Planning your home
Five Things to Check Before Outfitting a Dorm Room
Check school rules, included furniture, computer requirements, appliance limits, and shared purchases before dorm shopping.
Originally published · Updated
A dorm shopping list should begin with the school’s rules and what the room already includes. Check with your roommate before buying shared items.
Confirm furniture and space
Ask what bed, desk, chair, and storage are supplied. Get room and bed dimensions before choosing accessories. Extra furniture should fit both the space and school rules.
Check technology requirements
Use your department’s computer requirements and ask about school software access or equipment loans. Our student laptop guide explains what to compare.
Verify appliance and electrical rules
Check whether a refrigerator, microwave, television, heater, or air conditioner is allowed before purchasing. Do not assume an item mentioned in an old article is permitted or necessary.
Coordinate and budget
Agree who buys and keeps shared items. Include transport and setup costs, and leave optional purchases until you know what daily life requires. Student status does not establish Okinus merchandise eligibility or approval.
