The Complete Dorm Room Essentials List Of Must Haves For 2024

Going to college soon and looking for a dorm room essentials list to help you prepare? Here are all of the things you really need for your dorm room.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclaimer here.

When going to college for the first time, it can be hard to make a dorm room essentials list. I remember before I went to college I really had no idea what kinds of things college freshman need for dorms, and had no idea what to buy.

I recently graduated college and after living in the dorms myself I’m here to give you the best dorm room essentials checklist of all the things you actually need for your dorm room!

Here are the best amazon dorm room essentials to help you get ready to move into a new dorm room.

This post is all about the best dorm room essentials list.

The Best Dorm Room Essentials List Of What You Really Need In A Dorm Room

Table of Contents

Best All Around Dorm Essentials

1. Bedside Shelf

This is a literal must have for your dorm bed, especially if you plan on lofting your bed. It’s a little shelf that attaches to the side of your bed and you can set all your stuff on it.

2. Thick Mattress Pad

A mattress topper is the main thing for your college dorm that you do NOT want to skimp on. I started out with a really thin cheap mattress pad when I lived in the dorms, and ended up having to get a thicker one because the dorm beds are THAT uncomfy.

If you’re going to spend some money on something for your dorm, I’d recommend getting a nice mattress topper like this one!! It’s pretty affordable compared to similar ones.

3. Laundry Backpack

This is something I seriously wish I knew about when I was in college. It’s a backpack laundry hamper so you can easily carry your dirty laundry and laundry stuff to the laundry mat on campus.

I highly recommend getting one of these because carrying your laundry hamper to and from the campus laundry mat is such a pain.

4. Sheet Straps

This is another thing I really wish I’d known existed while I was living in the dorms. They’re sheet straps that make sure your sheets don’t slip.

The dorm beds are super slippery and I swear I was having to adjust and fix my sheets every single time I got in my bed. These would’ve been SUCH a lifesaver.

5. Storage Cart

A storage cart like this can be used for so many things, but it would be an especially good idea to use it for a little kitchen setup!

6. Clip On Fan

A lot of dorm rooms don’t have very good air circulation, and I’ve heard tons of people say a clip on fan like this was a life saver. This would also be perfect if you’re lofting your bed so you make sure you’re getting air up there!

7. Closet Organizers

You’ll likely have very little closet space in your dorm, so these hanger organizers are a super good idea. It’ll help you fit more clothes in your closet while still keeping it organized!

8. Filtered Water Bottle

A water bottle like this that has a filter in it is perfect for living on campus because it’ll automatically filter whatever water you put in it and make it so you can fill up your water anywhere!

Dorm Bedroom

9. Twin XL Bedding

Dorm beds are size twin XL, so you’ll need to get some bedding that will fit them. These dorm sheets are highly rated on Amazon, and these are the pillow cases that I use and I love them! They’re satin so they’re much better for your hair and skin than normal pillow cases.

Related Post: The Best Dorm Room Essentials For Girls 2024

10. Mattress Protector

Something else you’ll want to get for your dorm is a mattress protector. This will not only protect you from the germs of the person who used your bed before you, it will also protect the mattress if you happen to spill something on your bed!

11. Back Pillow

Since there isn’t always space in a dorm room for a chair to sit in, you’ll probably be sitting in your bed a lot to do homework and such. I’d recommend getting a back pillow like this one so you’ll have some back support.

I still use the back pillow I bought for my dorm room now that I’ve graduated!

12. Throw Blanket

Having a throw blanket will keep you cozy and warm without you having to get under all of your covers! And you can just carry it around with you when you go visit friend’s dorms. You can never have too many cozy throw blankets.

13. Weighted Blanket

Getting a weighted blanket in college was a GAME CHANGER for me when it came to stress and anxiety. It helps your body calm down and helps you relax. On nights when I was super stressed and anxious bc of school my weighted blanket was a life saver when it came to getting some sleep, and I highly recommend getting one! The investment is so worth it.

14. Laundry Hamper

You’ll also need a laundry hamper for your dorm. You need one with handles so you can carry it to the laundry room on campus! These collapsible ones are great for dorm living because they’re cheap and you can just collapse them to save space when they’re not in use.

If you’re willing to spend a little over $20 for a laundry hamper, this one is super cute for dorms!! Getting a nice laundry basket for dorms is something I recommend because one like this can double as decor and make your dorm look a lot cuter and more put-together.

15. Desk Lamp

You’ll also need a desk lamp for your desk. This is something that might not seem like an essential at first. I didn’t think I was going to get a lot of use out of my desk lamp, but if you have a roommate you seriously need one! My roommate would always go to sleep before me and I used my desk lamp to do homework after she went to sleep and turned the lights off.

16. Small Trash Can

This is one of those things you might not think to get ahead of time, but you’ll need a small trashcan for your dorm room! I still use the small trashcan I used in my freshman year dorm room.

Click here for the freebie!

Dorm Kitchen/ Kitchenette Essentials

17. Bowls, Dishes, Cups, And Mugs

You don’t want to get a ton of dishes for your dorm because there likely won’t be a lot of storage space for them, but you will need some! These sets are perfect for dorm use because they come with 4 each and they’re microwave safe! They’re also eco friendly and super cute, so it’s a win-win.

18. Small Silverware Set

I literally did not even think to get silverware for my dorm, so I was very lucky my roommate had some. Like dishes, you don’t want to get a ton of silverware, but you will need a small set! This one set is perfect.

19. Reusable Containers

You’ll also need some reusable containers for leftovers when you eat out or cook. You can also take food from the meal hall back to your dorm in these (I did that all the time because I hated going to the cafeteria).

20. Dish Rack

This is another thing that literally did not cross my mind to get for my dorm room, but I was lucky my roommate had already. You’ll need a small dish rack to dry your dishes!

21. Reusable Water Bottle

Everyone needs an emotional support water bottle. If you don’t have one already, you’ll want to get one! You’ll need it for staying hydrated when you have classes all day.

22. Electric Kettle

Electric kettles are something that are usually allowed in dorm rooms (before you buy any kitchen appliance you need to make sure it is allowed, some colleges are more strict than others). It’s great for boiling water to cook noodles, pasta, tea, etc. Having one is a good idea especially if you aren’t allowed to have other kitchen appliances! I used an electric kettle even after I moved out of the dorms. A great thing to add to your dorm room essentials list!!

23. Coffee Maker

Investing in a coffee maker ahead of time will save you SO much money on getting coffee from Starbucks, Dunkin, etc. I’ve used cheap lil coffee makers and they get the job done, but I’ve found that I Keurigs do a lot better job. If you have the money to invest in one I’d highly recommend! This mini one is perf for a dorm room.

If you can’t afford to buy a new Keurig or nice coffee maker full price, check Facebook Marketplace or thrift stores!! I literally found a super fancy touch screen Keurig at Goodwill for $12 last week and it works perfectly.

24. Mini Fridge

You’ll also probably need to get a mini fridge for your dorm room. It’s a little bit of an investment but it really is an essential for dorm life. You can always sell it when you move out!

P.S. if you want some awesome ideas for how you can set up a kitchen space in your dorm, I have a post on it here!

25. Cooking Appliances

college dorm checklist for freshman girl

Like I said earlier, make sure you check the rules for your dorm before buying kitchen appliances! These are all appliances that I used in my dorm room and they were a LIFE SAVER. I’m a vegetarian and the meal hall didn’t have a lot of options for me, so I used these to cook in my dorm.

26. Dish Towels

Make sure you also get some dish towels to dry your dishes for your dorm room. You could also just use normal washcloths.

Bathroom

27. Shower Caddy

If you’re going to be using a communal shower, a shower caddy is an essential. I’d recommend a mesh one like this because it’s got a lot of storage pockets, and also it won’t mold if it gets wet like a plastic one will.

28. Shower Shoes

You’ll also need shower shoes if you’re using a communal shower because you don’t want to get athletes foot or something by going barefoot. You don’t know what the other people who use the showers have going on, so better safe than sorry!! If you’re only sharing your shower with a few other people, you can probably skip this one. But again, better safe than sorry.

29. Bath Robe

Because you’ll likely be sharing the shower with other people, getting a bathrobe is a good idea since you’ll probably have to walk past people after getting out of the shower. This bath robe has really high ratings on Amazon and it’s really cute!

30. Towel Set

Don’t forget to also grab some towels if you don’t have some that you can take to school with you already!

Dorm Organization And Storage

31. Hangers

If you can bring hangers from home, you can skip getting some extra. But if you don’t have some you can take with you, I’d recommend getting some beforehand!

32. Plastic Storage Drawers

I used a plastic drawer set like this to store my snacks and other stuff when I lived in the dorms freshman year. To save space I put it under my bed, but you can put it wherever you want! This is a great thing to add to your dorm room essentials list if you need some extra storage.

33. Under The Bed Storage

Another good idea for under the bed storage are these storage bag organizers. These are great for storing clothes especially, but you can put anything in them really.

34. Closet Storage

For some more extra storage, I’d recommend getting an over the door organizer and a hanging organizer you can hang in the closet with your clothes. I’ve seen people put clothes, shoes, and snacks in these! The world is your oyster. These will help you keep your closet organized!

Dorm Room Cleaning Supplies

35. Small Vacuum

If you’re on cleaning tik tok like me you know all about the amazing handheld Dyson vacuum cleaner. This one is a waaaaayyy cheaper dupe! I’ve heard great things about it! You’ll need a small vacuum cleaner for your dorm room.

If you’re looking for a cheaper option and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on a vacuum, I’ve also heard great things about this one, especially for dorm use! And it’s under $30!

36. Laundry

Don’t forget to get some laundry stuff before going to school too. I swear by these for doing your laundry!! I probably won’t ever use another fabric softener after finding the Downy Calm one because it smells SO good. Wool dryer balls are great for college because they’ll help your clothes dry faster in the crappy campus laundry mat dryers!

37. Cleaning Spray And Disinfecting Wipes

You’ll also want something to clean with, but you might not want to get a ton of cleaning supplies because of the lack of storage space. Getting an all purpose cleaning spray and some disinfectant wipes will probably do the trick!!

Dorm Furniture

38. Futon

I’ve heard some people get futons for their dorms! If you have space for it, it’s a great idea to get for your dorm room! This one is pretty affordable. I got one very similar to it for my first apartment and I really liked it! Futons are really nice because you can adjust them and make them into a bed if you have someone spending the night.

39. Full Length Mirror

A full length mirror is one of the first things I bought for my dorm after moving in. You’ll need one if you want to be able to see your full outfits! It’s also good for being able to sit on the floor to do your makeup in your room without having to go to the bathroom. This one is great for dorms because it has 4 sections that you can just stick anywhere!

40. Bean Bag Chair

If you want some extra seating in your dorm room that won’t take up a ton of space, a bean bag chair is a great option! This is the exact one that I have in my house and it’s super comfy and cute.

Decor

41. Command Strips

You’ll need some command strips to hang up whatever you decide to decorate your dorm with! I’d recommend getting some ahead of time so you have it when you need it.

42. Cute Lighting

I would also invest in some cute lighting for your dorm room! The fluorescent overhead lights in dorm rooms are just absolutely not the move when it comes to making a comfy cozy room where you can go to relieve stress.

Dorm Food And Snacks

43. Mac N Cheese

I ALWAYS had mac and cheese cups in my dorm room and they were a life saver for when I didn’t have time to go to the meal hall or make something before class. They’re also a nice lil snacky.

44. Cliff Bars

Another thing I always had in my dorm room were cliff bars. Again, it’s important to have something that you can just grab and take with you when you’re super busy!

45. Coffee

If you’re a coffee drinker, you’ll also want to keep some coffee on hand.

46. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is another good idea to have as a snack!

Rainy Day

47. Rain Jacket, Rain Boots, And Umbrella

I totally forgot to bring anything for a rainy day when I went to college, and only realized I’d forgotten when I woke up one day to walk to class and it was pouring down rain. Don’t forget to bring an umbrella, rain boots, and a rain jacket if you’re going to be walking to class!!

Dorm Electronics

48. Roku

A roku is an awesome thing to get for your dorm if you’re bringing a TV because it has all of the streaming services in one little box! I’ve used other steaming devices like the Prime stick and apple TV and I think Roku is the best! My favorite part is that you can customize your wallpaper and theme to make your TV screen look cute.

49. Extras

You’re going to want to grab a power strip because you likely won’t have a lot of outlets in your dorm room. You’ll also need some extra batteries and an HDMI cord to plug things into your TV if you’re going to have one in your room.

College Class Essentials

50. Laptop

Most college classes require a laptop, so I would recommend getting one before you go to school. I used a Macbook laptop (I still do) all throughout college and I really liked using it for my classes!

If you don’t want to buy one full price, you could get one used which is what I did! You also might be able to rent one on campus!

51. Planner

A planner is an absolute essential for college. You’re probably going to have so many things going on at once that it will be hard to keep track of all of them without writing them down. I’d highly recommend getting a planner and writing everything down in it!! Definitely something to add to your dorm room essentials list.

52. Note Taking

college dorm checklist for freshman girl printable

You’ll also need things to use to take notes in class! These subject notebooks are really cute and perfect for using for different classes. These pens have been my absolute favorite lately and they’d be perfect for taking notes!

For my full list of school supply essentials, click here!

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 list to help you prepare to move into a dorm.

More Posts You’ll Love:

The Best Dorm Room Essentials For Girls 2024

The Ultimate College Freshman Dorm Checklist + A Free Printable PDF

21 Insanely Cute College Dorm Room Ideas To Give You The Best Dorm Decor Inspo

If you liked this dorm room essentials list and would like to see more posts like it, be sure to hit the button below to subscribe to my email list and be notified every time I post something new! Thanks for reading, and see you next time. 🙂

Join the Ryality Community