Everything you need to turn your dorm into a cozy, functional home away from home. These are the move-in essentials you'll actually use all semester long!
Sections
10
Electronics
Kitchen
Bathroom
Desk/Study
Organization
Bedding/Sleep
Electronics
Dorms rarely have enough outlets, and you'll likely be charging multiple devices every day
The best fan for the dorms! Some dorms can get very hot and stuffy!
Woozoo 5-Speed Globe Fan - Costco Wholesale
Definitely a need for the dorm!
Extension cords | Amazon.com
Super important if you have multiple things that need to be plugged in!!
Surge Protectors / Power Strips & ...
A long phone charger is important, especially with outlet placement + dorm bed heights!
Long Phone Charger - Amazon.com
Having a charging station to keep everything in one place is something I wish I had done my freshman year!!
Dock5 Multi-Device Charging Station - Satechi
Computers and such this is a need!
Amazon Best Sellers: Best USB Hubs
Speakers can be fun to have for parties, or just simply listening to music!
Ultimate Ears Portable Speakers, Bluetooth Speakers, Wireless ...
Not a necessity but who doesn't love good lighting!!
Ring Light - Amazon.com
Makes studying and working on assignments more comfortable
Wireless Mouse - Amazon.com
Creates a better desk setup!
Wireless Keyboard - Amazon.com
JBL has the BEST speakers!!
Speakers - Buy Authentic Products at the Official JBL Shop
Combines a sunrise alarm with relaxing sleep sounds to improve your routine
Hatch Restore 3 - Smart Sound Machine Alarm Clock
Kitchen
Even if you have a meal plan, you'll want snacks and quick meals in your dorm
Not all dorms will allow this but if you love coffee this is a need!
K-Mini® Single Serve Coffee Maker - Keurig
Again not all dorms will allow this but it is great for food you may need hot water for and hot drinks!
Electric Kettle - Amazon.com
Super important because you will probably be eating a lot of microwaved foods!
Microwave-safe Bowl - Amazon.com
Instead of buying bulk of plastic utensils just buy a solid pair of utensils that you can use throughout the year!
Reusable Utensils - Amazon.com
Helps you stay hydrated throughout the day.
Water Bottle - Amazon.com
Keeps drinks cold for hours and is perfect for campus.
Owala - Amazon.com
Keeps drinks cold for hours and is perfect for campus.
Stanley 1913 Drinkware & Gear | Bottles, Tumblers, Growlers & More
Saves money while improving the taste of tap water.
Water Filter Pitcher - Amazon.com
Keeps your favorite snacks organized and easy to grab.
Snack Organizer - Amazon.com
Makes preparing simple meals quicker and easier.
Mini Food Chopper - Amazon.com
Simple to keep in the dorms to spice up that dining hall food!
Salt And Pepper Shakers - Amazon.com
Keeps drinks cold all day and is a viral everyday essential
The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate™ Tumbler | 40 OZ - Stanley 1913
Bathroom
Whether you have a communal or private bathroom, these essentials make your daily routine much more convenient
A holdable shower caddy is important for those trips to the communal showers!
Shower Caddy - Amazon.com
These are a MUST!!!!! College showers can be super gross sometimes
Shower Shoes - Amazon.com
Quick dry towels are super convenient to have!
Quick Dry Towels - Amazon.com
A bath robe is also a MUST!!! Especially for those awkward trips from your dorm to the shower!
Bathrobe - Amazon.com
These are the best for long hair, and they stay in place better than a regular towel
Hicober Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap, Fast Dry
Toiletry bags/organizers are super important!!
Travel Toiletry Bag for Women & Men | Eagle Creek
Great for keeping your toothbrushes in one place
Amazon Best Sellers: Best Toothbrush Holders
A filtered shower head can be a huge help because sometimes the dorm water can be full of minerals!!
Filtered Shower Head - Amazon.com
Desk/Study
Your desk becomes your workspace for classes, studying, and late-night assignments. These products help make it more productive and comfortable
Raises your screen to eye level for better posture during long study sessions!
Amazon.com: Laptop Stands
Essential for late-night studying without disturbing your roommate.
Amazon Best Sellers: Best Desk Lamps
Can help reduce eye strain after hours of screen time!
livho High Tech Blue Light Glasses
Makes it easy to keep track of assignments, exams, and events.
Makes it easier to study in loud dorms or libraries!!
Shop Noise-Cancelling Headphones - Bose
Keeps your devices powered during long days on campus
Portable Charger - Amazon.com
Organization
Dorm rooms are small, so smart storage solutions help maximize every inch of space while keeping your room from feeling cluttered
Great for storing off-season clothes, shoes, or extra supplies without taking up closet space.
Budding Joy 90L Under Bed Storage Container
Doubles as seating and hidden storage for blankets, books, or snacks!
Ottomans & Storage Ottomans | Amazon.com
Maximizes limited closet space with extra shelves.
Hanging Closet Organizer - Amazon.com
Saves closet space and prevents clothes from slipping off
Utopia Home Velvet Hangers 50 Pack Slim
A versatile organizer for snacks, school supplies, toiletries, or beauty products.
Rolling Cart - Amazon.com
Helps keep your workspace neat so you can focus on studying.
Desk Organizer - Amazon.com
Keeps small items from turning into a cluttered mess
Drawer Dividers - Amazon.com
Adds instant storage for towels, jackets, and backpacks.
Over The Door Hooks - Amazon.com
Keeps shoes organized and off the floor.
Shoe Organizer - Amazon.com
Great for organizing open shelving or cubbies.
Storage Cubes - Amazon.com
Bedding/Sleep
A comfortable bed can make all the difference during stressful semesters. Since dorm mattresses are usually thin and uncomfortable, these upgrades can seriously improve your sleep.
Most dorm beds are Twin XL, not Twin. Having a soft, durable set makes your bed much more comfortable.
Twin Xl Sheets - Amazon.com
Dorm mattresses are notoriously thin and firm. A memory foam topper can completely change your sleep quality.
Bedsure Twin XL Soft Mattress Pad Topper
Protects against spills, stains, and allergens while extending the life of your bedding.
