Getting ready for college is an exciting time, but the growing realization of the cost of college, including setting up a dorm room, can be daunting.

I know many of you want to shop early for essentials to spread out your purchases, so this guide lists items you can safely buy BEFORE you know your dorm assignment or even your college decision.

One important thing to keep in mind: November through early spring is the “off-season” for dorm shopping. Demand is down, so prices can be lower on many dorm essentials, but not for all. Inventory can take months to recover, and some items may not be fully restocked by major retailers until mid-to-late spring.

For example, stores like Target and Walmart typically don’t fully restock dorm merchandise, including Twin XL sheets, plastic drawer towers, cube organizers, and bins, until later in the spring. Dorm-friendly headboards and nightstands aren’t back at Amazon until January. This means shopping early can be smart for many essentials, but it’s also important to know which items are worth buying early and which are better to wait for a full restock.

Most importantly, you should absolutely wait to buy many dorm items until you know your dorm assignment and your roommate(s).

The dorm and college essentials below will serve you well and should be permitted in any dorm room, regardless of the layout and roommate situation.

---

Why Can’t You Shop Early for All Dorm Essentials?

There are too many variables and rules in today’s dorm rooms. For many dorm essentials, you’ll need more information about the following before making purchases. Variables include:

• Room Types and Building Configurations – Single, double, triple, suite-style, hall bath, private shared bath, closet or wardrobe, laundry nearby or in another building. Depending on your room type and setup, your dorm needs will vary greatly!
• Bed Sizes – Twin, TwinXL, Full, and Full XL are all out there. TwinXL is the most common, but you can’t assume your bed size will be Twin XL.
• Housing Policies – Mini fridges and microwaves may be provided, may have size or wattage limits, or may be allowed only when rented through the school. Curtains, rugs, nightstands, ottomans, chairs, other appliances, desk hutches, and extension cords may be prohibited or have specific restrictions. Electronics may be required to be UL-listed only. Bed height options WILL vary. Unfortunately, every school’s list of provided/allowed/prohibited items is different, and it often varies by dorm building on the same campus.
• Climate Considerations – Depending on the climate and the building’s age/issues, you may need a dehumidifier or humidifier, but wait on these until you know. Heavy comforter or lightweight comforter? Beach towels or ski storage?
• Roommate Planning – Given limited space and stringent dorm rules, you’ll likely share some essentials with your roommate. Please see the list of items roommates often share and suggestions for how to divide and conquer when shopping.

If you’d like to see photos of these different room types, join our Dorm Shopping Recommendations Facebook Group and click the Media folder to see hundreds of dorm room before-and-after photos. You’ll be amazed by the different layouts and setups, and inspired by their planning and decorating stories and results!

Looking for even more? Check out How To Research Your Dorm for the list of questions to answer before you start shopping.

---

The Dorm Essentials You Can Buy Early

You won’t need everything on this list, but it gives you a good idea of common essentials that are, for the most part, universally allowed in dorm rooms year after year.

Please note that this list of recommendations is based on years of advising dorm shoppers and testing dorm essentials. All dorm room items listed below meet our strict standards and are highly rated. Many have been tested in the dorm room lab in my house. We ALWAYS aim to find Made In The USA and non-toxic items whenever possible!

---

Dorm Move-In/Assembly Prep

It might seem early to be thinking about move-in, but early in the calendar year is when we see great deals on these items! I’ve never heard of a school that isn’t ok with moving bags!

• VENO Moving Bags – IKEA bags were the original and once the gold standard, but the VENO moving bags are thicker, slightly larger, less expensive, and just the best thing ever. Go ahead and get yourself an 8- or 10-pack and start using them for your next beach, camping or road trip. You can thank us later. Please use this link to make sure you get the version with backpack straps, because other variations without them look similar. Read more about what you can do with these bags, how many you’ll need, and how to use them as checked luggage on airlines (you can!) in our full moving bag guide.
• Toolbox – A simple toolbox for move-in and beyond. Be sure a measuring tape is included if you choose a different set!
• Rubber Mallet – If you don’t have a rubber mallet at home now, go ahead and get one. These come in handy on move-in day for adjusting dorm bed height and assembling furniture. You’ll be loaning yours to others on the hall who weren’t in the know, and that’s a good way to meet neighbors on move-in day.
• Heavy-Duty Door Stoppers – These are SO important for move-in day to keep your dorm room door open while you bring things in and to keep some air flowing (it is typically HOT)! Take a few extras to offer new neighbors – a great way to meet people and be helpful at the same time. And use them during the school year to prop your door open if you’d like people to pop in and say hello. Door stoppers are a surprisingly great social investment! This cute door stopper also makes a nice conversation piece.

---

Dorm Bedding

Nope, no fitted bedding yet! While TwinXL is the most common dorm bed size, too many schools have different dorm bed sizes these days, everything from Twin to Full XL. Please wait to buy ANY fitted dorm bed layers until you are certain of the mattress size provided.

Our Dorm Shopping Facebook group tracks the best deals on high-quality, toxin-free bedding, so as soon as you have your dorm room assignment and bedding size, we’ll let you know what we recommend and when it goes on sale/deal. We ONLY recommend toxin-free mattress toppers, mattress pads, mattress encasements, sheets, blankets, and comforters. After years of running this group and testing these items in our home dorm room, you’ll know you’re choosing the right items for a healthy and comfortable dorm bed.

If you have your dorm assignment, try to buy bedding before the peak summer dorm shopping months; prices rise, and inventory dwindles, especially in Twin XL and Full XL sizes.

Is there any bedding you can buy early? If you’re sure of your color scheme/theme, you can buy throw blankets and pillows. If you know you’ll want a Full/Queen comforter, whether you have a Twin/Twin XL or Full/Full XL bed, you can go ahead and buy it. Here are the pros and cons of using a larger comforter on a smaller dorm bed.

---

Dorm Bathrooms/Showers

Soooo many dorms have attached bathrooms versus down-the-hall community bathrooms these days. As our Facebook group of 160k+ members showed us their move-in pics this year, I would say at least 30% had private baths attached. It may be one bathroom for one dorm room, or one bathroom shared by a couple of attached rooms, but it’s definitely possible. Don’t assume dorm life = large community bathroom.

Roommates need to outfit those private baths: shower curtain/liner/rings, bath & shower storage, bath mats, under-sink storage, over-toilet storage, cleaning supplies, and, in most cases, even your own toilet paper. Our Dorm Essentials Guide includes those recommendations once you know your dorm setup, but below are dorm bathroom items you’ll need regardless of your assigned bathroom type.

Quick Dry Bath Towels For Dorms

Dorm rooms are usually damp, humid, and lack proper air circulation. Because there isn’t much room to fully dry towels, dorm residents are encouraged to skip big, soft, fluffy towels and choose quick-dry towels to avoid damp, mildew-smelling towels.

These 2 towel options are both OEKO-TEX® certified, which ensures there are no toxins in the fabric:

• Target Threshold Antimicrobial Towels – These are soft and affordable, and the hanging loop makes it easy to hang them on a hook without bunching up the fabric.
• Kohl’s Sonoma Quick Dry Towels – These don’t have a hanging loop, but you can add one if you’re feeling crafty.

These are our top 2 quick-dry towels for dorm use, you can see the test results for 5 quick-dry towels we compared here.

Bath Wraps & Bathrobes

No matter the bathroom situation in college, most students will want bath wraps or robes. Here are some of our favorites.

Bath Wraps For College

• Basic Solid Bath Wrap – A few color/pattern options and OEKO-TEX® certified (ensures no toxins).
• Basic Waffle Bath Wrap – Available in 17 colors and 3 sizes.
• Embroidered Personalized Terry Bath Wrap – Available in 3 colors, multiple fonts, and thread colors.

Bathrobes For College

• Basic Waffle Bathrobe – Lightweight, available in several colors.
• 100% Cotton Bathrobe – Warmer and also OEKO-TEX® certified (ensures no toxins).
• Men’s Lightweight Waffle Bathrobe – Lightweight, available in several colors, relaxed fit.
• Men’s DudeRobe – A cross between a robe and a hoodie, perfect for lounging or trips to the shower.

Slippers For College

I can’t advocate for indoor/outdoor-sole slippers enough! Whether you’re walking down the hall or heading to the community bathroom, thick-soled slippers protect you from the yuck on the floor and give you better grip on those linoleum floors. Not to mention, you’ll often spot indoor/outdoor slippers heading to class too. 🙂

• Women’s Indoor/Outdoor Slippers (Basic) – Good quality and made to look like the splurge brand below.
• Women’s Indoor/Outdoor Slippers (Splurge) – The UGG Tasman slippers – always hard to find by mid-November, so buy early if they’re on the holiday gift list!
• Men’s Indoor/Outdoor Slippers – So affordable, you could replace them at winter break if need be!
• Men’s Indoor/Outdoor Slippers – If he likes the big brand, this is the look-alike guy’s option.

---

Dorm Laundry Essentials

Everyone needs a laundry hamper/bag for dirty clothes! Most dorms will have laundry machines in the building, but you may have to navigate stairs or an elevator to get there. At some schools, laundry facilities may be in another building.

If you’re looking into wheeled options, it’s best to wait until you’re sure you won’t have to take the stairs, but the other options work fine regardless of where the laundry is. An easy-to-carry laundry bag is a plus in any situation.

Laundry Hampers & Bags

• Standing Backpack Laundry Bag – This one stands up and stays open, but you can also quickly wear it as a backpack to head to the laundry room. Choose the freestanding model with the frame; this listing also has non-freestanding options (at a lower price).
• Backpack Laundry Bag – A basic backpack laundry bag – easy to carry no matter the distance to the laundry room, but it will not stand up on its own – it is a simple canvas bag. This is a similar option at Target.
• Personalized Laundry Bag – Super fun colors/patterns, including college logos, plus a choice of fonts for your name or initials.
• Hamper With Removable Laundry Bag – The narrow size will help you find the perfect place for it on move-in day.
• Laundry Hamper On Wheels – Very popular as long as the laundry room is on your floor or accessible by elevator with no carrying required! Walmart is the only place to find this at this price. Holds a ton and is very sturdy.

Laundry Accessories

• Mesh Laundry Bags – Not just for lingerie, but for all delicates, expensive leggings, favorite t-shirts, and socks that often cling unseen to the washer drum and get left behind. Important to protect delicate clothes in commercial washing machines.
• Standard Laundry Basket – This good-sized basket holds a couple of loads of laundry, plus sheets & towels.
• Collapsible Laundry Basket – If you’re worried about where to keep a standard laundry basket, this is a version that collapses down to 2.7″ ‘flat’ when not in use.
• Collapsible Clothes Drying Rack – Have a lot of clothes that need to be hung up to dry? This collapsible drying rack is a great solution for quickly drying clothes in a small spot in the dorm room, then folding it away into a small space.

Closet Storage

Wait on larger storage closet solutions until you know your dorm assignment and understand what space you’ll have to work with. Dorm closets can be one of the following:

• A small closet with a door or a sliding door, usually with a shelf over the closet rod.
• An open space with just a rod, or a rod and shelving. The dresser may need to fit in this space, too.
• A furniture wardrobe unit with a rod, sometimes with shelves or drawers – sometimes built-in, sometimes mobile.

You won’t know until you have the dorm assignment. In the meantime, these space-saving hanging solutions work in almost any closet rod.

• Slim Hangers – Slim hangers are a smart solution for dorm closets – they are almost always SMALL! These slim hangers let you fit more hangers and include non-slip grips on the shoulders and a flat bar for pants/accessories. The clever S-top keeps collars from stretching. Kids generally complain about velvet-flocked slim hangers; they’re too hard to put shirts on and take off. Trust me, stick with this plastic model.
• Hoodie Hangers – These are a good option for storing not only hoodies, but purses, scarves, hats and more while taking up a smaller amount of space. If you have a fully lofted bed, these can also be hung from the springs for additional storage.
• Tank Top Hanger – This is a great slim option for tank tops, sports bras and tank tops.
• Leggings Organizer – Another great slim hanger that can be used for leggings.
• Skirt and Pants Hanger – Slim and fits 8 pairs of pants, skirts or shorts – 2pack.

---

Dorm Air Quality & Temperatures

Air Purifiers For A Dorm Room

Dorms house a lot of students in small spaces, so colds, sniffles, and the flu tend to spread as quickly as they did in the preschool days. In addition, the damp environments and older buildings can also be conducive to mold growth.

Air purifiers are a strong defense against both germs & mold spores, and are an important option to keep air clean and reduce smells that come along with dorm life. If they’ll have a roommate, you will typically only need one air purifier for the space.

Below are the top air purifiers for dorm rooms, and by the way, we don’t recommend most Mini or Compact air purifiers (Levoit or Shark) because they are really only suitable for rooms up to 75-80 square feet, and most double dorm rooms are 125-200 square feet.

You want to choose an air purifier sized to fully refresh your room’s air every 12.5 minutes.

• SMALL ROOM/SINGLE: BLUEAIR Mini Max – Removes 99.7% of particles. Cleans 105sqft every 12.5 minutes.
• DOUBLE ROOM: Levoit 200S – This Levoit is a great size for a dorm and also can be run with app. While the smart technology may not be usable in a dorm room due to campus WiFi restrictions, it can be run from the unit like the other air purifiers on this list, and the smart functionality will be usable in the post-dorm years. Cleans 140sqft every 12.5 minutes.
• DOUBLE ROOM: BlueAir 511 – Removes 99.97% of particles. Cleans 180sqft every 12.5 minutes.
• HEAVY-DUTY: Coway Air-Mega True HEPA Air Purifier – For asthma and allergy-sufferers, you will want to consider a heavier duty air purifier. Cleans 364sqft every 12.5 minutes.

For all of the details and more square footage math 😀, read more about the best air purifiers for dorm and college life.

Please note that air purifier filters need regular checks. Before your student leaves for school, OPEN UP your air purifier and check the filter. Some come with plastic wrap around the filter that you need to remove! While you’re checking, make sure your student knows how to open it and what a clean filter looks like. After a month or two at school, they should check the filter. Some filters can be ‘cleaned’ a few times, but some will need to be replaced. Please read the instructions for the air purifier you choose.

Fans For A Dorm Room

Hands down, there really is just one answer here. The WOOZOO fan…but a very specific WOOZOO fan. If you haven’t heard of it yet, you will. It will get ALL the hype and conversation throughout spring and summer, and once these little guys are opened and tested, all you will see is “the hype was worth it”! Promise. Many moms in our group have gone right back out and gotten one for themselves after trying it!

There are many WOOZOO models out there, but the best one, really the only one you want, is the PCF-SC15T; the others don’t hold a candle to its air movement and cooling.

This model is typically only available new at Costco, and only for limited months of the year (roughly February – August). The good news is that you don’t have to be a member to buy them online at Costco; they will just add a small 5% non-member fee.

It’s a $30 fan (when it goes on sale, typically in April), so non-members would pay an extra $1.50. You can also find this model WOOZOO new at Best Buy. I point out NEW because you can sometimes find this model at other major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart, but check the seller. These are very likely returned or damaged models marketed by shifty 3rd-party sellers.

We will let you know as soon as the WOOZOO becomes available this year and when it hits the buy price via our Dorm Recommendations Facebook group. If you’re not on Facebook, follow us (@thedormguide) on Instagram or subscribe to receive our emails.

Dorm Desk Essentials

Just about every dorm room comes equipped with a desk and a (probably uncomfortable wood) desk chair. Some come with a hutch on the top for extra storage, but most do not. Once you know your dorm, we can point you to the best dorm desk hutches if you need to bring your own. Please note that dorm desks are not standard, so you’ll want to find measurements for the one in your room, especially if you want to bring a hutch.

For now, you’d be safe to go ahead and shop early for the following dorm desk essentials.

Desk Lamps

Hopefully, all of our students will spend TONS of time at their desks studying and working on school projects and papers. Look for desk lamps for college with features such as reduced eye strain, phone/accessory charging, and adjustable color/dimming.

Desk Organizers

Many dorm desks do not have a top drawer (some have no drawers at all) for things like pens, pencils, sticky notes, paper clips, etc. A desktop organizer can help keep everything in its place.

• Small desk organizer to store the basics.
• Larger desk organizer for the student who likes a lot of office supplies! 4 colors including pink!

Whiteboards & Bulletin Boards

I love this reversible whiteboard for a college desktop. One side is a blank dry erase board, and the other side is a reusable calendar to help keep up with due dates and planning ahead.

Another helpful desk accessory is a traditional framed bulletin board. This one is simple and lightweight; just lean it against the back of the desk or hang it behind the desk to hold pictures, reminders, and keepsakes. My son loves his!

School Supplies

No matter where you go to school, you’ll want to have your preferred school supplies.

While most schools use technology to turn in school work, projects and papers, you may still want to stock up on pens, notebooks, and your other favorite supplies.

And FYI, printers are usually not necessary in college due to so much being turned in online and many schools have them readily available either in the dorm or in the library or student center. If you do decide to bring a printer, be sure it has a cable to directly connect it to your computer. Most school networks will not allow you to put a printer on their network.

Keep In Mind: Hutch Clearance

Keep in mind that your dorm may provide a desk hutch, which will limit how high items can be at the back of the desk. If you end up bringing your own desk hutch (you’ll need your dorm assignment to know if desk hutches/outside furniture are allowed and the width of your desk), popular desk hutches have clearance below the bottom shelf of 15″-24″.

Down The Road: Covering A Dorm Desk

Another trend, primarily for girls’ dorm rooms, is to cover the desktop in either fabric or removable wallpaper and then put a piece of plexiglass or clear vinyl over the top. This is both to transform the look of the potentially shabby desk as well as put a protective surface at the top for hair, makeup, drinks, etc. Once you know your exact desk size, you can have the acrylic or plexiglass cut at a Home Depot or Lowe’s. Just something to keep in mind for now.

---

Dorm Room Hair & Makeup

Hair Tool Organization For A Dorm Room

• Hot Hair Tool Organizer – Safely store hair tools while cooling. Use freestanding on a countertop, hang on a towel bar or hang over the top of a utility cart. Multiple colors available.
• Hot Hair Tool & Accessories Organizer – A little larger countertop model.
• Protective Heat Mat – Protect your dorm desk or countertop surfaces while hot hair tools are in use. Also opens to store tools inside for travel.

Makeup Organizers For A Dorm Room

• Rotating Acrylic Makeup Organizer – 9″ round by 12″ tall. Adjustable shelf heights.
• Stationary Acrylic Makeup Organizer – 9.5″x 6.25″ footprint and 14.25″ tall. 6 drawers plus a vertical storage layer for organizing brushes, lipsticks and other tall products.
• XL Acrylic Makeup Organizer – A similar footprint as the organizer above, but taller for more storage. 12 configurable storage drawers plus storage above for taller products like brushes and lipsticks.

Lighted Makeup Mirrors

• Classic Pedestal 1x/10x Rechargeable Round Mirror – 3 lighting colors, brightness adjustable, USB rechargeable, 1x magnification on one side and 10x magnification on the reverse side.
• Trifold Mirror with 1x, 2x and 3x Magnification – 3 color modes, USB rechargeable or battery operated, 1x/2x/3x magnification.
• Hollywood Style LED Bulb Makeup Mirror – Very popular option with 15 Hollywood-style LED bulbs, 22″x15″ mirror, touch control for light color and brightness, and additional charging ports for phone/accessories on the side.
• Hollywood Style LED Makeup Mirror – A more sleek version of the mirror above with integrated light strips rather than bulbs.

---

Dorm Room Jewelry Storage

Keeping jewelry neat, organized and untangled in a dorm room can be a challenge. Below are some of our favorite solutions for dorm jewelry storage and also some ideas for travel jewelry storage to make weekend trips and back and forth to home a little easier.

• Lockable Hinged Jewelry Box – A small footprint for small items. Lockable and available in 14 colors to match any room. 
• Tabletop Vertical Tiered Jewelry Holder With Accessory Tray – Store everything in one small footprint and see it all at a glance.
• Multi-Tray Jewelry Box – Removable tray and configurable compartments.
• Valet Tray/Vanity Tray – A handy catchall for dropping your watch, sunglasses, phone, wallet or jewelry.
• Jewelry Dish/Ring Dish – Pick their initial to personalize it.
• Travel Jewelry Organizers – 2 recommended options for traveling with jewelry:
  • Foldable quilted soft case
  • Zipper velvet case with mirror

Dorm Room Decor

Wall Art & Wall Hangings

• Custom Wood Name Signs – For over the bed or for your side of the dorm room.
• Colorful Picture/Artwork Frames – Scandanavian inspired frames in 4 sizes and multiple bright color options. Brighten up your desk area or dorm room walls with these simple frames. Sizes up to 11″x14″.
• Poster Frames – We love these thin brass frames that come in 3 different sizes.
• Sports Flags – You may not know what your college team will be yet, but you can get ahead on shopping for your favorite professional sports team now. The typical flag size for a dorm is 3’x5′.
• MLB Pennants & Banners – For your baseball fan.

You can also shop our collection of wall art designed by some of our college-student staffers! We’ll be adding new designs this year as well so be sure to bookmark our shop for more.

Other Fun Dorm Decor You Can Buy Early – These Make Great Gifts!

• Call Your Mom Pillow – This link will take you to the cover. We recommend these OEKO-TEX® certified pillow inserts.

• Custom Pet Pillows – A sweet reminder of their furry friend at home. Our link includes a 25% discount automatically applied in the cart. If you see a different offer pop up when you visit their website, just click out of that and continue.
• Message Board – Use this 10″x10″ message board with its precut letters to post quotes, leave notes or personalize your room. Comes in multiple colors and makes a great gift for students!

Dorm Decor You Should Wait To Buy

These often come with rules and restrictions and/or the need to know room sizes, so please hold off on buying these dorm items until you know your room assignment and rules.

• Curtains
• Rugs
• String lights
• Heavy wall decor

Dorm Room Technology

Personal Technology

• iPad or iPad Air – popularly used with an Apple Pencil for efficient and creative note-taking in college (check your iPad for which Apple Pencil is compatible)
• AirPods because just about everyone on campus has at least 1 white AirPod in an ear
  • We highly recommend this silicone AirPod case to protect your sleek shiny AirPod case from slipping out of your pocket
• Apple AirPod Pros – step-up your AirPods with the Pro version and improved battery life, advanced audio performance and noise canceling ability
  • This is the silicone AirPod Pro case to keep those shiny cases from slipping out of pockets.
• Apple AirTags – track your important items with your phone – wallet, keys, backpack, luggage, gym bag, etc.
  • Set of AirTag holders to attach to keys, gym bag, and luggage.
  • Backpack strap case that cannot be removed from luggage or backpack straps.
  • Faux bike reflector holder for discreetly protecting your bike.
• Portable Charging Block – definitely go with at least a 10,000mAh charger (not 5000 or 7500) so that the charger will have enough power for at least 2 full charges. Always, always keep your phone charged for safety and security. Consider a larger charging block with double the charging capacity to charge multiple devices.

TV’s For A Dorm Room

Many young adults watch shows on their phones, but bigger TVs are great for multiple viewers, sports and video games! They are a great option for socializing with new friends.

There won’t be much room for the TV so keep that in mind with considering the size. More than likely, you will place the TV on top of a dresser or desk hutch.

Size-wise, look for 40-50″ TVs, a size that will be appropriate for the dorm and eventually for an off-campus apartment/house bedroom TV. If you end up without a large enough flat area, many students choose a rolling TV cart to make it easy to move around the room for different viewing situations. A clamp mount is also an option.

We recommend a Smart TV as many students can get by with WiFi instead of paying for a cable service. My kids are able to use their Roku Smart TVs and access our home cable from their TVs via a Roku Xfinity app.

Here are a few options:

• Insignia 43″ 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Alexa
• Amazon Fire 43″ 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Alexa
• Insignia 50″ 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Alexa
• Hisense 50″ 4K UHD Smart Roku TV

Wait To Buy:

• Laptops – your school and major should provide the requirements and laptop specifications that you’ll need. This will vary by school, so please don’t anticipate the requirements or purchase a college laptop until you’ve committed to a school.
  
• Surge Protectors – some schools are REALLY picky about surge protectors and require them to be UL-Listed and/or may have limited cord length or number of outlets allowed. Some schools are more relaxed. Very few schools allow extension cords without surge protection, so I would skip extension cords altogether.

---

Dorm And College Campus Safety

• First Aid/Medicine Storage Box (without the meds yet) – this stacking kit is perfect for putting together a first aid/medicine box (although wait to buy the meds due to expiration dates). Our Facebook group has shared loads of great ideas for creative ways to put together a first aid/medicine kit, including this hanging jewelry organizer that has loads of pockets and can be stashed away in their closet. See the full list of creative first aid kit options plus suggestions for what to put inside.
• Birdie Personal Alarm – a simple keychain personal alarm to keep with you at all times. It emits a high-pitch alarm and a bright flashing strobe light.
• Scrunchie Drink Cover – keep it on your wrist until you have a drink nearby.
• POM Pepper Spray – 10% off. Quick release cap. Be sure these are permitted on your campus.
• Sabre Pepper Spray + Taser Device – Not currently on sale but needed to be included in this list. Be sure these are permitted on your campus.
• Prepared Hero Fire Blankets – A simpler and faster alternative to a fire extinguisher. Not on sale right now, but the 4-pack is a great price per blanket.
• 2-Pack Car Safety Hammer & Seat Belt Cutter – 27% off. Everyone should have one of these within easy reach in their car. Not just for students!
• 2-Pack LED Flashlight – When the phone flashlight isn’t enough, a flashlight is always good to have on hand – one in the dorm and one in the car.
• Carbon Monoxide Detector – yes, the school should ensure there is an operational carbon monoxide detector in every corner of each dorm building, but a little of your own backup monitoring might be a good thing.

Get all of our tips for Dorm and College Campus Safety in our article with 25 tips.

---

Dorm Food, Drink & Cooking Option

While rules and allowed appliances can vary widely, we’ve found that most schools will allow a Keurig, a small blender and an electric kettle, but there are exceptions. Definitely hold off on things like air fryers, sandwich makers, hot pots, microwaves and mini fridges.

Small Appliances For A Dorm Room

• Keurig K-Mini – Most, but unfortunately not all dorm rooms will allow a small Keurig. This one is the most popular with the smallest footprint and multiple colors to match your room. Target also exclusively has the Keurig K-Mini Go which includes a water tank so that water doesn’t have to be added before each brew. This may be more convenient for students with a distance to a sink.
• Ninja Fit Personal Blender – this is the favorite Smoothie maker of our family.
• Magic Bullet Blender – another popular personal blender option.
• Helimix Blender Shaker Bottle – an unmotorized BPA- and BPS-free shaker bottle for mixing protein powder or other supplements into liquid, no blades or plug-in necessary.
• Electric Kettle – great for not only tea but also oatmeal, ramen, hot chocolate and other favorites. Quickly and quietly bring hot water to a boil. The auto shut-off is important too!

Coffee Mugs & Tumblers

• Yeti Coffee Tumbler – the 10oz size will fit under the Keurig Mini spout. Owala is another popular brand available in loads of colors.
• Coffee Mugs – this collection has some fun ones to choose from.

Water Pitchers & Bottles

• Nalgene 32oz Water Bottle – made in the USA, BPA-free, easy to clean wide mouth simple construction.
• Stanley 30oz Ice Flow Flip – the most popular and easiest to carry Stanley right now. You can also have it personalized with name or monogram – great idea for college to be clear which is yours.
• Owala FreeSip – another popular no-spill option in a multitude of colors. Owala offers a unique gulp or sip design.
• YETI Rambler with Chug Cap – double-wall insulation and easy to remove top make this a favorite.
• Brita Pitcher (this one should be small enough for a dorm mini-fridge) or a Brita Water Bottle for on-the-go filtration.
• Bottle Brush – helpful for cleaning water bottles, coffee tumblers, pitchers, etc.

Food & Drink Accessories

• Magnetic Shelves & Paper Towel Holder – whether you rent or buy a mini fridge (some schools require you to rent), it is almost a certainty that you’ll have one. These shelves are super strong and are a great place to store water bottles, spices, sugar and other food and drink items that don’t need to be refrigerated.

Wait To Buy:

• Mini Fridge
• Microwave
• Other Appliances
• Fridge Shelving/Storage

---

Cleaning Up A Dorm Room

At a recent college orientation, the student counselors were asked what their #1 dorm item was in their dorm, and the response was a full-sized trash can!

• Stainless Kitchen-Sized Trash Can – you definitely want a kitchen-sized trash can (trust me!), and this one is foot pedal operated with the opening on the end which makes it perfect to slide into a small space in a dorm room. Some schools require metal trash cans only!
• 11 gal Slim Plastic Trash Can – a basic can with lid, foot pedal and end opening at a budget price.
• Slim Plastic & Metal Trash Can – black and silver with lid, foot pedal and end opening.
• Basic Kitchen-Sized Trash Can – this is a simple plastic trash can with a swing top.
• Bissell Featherweight 3-in-1 Vacuum – hands down, this is a favorite of mine (both sons use it in college) and so many members of our Dorm Shopping Facebook group. You just can’t beat it for the price. Please note that this is not great for picking up lots of long hair as it does not have a beater brush.
• Garment Steamer – many schools do not allow irons, and many students don’t want to iron anyway! A steamer is often the choice of college students when they need to be unwrinkled for presentations, business meetings and interviews.

---

Out And About On And Off Campus

• Umbrella – A windproof umbrella with auto open and close made to handle heavy rain.
• LED Pocket Mirror – The cutest little light-up mirror that runs on 2 CR2032 batteries (the flat watch batteries).
• Weekend Duffel Bag For Her – This is a favorite bag of college students – it holds so much and has that awesome trolley sleeve so it can be slipped over a rolling carry-on bag for longer trips. This alternative duffle is a little larger, has a laptop compartment and also has the trolley sleeve to attach to your luggage. I personally have this one and love it.
• Weekend Duffel Bag For Him – Another great weekender bag with a trolley sleeve like the one above.
• Full-Sized Toiletry Bag – My personal bag that holds absolutely everything.
• Embroidered Personalized Toiletry Bag – Personalize with an initial, monogram or name.
• Clear Purse – You’ll need this for stadium events in college and beyond. This one is a dressier clear purse that would be appropriate for formals, conferences or large business events. And this is a favorite basic option.

Looking for more travel essentials? Check out our article on the Best Travel Gifts with items perfect for weekend trips to study abroad.

---

Taking A Car To College

• Portable Tire Inflator/Air Compressor & Battery Jump Start Block – This all-in-one unit is a must for all drivers. Not only can they jump start your vehicle without having to rely on another car battery, this unit comes with an air compressor that will fill their flat tire to just the right amount of pressure. If you already have one or the other, you can buy them separately but we highly recommend having both in their vehicle.
• Trunk Organizer – Helpful for organization, carrying groceries and securing small and delicate items. Also helpful for keeping valuables hidden if you absolutely must keep them in your car.
• Dash Cam – Our family was in an accident just off-campus during Parents’ Weekend in the Fall of 2023. A college freshman caused a 3-car collision, and we were thankful for video of the situation to clear up any doubts about fault. Young (and older) drivers should consider dash cams to protect themselves from misplaced blame, as well as proof of any incidents that may occur when the student is away from the car (parking monitor function).
• Emergency Seat Belt Cutter – An essential to stash in their glovebox just in case. Features both a seat belt cutter and hammer to break glass.
• Small First Aid Kit – Great to have in the car as it includes everything they might need.

---

What Is Not On This List?

In addition to all bedding, we recommend waiting for your specific dorm room assignment to purchase the following items.

• Headboards
• Under bed & other storage
• Nightstands
• Closet organizers
• Ottomans
• Chairs
• Futons
• Most appliances
• Surge protectors
• Shower caddies
• Shower shoes
• Desk hutches
• Desk chair covers
• Laundry soap
• Backpack (until you know laptop size)
• Any Command Strips or other wall-hanging products

You can find recommendations for all of these dorm essentials in our full Dorm Essentials Shopping Guide.

Additionally, we strongly recommend against buying a laptop for college until you have specific recommendations from your school from YOUR major at YOUR school.

---

More Dorm Planning And Shopping Resources

For dorm deal alerts, questions and recommendations, you want to be in our Dorm Shopping Recommendations And Deal Alerts Facebook group. If you have any questions about this article or dorm shopping in general, you can post them in the group.

We’re also on Instagram where you can find all of our video how-tos, tips, product reviews and demonstrations from the mock dorm room I built in my house. Yep, took over a bedroom, found 2 adjustable-height dorm beds (they took over a year to find!), and have been buying and building dorm solutions for 3 years now.

Our full list of College Dorm Room Essentials & Nice To Haves includes several other categories and dorm essentials, but many of those will need to wait until you have your room assignment and roommate information. Every dorm has different rules for what is provided, what is allowed, and what is prohibited. There are even differences between dorms at the same school, so don’t make assumptions until you know your exact room assignment.

Additional Helpful Articles:

High School Graduation Countdown Ideas & Templates

How To Layer A Perfectly Comfortable Dorm Bed

25 Important Tips For Dorm Room And College Campus Safety

Preparing To Launch: 56 Life Skills For High Schoolers

How To Prepare And Pack For College Move-In Day

31 Practical High School Graduation Gifts For Girls

35 Practical High School Graduation Gifts For Guys

The Best Dorm Storage Ideas To Maximize And Organize Space

The Important Documents You Need When Your Child Turns 18

Share This Article With Friends!

Help us get the word out by sharing this list with your fellow senior parents, senior students and even those a year behind so they can start learning early. This would be a great article to share in your local high school Facebook group.

If you found some helpful ideas for your student here, please feel free to share this article using the social sharing buttons on the left!