Heading off to college? First of all congrats! Whether you’re excited, nervous, or somewhere in between, prepping for dorm life is a big step toward your new adventure. To help you feel more ready (and less overwhelmed), we’ve put together the ultimate dorm essentials checklist—packed with must-haves, space-saving tips, budget-friendly finds, and fun extras to make your dorm room feel like you.
This guide covers everything from bedding and laundry to kitchen tools and personal comfort, with friendly advice along the way. Perfect for first-time students and helpful for parents who want to support the transition.
Bedding & Sleep Essentials
Your bed will double as your couch, study space, and chill zone, so make it cozy and functional.
- Twin XL sheets (2 sets)
- Comforter or duvet with cover
- Pillows (2–3 for sleep + 1 decorative)
- Mattress topper (for added comfort)
- Mattress protector (waterproof = smart)
- Throw blanket
- Bed risers (to add storage space underneath)
- Under-bed storage bins
Tip: Twin XL is the standard dorm size double-check your school’s dimensions before shopping.
Laundry & Cleaning Supplies
Keep your clothes fresh and your space tidy even if mom’s not around to remind you.
- Laundry hamper or bag (collapsible is best)
- Detergent pods or liquid detergent
- Dryer sheets or wool balls
- Stain remover
- Lint roller
- Mini handheld vacuum or broom & dustpan
- Disinfecting wipes
- All-purpose spray cleaner
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
Hack: Use a pop-up hamper with handles to make laundry day less of a pain.
Toiletries & Bathroom Essentials
Whether you have a private or shared bathroom, you’ll need these daily-use basics.
- Shower caddy (mesh dries faster)
- Towels (2 bath, 2 hand, 1 face)
- Shower shoes (flip-flops or slides)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, etc.)
- Razor, shaving cream, and grooming tools
- Hairbrush or comb
- Nail clippers and tweezers
- Tissues
- First-aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, cold medicine)
Tip: Store backup toiletries in bins or under-bed containers to cut down on trips to the store.
Kitchen & Snack Supplies
Even if you have a meal plan, you’ll want snacks and basics on hand.
- Mini fridge (if allowed)
- Microwave (check your school’s rules)
- Reusable water bottle
- Travel mug or thermos
- Bowl, plate, and utensils (microwave-safe)
- Reusable snack bags or containers
- Dish soap and sponge
- Paper towels or dish towels
- Can opener
- Easy dorm snacks (ramen, granola bars, popcorn, etc.)
Hack: A hanging shoe organizer on the back of the door makes a perfect snack station.
Study & Desk Supplies
Stay organized and ready for class with these school essentials.
- Laptop and charger
- Extension cord with surge protection
- USB drive or external hard drive
- Desk lamp with adjustable brightness
- Pens, pencils, highlighters
- Notebooks and folders
- Sticky notes and index cards
- Scissors, tape, and stapler
- Backpack or tote bag
- Desk organizer or drawer dividers
Tip: Clip-on lamps are great for shared spaces when your roommate is sleeping but you’re not.
Electronics & Tech
Stay connected, powered up, and entertained.
- Phone charger
- Power strip with USB ports
- Headphones or earbuds
- Alarm clock (or use your phone with a reliable stand)
- Bluetooth speaker
- HDMI cable (for connecting laptop to TV or monitor)
- Small fan or space heater (school rules permitting)
Optional: Smart plugs, LED strip lights, or noise machine for extra comfort.
Storage & Organization
Dorm rooms are small. Smart storage = a lifesaver.
- Closet organizer (for shoes, sweaters, or accessories)
- Hangers (velvet ones save space)
- Over-the-door hooks or racks
- Drawer organizers
- Command hooks and strips (non-damaging)
- Storage ottoman (doubles as a seat + storage)
- Foldable crates or storage cubes
Hack: Vertical space is your friend stack bins, add shelves, and hang as much as you can.
Personal Comfort & Decor
Make your dorm feel like home with cozy, personalized touches.
- Photos of family, pets, or friends
- Wall decor (posters, tapestries, or framed art)
- String lights or fairy lights
- Small rug (makes the floor feel less… cementy)
- Essential oil diffuser or plug-in air freshener
- Plants (real or fake—no judgment!)
- Cozy robe and slippers
- Favorite books or journals
- Eye mask and earplugs
Optional: Mini whiteboard, mirror with storage, or a memory board for mementos.
Nice-to-Haves” for Extra Comfort
- Lap desk for comfy bed studying
- Mini toolkit (screwdriver, measuring tape, etc.)
- Cold & flu care kit
- Sleep mask or blackout curtains
- Bedside shelf or caddy
- Puzzle, card games, or board games
- Foldable chair or beanbag
Final Tips for Dorm Move-In Day
Don’t overpack. Dorm rooms are small. Start with essentials—you can always add later
Coordinate with your roommate to avoid duplicates (you probably don’t need two microwaves)
Label your bins so unpacking is smoother
Pack smart. Use storage bins and laundry baskets as packing containers—you’ll use them later anyway
Leave room for “you.” Your favorite mug, your playlist, and your cozy blanket will make college life feel a lot more comfortable
You’re starting something amazing and having the right dorm setup can make that transition a whole lot smoother. So take a deep breath, check off your list, and get excited for this new chapter.