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Beginner College Freshman Essentials 2026: Dorm, Tech & Lifestyle Must-Haves
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items Thinking back to my college days, I made a list for new freshmen, unsure what to buy. It includes essentials such as bedding, cookware, and supplies.
Sections
5
Bedding
Bathroom
Organization
Cookware
Supplies
Bedding
This Back-to-College Kit is ready for your first year on campus. It comes with sheets, a comforter, a mattress pad, a storage container, a hamper, a bathroom caddy, towels and 2 pilllow cases.
Nestl Back to College Kit, Twin XL Bed in a Bag with College Dorm Bedding, Twin XL Comforter Sets, College Dorm Room Essentials, Linen
Here is another affordable 7-piece bedding set.
Nestl Twin Size Comforter Set 7 Piece - Reversible Twin Bedding Set Dark Grey, College Dorm Room Essentials, Bed in a Bag Twin with Cooling Pillows
Affordable sheets that feel soft and are simple to wash, consider getting a few sets so laundry days don't become a hassle.
Twin/Twin XL Microfiber Sheet Set Gray Plaid - Room Essentials™
This 8-piece bed set is a great choice for anyone starting their first year in a dorm.
8PC Dorm Bedding Bundle, Patterned Comforter Set, Solid Sheet Set, Pillows, Laundry Bag - Becky Cameron, Moonlight Stars Light Gray, Twin Extra Long
Looking for a more affordable option, this reversible dorm bedding set is perfect for a first year college student.
Bedding Set, Dorm Sheets, 4 Piece Bedding, Polyester Washed Cotton, Soft Breathable, Reversible Design, Student Dorm Bed, Twin Full Size - Walmart.com
Bathroom
Simple, affordable bathroom caddy.
Frosted Bath Caddy - Brightroom™
A simple mesh caddy that is easy to carry on your trip to the communal showers.
Mesh Shower Caddy for Dorm Gray - Room Essentials™
This solid black hanging shower caddy is perfect for all those products to get your day ready.
Bathroom Shower Caddy Black - Threshold™: Rust-Resistant Hanging Organizer, PVC & Steel Shelf, Storage Rack
A simple, nice floral-print shower curtain that is perfect for those who share a personal bathroom or an apartment.
Climbing Floral Shower Curtain Pink - Threshold™
This Diamond Dot Print shower curtain is a great choice for anyone sharing a bathroom or living in an apartment.
Diamond Dot Print Shower Curtain Cream/Pink - Threshold™
If you want to have cute shower curtains, you should also use a shower liner to help keep them clean and free from bacteria and mold. This one is an affordable solution.
70"x71" Lightweight Color Shower Liner White - Room Essentials™
This 6 pack washcloth set is perfect for staying clean and washing off dirt after a long day of classes.
6pk Washcloth Set Dark Gray - Room Essentials™: Lightweight Cotton-Polyester Blend,
This simple chenille rug is great for stepping out of the shower and enjoying a warm, soft feel under your feet.
20"x32" Everyday Chenille Bath Rug White - Room Essentials™: Machine Washable, Tufted Polyester, Non-Slip Backing
Organization
Here's a simple dirty clothes hamper that keeps your clothes off the floor until laundry day.
Pop-up Mesh Hamper - Brightroom™
If you need extra space for your clothes, this collapsible storage for your drawer is a great choice.
Set of 4 Collapsible Fabric Drawer Organizers - Brightroom™
If you need more storage, these rolling bins work well for bulky items, clothes, or small gadgets.
Sterilite 2 Pack 3 Drawer Wide Storage Container, Clear Plastic Rolling Cart Bin
Need a lamp for your desk or bedside? Here is a simple, affordable option.
Mainstays LED Desk Lamp with Catch-All Base & AC Outlet, Matte Mint Green
A trash is essential for the kitchen, if you have one. This is a nice, durable trash can that can hold all of the week's messes.
10L Stainless Slim Step Trash Can Silver - Brightroom™
Cookware
This mini waffle maker kept me going throughout college. If you crave waffles for breakfast or dinner, this is perfect for you.
Dash Mini Maker Waffle - Aqua
Do you love hard boiled eggs? This 3-in-1 egg cooker is great for late-night snacks or when you want an omelet.
Dash 3-in-1 Everyday 7-Egg Cooker with Omelet Maker and Poaching - Black: Electric Egg Boiler, Hard Boiled & Poaching
What college student doesn't eat rice? It is the number one staple food especially when you're on a budget. Here's an affordable option for those quick and easy meals.
Dash 2-Cup Electric Mini Rice Cooker - Graphite: Small Rice Maker, Automatic Keep Warm, Includes Recipes & Accessories
This toaster oven is easy to use and perfect for anyone who needs a quick slice of toast while heading out.
Dash Mini Toaster Oven Aqua
Supplies
The Classis Five Star Notebooks are ideal for lengthy college assignments. This set of 4 notebooks can help you manage several of your classes.
Five Star Spiral Notebook 1 Subject, 4 Pack
If 4 notebooks aren't enough, here is a complete pack of 6 college-ruled notebooks to get the semester started.
Five Star Spiral Notebook 6 Pack, College Ruled
College is all about taking notes, so here are some nice-looking pens that provide a smooth note-taking experience.
Gel Pens 5 Pcs 0.5mm Black Ink Fine Point
I feel this Black JanSport backpack is an all time classic. I'm sure people have had theirs since middle school and it's traveled with them all the way to college. It's afforable, and durable for classes.
JanSport SuperBreak One Black Backpack
I love a netural, beige tone aesthic and this backpack fits perfect with my style. It also has a cup holder which I always think is important.
Laptop Backpack for Women 15.6 inch USB Charger
Tote bag have become a new favorite of mine. This tote is perfect for those who don't like a traditional backpack.
Canvas Tote Bag for Women, 15-Pocket Work Laptop Purse