Prepare for a successful first semester with our carefully curated College Dorm Life Essentials list. From cozy bedding and efficient storage solutions to study aids and dorm-friendly appliances, we've selected must-have items to help you navigate do... My Daughter just graduated and I remember her first semester like it was yesterday. Here are items that we found most helpful.
Getting ready to move to College is a big deal and its the little things that make a big difference when you are away from home. Here is a list to help with getting organized.
13 College Dorm Shopping Tips To Save You Money
This is one item that is super easy to forget in all the hustle to get things ready for your first semester away from home, but believe me it essential when you need it and you will need it.
Xpress First Aid 125 Piece All-Purpose Kit
This Surge Protector Power Strip Tower will be a life saver with limited outlets in the dorm room. The cord is 10ft so it should accommodate the most efficient layout of your dorm room.
Surge Protector Tower with USB C, 10FT Cord, 12 AC
In our experience the college provided a mattress but it was pretty old and well needed a Mattress Pad at least, this one comes in a Twin XL which you will need if you are in a shared dorm room.
Bedsure Twin XL Mattress Pad - Soft Topper, White
In our experience, the shared Showers and restrooms were down the hall and to have all of her grooming items in one organized place was very helpful.
famichan Mesh Shower Caddy, 8 Pockets, Large Capacity
Collapsible anything in small places is essential, but a Collapsible laundry basket is genius. From Moving to any day but laundry day this basket is perfect for Dorm Life.
SAMMART 42L Collapsible Laundry Basket
These will come in handy for Dorm Life. Lightweight and does not take up much room. Each box holds enough sheets do 100 small loads. No more lugging detergent down to the laundry.
Arm & Hammer Power Sheets Laundry Detergent 50ct
My daughter had one of these bedside caddys to keep everything up out of the floor and easy to find. Its not essential, but it sure is nice.
Bedside Caddy, Felt Bed Storage Organizer, Gray
If the Dorm room does not have bed lifts available this is an ideal substitute. This will allow room for under bed storage and any storage in a dorm room is essential.
Mezchi 6 Pack 6 inch Heavy Duty Bed Risers, Black
This mattress cover is nice for peace of mind if you are choosing to use the dorm room assigned Mattress. I always liked to think that the college cleans the mattress between each student, but you never know.
Utopia Bedding Full Zippered Mattress Encasement
Along with a First aid kit, your college student won't think about needing a thermometer until they really need it.
No-Touch Thermometer for Adults and Kids
This is Great little pot to heat up a can of soup, oatmeal, rice or Ramen.
Dezin 1.5L Mini Electric Hot Pot, Non-Stick, Egg Rack
My daughter had two of these in her room I believe at the foot of her bed. This is where she kept her food items as well as personal care items. These rolling carts make great storage.
Sywhitta 4-Tier Plastic Rolling Utility Cart
Shower Slides, cause nothing causes a bad day like Athletes foot. They are Non-negotiable in my opinion.
Xomiboe Quick Drying Non-Slip Shower Shoes
These under bed storage is perfect for extra blankets, Sweaters and coats until they are needed. Also good to keep shoes organized.
NestNeatly SmartCube Underbed Storage Bag, 3 Bins
A mattress topper certainly goes a long way to making their college bed feel a little more like home.
ABENE 3 Inch Dual Layer Memory Foam Topper, Twin XL
This is hands down one of the best fans to have to sleep at night Especially if you are used to having a fan to circulate the air while you sleep.
Vornado Duo Small Room Tower Fan, Black, 14 In.
I know the title is funny and attention grabbing but the information is valuable for students moving out to a new college environment where the rules are not what they are used to.
The Naked Roommate: 107 College Issues Guide
This is definitely a space saver to make efficient use of valuable dorm space. This is a neat and tidy place to keep your Plates, bowls and silverware. This is a very affordable option for above the Microwave.
PUSDON Microwave Oven Rack Extendable Shelf
Parents this is for the phone call you get after the first 6 weeks of college when they are tired of the same old food. Or In the fall when its to cold to walk the extra steps across campus to get a good breakfast. Keep this book in your pocket to help your college kid thru the challenges of eating on campus.
The Everything College Cookbook: 300 Recipes
Parents this is for the phone call you get after the first 6 weeks of college when they are tired of the same old food. Or In the fall when its to cold to walk the extra steps across campus to get a good breakfast. Keep this book in your pocket to he...
MICROWAVE COOKBOOK FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Parents this is for the phone call you get after the first 6 weeks of college when they are tired of the same old food. Or In the fall when its to cold to walk the extra steps across campus to get a good breakfast. Keep this book in your pocket to he...
Meal in a Mug: 80 Fast, Easy Recipes
Dorm room space savers are essential. I will provide several options to meet every budget. If your dorm allows Microwaves and Fridge in the room, there are ways to maximize space and organization.
Organize It All Mini Fridge and Microwave Stand
Dorm room space savers are essential. I will provide several options to meet every budget. If your dorm allows Microwaves and Fridge in the room, there are ways to maximize space and organization.
DOLALIKE Expandable Microwave Oven Rack
This is a very good option for a Fridge in the Dorm. Yes its a Luxury, but it would become essential if your Kiddo plans on cooking or having cold drinks.
EUHOMY 3.2 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer
For all the Ick that comes with being in a shared environment. Clorox is a must.
For Late night studying, phone charging and making sure you meet your due dates on assignments this Multipurpose desk lamp sure is a keeper.
LED Desk Lamp with Wireless Charger & USB Port
H20 - Clean pure water is a essential and this Pitcher provides some peace of mind that the water you are drinking is safe and tastes good.
Brita Metro Water Filter Pitcher, 6-Cup, White
This is a very good option to maximize the space in your closet. Allows you to hang more shirts in the space of 1 hanger.
Closet Organizers and Storage, 12 Pack Hangers
Ya'll homesickness is real. Comfort your kiddo at Mid-terms or when life begins to life too hard. This is a good option even if you have to schedule it thru Amazon. Let them know they are loved and supported.
Snack Box Variety Pack (50 Count)
If you know you know. Sometimes its hard to get to the laundry sometimes your neighbors shoes let themselves be known way too much. Just give it a little spray. Sometimes the College dorm lifestyle is just not Ideal. Little tricks help a lot.
Febreze Fabric Spray, Odor Fighter, 16.9 oz (2 Ct)
I learned this tip from my College aged daughter. Loops or earbuds to help lower the noise a snoring neighbor or just need help with focus. These are a help in many ways.
JUSTRVN Noise Reduction Earplugs with 7 Pairs Tips
The coolest thing about this Microwave is that it you can turn the sound off and on. This is very handy for your roomate that may sleep later. Just a new option I didn't even know was an option.
Comfee EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave, 0.7 Cu Ft
I'm not sure these are acceptable at every College dorm, but for My Daughter it seemed like everyother room had one. They also make disposable liners for Airfryers that would help with cleaning.
BELLA 2 qt Manual Air Fryer Oven, 5-in-1 Multicooker
Stadium Approved small Clear Backpack.
UEASE Clear Mini Stadium Backpack (Black)
Dont forget the can opener. Its a dorm room staple, especially when only soup sounds good.
Safring Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Can Opener
Lets keep it real. Sometimes you would rather sleep than walk down the hall and shower. These wipes are for the No Shower ball cap kind of mornings. You will thank me later.
MED PRIDE Rinse Free XL Bathing Wipes [12 Packs]
Sheets. You are going to need two sets. This option gives you lots to pick from. Most Dorm Beds are Twin XL.
Twin XL 3 Piece Sheet Set - Black Oeko-Tex
I little organization goes a long way. My daughter always kept up with her assignments on her planner and I liked the way its laid out. I actually use this in my daily life as a business analyst.
Lamare Weekly Planner Notepad – 52 Undated Sheets
Always need a safty device like this. It may bring you peace of mind on the long treks across campus.
ANKOSHUN Rechargeable Personal Alarm - Pink
A Necessity but easily forgotten. It would be a good idea to set these up on auto ship.
Glad 4 Gallon Kitchen Trash Bags, 80 Count
These long Bedskirts are perfect if your bed is already raised. It will hide a mutitude of mess and storage. Keep it Tidy, your roomate will thank you.
Ruffled Dorm Bed Skirt Twin XL 30" Dark Grey
Don't get stuck getting charged for putting holes in the wall. Use Command Hooks there is a hook for everything.
Command Variety Pack, Hanging Strips & Hooks
Microwave soup mugs are a must if you plan to eat in the dorm. This pairs well with the meal in a mug cookbook.
Unbreakable Microwave Soup Mugs with Lids
Perfect for late night meals at the dorm. Sometimes you want soup and a movie and this will get you there.
Wareland 30oz Ceramic Soup Bowls with Lids, Set of 2