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These dorm essentials from Amazon are must-haves for any college freshman who will be calling their dorm room their new home this year!
Packing for college can feel like a never-ending to-do list, especially when it comes to figuring out all those essential dorm room items. Between preparing for classes and getting used to campus life, you’ll soon realize there are some precious dorm essentials you didn’t even think of until the moment you need it!
Whether this is your first time preparing for college dorm life or even your senior year, everyone will find this dorm essentials list helpful. I’ve curated a list of the best-selling, highest-rated products and important things every college student needs. From must-have basics to trendy and fun finds that will make your space uniquely you, these dorm essentials are extremely important. Get ready to discover the ultimate list of dorm room essentials – your one-stop shop for a smooth and stylish transition to college life!
Check out our must-have dorm essentials!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Dorm Room Essentials:
1. Twin XL Bedding Set
Snuggle up in cozy comfort with a trendy duvet and sheet set made for dorm beds. This cozy Utopia Bedding Microfiber Duvet Cover Set comes in tons of colors to match your vibe!
2. Comfy Pillows
Sweet dreams start with the perfect pillows! These Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows are plush yet supportive for a good night’s sleep.
3. Eye Mask
An eye mask is one of the most underrated dorm room essentials — Trust me! Block out the light (or that early-bird roommate’s alarm) with a silk eye mask. This satin sleep mask comes in fun prints and feels heavenly soft.
4. Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Elevate your dorm bed with a memory foam topper (They’re basically impossible to sleep on otherwise!). This Milliard Gel-Grid Memory Foam Bed Topper adds pressure point relief and makes that creaky dorm mattress a thing of the past.
5. Bed Risers
Bed risers are one of the top dorm room essentials because they allow you to store so much of your stuff underneath your bed, giving you tons of extra space. Place these bed risers at the feet of your bed and put storage cubes underneath.
6. Bed Skirt
After getting the risers, you can hide the storage with a nifty bed skirt. It comes in many different colors to match your dorm room color scheme.
College Dorm Decor:
7. Desk Lamp
Brighten your study space with a stylish desk lamp. This LED Desk Lamp has adjustable brightness and a built-in phone charger – genius!
8. Dry Erase Board
Keep track of your assignments, to-do lists, and inspirational quotes with a fun patterned dry erase board (The calendar on your phone is just not enough when it comes to college life!). This one sticks right to your wall and keeps you organized.
(RELATED: Best Chair for Dorm Room: 28 Comfy & Cute Ideas)
9. Highlighters & Pens
Stock up on fun gel pens and highlighters to make studying a bit more colorful. This Zebra Mildliner Double-Ended Highlighter Set has pretty pastel shades that won’t bleed through your notes. Study hack: Colorful and fun notes not only makes key points in your notes easier to find, but also way more fun to study!
10. Comfy Desk Chair
You’re going to be in your chair studying a lot, so a comfy desk chair is one of the best dorm essentials. This one has lumbar support, a head rest, and a high back to keep you comfy during long study sessions.
Dorm Essentials for Guys and Girls:
11. Mini Desk Organizer
Keep your desk clutter-free with a cute mini organizer. I love this option because it has has compartments for pens, sticky notes, and whatever desk essentials you need at your fingertips.
12. Storage Bins & Baskets
Store textbooks, notebooks, and anything else that needs a home in decorative storage bins and baskets. These mDesign Fabric Storage Bins are extremely helpful and can fit in your closet, under your bed, or just about anywhere. They also have a window so you can see what’s inside.
13. Wall Pockets
Utilize your wall or door space with hanging storage pockets. This organizer can be used for snacks, shoes, school supplies, or any dorm essentials you can think of!
Dorm Kitchen Essentials:
14. Mini Fridge
Dorm fridges are small, so a mini fridge is a lifesaver! This BLACK+DECKER Compact Refrigerator is the perfect size for storing snacks, drinks, and your leftover pizza.
15. Microwave
A microwave is one of the must-have dorm essentials for easy dorm meals. This Countertop Microwave Oven is small but mighty and heats up your late-night snacks in a flash.
16. Electric Kettle
This electric kettle is perfect for making tea, instant coffee, or oatmeal.
17. Mini Keurig
If you love your coffee, this mini Keurig is a vital college dorm room essential! It comes in a bunch of cute colors including baby pink, my personal favorite. However, there’s also black for the guys!
18. Microwave Popcorn Popper
This is such a fun gadget to have during movie night. Get cozy with your roommates, or even by yourself, and get ready to have a Harry Potter movie marathon or binge-watch a whole season of your favorite show!
(RELATED: 51 Best Gifts For Dorm Room College Students Need)
19. Snack Containers
Portion control and healthy snacking go hand in hand with these containers. Pack some fresh fruit, veggies, or nuts for a brain-boosting study break. They’re also perfect for storing leftovers.
Dorm Room Ideas:
20. Laundry Basket
Dirty clothes don’t stand a chance with a stylish laundry basket. This SimpleHouseware Laundry Hamper is collapsible and has a lid to hide those gym clothes until laundry day.
21. Laundry Detergent & Dryer Sheets
Keep your clothes clean and fresh with travel-sized laundry detergent and dryer sheets. This Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent and Bounce Dryer Sheets will keep your dorm room smelling fresh.
22. Iron
Look your best for class presentations or nights out with a mini iron and steamer. This iron will de-wrinkle clothes in a flash.
23. Lint Roller
Keep clothes fuzz-free with a lint roller. This lint roller is small and easy to keep on hand for on-the-go touch-ups.
Dorm Bathroom Essentials:
24. Shower Caddy
Dorm showers can be tiny. Keep your shower essentials organized with a handy caddy. This Mesh Shower Caddy is made from quick-drying mesh and has pockets for all your shower supplies.
25. Bathrobe
Wrap yourself in cozy comfort after a shower with a plush bathrobe. These robes come in all kinds of colors and are the best dorm essentials for girls and guys!
26. Shower Shoes
Keep your feet clean and protected in the communal showers with a pair of shower shoes. These Adidas Adilette Shower Slides are comfy and dry quickly.
(RELATED: 49 Pink Dorm Room Ideas We’re Obsessed With)
27. Towels (Bath, Hand, & Washcloth)
Don’t forget the towels! You’ll need a bath towel, hand towel, and washcloth. This AmazonBasics Towel Set is a great value pack and comes in a variety of colors.
28. Laptop
A laptop is a must-have for college. This Apple MacBook Air Laptop is super sleek and light, perfect for carrying to class and the library. There are many other great laptops to choose from depending on your needs and budget!
Dorm Essentials Amazon:
29. Portable Charger
A portable charger is a lifesaver for keeping your phone charged throughout the day. This Anker PowerCore Portable Charger has a high capacity and can charge your phone multiple times.
30. Headphones
Zone out the dorm noise and listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks with a pair of headphones. These Sony Noise-Canceling Headphones (WH-1000XM4) are a great choice for blocking out distractions and also come in an aesthetic beige color I love.
31. Mini Printer
While most things are digital these days, a mini printer can be handy for printing out photos from your camera roll to decorate your dorm. This Kodak Mini Mobile Printer is portable and connects to your phone with Bluetooth.
32. Fairy Lights
String up some fairy lights for a whimsical and cute touch to your dorm room. These Twinkly Lights String Lights come in different colors and light patterns to set the mood. They also have clear clips to hang the photos you print!
33. Ambient Light Projector
This is by far one of the cutest dorm essentials that will make your dorm feel like home! Set a cozy mood with different lights, star patterns, and more that project on the ceiling and walls of your room.
Things Every College Student Needs:
34. Comfy Throw Blanket
Curl up on the couch or in bed with a cozy throw blanket. This Fuzzy Fleece Throw Blanket is super soft and warm, perfect for chilly dorm nights.
35. Area Rug
An area rug can add a pop of color and comfort to your dorm floor. This one comes in many styles and sizes to fit your dorm room.
Dorm Essentials for College:
36. Jewelry Organizer
Keep your necklaces, bracelets, and earrings tangle-free with a jewelry organizer. This one is perfect to put on top of your bureau and easily grab what you need.
37. Full-Length Mirror
See your entire outfit before heading out the door with a full-length mirror. This one is inexpensive and has an over-the-door design that saves floor space.
38. Vanity Mirror
This vanity mirror is important dorm decor because it has LED lights, which will make doing your hair and makeup a breeze even in the dingy dorm lighting!
(RELATED: 49 Must-Have Dorm Wall Decor Ideas)
39. Surge Protector Power Strip
Protect your electronics from power surges with a surge protector power strip. This Surge Protector Power Strip has multiple outlets and USB ports for all your devices.
40. Command Hooks Variety Pack
You never know what you’ll be hanging up — Dorm wall decor, a spot for your towels, you name it! These Command Hooks will help you do it all.
College Dorm Checklist for Freshman:
41. Storage Rolling Cart
This is a lifesaver for small dorm rooms! Maximize unused corners and store textbooks, snacks, cleaning supplies, or anything else you need on wheels.
42. Shoe Rack
Keep your shoes organized and off the floor with a shoe rack. This is a must-have, especially if you have limited closet space.
43. Hands-Free Trash Can
This is a game-changer for dorm rooms! Toss away tissues, wrappers, or anything else with just a foot tap. No more bending over or overflowing wastebaskets.
College Dorm Essentials:
44. Poo-Pourri
Dorm life can be…well, let’s just say interesting when it comes to shared bathrooms. Poo-Pourri is a lifesaver for those “special” occasions.
45. Portable Mini Fan
Beat the heat during those hot dorm days or stuffy nights with a portable mini fan. This USB-chargeable option is compact, quiet, and keeps you cool while you study or sleep.
This list makes the perfect dorm essentials checklist, so take notes on all the things you’ll need! Remember, college life is all about creating a space that feels like home, so don’t be afraid to personalize your dorm essentials list and add your own unique touches.
This post was all about dorm essentials.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
