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Going off to college is one of life's most exciting and nerve-wracking experiences, but you'll need the best dorm room essentials to start out on the right foot. Sure, there are unknowns ahead, but one thing is certain: If you make your dorm room feel like home, this big adjustment will be a lot easier.
To help you out, we've curated a college packing list filled with items students (or their parents) can use to spruce up basic dorm rooms and make them cozy, comfortable, and useful for all-night study sessions and hangouts.
Since dorm rooms tend to be small, it’s best to opt for items that will save space, like under-the-bed storage containers and desk or window fans. You’ll also need shower shoes and a great caddy to tote your essentials to the shared bathroom, and you'll definitely want an easy-to-tote (but still stylish) laundry basket. A mini fridge is another great thing to have on hand so you don’t need to run to the dining hall every time you want a snack or a sip of something cold, but talk to your roommate first and see if they want to go halfsies on one first!
Your desk is another important part of your dorm-scape, so deck it out with a printer, a planner, and some stylish bins to keep all your essentials in one place. Most dorm beds are a twin XL size, so make it yours with soft sheets, a mattress pad, and a cute coverlet or duvet.
Below, we’ve divided everything into categories by room so you won’t forget anything you need before move-in day.
The best dorm room essentials
- Best dorm decor: NÖDMAST portable lamp, $16.99
- Best dorm bedding: BJÖRKGRÅMAL comforter set, $24.99
- Best dorm sheets: Pottery Barn Teen Roller Rabbit Hearts Organic Sheets, $119
- Best dorm essential on Amazon: Digital Wooden Alarm Clock Charger, $24
- Best dorm essential for the bathroom: Portable Shower Caddy, $20
Living Essentials
Day-to-day, you'll want your space to be comfortable and functional. A laundry bag keeps your to-be-washed clothes where they belong — aka, not on the floor! Velvet hangers will make sure your favorite tops and dresses don't slide off, and stain sticks help clean up accidents in a pinch since you're a long way from your home laundry room.
An alarm clock that doubles as a charging station to power up your wireless earbuds, smartwatch, and cell phone all at once is a smart space-saver, and a sound machine can help drown out some of the dorm noise if you're a light sleeper. Dorms don't allow candles, but a bottle of chic room spray will freshen things up when you need it. And a cozy, cute pair of slippers are perfect for room-hopping and running down to the cafeteria for a quick snack.
Bed Essentials
A good night's sleep is imperative if you're going to wake up for that 8 a.m. lecture every Tuesday and Thursday. A comfy mattress pad, high-quality bed sheets, and memory foam pillows should help you fall asleep quickly. You can also deck out your twin bed with a cute, easy-to-wash quilt or duvet to make your space feel more like home. If you have trouble sleeping and are sharing a room, buy a silk sleep mask to block out excess light.
Bathroom Essentials
Whether your dorm room has a private shower or a communal bathroom, you'll need to stock up on towels and washcloths and a practical pair of shower shoes, plus a cozy bathrobe. If you want to add a bit more pizzazz to the dorm shower experience, go for an elevated shower caddy to stash your essentials and easily dry post-shampoo. We also love a train case to keep your makeup in one place.
Storage Essentials
No matter how organized you are, everyone needs storage — especially in a small dorm space! Under-the-bed storage bins or rolling drawers are super clutch for storing seasonal clothing. You can also add a hanging shoe shelf in your closet to make the most of your limited space, and a rolling cart is perfect for stashing snacks, hair and makeup items, or books. The black cart below from IKEA has three tiers and comes in five colors.
Cleaning Essentials
Your dorm is small—and you're probably sharing it with someone else—so do your duty and keep it clean! Most dorm buildings will have communal vacuums you can rent or borrow, but a handheld is helpful for small jobs. As for laundry, pod detergent is a great space saver, especially when you have to walk up and down a few flights of stairs to the shared laundry room.
Decor Essentials
Make your dorm room your own with cute decorations. A rug will brighten up the space and add cozy texture. The pegboard tiles allow you to hang pictures and notes in a cute, charming way, and a cutely shaped desk light allows you to focus on your work without overhead lighting. Some dorm rooms don't come with mirrors, so look for a slim over-the-door version or one you can secure to a wall.
Kitchen Essentials
Though you'll probably do most of your dining in the cafeteria, you'll want to keep some snacks and small items in your room too. A classic 5-cup coffee maker will fuel you up for long nights of studying or early morning lectures. You can store snacks like yogurt, nuts, and other cold foods in a mini fridge and take them with you on the way to class in the Ziploc Endurables. A set of portable utensils will come in handy for late-night snacks and takeout leftovers, and you can't forget a water bottle or two! The Owala will make sure you stay hydrated all year.
School Supplies
Count on some good ol' school supplies to help you get your studying done. A planner is a must to keep you organized, and a charging station makes sure all your devices are ready to go from class to class. If you're really short on space or prefer to work from bed, try a laptop desk, which will come in handy during those late-night cram sessions.
