Check with intended college first, I know here at EC we couldn't have more than one Fridge, or an electric teapot or mug warmer, micro fridge, etc.
Two sets of clean bedding=IMPORTANT! If you give him an extra set, he won't have any excuse not to wash the first set...and I know PLENTY of boys who use that excuse.
Bounce Laundry sheets...they can stick those anywhere, musty closets, to freshen drawers, gym bags, smelly shoes...Febreeze is a MUST, and Glade Plug Ins work too.
Quarters or Laundry Cards
Cordless phone! I tried a corded, because my mom insisted that there would be cordless phone interference, but this was not a problem. Also, a cell phone is a NECESSITY. Try to get on a family plan if you aren't already. Your son will need a way to contact you if there is an emergency.
First Aid Kit.
Earplugs. Trust me on this one. Even if his roomie is quiet, the person next to him (or above him, or across the hall, for that matter) won't be.
Black curtains/light blocking window shades. Not all colleges provide window covers.
Mousetraps. Again, trust me.
Tupperware, to put food in, to prevent ever using the mousetraps.
Flip Flops. A College Necessity for the showers!
A good alarm clock. The best one I've had is the Sony Psyc CD Alarm clock, about $40 at Target. Not a loud ring, but a good penetrating beeping one. I sleep through a lot of alarm clocks, but not this one.
Shelves/Bookcase. I am so happy my mom made me buy one two years ago! It gets a lot of use...dvds/vhs tapes, school books, extra paper, my printer, TV and DVD player, and stereo and speakers all go on my bookshelf!
Posters! The dorm walls are usually very dull and induce boredom and depression.
An IPOD. Just because
A desk calendar and a small agenda that he can put EVERYTHING in...phone numbers and addresses, special events, homework, etc. He won't ever forget anything.
A booklight and desk lamp. Roommates end up having different schedules, and while his roomie might be sleeping, he may still have reading/homework that needs to be done. Booklights are excellent for this!
Flashlight, in case of an emergency.
A debit card/checking account. So important if he wont have a work/study job! He's bound to want cash for something *cough*Pizza*cough*
A Nalgene Sport Waterbottle--if he doesn't already have one, these are GREAT! Virtually unbreakable, and everyone at college has one. You can put any beverage in one, except maybe coffee...I haven't seen that attempted yet.
A fan. Even if the dorm has an AC system, dorm rooms are still kept uncomfortably warm in the winter. My roommate and I have ours going 24/7!