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Dorm Room Essentials I Actually Used
17
items I lived on campus for 3 years as a college student and Resident Assistant, and trust me, there are a lot of things people say you need that just collect dust. This is a list of dorm essentials I actually used regularly — the things I’d recommend to a...
Sections
6
Sleep + Comfort
Organization + Storage
Food + Mini Kitchen
Cleaning + Hygiene
Study + Tech
Extras I Didn't Expect to Love
Sleep + Comfort
Perfect for late-night study sessions or when the dorm heater acts up.
Nestl Olive Green Throw Blanket for Couch, Lightweight Cut Plush Cozy Blanket, Fuzzy Warm Fleece Throw Blanket
College mattresses are basically gym mats. This really saved my back, definitely a must.
Mainstays 1.25" 7-Zone Foam Mattress Topper, Twin/Twin-XL - Walmart.com
Essential if you have early classes and a window facing the sun.
EZFurni Tension Curtain Rod 42-123in Black
Organization + Storage
My mobile command center. I used it for everything from hygiene to snacks.
Ebern Designs 3 Tier Rolling Utility Cart With Drawer,utility Cart Made Of Multifunctional Storage Organizer Tool For Kitchen,bathroom,living Room,office | Wayfair
Used this for toiletries, snacks, chargers — anything that didn’t fit anywhere else.
ULG Over Door Organizer 5 Large & 10 Mesh Pockets
Lifesaver for keeping clothes, snacks, and random stuff out of sight.
41qt Clear Under Bed Storage Box White - Brightroom™
Food + Mini Kitchen
If you can split one with a roommate, it makes dorm life 10x better.
Mainstays 3.2 Cu. ft. 2-Door Refrigerator with Freezer, Stainless Steel Look
If you can split one with a roommate, it makes dorm life 10x better.
Hamilton Beach 1.7L Illuminated Glass Kettle - 40869: Electric Water Boiler, Overheat Protection, Cordless, LED Indicator
Cleaning + Hygiene
There’s no surviving a shared bathroom without this.
Mainstays by Becky G. & Alejandra Small Portable Shower Caddy, Blue - Walmart.com
Bring extras. You’ll thank me later.
Hawmam Linen 6-Piece Bathroom Set - 2 Bath Towels, 2 Hand Towels, 2 Washcloths - 100% Turkish Cotton, Gray - Soft, Plush, Quickdry, High Absorbent - Bathroom Accessories & Dorm Room Essentials - Walmart.com
Dorms get real grimy, real fast.
Lysol Lemon and Lime Blossom Disinfecting Wipes- 80ct
Study + Tech
Dorms are loud. Whether you're studying or trying to sleep, these saved my sanity.
Apple - AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation - White
Not enough outlets anywhere. I kept two: one by the bed, one at my desk.
Surge Protector Power Strip, with 8 Outlets and 4 USB Ports, 4 Feet Power Cord (2000W/10A) , 1700 Joules, ETL Listed, Black
Great for late-night studying without annoying your roommate.
Mainstays LED Desk Lamp with Catch-All Base & AC Outlet, Matte Black - Walmart.com
Extras I Didn't Expect to Love
No nails allowed — these helped me hang everything from keys to decor.
Black & Decker Wall Hooks – 6pk, White, Removable, Holds up to 2 lbs.
Way better than a hard basket when you have to haul your laundry across campus.
Backpack Laundry Bag Textured Gray - Brightroom™: Polyester, 3500 Volume, Multipurpose Hamper Bag, All Ages
Dorms don’t always smell great. A little sage goes a long way.” (Make sure it’s allowed in your dorm)
Air Wick Vibrant Essential Mist Starter Kit - White Sage Mahogany 1+1 - 0.67 fl oz