50+ Top Dorm Room Essentials For Guys They Need

If you or a guy you know is moving into the dorms soon, you might be looking for dorm room essentials for guys. Here is the best dorm room essentials for guys list for 2024!

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It can be really hard to know what to get for a dorm room, so you’re probably looking for dorm room essentials for guys.

If you’re wondering what guys need in a dorm, this post is for you! I used all of these things when I was living in the dorms, so I know any college guy will use them too.

After you read this post you’ll know all the best dorm essentials for guys.

This post is all about dorm room essentials for guys.

The Best Dorm Room Essentials For Guys

Best All Around Dorm Essentials For Guys

1. Thick Twin XL Mattress Topper

When I first moved into the dorms, I made the mistake of buying a cheap, thin mattress topper to try to save money. It didn’t do anything to make the dorm bed more comfy, and I ended up having to get a thicker one so I could sleep!

A thick mattress pad is a must have for the dorms because the dorm beds are literally so uncomfortable without one. Trust me, it will be worth the money!

2. Laundry Backpack

I wish I would’ve known laundry backpacks were a thing when I was living in the dorms! I really struggled carrying my laundry hamper to and from the laundry room on campus, and this would’ve made life so much easier.

3. Sheet Straps

Dorm beds are super slippery and it can be really hard to keep your sheets on. Having some sheet straps will make sure your sheets stay in place so you don’t have to be constantly adjusting them.

I know a lot of guys who do not fix their sheets when they get messed up, so this is one of the best dorm room essentials for guys.

4. Clip On Fan

Dorm rooms don’t always have the best circulation. A clip-on fan like this would good to clip onto your bed to make sure you’re getting some air, especially if your bed will be on the top bunk or you plan on lofting it.

5. Bed Shelf

This is another thing I really wish I’d known existed when I lived in the dorms! It’s a shelf that attaches to your bed so you can set stuff on it. Having to get all the way out of bed to set things down on my desk in the dorms was super inconvenient.

Related Post: The Complete Dorm Room Essentials List Of Must Haves For 2024

Dorm Bedroom Essentials

6. Twin XL Bedding

Dorm beds are size twin XL, so you’ll need to get some bedding to fit that mattress size. This comforter and these sheets have great reviews on amazon!

7. Mattress Protector

Having a mattress protector will protect you from the germs of the person who slept in the dorm bed before you, and it’ll also keep the mattress clean if you spill something on your bed.

8. Back Pillow

Since there aren’t many seating options in dorm rooms, you’ll probably be doing a lot of sitting and doing tasks in your bed. A back pillow will give you the back support you need for when you’re doing homework in bed!

I still use the back pillow I bought for my freshman dorm room.

9. Small Trash Can

You don’t want to forget to get a little trashcan to keep in your room to throw things away in! This is another thing I bought for my dorm room that I still use years later.

10. Desk Lamp

You’ll need a desk lamp for when you’re doing homework at night. I used my desk lamp a lot when I needed to study but my roommate was sleeping so I couldn’t have the overhead light on.

Dorm Bathroom Essentials

11. Mesh Shower Caddy

If you’re sharing a bathroom with people you’ll need a shower caddy to carry all your toiletries in. You want to get a mesh one like this so it won’t mold and get all nasty when it gets wet.

12. Shower Shoes

This is another thing you really need if you’re going to be using a communal bathroom. You do not want other peoples germs to give you a foot fungus or something similar.

13. Robe

You’ll also need a robe if you’re going to be using a communal bathroom so you can wear it to and from showering!

14. Deodorant

Deodorant is definitely something you don’t want to forget to buy/ bring when you’re moving into the dorms.

15. Shampoo & Conditioner

You also don’t want to forget some shampoo and conditioner or whatever you wash your hair with.

16. Toothbrush/ Toothpaste

Toothpaste is another essential toiletry item that you absolutely don’t want to forget when you’re moving into the dorms.

I bought this electric toothbrush a couple weeks ago and I’m mind blown at the difference it’s made in making my teeth feel cleaner!

Related Post: 22 Best Dorm Gifts Every Student Will Love

17. Shaving Stuff

You’ll also want to bring along some shaving stuff. I’ve heard great things about the dollar shave club. Definitely one of the top dorm room essentials for guys to have.

Dorm Kitchen Essentials

18. Mini Fridge

Most dorm rooms don’t come with a fridge, so getting a mini fridge is pretty essential. This one has amazing reviews on amazon and would be perfect for a dorm room.

19. Small Dinnerware Set

You’ll also need some dishes, but not a ton. This small dish set has everything you need, but won’t take up too much space in your dorm room.

20. Small Silverware Set

You’ll also need a small silverware set like this one.

21. Brita Filter

A water filter is essential to make sure you have clean, filtered water while living in the dorms. I have a Brita and I love it!

22. Reusable Containers

Reusable containers are super convenient to have in your dorm room to store leftovers, take lunch with you to class, or if you want to take some food from the dining hall.

Related Post: 23 Genius Dorm Room Kitchen Ideas For Setting Up An Amazing Kitchen Space

23. Cooking Stuff

If you’re someone who doesn’t see yourself eating in the dining hall all the time, it is a great idea to have some appliances to cook with in your dorm. Rice cookers and crockpots are usually allowed and they’re so easy to cook with.

24. Electric Kettle

Another must have appliance for the dorms is an electric kettle. It boils water so fast and you can use it to make ramen noodles, mac and cheese, tea, coffee, etc.

25. Coffee Maker

If you’re a coffee drinker, a coffee machine for your dorm is an absolute must-have. It’ll save you so much money to make coffee in your dorm instead of going to coffee shops every day.

Electronics/ Tech Essentials

26. Power Strip/ Surge Protector

Dorm rooms typically don’t have very many outlets, so you’ll definitely need one of these to plug all your stuff in. It’ll also protect your electronics if your dorm has a power outage.

27. Long Phone Chargers

Since there aren’t many outlets in dorm rooms or on campus in general, you’ll probably need an extra long phone cord if you want to be able to play on your phone in bed or charge it on campus. This pack of three is perfect so you can keep one in your dorm, one in your backpack, and one in your pocket when you go out.

28. Roku

I couldn’t have lived without my Roku when I was living in the dorms. I’ve tried the fire stick and apple TV and Roku is my favorite streaming device by far.

Related Post: The Complete College Essentials List Of Things You’ll Actually Use

29. Batteries

You’ll definitely want to have some batteries on hand in the dorms just in case you need them.

30. Headphones

Switching from wired headphones to airpods was a life changer for me when it came to walking to class. Before I got airpods my headphones would constantly get yanked out of my ears on the walk to class, so airpods made my life so much easier.

31. Kindle

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If you’re a reader, a Kindle paperwhite is a must-have. If you don’t have an Ipad, you can also use it to download your textbooks on for school!

Dorm Organization/ Storage Essentials

32. Under The Bed Storage

You have to get a little creative when it comes to storage in dorm rooms, and storing things under your bed is the perfect way to do that. These under the bed organizers are perfect for storing clothes and such in!

33. Turntables

Some turntables like these are perfect for cabinet and fridge organization. They spin so they’re very convenient for storing things in.

34. Closet Organizer

When I first moved into the dorms, I saw that my roommate had one of these and I thought it was the smartest thing ever. It hangs in your closet and you can put clothes, shoes, snacks, all kinds of stuff in it.

Related Post: The Best Dorm Organization Ideas To Keep You Super Organized

35. Over The Door Storage

This is another great dorm storage hack! You can also use this to store shoes, snacks, clothes, etc.

36. Hangers

You don’t want to forget to bring some hangers to college or buy some when you get there!

37. Storage Drawers

These stackable storage drawers are perfect for a dorm room. You can put them wherever you have the space! This is one of the best dorm room essentials for guys who have a lot of things they need to store.

38. Hanger Organizers

This is another thing I wish I’d known about when I was living in the dorms. It’ll save you so much closet space if you have lots of clothes.

Dorm Cleaning Essentials

39. Small Vacuum

You’ll need a small vacuum for your dorm room. I made the mistake of bringing a big clunky one with me when I was moving into the dorms, and it took up way too much space.

I’ve heard amazing things about this vacuum and have heard people say it’s a good Dyson dupe!

If you want a good small vacuum for cheap, I’ve heard so many people rave about how good this one was in their dorm rooms.

Related Post: 31 Super Useful Off To College Gifts For Students They Actually Want

40. Cleaning Spray & Disinfecting Wipes

You don’t want too many cleaning supplies in your dorm room since you won’t have that much space, but you do need the essentials.

Some disinfecting wipes and an all purpose spray will get the job done when it comes to dorm cleaning. I recently bought an all purpose cleaner from this brand and it smells so good.

41. Laundry Supplies

You’ll also need the essentials when it comes to laundry supplies if you plan on doing your own laundry at college. These wool balls are great because dorm dryers usually suck and might not dry your clothes all the way, but these wool balls will help with that.

Dorm Furniture

42. Beanbag Chair

A beanbag chair like this is perfect if you want some extra seating for your dorm room that won’t take up that much space. I have this same one and it is super comfy.

43. Floor Length Mirror

If you want to be able to check how your outfits look, a floor length mirror is essential. This one is perfect for a dorm because it comes in different pieces and you can just stick them wherever you have space.

44. Futon

I’ve seen some people put futons in their dorm rooms! This would be a perfect furniture option if you have the space or plan on having anyone over to stay the night.

45. Black Out Curtains

Black out curtains are essential if you plan to take naps or be sleeping when it’s daylight out (which you probably will).

Dorm Food & Snacks

46. Mac & Cheese

I always made sure to have some of this mac & cheese in my dorm as a quick and cheap food option. It was a lifesaver!

Related Post: The Complete College Freshman Checklist For Your First Year Of College

47. Granola/ Protein Bars

You’ll also want some protein bars that you can grab and eat on your way to class if you forget to eat.

48. Coffee

If you drink coffee, you’ll need to have some coffee on hand as well.

49. Fruit Pouches

I recently discovered fruit pouches like these, and they are so convenient to have as a snack. Plus, they’re super yummy. They’d be perfect to keep in your backpack.

50. Peanut Butter

I always made sure to have some peanut butter on hand when I was living in the dorms to get some quick protein if I needed it!

51. Trail Mix

Trail mix is another amazing snack idea to have on hand when you’re living in the dorms.

School Supplies Essentials

52. Ipad & Apple Pencil

I know they’re expensive, but I highly, highly recommend getting an Ipad and apple pencil for college if you can. You can take notes on it, get your textbooks on it, pull up your class portal, pretty much anything you need.

I was a little scared to spend the money on mine, but I’m so glad I did! They were a lifesaver for me in college, and I still use them literally every single day.

53. Laptop & Charger

You will definitely need a laptop for college. I got a used Macbook Air as a gift for my high school graduation and I used it all throughout college and still use it every single day!

54. Planner

You need to use a planner to keep your life together in college and to keep track of all of your assignments.

55. Notebooks

You’ll need some subject notebooks like these to take notes for all your different classes if you don’t have an ipad or a tablet to take notes on.

Related Post: 15+ College Essentials For Class You Actually Need For Your Classes

56. Pens & Pencils

You’ll also need some pens and pencils. I am very particular about the pens and pencils I’ll use, and these are the best I’ve tried!

57. Mini Stapler

You’ll probably need to staple most of your paper assignments before you turn them in. I always kept a little mini stapler in my backpack because I’d always forget to staple my papers at home.

Things You Don’t Want To Forget

58. Rainy Day

I didn’t even think about getting rainy day stuff when I moved into the dorms, and very quickly realized my mistake when it was pouring down rain and I had to walk to class in it.

Do not be like me! Get some rain stuff to bring to college, especially if you’re going to be walking to class all the time.

59. First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is really good to have on hand in case anything happens.

60. Ear Plugs

Dorms are super, super noisy. If you are sensitive to noise, I would definitely get some earplugs. I have these and I love them!

Related Post: 30 Unexpected Things To Bring To College You Can’t Forget

61. Sleep Mask

A sleep mask is an essential if you’re a light sleeper and wake up when the lights get turned on. Your roommate will likely be getting up at a different time than you, so having an eye mask would be super handy for those times.

62. Wrinkle Release Spray

You probably won’t be ironing your clothes in your dorm room, so having some of this spray on hand would be good to get wrinkles out of your clothes! Most the guys I know don’t want to put that much effort into fixing wrinkly clothes, so this is one of the most important dorm room essentials for guys.

Important Documents

• Drivers License
• Student ID
• Copy Of Birth Certificate
• Health Insurance Cards
• Auto Insurance Card
• Financial Aid Documents

This post was all about the best dorm room essentials for guys for 2024.

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The Complete Dorm Room Essentials List Of Must Haves For 2024

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