The Ultimate List Of College Dorm Essentials (+ FREE College Dorm Checklist Printable)
There are so many dorm lists full of dorm essentials out there, but I believe this one tops them all! You will get all of the best items in this list along with a convenient and FREE dorm essentials checklist printable to take with you to the stores and figure out what you NEED! Check out my post here to find out all the things I got my first year and ended up NOT needing at all.
My little sister is just starting her first year and I am SO excited for her. This includes all of the things you better believe I am getting her for her cozy and quaint dorm room. Don’t waste your time and check out this incredible list for all things dorm! 😝
Download your FREE dorm essentials checklist!
Download the Dorm Essentials Checklist for FREE right here! It contains everything on this list as well as free space for you to add anything else you believe will complete your amazing dorm room!
Dorm Essentials
Bed
Mattress Topper
You want the coziest and most comfortable set up, so I got you! My first year I got one from Walmart that did NOT do the job. You want to get into your bed and instantly feel comforted.
Duvet Cover
This is a full bed but they have the same duvet cover for dorm bed size! It is so cute and SO cozy. Check it out because they also have it in different colors. 😉
Pillows
I love to always have two really comfortable pillows on my bed.
Bedside Storage
This is a neat hack that you will thank yourself for later! This can hold your phone, iPad, journal, and even your agenda! Keep it organized and nearby so you a
Sheets (includes pillow covers)
You want at least two sets of sheets so you can always have a fresh clean set. These are super soft and make you feel amazing during your slumber! ☾
Alarm Clock
Clothing
Hangers
I LOVE these hangers because I can hang two things at once! I used to always bring too many hangers for tops but not enough for pants. Now, you don’t have to worry about that. You can hang outfits for the week with these.
I also put regular hangers as an option!
Hack: Hang up the clothes that you wear most often so you don’t have to go searching for your favorite pieces!
Clothes Steamer
Steaming > Ironing. I love using a steamer because it is so much faster and less of a hazard. You don’t need an iron board or try to iron on your bed (which doesn’t work all that well).
Simply put your clothes on a hanger and let the steamer do the work!
Lint Roller
This is important to have as well. This one is super cheap and reliable. It gets the job done!
Detergent and Fabric Softener
This combo is my fav! I also love Arm and Hammers brand. Such a fresh and lovely scent.
Travel Size Tide To Go
This is one of my backpack essentials, but make sure you grab one or two from the store!
Want the BEST college printables? Check out the shop!
Food
Refrigerator
Make sure you talk with your future roomie before you buy one! My roommate and I split some things up. I brought a microwave and she brought a mini-fridge. The dorm rooms are typically tight, so you don’t want to bring something this big if you don’t have to!
Microwave
Like I said, see if your roommate will have one. These are so cute and great reviews. I got the one on the right (because it’s more affordable).
Cups
I would recommend only a couple of cups. Something you can easily wash and keep in your room. These are amazing because you can microwave them, freezer safe, and save space!
Paper cups also works, but then you would have to constantly buy more (and it is a little wasteful).
Utensils
These come in MULTIPLE colors, not just black. But, I love this travel set because you always have somewhere to store them when you’re not using them!
You don’t need anything fancy. And you definitely don’t need a whole collection of forks and spoons. You will most likely be getting food outside of your room on campus or somewhere else with friends.
Get this in your room for the days you have leftovers or a frozen dinner because you don’t wanna go anywhere. Or on sick days and you honestly don’t have the energy to go anywhere.
Metal Straw (pictured above)
You could buy single-use ones, but having one or two reliable reusable straws is perfect enough! Being in a dorm makes you want to adopt a minimalist lifestyle because you really don’t have much to work with haha.
Napkins
This is self-explanatory. 😌
Reusable bottle
Confession: I have bought waaay too many reusable bottles over the years haha. So by now, I know what works. A simple but cute bottle with a STRAW! I put a very affordable one and the infamous hydro flask (that is pricey). Both are amazing!
Buy a reusable bottle that you can take with you on the go! My university had these water-filling stations that are all throughout campus! So I could always have a refreshing swig of water with my reusable bottle.
Room Cleaning
Trash Bin
Vacuum
Vacuum > Broom and Dustpan… amirite? I loveddddd my small vacuum because it got the job done much faster than a broom.
Laundry Hamper
Disinfectant Cleaner (or Wipes)
Not just because we are in 2021, but also because… germs. You will need to clean every once in a while and this will get the job done!
Sponge
To clean your dishes.
Bath
Towels
Face towels and body towels. These are so cute and SO inexpensive! Currently on sale for $9!!
Shower Caddy
This is def optional. I always use my phone for my alarm, but you can also get an alarm clock to always see the time in your room and to wake you up if this works better for you.
This is great to keep all of your shower necessities. It’s convenient, and portable, and you can store it in your closet when you aren’t using it!
Bath Mat
You can talk with the roomie about this before getting one! But this is important and keeps your feet on something cozy instead of the hard cold floor.
Toothbrush
I just got an electric Oral-B toothbrush from my dentist that I am obsessed with. It comes with interchangeable heads and it came with a travel case (that you can keep it in when you aren’t using it).
Don’t just leave your toothbrush out especially when you aren’t the only one using the space.
Mouthwash + Floss
Mouthwash and floss go hand in hand. You want to make sure you’re doing both. Keep that mouth clean!
Shower Shoes
Shower shoes are e-ssen-tial. Whether you are living with one roommate, three roommates, or you are in a communal bathroom situation, this is a non-negotiable.
Body wash
Shampoo + Conditioner
Razors
I love these! They’re super affordable as well.
Emergency Things
Flashlight
Unfortunately, emergencies happen. The lights in my dorm went out (like 1 or 2 times) and having a flashlight was a lifesaver!
Water
I would keep a gallon of water with you in your dorm. Just in case you don’t have any and you’re parched or if anything goes down and you need to stay in your room for a while.
first-aid kit
Desk Stuff
Lamp
When your roomie is sleeping and you are still working on stuff, a lamp will come in handy! Always have some light when you need it. These are super cute!
Pen Holder
This is to hold a couple of pens and pencils to always have some nearby.
Stapler
I can’t tell you how many times I finished my paper or some other homework and I needed a stapler before class. I ended up just throwing a mini stapler in my backpack for on-the-go needs lol.
Hole Puncher
Another handy school supply you can have. I will note stapler and hole punchers are available in the library, but I like to have my own set (for when I am in a rush and don’t have time to go find one haha).
Scissors
This is another great tool to have as well.
Notepad or To-Do List
This is so awesome to have on your desk when your mind is wandering and you need to write it down. Having something nearby while you’re in your dorm can be super helpful. One of my favorite dorm essentials.
Organizing Dorm Essentials
Storage Bins
Another optional thing! If you don’t need it, don’t get it. I want to reiterate that living in a dorm makes you want to not bring too much because then you will feel suffocated and stressed in your own room. And you want your room to be a place of comfort.
So, if storage bins will help create more room in the space, definitely invest in one or two! Try putting it under your bed or somewhere else out of the way.
You already know why hehe.
Shoe Hanger
This was a game-changer for me! I didn’t even use it for shoes, I used it to store all of the little things. Floss, mouthwash, medicines, vitamins, sunglasses. Listen, you gotta be resourceful and this shoe hanger was one of the best purchases we (meaning my parents) made.
Command Hook
These are awesome if you want to hang things up!
Power Strip
You can use this in your room AND take it with you to the library when your computer dies. You can also share with friends. It also has USB ports to charge your phone without an end :). Make sure you purchase a long one! Here is a cute longer one.
Decor Dorm Essentials
Rug
Rugs are lovely (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧
They keep your feet warm, room cozy, and adds a nice look to any room! Make sure you get the dimensions of your room before you buy one. Also, you can consult with your roommate to figure out what color decor they will have. You want to get a rug that fits the room size and the decor.
cute lights
Let me know if you loved these dorm essentials as much as I do! Your dorm is your temporary home, so make sure it’s got all the good stuff you know you need throughout the year.
