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Welcome to your Dorm Room: A Freshman's Ultimate Dorm Essentials
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items Moving into your very first dorm room can feel daunting and overwhelming. I've been there. As someone who's navigated freshman year, I've compiled a list of dorm room must-haves that made my first year better, plus items I wish I had from the beginni...
Sections
6
Bedding & Sleep Essentials
Study & Desk Supplies
Personal Care & Bathroom
Tech
Kitchen and Food
Cleaning and Storage
Bedding & Sleep Essentials
I love the Royal Luxe Goose Feather & Down Fiber Comforter (Twin) because it makes my dorm bed feel like a cozy retreat—it’s soft, plush, and warm without being bulky, so I sleep better and feel way more comfortable after long days of classes and...
Royal Luxe Goose Feather Down Fiber Comforter - Twin Size Duvet Insert - Walmart.com
I keep the Comfort Canopy Plush Bed Pillow 2‑Pack on my bed because they’re soft and supportive—perfect for sinking into after a long day of classes, binge‑studying, or just lounging, and having two means extra comfort whether you’re sleeping or prop...
Plush Bed Pillows 2-Pack For All Sleep Styles - Back, Side and Stomach Sleepers - in Standard/Queen Size by Comfort Canopy - Walmart.com
I added the EGOHOME 4‑inch Twin Memory Foam Mattress Topper with Lavender Gel to my dorm setup because it makes a huge difference in comfort — the memory foam contours to my body and the lavender gel keeps it feeling cool, so even a basic dorm mattre...
EGOHOME 4 inch Twin Mattress Topper, Memory Foam Pad with Lavender Gel - Walmart.com
I never skip adding a cozy throw like the Your Zone Soft Navy Blue Oversized Fuzzy Blanket to my dorm setup because it’s perfect for curling up on chilly nights, making late‑night study sessions feel a lot comfier, and adds a soft, homey touch to any...
Your Zone Soft, Navy Blue, Oversized, Fuzzy, Throw Blanket for Kids, 72 x 50 inches - Walmart.com
I added these Blackout Thermal Curtains (52 x 84 in, 2‑Panel Set) to my dorm room because they block out light and noise, help keep my space cooler or warmer, and give me real privacy—perfect for better sleep after late nights or early classes.
Blackout Curtains 52 x 84 inch, Thermal Insulated Black Curtains Set of 2 Panels, Noise Reduce Room Darkening Drapes for Bedroom, Living Room, Privacy Protection & Energy Saving - Walmart.com
I use the FACEMOON 3D Weighted Sleep Eye Mask every night because it blocks out all light and stays super comfy, helping me fall asleep faster and sleep deeper—even with bright dorm hall lights or early morning sun.
3D Weighted Eye Mask | Memory Foam Sleep Mask for Women & Men | 100% Blackout | Adjustable Straps | Travel Essentials
girl, fix your sleep schedule and wake up on time. stop missing your classes because you overslept, please. i beg.
La Crosse Technology Digital Color Changing Deep Sleep Alarm Clock
Study & Desk Supplies
Vision boards are pretty much a MUST if you wanna lock in and achieve your fullest potential. You can make it digitally or make it physically, which I prefer more than the former. While you can use illustration boards, I find that cork boards are way...
Birch Wood Frame Bulletin Board (23"x35")
This is another pin board I found that I think would be perfect for memory-keeping!
Fabric Pin Board (16"x20")
This pack of markers is really worth the price, especially with its quality + if you enjoy color-coding in your whiteboard calendars!
Expo 21pk Multicolored Dry Erase Markers in Fine Tip
If you want something more handy than the whiteboard on wheels, you might wanna consider this one instead. You can use this to list down your to-do's, and even customize it and make your own dry-erase calendar if you don't feel like you need a separa...
Magnetic Dry Erase Board (16"x20")
If you are really committed to locking in, check this whiteboard out!! I am so in love with this, I think this would be VERY useful for med or engineering students - literally everyone who might need to do lots of recall or solving. Make sure you hav...
48" x 36" Double-Sided Whiteboard on Wheels
If you want a calendar on your desk, consider this dry-erase one!! You can easily write down your plans or reschedule them. Bonus tip: Use sticky notes on top of it for a more specific list of tasks throughout your day!
Mod Frame 3-in-1 Planner Board (16"x20")
These post-its are pretty much a no-brainer essential for school. I personally use it as a quick to-do or reminders list + for adding additional info onto my notes
4pk 3"x3" Sticky Notes in Pastel (400 Sheets)
Personal Care & Bathroom
If you're one of those students who have no choice but to use a communal bathroom, this is another item that should be a non-negotiable for you: shower caddies! It makes it so much easier to bring your shower items to and from the bathroom. I persona...
Mesh Shower Caddy for Dorm Gray - Room Essentials™
Tech
Pro tip: Check how many outlets you have in your dorm room the moment you enter. More likely than not, you're probably gonna wanna have an extension wire handy for your devices. Just make sure not to overcrowd it, ofc!
3' 6 Outlet Indoor Power Strip White - Dealworthy™: 15A 1875W Extension Cord, 14 AWG, 3ft Cable, 1 Year Warranty
I found that these headphones are really good at noise cancelling + the audio comes out really well, too! Pretty worth the investment, if I do say so myself :)
Bose QuietComfort Headphones, Bluetooth Over Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones, Black - Walmart.com
Kitchen and Food
Eating out can get expensive, and eating healthy can also become difficult. If your dorm allows you to, invest in an air fryer! There's a lot of good recipes you can make out of it + it can really save a lot of money in the long-term.
Gourmia 6qt Digital Window Air Fryer
Just like the air fryer, this mini fridge is just as a worthwhile investment. You will really thank yourself for this one - it can help you store your weekly mealprep or takeout leftovers, store cold drinks, and snacks for your late-night study sessi...
Midea 3.1 cu ft Mini Freestanding Refrigerator
I added the JeashCHAT 6‑Pc Reusable Dinnerware Set to my dorm essentials because it’s a complete, eco‑friendly set (plate, bowl, cup, and utensils) that makes eating in your room or on the go so much easier—lightweight, durable, and perfect for meals...
JeashCHAT 6 Pcs Plastic Dinnerware Set - Wheat Straw Plate, Cereal Bowl, Drinking Cup, Chopsticks, Spoon, Fork - Reusable Cutlery Set for Travel Camping Party, Dishwasher Safe, Beige - Walmart.com
Cleaning and Storage
I can't stress how important it is to have a trashcan. It's really a non-negotiable must-have if your dorm doesn't already have one that you can use. Make sure to throw it out weekly. For food items and scraps, do it ASAP, too. It will stink up your ...
Swing Top Waste Basket (13gal)
If you're lucky and you have your own personal bathroom, get a separate trash can please! This one in particular is good too because you don't have to hold the lid open anymore. Also clean this out weekly or as much as possible!
Step Trash Can (11.9gal)
I swear by my rolling cart and I think you're gonna wanna have this too. I personally use mine to keep a stack of snacks nearby and to organize my items, from books to makeup, even. It keeps clutter off my desk, saves space, and I like how it basical...
3 Tier Rolling Cart W/Wheels
If you live on the upper floors, this is going to be so useful. I used to have one when I lived in a dorm room 5 floors up and let me tell you, it saved my life. It's quick, it's efficient, it's less of a hassle, and my groceries often fit in one go,...
SereneLife 36.6 Foldable Shopping Cart with Detachable Liner - Black
I keep the Mainstays Collapsible Fabric Cube Storage Bin in my dorm because it’s a simple, space‑saving way to stash clothes, books, or accessories, and when I don’t need it I can just fold it flat until later.
Mainstays Collapsible Fabric Cube Storage Bin, Rich Black - Walmart.com