Quick summary: What you need to buy for starting college in America, the most common mistakes students coming from Turkey make, and budget planning. Dorm list, apartment list, and "do not buy these" list are all in this guide.
Before College Starts: Why Making a List Matters
Every university publishes a "suggested supply list" but these lists are almost always too comprehensive. I lived through two of these lists. On one I bought too much, on the other too little. This guide finds the middle ground.
Must-Buys for the Dorm Room
Bed and Sleep
- Mattress topper (American mattresses are very hard): Get Twin XL size, most dorm beds fit this measurement. Amazon Basics memory foam topper $40-60.
- Twin XL sheets and comforter: The dorm room can be cold or hot, having two different thicknesses of comforter makes sense.
- Earplugs: Essential for sleeping in a dorm environment.
Personal Care and Bathroom
- Shower caddy: For shared bathrooms. Make sure it is mold-resistant plastic. $8-12 at Walmart.
- Flip flops: Required for going into shared showers. Plastic, washable.
- Microfiber towels: Fast-drying, takes up little space. Get 2.
Study and Academic
- Laptop ($600-1200 range): MacBook Air M4 or Dell XPS 13 are the most popular choices.
- External monitor (depending on need): 24-27 inches, 1080p or 1440p. Makes studying much more efficient.
- Wireless mouse and keyboard: Dorm desks are small, work without cable chaos.
| Category | Budget Estimate | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Bed/sheets | $60-120 | High |
| Bathroom supplies | $30-50 | High |
| Study tools | $600-1,500 | Very high |
| Kitchen (mini fridge, microwave) | $100-200 | Medium |
| Cleaning | $20-40 | Medium |
| Storage (over-door, under-bed) | $40-80 | Medium |
Do Not Buy for the Dorm Room: Unnecessary Expenses
- Printer: Almost every university has free printers. Buying a printer for the dorm room is unnecessary.
- Too many clothes: Dorm closets are small. See how the first semester goes, then if needed, have parents bring extra clothes when they visit.
- Large lamps or decor: Electrical setup is limited, and the lease is short. Minimalism wins.
- Premium kitchen appliances: The dorm kitchen is usually shared and not used much. Getting the basics is enough.
Back to School Shopping Calendar: When Is It Cheapest?
- Late July, early August: Big stores start their sales (Walmart, Target "College Savings").
- Amazon Prime Day (July): Electronics, backpacks, tech products at the lowest prices.
- University bookstore: If some products must be bought from the university (like handbooks), try secondhand first.
- For textbooks: Renting from Amazon, Chegg, or VitalSource is usually 60-80% cheaper than buying.
International student note: Students coming on F-1 visas may be asked for a "deposit" on some products in the first 6 months because they have no SSN or credit history (phone plan, rent). An Amazon Student account (verified with an ISIC card) cuts the annual Prime fee in half.
Also read: How to Build a Credit Score in America?
Disclaimer: Product recommendations in this article are as of 2026. Prices may change. Some Amazon links in this article are affiliate links. Your price doesn't change. I only recommend products I actually use or have personally tested.
