After sending two teens off to college (and a third on deck), I’ve learned what actually gets used in a dorm—and what ends up collecting dust. This list is full of our most-used, must-have dorm items that made both my son and daughter's freshman year...
Sections
11
Dorm Bedding Essentials
Dorm Nightstand Essentials
Dorm Storage Essentials
Dorm Desk Essentials & Study Supplies
Dorm Kitchen Essentials & Snack Organization
Dorm Bathroom Essentials
Dorm Bedding Essentials
🛏️ Twin XL beds aren't known for comfort, but these essentials made my kids’ beds feel more like home. From mattress toppers to the softest sheets and cozy throws, these are the items they used every single day (and night).
Must-have step stool to get up onto the raised dorm bed, sturdy and extra storage! Both of my kids used this exact step stool.
Storage Ottoman- Step Stool for Raised Dorm Beds
Great for guys or girls!
Lucid Mid-Rise Upholstered Headboard Twin/Twin XL
Must-Have! Both of my kids used the 3 inch Lucid mattress topper. They loved it so much, my daughter got one for home too!
LUCID Twin XL 3" Gel Infused Memory Foam Topper
Mattress Protector, fully zips around dorm mattress protecting it from bugs and anything else!
Be sure to buy 2 sets so they will change their sheets! :)
Twin XL Sheet Sets--Amazon Basics
Be sure to get two sets!
Twin XL : Sheets & Pillowcases - Bedding
Daughter loved it, son didn't want it. Perfect for hiding all of the storage under her bed.
Dorm Room Bed Skirt Twin-XL 32" Drop White
Super soft and perfect for a guy's dorm
Twin XL 7-Piece Ultra Soft Bedding Set
Super soft--perfect for a girl's dorm bed
Nestl Twin XL Comforter Set 5 Piece Bedding
Multiple colors to choose from, great for both my son and daughter!
Reading Pillow for Sitting in Bed
Dorm bed: 1st layer is zippered encasement around the mattress, then the foam topper, then use this pad on top of the foam topper to attach the topper to the matterss and keep it all together. Important step for the bed so that your freshman doesn't slide off the bed
You need two pillows, one for the sham and one to sleep on
Standard Pillows Set of 2
Protects the pillows from stains & bugs
Waterproof Pillow Protectors Zippered 2 Pack
I got my son a throw pillow with his University on it. My daughter got a cute one that matched her bedding. One or two is fine, anything more than 2 is too many!
Throw Pillows
Use to attach the headboard to the dorm bed. May need to connect two zip ties together to fit around bed post. Clear or white zip ties are best.
Zip Ties 8 inch
For all of those cozy bed naps
Bedsure Grey Throw Blanket
Dorm Nightstand Essentials
A nightstand is a must-have. It needs to be taller than normal, to fit next to a raised dorm bed, and having an outlet and/or USB port is a definite plus!
Tall enough for a raised bed, comes with charging station.
LED Nightstand with Charging Station
Lamp for nightstand has charging ports and an outlet. My son used this exact lamp.
3-Way Dimmable Touch Bedside Table Lamp
My daughter's nightstand lamp
Gold Bedside Table Lamp
A Woozoo fan is a must-have, even with AC. They will want it on their nightstand, too.
WOOZOO Fan with Remote
Tall enough for a raised dorm bed with charging station
White Nightstand w/ Charging Station & LED
Dorm Storage Essentials
Most dorm rooms are tiny. These space-saving bins, drawers, and organizers helped my kids maximize every inch under beds, in closets, and even behind doors. Extra space in the dorm is priceless!
Fits sideways under the dorm bed, could get the 4 cube if space is limited
6 Cube Organizer White - Brightroom™: 13" System Compatible
Be sure to check bed measurements to see if it will fit under the bed
4-Cube Book Shelf White - Brightroom™
Be sure to match the size cubes of your storage cabinet
13" x 13" Fabric Bin Gray - Brightroom™: 13 Inch Storage Cube
My kids both used these either under the bed or in the closet
Get these in both small, medium & large. They are great for storing snacks, toiletries, or for closet shelves.
Y-Weave Medium Decorative Storage Basket Gray - Brightroom™
Perfect for storing the wet shower caddies in the dorm room.
3-Tier Rolling Cart
Must have for my teen daughter
3 Layer Lockable Jewelry Box Organizer
Get a few of these to store snacks, kitchen supplies. Put them on the shelf above the fridge.
Large Y-Weave Decorative Storage Basket White
For storage of snacks/dishes over the fridge
MaxGear Organization and Storage 3 Packs,
Dorm Desk Essentials & Study Supplies
From dorm desk storage to the best desk lamp and must-have study supplies, these items helped my teens stay focused, organized, and occasionally ahead on their assignments.
Essential for giving extra storage for your dorm room desk. Both my son and daughter used this exact hutch. My son put his tv on top of it.
DormCo College Cube Desk Bookshelf White
Used for everything from homework to watching Netflix in bed!
LAP DESK by Lap Gear
For desk drawers
25 PCS Clear Plastic Drawer Organizers Set
My son's dorm desk drawer was so shallow that regular drawer organizers didn't fit. These 1 inch shallow organizers worked great for his desk drawers.
Shallow 6 Pc Metal Drawer Organizer Tray Set
This desk lamp is perfect for the dorm--it has multiple outlets and USB ports to charge your devices.
Addtam LED Desk Lamp with Power Strip & USB
For taking notes in class using Apple pencil and also as a tv for watching Netflix
Apple iPad Air 11-inch 128GB
For taking notes on your Ipad
Apple Pencil for Note-Taking, Drawing, Signing
Must-have calculator for college math classes
TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator
Check computer requirements for their major--but if they don't need a Windows computer, I highly recommend a Mac if they are iPhone users. It syncs automatically with the notes from their iPad, they can text, Facetime and make calls from it, their ph... Both my kids are business majors and have Macs.
MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop - Apple M4 chip Built for ...
If your desk lamp doesn't come with additional outlets, this is great for the desk.
Tower Power Strip 11 Outlets 3 USB C Plug
For the dorm door
Small Dry Erase Whiteboard
Dorm Kitchen Essentials & Snack Organization
They might not be cooking gourmet meals, but these kitchen must-haves made it easy for my kids to heat up leftovers, make ramen, and store snacks. Small, smart, and dorm-approved!
A dorm fridge is a must-have. Check if your dorm provides one and if it has any restrictions on how big you can get.
3.2 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer
If you need a bigger freezer for more than just ice cubes, this one holds Hot Pockets AND ice cream--a college student's dream! ;)
Mini Fridge with Freezer 3.2 Cu.Ft. 2
The shelf we use for over the mini fridge. Store all your food and kitchen supplies in the plastic bins on this shelf. It's adjustable so you can add or remove shelves to fit your space.
Honey-Can-Do 4-Tier Over-The-Toilet Storage Shelf
Some dorms come with a microwave, my daughter's did, my son's did not. This is the one we bought for my son's dorm.
BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven, 700W, 0.7 Cu.ft
Magnetic Paper Towel Holder to put on the side of the dorm fridge
Magnetic Paper Towel Holder
Essential for filling up water bottles
Brita Water Filter Pitcher 6-Cup Capacity
Water bottle is a must-have
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel 24oz
Ice is essential for those water bottles
Ice Tray Easy Release White Ice Cube Trays 2 Pack
If they have a bigger freezer, this is a great ice system with storage for ice cubes
Ice Cube Tray with Lid and Bin, 4 Pack
For all the Ramen they will cook
Ramen Bowl 40oz Microwaveable Noodle Cooker
For cereal, ice cream or reheating leftovers
shopwithgreen Wheat Straw Cereal Bowls, Set of 4
For coffee, or to make Mug Brownies in
16 oz Large Coffee Mug
Perfect size for the dorm coffee lover
Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker
For late night ice cream fuelings
Ice Cream Scoop
Another essential for the dorm
YETI Rambler 20oz Stainless Steel Tumbler
Because they aren't going to wash dishes
Disposable Clear Plastic Silverware - 192 pcs
Good to have on hand in the dorm
Morton Salt & Pepper Shakers
For all the water they drink with pop off tops ;)
Magnetic Bottle Opener for Fridge
To reheat leftovers
Amazon Basics Disposable Paper Plates, 8.62", 100 Count
In hopes they clean occasionally
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes
In case they are bothered by dust
Swiffer Sweeper Dry Cloth Refills, Gain, 32ct
Dorm Bathroom Essentials
Whether they have their own bathroom in their room or share a hall bathroom, these are the bathroom basics my kids actually used—from shower caddies to the towels that held up all year. No fluff—just the practical, mom-approved items that made a diff...
Recommend sending them with 3 bath towels, enough to encourage doing laundry ;)
Pack of 4 Extra Large Bath Towels
To take to the hall bathroom with to dry their hands/face at the sink
12 Pack Wash Cloths Face Towels
Must-have shower caddy for hall bathrooms, store it in the 3 tier cart in your dorm room
Mesh Shower Caddy Portable for College Dorm
Don't shower without them
Shower Shoes
Can place on desk to do hair and makeup
Vanity Mirror with Lights
To protect the desk
Heat Resistant Mat
My daughter used this on her desk to hold her hair tools and toiletries
Hair Tool Organizer
Fits in desk hutch to store make up
Clear Plastic Vanity Makeup Organizer
For the weekend trips
Travel Toiletry Bag
Dorm Closet & Laundry Essentials
Closet space is tiny and laundry piles up fast. These items helped keep my kids’ clothes somewhat organized—and even made doing laundry a little less painful. Closet & Laundry must-haves so their clothes don't end up everywhere (at least that's the hope) ;)
For checking their fits before going to the library ;) (attach to wall or door with command strips)
Full Length Mirror
If their door can fit hooks over it, a lot of them can't--but this one you can also use without the hooks
Over the Door Mirror
Some dorm closets don't have doors. Both of my kids had to use curtains over their closets. Be sure to check the measurements and get a tension rod wide enough for their closet door frame.
White Tension Curtain Rod 28 to 48 inch Adjustable
Curtain for closet doorway--check the measurements
Door Curtains for Closet (34 x 80 Inch)
For small closets--extend the space with these hanger extenders
Space Saving Hangers
Lets you hang two items on every hanger to save closet space
Space Saving Hanger Hooks 60 Pack
Whatever you do, don't buy velvet hangers! Apparently they are impossible to get t-shirts on and off of, and my kids hated them. Slim hangers are a must, but go with the plastic kind!
50 Pack Slim Plastic Hangers for Clothes
The only hamper my kids would use. I bought the big plastic one on wheels for my daughter. It was too bulky in her small closet. They liked these pop up hampers b/c they are lightweight, and fully collapsible so they can open up another one when one is full instead of actually doing their laundry. ;)
Collapsible Mesh Pop Up Hamper 2 Pack
Another hamper option--also collapsible
HomeHacks 2 Pack Collapsible Clothes Hamper
Over the door shoe storage
24 Pocket Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer
If they don't have a closet door (neither of mine did) so an over-the-door organizer doesnt work, this is good for putting on the floor of the closet, next to the hamper.
Shoe Rack
For those dark closets with no light--this is motion sensored so turns on when they open their door or curtain
3 Pack Indoor Battery Operated Motion Lights
2 things: 1. Resist the urge to buy in bulk- they don't have room to store a huge thing of Tide Pods in their tiny room. Space is priceless. 2. Use ziploc bags to bring them back and forth to the laundry room so they don't have to take the whole cont...
Tide Oxi Boost Power PODS, 45 Count
Buy the same brand you use at home the familiar smell is calming.
Snuggle Dryer Sheets
I bought this and neither one of my kids used it because they both just carried their mesh hampers to the laundry room. My daughter's laundry room was on her floor, and my son just found it easier to take his hamper down to the laundry room on the elevator. Seems like a good idea if they use them.
Laundry Backpack with Shoulder Straps & Mesh Pocket
To help remove all those unknown stains
OxiClean Max Force Stain Remover Gel Stick
Gone are the days of ironing boards and irons, steamers are the only thing used in the dorms
Steamer for Clothes
Mini Lint Roller
Scotch-Brite Mini Travel Lint Roller
Slippers to wear around the dorm--they will end up wearing them in the elevators and stairwells so should have a sturdy sole.
UGG Women's Slipper
Dorm Decorating Essentials
Everything you will need to turn those cinderblock walls into a homey space. Decorating was definitely different from my daughter to my son, there was a lot more thought put into my daughter's decor. My son was happy with a few flags and some hats! ;)
My son used these to hang his hats on his dorm wall--which also acted as decorations
Adhesive Hat Hooks for Wall
Command hooks for hanging hats, belts, purses and bags
Command Hooks
These flat s hooks are perfect for attaching to the end of the dorm bed to hang purses, hats, belts, backpacks, etc
Flat S Hooks To Hang Bags, Hats, Robes, Towels, Etc
Good for hanging purses, bags, hats
Command Large Brushed Nickel Double Hooks
Good for holding heavier items
Command 5 lb Large Brushed Nickel Metal Hooks
Good for holding bags, hats, purses, etc
Command 5 lb Large Utility Hooks
Variety of sizes and styles
Command Variety Pack
For hanging curtains if a tension rod won't work with the room design
Command 10 lb Satin Nickel Curtain Rod Hooks
Great for hanging wet towels!
Adhesive Wall Hooks - 13 LB Strong Hold
For hanging decor & pictures on the wall
Command 15 lb & 10 lb Large & Medium Strips
Handy for hanging awkward things
VELCRO Brand Sticky-Back Removable Fasteners
To hang their lanyards/keys
Key Hook
These are popular with the college freshman right now
Leeleberd Led Lights for Bedroom
Great for the wall next to the bed
LED Fairy String Lights with Clear Clips
To go on the desk hutch, for photos of your family (or likely just their friends) ;) Comes in white, too.
4x6 Picture Frame Set of 3
General Dorm Essentials
Random dorm item's you'll be glad you packed. These are the little things you don’t think about until you need them. Extension cords, fans, first-aid kits—these made our “I’m so glad we brought this” list.
Can sit on their desk or nightstand
TESSAN Tower Surge Protector Power Strip 10ft
To prevent illness!
Air Purifier
A rug is a MUST! Check the dimensions of your room, but 5 X 7 is usually a great size.
5x7 Washable Area Rug
Make sure you get a 10 foot cord! It's likely that there won't be an outlet where you need one and you will want the length of the cord. You can always use a zip tie to roll it up if needed.
Surge Protector Power Strip 10 ft
This vacuum will last all 4 years of college, unlike the $40 vacuum I bought for the dorm that was inexpensive, didn't work great and we threw out at the end of the year.
Shark HV371 Rocket Pro DLX Corded Stick Vacuum
They will have them when they need them
Duracell Coppertop AA Batteries
They will have them when they need them
Duracell Coppertop AAA Batteries
They will use it for a picnic blanket to lay out on the UV days, or as a beach towel if they make friends with anyone who lives in an apartment with a pool. Trust me, it will be used.
BAY LAUREL Turkish Quick Dry Beach Towel
The wipes are best, as they can put them in their bag on the go
OFF! Mosquito and Insect Repellent Wipes
For those UV days
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen
For football games- they can trade out the strap for a fun college strap
Clear Bag Stadium Approved
For the weekend trips they will take, formals, visiting friends, or trips home. A duffel bag is a must. They can also use the Ikea bags that you leave them if they need more space.
Duffle Bag for Travel, 50L
For all the weekend trips
Expandable Travel Duffle Bags Weekender for Women
For when they wake up to realize they forgot to charge their phone
Magnetic Portable Charger
Must-have for all those walks to class in the rain
Compact Travel Umbrella
They only need 1, for concerts or games
Disposable Rain Ponchos for Adults (5 Pack)
For all those walks to and from class in the rain
Hunter Women's Original Short Rain Boots
Because guys refuse to wear rain boots
Carhartt Millbrook Waterproof Wedge Work Boots
Must-have rain coat for rainy walks to class
Avoogue Raincoat Women
Must have for those rainy walks to class
Men's Lightweight Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket
Portable bluetooth speaker is a must
JBL FLIP 5 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Dorm Move-In & Packing Essentials
Everything you need for packing and move-in. Move-in day can be chaotic, but having the right tools makes it so much smoother. These packing tips, storage bins, and move-in must-haves saved us from multiple trips and major headaches.
You will want this for move-in trust me!
Door Stopper
MUST HAVE for move-in, there are other brands which are great, but make sure whatever brand you get has an option to wear it like a backpack. Also, leave one or two in their dorm room for them to use to bring clothes home at their breaks.
IKEA Frakta Storage Bag, Blue, 4 Pack
The brand we use--with backpack straps which are a must for move-in! Whatever you use, make sure it has backpack straps.
8 Pack Moving Bags w/Backpack Straps,
Dorm First Aid Kit Essentials
Freshman year is always full of illness, from the “frat flu” to stomach bugs and scrapes, a well-stocked first aid kit is one of those things my kids didn’t know they needed until they really did. These are the everyday meds, bandages, and must-haves...
For the constant cough they will have
Mucinex DM Cough Suppressant and Expectorant
For headaches
Advil Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer
For fevers
Tylenol
Their immune systems can take all the help they can get
Airborne Vitamin C Gummies
For UTI symptoms
AZO: UTI Symptom Relief Products
For scrapes and cuts
Band-Aid Tru-Stay Sheer Strips, 80 ct
For the cuts and scrapes
Neosporin First Aid Antibiotic
In case of an allergic reaction
Benadryl Allergy Relief Medicine
Make sure they know they can't take Tylenol along with this medicine
Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe Day & Night
For flu symptoms
Boiron Oscillococcinum Flu Relief, 12 Count
If they have a hall bathroom or are sleeping on a lofted bed and have the stomach bug, they may not make it to the bathroom in time. These are handy to have in the room.
Vomit Bags
For all those high heels and sandals to prevent blisters
