As you prepare to start your college journey, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed about what to bring with you to campus. To help ease that stress, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of dorm room essentials that you’ll actually use throughout your college years from personal experiences as a college student myself, these items have been tried and tested, and many are still staples in my daily routine even after being a sophomore for some time now.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through one of these links, I’ll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. As a high school graduate heading off to college soon, it’s natural to feel anxious about the unknown, but rest assured, having the right gear can make a world of difference in your freshman year experience. In this post, we’ll dive into what you should and shouldn’t worry about when it comes to packing for college.
DORM ROOM ESSENTIALS
As you prepare to start your college journey, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed about what to bring with you to campus. To help ease that stress, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of dorm room essentials that you’ll actually use throughout your college years from personal experiences as a college student myself, these items have been tried and tested, and many are still staples in my daily routine even after being a sophomore for some time now.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through one of these links, I’ll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. As a high school graduate heading off to college soon, it’s natural to feel anxious about the unknown, but rest assured, having the right gear can make a world of difference in your freshman year experience. In this post, we’ll dive into what you should and shouldn’t worry about when it comes to packing for college.
UTILITY CART
This essential item has likely caught your attention before, ranking high among my personal list of must-haves for a comfortable and functional dorm room experience. Its versatility is truly impressive, serving not only as a reliable organizational tool but also doubling as a convenient nightstand solution.
MATTRESS TOPPER
Experiencing the harsh realities of a dorm room bed sans mattress topper can be a sleepless nightmare. The discomfort is real, making it essential to prioritize a good night’s rest by investing in a quality mattress topper before embarking on your collegiate journey.
MESH SHOWER CADDY
For students residing in shared dorm bathrooms, a practical solution for managing shower supplies is essential. This versatile mesh shower caddy streamlines the process by allowing you to easily transport all your necessities without having to juggle multiple items in your hands.
LAUNDRY BACKPACK
Eliminate the hassle of lugging around bulky laundry hampers by opting for a compact and lightweight solution – our portable laundry backpack. Not only does it reduce the burden of carrying heavy loads, but it also comes equipped with a convenient pocket for storing essentials like detergent and fabric softener, making your laundry experience more streamlined than ever.
UNDER THE BED STORAGE
When it comes to organizing your dorm room, every inch counts. Under-bed storage containers are a game-changer for maximizing the space beneath your bed, allowing you to stash away extra clothes, blankets, and other essentials out of sight. As you pack up for the new semester, consider adopting a ‘must-wear’ mindset when it comes to your wardrobe. If you’re unsure about an item or think you might wear it only occasionally, leave it behind.
By focusing on the pieces you truly need and love, you’ll free up valuable storage space for more important items – and have a tidier, more streamlined living environment as a result.
ROBE
Consider investing in a few high-quality robes for your next getaway, as they can make a significant difference in your overall comfort level. When you’re stepping out of the bathroom or lounging around the room, a plush robe can help keep you cozy and relaxed. In my experience, the one I’ve linked above is an excellent choice – its softness and warmth are particularly impressive.
MICROWAVE
As a college student myself, I’m no stranger to relying heavily on my trusty microwave. In fact, I find it an indispensable companion that keeps me fueled throughout the day. Whether it’s warming up leftovers or whipping up a quick mug meal, my microwave has become an essential tool in my daily routine. If you’re considering bringing one with you to campus, I wholeheartedly endorse the idea.
With its versatility and convenience, it’ll quickly become your go-to appliance for cooking up a storm in no time.
BRITA
With a daily reliance on my trusty BRITA water pitcher, I’ve eliminated the need for frequent purchases of bottled water. The convenience is undeniable – no more last-minute runs to the store or breaking the bank on a steady supply of single-use plastic.
MINI FRIDGE
Having a mini fridge in your dorm room can be a game-changer, allowing you to satisfy your cravings without having to venture out. While there may be a cafeteria nearby or even within your dorm, the convenience of having a personal refrigerator at your fingertips is undeniable. Simply stock it with your favorite drinks and snacks – just be mindful of balancing your indulgences with some nutritious options as well.
CLIP-ON FAN
For a comfortable night’s sleep in the sweltering dorm room heat, consider investing in a portable mini fan that can be easily clipped onto your bed frame. Its compact design and breeze-generating capabilities make it an indispensable addition to your bedding setup, ensuring you get the restful sleep you need. Trust me, once you experience the relief this little device brings, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Shop now and stay cool.
SPACE-SAVING HANGERS
When it comes to maximizing storage in a dorm room, every inch counts. Fortunately, these clever space-saving hangers can help you squeeze in more garments while keeping your closet tidy and easy to navigate. With their compact design, they’re perfect for fitting into even the most limited of spaces, ensuring that your clothes stay organized and within reach.
SHEETS
While it’s straightforward to encourage readers to ‘shop now,’ it’s essential to provide some practical advice. For instance, consider bringing two sets of sheets to avoid any disruptions when one is being laundered. Having a spare set ensures you can maintain a fresh and clean sleeping environment without interruptions. As for personal preferences, I’m a fan of crisp white sheets that never go out of style. Their versatility makes them easy to pair with any bedroom decor.
SHOWER SHOES
When it comes to showering in communal bathrooms, it’s essential to prioritize personal hygiene and safety. That’s why I strongly advise investing in a pair of shower shoes – or flip flops, if you prefer. By doing so, you’ll be safeguarding yourself against potential contaminants like fungi, bacteria, and other unwanted visitors that may have made their way onto the bathroom floor. Trust me, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when sharing facilities with others.
WATER BOTTLE
When shopping for a new water bottle, don’t forget to prioritize staying hydrated on-the-go. For me, the Hydro Flask is a top choice – its insulation keeps my drink cold for hours. I’ve also had friends rave about Stanley tumblers for their durability and temperature control. Ultimately, find a bottle that resonates with you and becomes your go-to companion for sipping water throughout the day.
HANGING MIRROR
My go-to choice when it comes to mirrors is the type that offers built-in storage. These ingenious designs allow you to hang them on your door and stash away your precious jewelry, skincare essentials, and other knick-knacks within easy reach. The result: a tidy and organized space where everything has its designated place, making it a breeze to find what you need when you need it.
VACUUM
When considering the essentials for your dorm room, I strongly suggest investing in a compact vacuum cleaner. Its compact design makes it perfect for regular cleaning sessions, and its quiet operation is a major plus – you can run it through your room one or two times a week without disturbing your roommate or neighbors.
BED SKIRT
For most students, a bed skirt is an essential item for their college dorm room. As you’ll likely utilize the space beneath your bed for storing supplies, investing in a bed skirt is a great way to conceal the containers and bins from view.
EXTENSION CORD
Sharing a single charging outlet with a roommate in a college dorm can be a significant inconvenience. With multiple devices requiring power at the same time – including laptops, headphones, phones, and more – it’s no wonder I felt overwhelmed by the limited options available to me. That’s when I decided to invest in an extension cord, which proved to be a game-changer.
Suddenly, I had the ability to charge all my essential devices simultaneously without having to rely on a roommate’s goodwill or wait for someone else to finish charging their own belongings.
EXTRA LONG CHARGER
When it comes to charging your devices in a dorm room setting, having a reliable and conveniently located power source is crucial. Unfortunately, the outlets are often situated at a considerable distance from the bed, making it impractical to rely solely on the standard charger that came with your device.
To overcome this challenge, I recommend investing in an extra-long phone charger, measuring around 10 feet in length, to ensure you can keep your devices powered up without having to get out of bed or stretch across the room.
NOISE CANCELING HEADPHONES
During my freshman year of college, I was unfortunate enough to have extremely loud neighbors that made it necessary for me to invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones. The relief these provided was immense and they’ve earned a permanent spot on my list of top dorm room essentials.
HEAT RESISTANT MAT
When styling your locks with hot tools, it’s crucial to safeguard your workspace against potential damage. To avoid marking or disfiguring your desk or vanity, I highly suggest investing in a heat-resistant mat designed specifically for this purpose.
TRAVEL SIZE BOTTLES
A habit that’s served me well throughout my collegiate journey is repackaging my personal care products. I first started doing this during my freshman year, and it’s remained a convenient practice to this day as a senior. By downsizing value-sized shampoo and conditioner bottles into travel-friendly toiletry containers, I’m able to declutter my shower caddy and ensure a steady supply of essentials without the need for frequent replacements.
MAKEUP ORGANIZER
Incorporating a makeup organizer into your daily routine can be a game-changer for any girl. For me, having this specific organizer has made a significant difference in keeping my everyday makeup tidy and easily accessible. With ample storage space, I’m able to keep all my essentials organized, ensuring that everything is within reach when I need it.
MEAL PREP CONTAINERS
As a vital component of my daily routine, meal prepping has become an indispensable aspect of my college life. To ensure seamless organization and storage, I rely heavily on these containers to keep all my meals in check. Having failed to incorporate this habit during my freshman year, I now understand the importance of planning ahead, making it a crucial addition to my dorm room essentials list this year.
WRINKLE RELEASE
Imagine having the power to effortlessly smooth out wrinkles on your clothes without lifting a finger – or iron, for that matter. For those days when you’re short on time or energy, I’ve discovered a little trick that’s been a lifesaver: wrinkle-release sprays. With just a quick spritz and a few seconds of waiting, the pesky creases disappear like magic.
EMERGEN-C
Whenever illness loomed on the horizon, my go-to remedy was Emergen-C. The way it worked its magic is still unclear to me, but the results were undeniable – it provided significant relief. As a precautionary measure, I highly advise packing a supply of Emergen-C and other essential medicines when heading off to college, as you never know when you might need them.
LMAP
The dorm room lighting can be a real challenge, especially when it comes to the overhead fixtures. In my experience, they tend to be overly harsh and uncomfortable to look at. To combat this, I brought along three lamps of my own – one was more of a decorative piece, while the other two were standard issue for providing some much-needed ambiance. I would highly recommend bringing at least two lamps with you to college, one for your nightstand and one for your desk.
This will not only improve the overall aesthetic of your space but also provide a more comfortable and relaxing environment.
DOOR STOPPER
I’ve developed a fondness for my trusty doorstop, which has instilled a sense of security and comfort whenever I’m alone in my dorm room. Its affordability is an added bonus, making it an essential purchase that I highly recommend to anyone looking to bolster their door’s defenses.
DESK ORGANIZER
With a simple click, I’ve transformed my chaotic work environment into a tidy oasis. Gone are the days of scrambling to find misplaced supplies – these desk organizers have become my trusty sidekicks. Prior to their arrival, my pens and other miscellaneous items were strewn about my room, prompting frequent trips to restock. Fast forward to today, and I’m thrilled to report that this humble addition has earned a spot among my top dorm room must-haves.
CHAIR
I’m thoroughly impressed with the chair I purchased from Amazon, which has become my go-to seat for both personal grooming and working at my desk. The comfort level is exceptional, making it an ideal solution for those who need a versatile piece of furniture that can serve multiple purposes.
BLANKETS
Indulge in the ultimate comfort experience with this exceptional blanket. Not only is it incredibly soft to the touch, but its cozy nature makes it perfect for snuggling up on your favorite chair. Plus, the versatility of multiple color options ensures that you can find the perfect hue to match your unique style.
DISPOSABLE PLATES AND CUPS
The struggles of doing dishes in a dormitory setting are all too real. To alleviate some of that stress, I recently invested in disposable plates and cups, which have significantly simplified my daily routine. The absence of dishwashing responsibilities is a welcome relief, especially when time is of the essence.
SLEEPING PILLOW
If I had to choose one aspect of my daily routine that’s made the biggest impact, it would be investing in a truly exceptional sleeping pillow. The one I’ve recently purchased has been nothing short of phenomenal – it’s as if I’m resting on a soft, fluffy cloud all night long, and the coolness is just an added bonus. Without hesitation, I’d encourage anyone seeking a great night’s sleep to prioritize acquiring a pillow that prioritizes comfort.
MIRROR
While not an absolute necessity for a dorm room, I highly recommend investing in a decent makeup light if you’re someone who likes to do their makeup regularly. As many students can attest, the harsh lighting in these environments can make it challenging to get the job done. That’s why having a reliable makeup light can be a total game-changer.
In my case, having one of these lights has made a huge difference – not just for doing my own makeup, but also when I’m helping out friends who need a little extra help getting their looks just right. And let me tell you, the included magnifying mirror is an absolute bonus when it comes to perfecting those tricky eyeliner details.
DECORATIVE PILLOWS
While shopping for dorm essentials isn’t always a thrill, there’s something undeniably charming about adding personal touches to your space. One such delightful addition are fun throw pillows that come in an array of shapes and designs. Since you can’t exactly paint the walls or install shelves, these pillows provide an easy way to inject some personality into your room. Plus, they’re a great way to make your bed or chair feel cozier and inviting.
CLEANING SUPPLIES
In a surprisingly short amount of time, even the most meticulously organized dorm rooms can become cluttered and unclean. To maintain a hygienic living space, I recommend dedicating some time each week to wiping down surfaces with Lysol disinfectant wipes. This simple habit helps keep germs at bay and leaves your room feeling fresh and clean.
BACKPACK
When packing for an extended period, it’s essential to consider the weight and bulk of your belongings. Heavy textbooks, laptops, and other essentials can quickly become overwhelming if not properly distributed. For this reason, investing in a reliable and sturdy backpack is highly recommended. By doing so, you’ll ensure a comfortable and secure carrying experience.
FIRST AID KIT
When venturing into the great outdoors, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for minor mishaps. A well-stocked first aid kit is an essential companion on any adventure. To ensure you’re ready for anything that comes your way, consider investing in a comprehensive kit that includes everything from bandages and antiseptic wipes to pain relievers and gauze.
Not only will this save you the hassle of scrambling to find what you need at the last minute, but it’ll also give you peace of mind knowing that you’re well-equipped to handle any unexpected setbacks.
UMBRELLA
When I was a freshman, I made the rookie mistake of forgetting to pack essential rain gear. However, let this serve as a crucial reminder: don’t make the same error. It’s vital to be prepared for unexpected downpours during class time, so be sure to bring along an umbrella or a trusty rain jacket to keep you dry and comfortable.
MICROWAVE SAFE DINNERWARE
When it comes to cooking up quick and easy meals in the microwave, having the right dinnerware is crucial. A mistake I’ve learned from personally is attempting to use paper bowls for cooking purposes – like when I tried making mac n cheese and it ended up catching on fire due to its flammable nature. Needless to say, it’s essential to invest in microwave-safe dinnerware to avoid any mishaps and ensure a stress-free culinary experience.
PLUG-IN AIR FRESHENER
There’s a reason I’m obsessed with these plug-in air fresheners – they’re incredibly long-lasting and boast an irresistible scent. But before you go ahead and stock up, be sure to check with your college first, as some institutions have strict policies prohibiting the use of plug-ins or candles in dorms.
BEACH TOWELS
Whether you’re a frequent beachgoer or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, having a few reliable beach towels by your side can make all the difference. Whether it’s a day of soaking up the sun with friends or a quiet afternoon of studying in the great outdoors, these versatile accessories are sure to be a must-have item in your outdoor arsenal.
SWEATPANTS
As the semester progresses, my wardrobe has become woefully predictable – the same reliable ensemble that’s become synonymous with my daily routine. The phrase ‘dressing for success’ takes on a whole new meaning when you’re stuck in a rut like this; who needs to get dressed up when you can just throw on your favorite pair of jeans and call it a day? That’s exactly what I’ve been doing – and let me tell you, it’s become a college uniform of sorts.
The only time people really dress up is on special occasions, or maybe once every couple of weeks for a particularly important event. But for the most part, we’re talking sweatpants, hoodies, and sneakers all the way.
WALL DECOR
When it comes to decorating a dorm room, the walls often become the focal point due to limited floor space. To add some personality to your tiny abode, consider adorning your walls with eye-catching posters, twinkling string lights, or even neon signs. The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about reflecting your unique style and creating an atmosphere that resonates with you.
COMMAND HOOKS
When it comes to adorning your walls with posters and decorative items, a reliable method of hanging is crucial. For this purpose, I’ve recently invested in Command Hooks, which have proven to be effective. However, there’s an alternative option available – mounting putty can also be used to secure these items to the wall.
TRASH-CAN
Among the most crucial items on my list of dorm room must-haves are trusty trash cans. The ability to dispose of waste efficiently is essential, and this particular model stands out for its lid feature, ensuring that any unpleasant odors contained within remain confined to their respective container.
SCENTED TRASH BAGS
I’m particularly fond of these trash bags, as they come with a pleasant scent that effectively conceals any unpleasant odors emanating from the trash can. Making them a must-have for anyone who values cleanliness.
FAUX PLANTS
As I settled into my dorm room, I found that adding a touch of greenery was just what I needed to make the space feel more like home. Faux plants proved to be an excellent choice, as they not only brought a pop of color and texture to the room but also complemented the existing decor. And let’s be honest, who can resist the allure of something that’s affordable and easy on the wallet.
NESPRESSO
As I’m typing this, I have a steaming cup of coffee by my side – it’s my morning ritual that sets the tone for the day. Among my collection of coffee makers, I’m particularly fond of my Nespresso machine, which I brought with me on trips and use daily. While some friends swear by the Keurig alternative, both machines deliver great results. What sets them apart is the price point, with the Keurig being a more affordable option.
