When your child heads off to college—whether it’s just up the road at UT Knoxville, down in Memphis at Rhodes, or across the mountains at ETSU—packing for their first dorm can feel like a full-time job. The obvious things (twin XL sheets, towels, a mini fridge) are easy to check off. But what about the little, unexpected items that make dorm life in Tennessee’s mix of humid summers, unpredictable winters, and tight quarters a whole lot smoother?
We asked seasoned parents of Tennessee college students to share their “don’t forget this” wisdom.
Here’s what made their list of often-overlooked—but highly important—dorm essentials:
1. A Sturdy Shower Caddy (and Flip-Flops for the Dorm Showers)
Dorm bathrooms are rarely private, and your student will quickly learn that the trek to a shared shower isn’t glamorous. A mesh shower caddy dries quickly and won’t collect mildew like plastic ones. Add a pair of waterproof flip-flops to protect against slippery—and at times not-so-clean—floors.
Nashville mom of three college-age boys, Erin Stevens, went a step further and reminded other Tennessee parents not to forget a shower curtain for kids moving into their first apartment.
2. A Small Fan and Humidity Helpers
Tennessee’s late summers can make even air-conditioned dorms feel sticky. A compact fan keeps air moving and doubles as white noise for sleeping through lively hallway chatter.
Greeneville mom of a UT freshman, Keeley Marr, added:
Don’t forget moisture prevention beads or even a mini dehumidifier. Older block or brick buildings combined with in-room AC units cause moisture buildup in smaller closets packed full of stuff.
3. Games for Game Nights
Game nights are dorm culture gold, especially at smaller Tennessee schools like Sewanee or Belmont, where students often gather in common rooms. Pack UNO, Codenames, or even a deck of cards—perfect icebreakers for shy freshmen still figuring out who’s from Memphis and who’s from Mountain City.
4. A Rain Jacket (Because Tennessee Weather)
Sure, it’s not exactly a “dorm room” item—but Tennessee parents swear by this. From surprise downpours on UTK’s pedestrian bridge to misty mornings walking across Lipscomb’s campus, a good rain jacket or umbrella is a lifesaver.
5. Power Strip With Surge Protection
I had to add this one myself! Between curling irons, mini fridges, phone chargers, fans, laptops, and televisions there are never enough outlets in a dorm room. In older Tennessee dorms outlets can be scarce and oddly placed. A surge-protecting power strip (or two) means your student won’t have to choose between charging their phone or plugging in a fan.
6. Cleaning Wipes and a Small Vacuum
Remember how well your student cleans at home with your free, convenient, and available cleaning supplies? Right. Now imagine how tidy their space will be after a few months of no cleaning supports.
Kingsport mom of three college grads, Lori Way, told us:
Don’t go crazy. If they didn’t use them at home, they won’t use them at school. Think practical and easy to store: small cleaning tools, a broom, disposable toilet cleaner, Clorox wipes, and dusting wipes. The easier the better! And lower those hygiene expectations on your first visit after drop-off.
7. A Mattress Topper (Old Dorm, New Comfort)
Dorm mattresses at Tennessee schools—from Vandy to UT Chattanooga—are famously thin. A memory foam topper can make even the firmest bed feel like home.
8. Laundry Bag With Straps
This is another personal favorite. My cousin gifted me a fabric hamper with handles and my initials on it for high school graduation (no need to mention how many years ago). To this day, I’d say that easy-to-hide, easy-to-carry laundry bag—not a bulky plastic bin—was one of my most used dorm items.
East Tennessee mom Tabitha Robinson recommends pop-up clothes hampers that double as laundry baskets:
They take up less space than rigid plastic ones and are so much easier to stash when not in use.
9. Over-the-Door Hooks for Extra Storage
Tennessee dorm rooms are small—often smaller than your child’s high school bedroom. Vertical storage is a must. Over-the-door organizers keep towels, jackets, and backpacks off the floor.
10. A First Aid Kit (With Tennessee-Specific Additions)
It may break your heart to think about it, but for the first time, you might not be there in person to bandage a boo-boo or soothe a headache. That said, you can still ensure your child is prepared!
Beyond Band-Aids and Tylenol, consider allergy meds—especially for East Tennessee students navigating a high pollen season. Colleges have health clinics, but for small scrapes, headaches, or a cold at 2 a.m., a simple kit with Band-Aids, pain relievers, allergy meds, and cold medicine is essential. Don’t forget a thermometer!
