift from home

Many college students miss home more than they say. A few envelopes with stamps and your address, a printed photo or a note to open during exam week can mean more than anything on this list. Pair one with any of the gifts above.