Heading off to college? Get campus-ready with this ultimate checklist for college-bound students. From dorm room essentials and study supplies to self-care, tech, and meal prep must-haves, this guide covers everything first-time freshmen need to feel...
Sections
8
College Dorm Essentials
Academic & Study Supplies
Dorm-Friendly Food & Kitchen Basics
Personal Care & First Aid
Laundry & Cleaning Supplies
Just for Fun: Dorm Decor & Comfort Picks
College Dorm Essentials
Setting up your first dorm room? This curated list of must-have college dorm essentials is perfect for incoming freshmen preparing for campus life. Find the best bedding, storage, tech, and personal care items every student needs to create a comforta...
Be sure it's Twin XL to fit dorm beds! Look for a set with a comforter, sheets, and pillowcases.
Bare Home 5PC Twin XL Goose Down Alt Set
Memory foam or egg crate toppers make dorm beds WAY more comfortable.
Bedsure Twin XL Mattress Pad - Soft, Quilted, White
One for sleeping and one for lounging/studying in bed.
Love Attitude Shredded Memory Foam Pillows Queen 2 Pack
Ideal for reading, studying, watching TV, gaming, or simply relaxing in bed.
Blissful Diary Reading Pillow with Arms & Pockets
Utilize that extra space with rolling or latching bins.
Tututry XXL 60L Under Bed Storage Bins 2-Pack
Lightweight and easy to wheel to the laundry room
Sterilite Wheeled Laundry Hamper with Lid
Select something that is mesh or has lots of drainage holes.
Eudele Mesh Shower Caddy Portable for Dorm
A must need for communal bathrooms.
Shower Shoes
Look for Towel Sets (2 bath, 2 hand, 2 washcloths) – Quick-dry options are great for dorm life.
Bath Towel Bundles
Dorm rooms are short on outlets.
ALESTOR Power Strip 12 Outlets 4 USB 6ft
Multi-functional lighting that saves outlet space.
USB - Desk Lamps
For damage-free hanging of lights, keys, towels, or bags.
It’s a space-saving solution that fits perfectly in bedrooms, living rooms, walk-in closets, entryways, and more.
CHARMAID Lockable Jewelry Cabinet w/ Mirror
Dual-purpose: seating + storage.
Ornavo Foldable Linen Storage Ottoman Navy
Dorms get hot and stuffy, especially in older buildings without A/C.
Svinkal USB Clip Fan 5000mAh 6in 3-Speed
Holds your phone, glasses, or book right by your bed.
Zafit Hanging Bedside Caddy, 4 Pockets Grey
For tracking assignments, events, or notes to roommates.
AMUSIGHT 16x12 Double-Sided Magnetic Whiteboard
For shoes, toiletries, or snacks.
JARLINK 5-Shelf Over Door Organizer Grey
For study focus or sleep in noisy dorms.
Szwdo Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.4 ANC
Academic & Study Supplies
Get study-ready with this must-have list of academic supplies for college students. From productivity tools and tech gear to classic note-taking essentials, this checklist includes everything freshmen need for classroom success, late-night study sess...
Effectively improve posture to relieve eye-strain, back & neck pain throughout the workdays.
Zimilar Adjustable Monitor Stand with Drawer & Phone Holder
Improves posture and airflow, great for all-nighters.
FISYOD Foldable Laptop Table with Cup Holder
Easier than using a laptop trackpad all day.
WisFox 2.4G Wireless Ergonomic Mouse Grey
Perfectly fits the natural curve of the human hand, so that the fingers can stretch naturally during the typing process, reducing hand fatigue and discomfort.
EDJO Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard with Wrist Rest
Block distractions in dorms or libraries.
Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear with ENC Mic
Helps reduce eye strain from long screen time.
VMJFBJ Blue Light Glasses Anti-Fatigue
The 128GB of storage is perfect for backing up important files, photos, and videos without worrying about running out of space.
Stock your dorm with these food and kitchen essentials every college student needs! From compact appliances to quick snacks and microwave-friendly meals, this checklist helps freshmen eat smarter, save money, and avoid the campus dining hall 24/7. Pe...
Essential for storing perishables and frozen meals.
Midea WHD-113FB1 Double Door Mini Fridge 3.1 cu ft
Must-have for heating up leftovers, oatmeal, ramen, and more.
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave
Boils water quickly for tea, ramen, instant oats, or coffee.
Cosori Electric Kettle 1.7L Stainless Steel
Great for soups, noodles, and reheating meals.
Sistema 1109ZS Microwave Noodle Bowl Red
Basic but essential for meals and snacks.
Homienly 20pcs Wheat Straw Dinnerware Set
Fork, spoon, knife, and even chopsticks in one set.
8-Piece Reusable Stainless Steel Travel Cutlery Set
For washing your dishes in the dorm bathroom or kitchenette.
Casabella
Make smoothies and protein shakes.
Magic Bullet Blender, Small, Silver, 11 Piece Set
Encourages hydration and reduces waste.
Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler - Leak Resistant
Saves $$$ and lines at the campus café.
Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker
Ideal for leftovers, snacks, or fridge organization.
KEMETHY 36-Piece BPA-Free Food Storage Set
These potholders and dish towels are amazing.
12PCS Oven Mitts & Dish Towels Set Gray
A staple in every college room dorm.
Maruchan Instant Lunch Chicken Flavor 2.25oz x12
A step above your average ramen.
Samyang Buldak Spicy Ramen Carbonara, 5 Pack
Quick and easy meal or snack. Tastes great with steamed broccoli for a healthy dinner.
Velveeta Shells & Cheese Original 8ct 2.39oz
Protein packed meal
365 Whole Foods 7 Grain Lentil Blend 8.8oz
Healthy on the go meal when you can't stop between classes.
Brunswick Tuna & Chicken Salad Snack Kit 8ct
Instead of a candy bar and all the sugar, enjoy a protein packed RXBar.
RXBAR Minis Protein Bars Variety Pack 16ct
Keep energy and mood steady.
Kar’s Nuts Sweet ‘N Salty Trail Mix 2oz x72
Personal Care & First Aid
Help your college student stay clean, healthy, and confident with this essential list of personal care and first aid items for dorm life. From everyday toiletries to must-have medical supplies, this checklist ensures freshmen are prepared for campus ...
Pre-made kits or DIY versions are great for emergencies.
Band-Aid Travel Ready First Aid Kit, 80 pc
Helpful for checking temps when you’re not feeling great.
No-Touch Digital Thermometer for Adults & Kids
Useful for skincare and basic hygiene.
Cliganic Premium Cotton Rounds 300 Ct
For minor scrapes and cuts.
Neosporin Original First Aid Antibiotic Ointment .5 oz
A must when the dorm sickness wave hits.
Vicks DayQuil & NyQuil Cold & Flu 72ct
For headaches, cramps, or hangovers.
Tylenol Extra Strength 500mg Caplets 100ct
Dorm air is often dry!
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizer SPF 30, 3oz
Gentle yet effective cleansing properties
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin, 16oz
Perfect for tired nights and quick refreshes.
Neutrogena Gentle Micellar Cleansing Wipes, 25 ct
Include a mini grooming kit for quick fixes.
Nail Clippers Set 18PCS Stainless Steel Kit
Keeps everything together in cramped dorm bathrooms.
NISHEL Travel Toiletry Bag for Women, Black
A must for toting toiletries to and from shared bathrooms.
Eudele Mesh Shower Caddy 8-Pocket Large
Laundry & Cleaning Supplies
Help your college student stay clean and organized with this list of 20 essential laundry and cleaning supplies for dorm life. From detergent pods and drying racks to all-purpose cleaners and lint rollers, this checklist ensures students can manage t...
Lightweight and easy to carry to the laundry room.
Dalykate Laundry Backpack with Mesh Pocket
Mess-free and ideal for dorm use (no heavy bottles!).
Tide PODS Laundry Detergent, HE, 76ct
For spills and laundry emergencies.
Shout Advanced Stain Remover Gel w/ Scrubber 8.7oz
Great for air-drying delicates or avoiding shrinkage.
Rbitroise 3-Tier Foldable Clothes Drying Rack
A dorm essential for pet hair, fuzz, or lint buildup.
Scotch-Brite Lint Roller 3 Pack, 300 Sheets
Folds for easy storage between loads.
SAMMART 42L Collapsible Laundry Basket White
Prevents tangling and damage in shared machines.
3Pcs Honeycomb Mesh Laundry Bags 12x16in
Prevent static and keep clothes soft.
Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls - Pack of 6
For minor repairs or emergencies.
Coquimbo Portable Sewing Kit for All Ages (Black)
Quick-clean surfaces like desks, doorknobs, or remotes.
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes Bundle, 80 Ct (4pk)
For wiping down desks, countertops, and bathroom items.
Clorox Disinfecting All-Purpose & Bathroom Cleaner, 32 Oz & 30 Oz, Pack of 3
Lysol spray will sanitize, disinfect, and deodorize your home.
Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Crisp Linen, 19oz x2
Perfect for crumbs or dusty floors.
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum
Versatile for cleaning spills or surfaces.
HOMEXCEL Microfiber Cleaning Cloth 12 Pack
Keeps smells in, bugs out.
Cesun 6L Bathroom Trash Can w/ Lid & Pedal
A forgotten necessity that runs out fast.
120 Count 1.6 Gallon Mini Drawstring Trash Bags
Just for Fun: Dorm Decor & Comfort Picks
Make your dorm feel like home with these 20 fun and cozy decor picks perfect for college students. From fairy lights and wall art to rugs, throw blankets, and comfy seating, this list helps you personalize your space and create a dorm room that’s sty...
Add ambiance without harsh lighting.
Brightown 12 Pack 7ft LED Fairy String Lights
Display printed photos or Polaroids with flair.
Emfogo 4x6 Photo Collage Wall Decor with 30 Clips
Suitable for different-sized pictures, postcards, and paintings, it will be a good way to show your wonderful memories of graduation, wedding, travel and so on.
Bikoney Rustic Wood Photo Collage Frame Board
If you’re looking for a unique decorative piece that will add texture and style to your space, you can’t go wrong with a macrame wall hanging.
ANROYE Macrame Photo Display with 30 Clips & LED
This beautiful moon phase tapestry wdormall hanging macrame will fill a blank wall and give the room a bohemian flair.
Boho Macrame Crescent Moon Star Dreamcatcher
A unique way to display pictures in your dorm, and makes a plain white wall come to life with pictures of all the things that matter.
LECLSTAR 50 LED Photo Clips String Lights 17ft
Great for extra seating or a chill corner.
Codi 3ft Blue Bean Bag Chair with Filler
For lounging, studying, or staying warm.
Touchat Oversized Sherpa Fleece Blanket Hoodie
Softens tile floors and defines the room.
Amearea Shag Fluffy Runner Rug 2x6 Feet Blue
Bringing you comfortable & cozy feelings.
ZJSYXXU Call Your Mom Navy Blue Pillow Cover
For lounging, decor, or a cozy reading corner.
decorUhome Faux Fur Throw Pillow Covers 18x18 Set of 2 Blue
Mental Health & Self-Care
Support your college student’s emotional well-being with this mental health and self-care essentials list. From journals and weighted blankets to wellness apps, teas, and comfort items, this Amazon-based collection is designed to reduce stress, impro...
Motivational and easy to adapt to your needs!
Life & Apples Wellness Journal Planner A5
Take just a few minutes each day to reduce stress and anxiety, increase your connection to others, and discover deeper meaning in your life.
52-Week Mental Health Journal: Guided Prompts
Great for reflecting, setting goals, or tracking moods.
Color Noise Sound Machine with Night Light & 25 Soothing Sounds
Simple but effective tools for anxiety or concentration.
50 Pcs Fidget Toys Pack - Stress Relief
These fidget spinners can effectively reduce stress, anxiety and can increase focus and attention by spin the fidget spinners or change the toys’ shape
Gokeey 4 Pcs Transformable Fidget Spinners
Improve rest in shared or noisy rooms.
Tiliwame 3D White Noise Sleep Mask with Earplugs
Encourages hydration for energy and mental clarity.
Enerbone 32oz Water Bottle w/ Straw & Strap
This book is an invitation to join a wholehearted revolution. A small, quiet, grassroots movement that starts with each of us saying, ‘My story matters because I matter.
The Gifts of Imperfection: 10th Anniversary Edition
Chamomile, peppermint, and green tea can calm or energize.
The Republic of Tea – Premium 40 Tea Bags
Small luxuries to unwind after a long day.
ZealSea Face Masks Skincare 7 Pack
For stretching, grounding, or following guided videos.
Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat 72x24x0.4in
Money, Tech & Security Must-Haves
Set your college student up for success with this must-have list of money management tools, tech gear, and dorm security essentials. From RFID wallets and VPNs to laptop locks and budgeting apps, this checklist helps students stay protected, organize...
Prevents theft in dorms or libraries.
LORADAR Security Cable Lock Kit for Laptops & Monitors
Helps students manage money.
Clever Fox Budget Planner & Bill Organizer
Protects debit/credit cards from digital theft.
Buffway Slim Minimalist RFID Leather Wallet
Safely store passports, insurance, and medical cards.
Savor 2025 Folio™ Document Organizer
Essential for backups of assignments and photos.
SanDisk 128GB Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive
Store valuables or medications securely in your dorm.
KYODOLED Fireproof Document Box w/ Key Lock
Keeps student ID handy and secure.
Wisdompro 2-Sided PU Leather ID Badge Holder
Keep one in wallet and room in case of emergencies.
Custom ICE Medical Alert Wallet Card PVC
Simple slide-over security for privacy-conscious students.
