Let’s admit it, moving into a dorm for the first time can be extremely stressful. From what to pack to meeting your roomie for the first time, there is just alot to take in. Not to worry, we have got your back with a list of the dorm room essentials that will set you up for success this school year. Whether you are looking for a dorm room essentials list or just want to know the basics of what to pack, we will show you everything that you need to know so that you are well prepared.
As someone who has visited their friends dorms every weekend, I have gathered in my mind what dorm rooms looked good and what rooms looked like a hot mess. There are ways that you can really maximize the space in your room and actually make it feel cozy. With the right organization and decor, your room can feel less like an outdated dorm and more like an actual room. I am here to share with you the dorm room essentials that worked for my friends so that you don’t have to do the testing.
In this blog post, we will show you dorm room essentials that you should really pack for your move in day. We will show you some tips, ideas, and advice to help make your dorm a cozy and stress free place to be. From dorm room essentials for girls to dorm room ideas in general, we have curated a list of the items you should start off with when creating your dorm wishlist.
This blog post is all about dorm room essentials.
*Please note this post contains affiliate links and I may earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support!
What do college students need the most?
One item college students need the most is a planner to make sure that their assignments are on time and to balance their time.
BEST DIGITAL PLANNER FOR IPAD:
Tips for Freshmen Moving Into a Dorm
- Know what is included: Look up what school provides and what’s allowed or not.
- Coordinate with your roommate: Avoid duplicates and plan who brings what.
- Clean before unpacking: Bring supplies to clean your space before you move in.
- Don’t overpack: You don’t have alot of space so start with the clothing you need for the season.
- Invest in storage systems: Maximize vertical space for bins, shoes, etc.
- Pack a small tool kit: Screwdrivers, scissors, tape—you’ll probably need them.
- Make sure to bring your important paperwork: Bring your ID and insurance info.
- Come early on move-in day: Make sure you get there early to beat the rush for elevators and parking.
Dorm Room Essentials List
Now, let’s uncover the dorm room essentials you need before move in day.
1. Shower Caddy
One of the not so glamorous parts about living in a dorm is having to share your bathroom with complete strangers. Do yourself a favor and grab one of these shower caddies to keep all of your bathroom essentials in like your shampoo, body wash, and razor. Having everything is one spot will make your showering experience so much easier!
MORE BATHROOM ESSENTIALS:
- Towels (2–3 large for bath, hand, face)
- Toiletries (shampoo, body wash, etc.)
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Razor, deodorant, etc.
2. Bed Rest Pillow
There are not too many seating options in a dorm room and you will find that most likely your friends and you will be hanging out on your bed. Make your bed a comfortable place for scrolling on your phone or doing homework by having one of these back support pillows handy.
3. Wavy Frame
Make your side of the dorm room feel unique with some frames and wall decor. These wavy picture frames are perfect for wall art, family photos, or to add cute posters. Buy three of them and put them across your bed or create a gallery wall with a few more.
TIP: Be sure to hang your frames using command hooks or velcro to avoid damaging the walls.
4. Owala Bottle
Make sure that you always have cold water handy especially for those long weekends after partying by packing an Owala bottle. These stainless steel water bottles have pretty much replaced the Stanley and will definitely be seen all over campus.
5. Decorative Throw Pillow
Throw pillows are a must when it comes to bedding and dorm room decor. We suggest having at least two pillows on your bed for sleeping and up to three throw pillows for maximum comfort. You want your bed to feel cozy and like a chill place for all of your friends to relax on.
TIP: Coordinate bedding with your roommate to create a cohesive looking dorm.
6. Printed Posters
How cute is this set of 6 printed posters for your dorm room. Slip these posters into different frames to create an instant gallery wall or use them as is for decor on your cork board, wipe off board, etc.
7. Organizer Table Lamp
Those dorm room lights can be harsh, especially in the middle of the night! Be sure to pack a small table lamp so that you can easily access a small light without getting out of your bed. We love this table lamp because it has a built in organizer for you to store pens, chargers, and miscellaneous items.
8. Shower Flip Flops
We all know how icky it can be to walk barefoot on those shared shower floors or the hallways leading up to the bathroom which is why it is crucial to have shower flip flops handy.
9. Comfy Chair
Seating is definitely limited in dorm room so having a foldable chair is the best way to have extra seating when you need without taking up too much space. This chair is great for your friends to hangout in, you to scroll in or just a cozy nook to get some school work done.
10. Command Hooks
![Command Small Metallic Hooks [Removable]: Small Matte Black [4-pack] (Matte Black) [4-sets]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41sFVsCy9cL._SL500_.jpg)
Command hooks are your best friend when it comes to decorating in a dorm because they don’t damage the walls and they are super easy to put up. Use your command hooks to hang wall decor or use them to hang your personal items like your keys, lanyards, belts, towels, and more.
11. Rolling Hamper
Make laundry alittle less annoying by having a rolling hamper in your closet. This will help keep the dirty clothes off of your floors and tucked away until it is time to wash. When you need to wash your clothes all you need to do is just grab some detergent and roll it down the hallway.
MORE LAUNDRY AND CLEANING ESSENTIALS:
- Laundry basket
- Detergent + stain remover
- Disinfectant wipes
- Small vacuum or broom/dustpan
- Air freshener or room spray
12. Food Storage Containers
College dorm life means tons and tons of takeout and leftovers. We suggest investing in glass food storage containers and bento boxes for the days you need to pack a lunch or just store those leftovers.
MORE KITCHEN DORM ESSENTIALS:
- Mini fridge & microwave (check what’s allowed)
- Reusable water bottle
- Travel coffee mug
- Utensils, plates, and bowls (microwave-safe)
- Dish soap + sponge
- Snacks (granola bars, ramen, etc.)
13. Bedding
Bedding can make or break the aesthetics of a dorm room and help create a theme throughout the dorm. The key to having a cozy and comfortable dorm room bed is having a mattress topper and tons of layers. For the nights when you are hot or cold, you have options with different layers.
TIP: Bring a mattress topper because those dorm beds aren’t the comfiest.
MORE BEDDING ESSENTIALS:
- Twin XL sheets (check dorm size)
- Comforter or duvet
- Pillows + pillowcases
- Mattress protector
- Throw blanket
14. USB Power Strip
Dorm rooms tend to have a shortage of outlets and they are always far away from where you need them. These usb power strips so that you can plug in up to 12 different items and charge up your devices with the usb ports.
15. Over the Door Organizer
Over the door organizers are the best way to maximize the amount of storage in your dorm’s closet without taking too much space. You can use the organizer to store socks, underwear, makeup products, chargers and more.
MORE CLOTHING STORAGE ESSENTIALS:
- Clothes for all seasons
- Hangers
- Under-bed storage bins
- Drawer organizers
- Shoe rack or organizer
16. Aesthetic Pens
This pack of fine point pens has been an amazon purchase that I am obsessed with and perfect for you if you are taking lots of notes and need something pretty to write with.
TIP: Set up a study zone in your room and make your desk functional and comfortable.
MORE STUDY SUPPLIES:
- Notebooks, folders, or binders
- Pens, pencils, highlighters
- Sticky notes & index cards
- Backpack or tote
- Printer & ink (optional, check dorm printers)
18. Turbo Fan
There is nothing worse than getting assigned to an old dorm room that has no air conditioning or an air conditioner that doesn’t work the best. Be sure to have a turbo fan packed just incase your room is hotter than expected.
MORE MISC. ESSENTIALS:
- First-aid kit
- Medications
- Toolkit (screwdriver, scissors, etc.)
- Air purifier
- Wall hooks or Command strips (no damage)
- Important documents (ID, insurance, etc.)
19. Cozy Throw Blanket
Adding cozy throw blankets to your dorm bed can make it feel more like a lounging area and less like a bed. This Bedsure throw blanket is a super affordable and cozy blanket that comes in any color to match your rooms theme.
20. 3 Tier Cart
Like we have mentioned, storage is super limited when it comes to dorm rooms so sometimes you need to get creative and create store opportunities for yourself. Many of my friends had these three tiered plastic carts to keep their out of season clothing in, pajamas, or extra sheets in.
21. Black Out Curtains
You never know how much light is going to come in through the window of your dorm room. If you like to stay up late and sleep in, blackout curtains are a must for your dorm.
This blog post was all about dorm room essentials.
CHECK OUT OUR SIMILAR BLOG POSTS:
- 17 Amazing Dorm Room Decor That Will Make You Stand Out
- 15 Apartment Aesthetic Ideas You Need To Know About
- 17 Aesthetic Dorm Room Ideas That Will Save You Tons Of Space
