The perfect list for incoming college students that are living in dorms, and/ or share a living and bathroom space. To the college student, from the college student.
Sections
4
Communal Shower Needs
Room Essentials
School + Classes
Moving In
Communal Shower Needs
Necessities for if you share a shower space/ bathroom. #hygiene #shower #needs
An essential for a shared bathroom space. Get a PLASTIC one, not mesh. Mesh molds! So, if you don’t want a shower caddy that molds, get this one! #showercaddy
Portable Shower Caddy
Also a must for shared bathroom space. Shoes for the shower so you don’t get unknown diseases in the shower!
Best Shower Shoes
If you’re moving to somewhere with snow, these are a MUST.
Women's Snow & Winter Boots
(Also dependent on where you’re located) A nice raincoat/ umbrella so you don’t get drenched.
Raincoats | STUTTERHEIM US
A necessity. If you don’t carry a water bottle around, chances are you don’t drink water throughout the day
Water Bottle
Room Essentials
Because the dining hall won’t always have forks, spoons, and knives.
500 Pack Knife Fork Spoon Napkin Salt Pepper Sets
A small/ medium garbage can is a must! Along with garbage bags.
Small Trash Can
Great water filter so you don’t have to buy waters every week or get up and go get water everytime you run out.
Shop All Brita Filters & Products
Perfect to lighten up your dorm room without the hassle of putting LED lights up!
Fairy Lights
Not a need. BUT, as someone who loves playing music and singing, this is perfect, small, and portable!
The 5 Best Small Bluetooth Speakers of 2026
If you have carpet, this is perfect. Also compact so it doesn’t take up a ton of space.
Mini Vacuum
A must for your dorm bed. Also makes bed more comfortable.
Best Mattresses Toppers
A cute little mirror you can put in your room for checking out your looks!
Mirror
Perfect for keeping track of what you have to during the week!
White Board
A cute desk lamp for when you want to do your work/ read in a more light focused area.
Best Desk Lamps
Chair covers for your dorm chair. Elevate the look. (One with color) Also, you don’t want a dirty seat that many people before you have sat on.
Slipcovers For Dorm Chairs
A need for cleaning your dorm room (if you have hardwood floor like me).
Swiffer
Microwave + Fridge combo is definitely the way to go! Self explanatory!!!
Microwaves
A NEED. Don’t damage your walls, get these instead!! Hang up your favorite things.
Command™ hooks
Perfect for storage because you WILL need extra space.
Storage & Utility Carts - Rolling Kitchen & Bath Carts
Plug ins for a fresh smelling room. I always get compliments on how good my room smells and THIS is why. Get it I promise you. Also, if you love fall scents like me, definitelyyy get that.
Plug Ins
School + Classes
Perfect for doing your work on!
Mac
A durable backpack for all of your school needs & more.
Bags & Backpacks
Not a need, but perfect for organization!
Folder
Moving In
All the things you need to move in efficiently and comfortably! #dorms #movein
These are ESSENTIAL for moving in. These have lots of space and are easy to travel with!
6 Pack Extra Heavy Duty Large Moving Bags with Zipper
You’re gonna need this to clean your room when you get there. Trust me, you want to clean your entire room before you put anything of yours in it.
Clorox Disinfecting Cleaning Wipes - Spring & Allergy
Lysol!! For trying rid of bacteria. Pretty self explanatory:)