The Complete Dorm Room Essentials Guide: A Shoppable List
Lara Becker
January 8, 2026
Welcome to the most complete list of QUALITY college dorm room essentials, must-haves and a fair share of nice to haves.
All I do day in and day out is research and test the best quality, most affordable items for dorm rooms. The focus is on non-toxic items that will be reusable throughout college and the changing housing situations.
You will find a very long list of things to consider below, but you only need a fraction of them because when it comes to setting up your dorm room, less is more.
Before you buy one item for your dorm room, PLEASE know that every school has different rules, even different rules across the same campus. You should really have your dorm assignment before shopping although there is a small subset of items that should be allowed and useful in almost all dorm room living.
In addition to different rules, different room setups, bathroom and laundry locations and campus size, everyone is different in terms of what makes them comfortable. Ultimately, your shopping list is one that you’ll make just for you with all of these factors in mind. Please skip over all of the pretty lists and spreadsheets you’ll likely find or be promoted to you as you prepare for college. Many items on those lists may already be provided, may only be allowed if rented through the school or are flat out not permitted at all. It varies EVERYWHERE.
How Items Make Our List
We are in our 4th season helping parents and students with trusted dorm shopping recommendations, and there are a LOT of learnings from years of doing this day in and day out.
We look for products that are:
At least 4.5* rated with at least 1000 reviews. This is 90% of the list below. There are exceptions due to availability, shipping problems or customer confusion about the product’s intentions, but we’ve selected the best options for each category.
All bedding and textiles are certified non-toxic/no harmful substances. This is so important as many cheap items coming from overseas are unregulated and full of toxins.
Made in the USA takes priority. While there are so many items just not made in the USA, we’re prioritizing those that are.
Forward-thinking – Dorm life may only be a year or two, but with each item selection, we’re looking for opportunities to reuse as the student moves into apartments and other off-campus housing.
In addition, we are constantly TESTING products in my home dorm room. It wasn’t easy, but I now have a full dorm in my house including 2 adjustable Twin XL dorm beds and all of the products I’ve bought and continue to buy for testing. If you want to see something in a dorm room, I probably have it!
Navigating The List
You will be clicking around to various retailers to view different dorm room essentials, so make sure to bookmark this page before you start browsing so that you can find it again!
We very much appreciate you clicking through our links as we may earn a small commission on eligible purchases. This is the only revenue supporting this ad-free website, and it is our goal to keep this website free of ad clutter for as long as possible.
Ready to get started? Grab a cup of coffee and start scrolling.
Or jump to any of the following categories if you’re looking for a specific recommendation.
Our Dorm Shopping Recommendations Facebook Group – If you aren’t already in our group, be sure to join us there for Q&A and deal alerts on these items. If you don’t see a recommendation here for what you are looking for, need something very specific or have questions, you can ask us in the Facebook group! This group is our hub, our home base, and we are there and very active every day with over 135k other parents getting ready for college dorms and apartments.
Dorm IQ Series – Our learning series to help you navigate all the most important and most asked about aspects of planning and moving into a college dorm.
FAQs – Get the answers to the most frequently asked dorm & college questions!
Dorm Bedding
Probably the most essential part of the dorm room is the bedding. Making that uncomfortable thin vinyl over springs mattress into something dream worthy is found in the layering.
Every recommendation in this bedding section is not only highly rated and affordable but also meets the following certifications to ensure a toxin-free healthier dorm bed.
The following links are for Twin XL sizes, but all should be available in Twin or Full sizes if needed. Please be 100% sure of your dorm bed size before shopping – there are many variations out there.
If you are looking for Full XL bedding, scroll down past encasements, toppers and mattress pads to the Full XL dorm bedding recommendations.
Dorm Mattress Encasement
A mattress encasement is used to ‘seal off’ or ‘zip away’ the used school-provided mattress. A mattress encasement, also called a mattress protector, is a tight-fitting (usually airtight) enclosure with a zipper at one end. This is an optional layer, but many choose to go with this to keep their new bedding separate from the used mattress.
Dorm mattresses are typically 5-8″ thick, so you’ll want to use a narrow encasement on your mattress to avoid having a bunch of extra fabric sliding around.
Note: Please do not put foam mattress toppers inside an airtight fully zipped mattress encasement. Foam toppers need to breathe and allow heat to escape so that heat and moisture won’t build up in the foam which could potentially create mold. If you choose to use an encasement, it should only go around the dorm-provided mattress. The topper will go just above.
Dorm Mattress Toppers
Our top 2 recommendations:
Our Recommended Under $100 3″ Topper – All of the certifications plus Made In The USA! This one is a bit more firm than the Lucid or Linenspa, and most students prefer that extra support.
The Premium Sleepyhead 3″ Topper – An extra supportive cooling premium topper that comes with a removable washable Cooltech cover with corner straps . A premium price but incredibly comfortable.
Lucid 3″ Gel Mattress Topper – Slightly lower ratings, but usually on sale at a great price. Also sold at Walmart but often sells out quickly when there is a deal.
Non-Memory Foam Topper – A down alternative to memory foam. Where memory foam tends to hold it’s shape over time, these tend to go flat after some use.
If you will have a Full XL bed, you’ll want exact fitting mattress encasement, mattress topper, mattress pad and fitted sheets. A Full XL bed is 54″ wide and 80″ long. A queen bed is 60″ wide and 80″ long. While queen-sized fitted bedding would fit, it will be looser and not do a good job of keeping the layers in place. Queen blankets and comforter would be just fine.
Everyone needs at least a fitted sheet. My son would argue the top sheet is not necessary, but it is a lot easier to wash sheets than a big soft blanket regularly!
Do you need deep pocket sheets? For dorm beds, even with a 3″ topper, the answer is no. Dorm mattresses are so thin, typically 5-8″, that even after adding a topper, you’re not at a thickness that is even close to requiring deep pocket sheets as deep pocket typically means 15″+.
100% cotton are recommended as they are cooling, and many dorm rooms are hot. Microfiber is soft and often marketed as ‘dorm sheets’, but they run warmer (they’re polyester). All sheets below are OEKO-TEX® certified.
100% Cotton Sheet Set (Amazon) Cooling & more crisp than microfiber. This 400 thread-count set is great, but this brand also comes in 500TC, 600TC and 800TC if you really want to up the experience and softness. Check the 2-packs to see if those are priced better than buying 2 single sets. You’ll likely want to send 2 sets to college.
100% Cotton Fitted Sheet Only (Amazon) It is amazing how many in this generation want nothing to do with a flat sheet!
2-Pack 100% Cotton Pillowcases (Amazon) If using just the fitted sheet above, these are the matching pillowcases. If purchasing the sheet set above that includes pillowcases, you still may want an extra 2 in case laundry isn’t happening as frequently as it should. The pillowcases bear the largest burden!
100% Cotton Solid Color Sheets or 100% Cotton Print Sheets (Target) – 400 thread count and they come in so many colors. These are fully elasticized with double elastic in the corners to help hold the sheets in place.
Bedsure Cooling Blanket – A consideration for warm sleepers especially in dorm rooms with known temperature issues.
HEiQ Smart Temperature Blanket – Flip it to the plush side in the winter and the cooling side in the summer. I use this at home, and it feels perfect year-round. This is thick and nice-looking enough to serve as a comforter.
Electric Blankets
These are often not allowed in dorms, so please double check your rules before purchase. Both of the electric blankets for dorm beds below are OEKO-TEX® certified and have timers and auto shut-off. A Twin sized electric blanket is a good size for a Twin XL – you don’t need the extra length to have to tuck it down into the foot of the bed.
Threshold Garment Washed Quilt – Several colors available. I have this in our home dorm room – it is soft and structured and could serve as an intermediate layer or the top layer.
Comforter Sets
There are SO many options out there. Look for OEKO-TEX® certified and also at the washing instructions. A machine washable comforter or duvet cover will make life much easier. Your comforter will also be a part-time couch, and you want to be able to easily wash it without a trip to the dry cleaners.
Typical dorm beds have no headboards, and many students want something between their pillow and a concrete wall. For the following headboards with legs, you’ll attach them to the dorm bedframe with zip ties. Therefore, do not use these for upper bunk or fully lofted beds.
For a Twin XL bed, you’ll want a twin-sized headboard. Twins and Twin XL’s are the same width. If you’re going with a headboard, BUY THIS EARLY. For the past several years, we’ve watched them start out in the $60 range in the winter, then head up a bit in the spring, then head to $80-$100 in the early summer and then finally sell out. Or actually, you can still purchase in late July, but they don’t ship until December!
Headboard Pillow – If you don’t use a structured headboard, this is another option to provide comfort up against a wall, and it is a good option for a lofted bed. This can also be found at Kohl’s and at Belk. Check all 3 for the best current sale price and be sure shipping is included.
Triangular Wedge Pillow – Another pillow option more supportive for sitting up in bed but not as tall. Also good for a lofted bed. Note that there are other less expensive brands of this pillow, but we consistently hear that they slump down and are useless. This brand linked is the one that everyone loves.
Husband Pillow (Backrest with arms) – This is probably too big to stay on the bed when sleeping, but it has great height for sitting up working or reading in bed.
Accessories For Bunk Beds Or Fully Lofted Beds
Bed Shelfie – For those in a fully lofted or upper bunk bed, a Bed Shelfie is a great option for a ‘nightstand’. A shelf instead of a hanging organizer allows you to place a fan, clock or other upright objects next to the bed. There are more colors and styles available in separate listings.
Bedside Caddy – Another option for bedside storage when a nightstand is not an option, this one folds over the railing.
Cozy Fleece & Sherpa Throw Blanket – Naps and late-night studying are best done outside of the covers but with a cozy blanket. OEKO-TEX® certified.
Custom Pet Pillow – 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.
Before shopping for any dorm room furniture, please check your school rules. Some schools do not allow any outside furniture and some have restrictions about charging furniture, fabric drawers and seating. Please also know that almost every school requires that you keep all school-provided furniture in the room, so for example, you can’t remove the dorm-provided desk chair or mattress.
Dorm Nightstands / Bedside Tables
If you have space next to your bed, a nightstand with extra drawer storage is a great idea. Check your dorm rules to be sure additional furniture, fabric drawers and charging units are permitted.
Nightstands For Raised/Semi-Lofted Dorm Beds
Many dorm beds are adjustable up to about 30″ below the mattress. Add in a 6-8″ dorm mattress plus your 3″ mattress topper, and your sleep surface will be about 40″ off the floor. A tall nightstand is a must for a bed up this high. We’ve rounded up our favorite options below.
Tall Charging Nightstand – (39.4″ tall). This is THE best tall charging nightstand on the market. This link is for the white version, and there is another listing with more colors including the charcoal with wood accents which looks great in my son’s room. We like this so much that we went back and bought the 3-drawer versions to use in his college apartment next to his regular height bed. The tall nightstand now serves as extra storage in his bedroom. PLEASE NOTE: Last year, these went from sale prices in the mid $40 range in the spring to more than double that by mid-July. Buy early if you can!
Tall Fabric Drawer Nightstand – (36.1″ tall). If your school does not allow charging furniture, this is a similar option to the charging nightstand above, but if charging is allowed, I would choose the charging option above as these are about the same price.
6 Cube Organizer – (43.8″ tall). Cube organizers are great horizontally under the bed or vertically next to the bed. They’ll be reusable in any college housing and beyond too and often serve as TV tables and closet and pantry storage in later years. The Brightroom brand are very thick and sturdy compared to some other brands that are thinner and more wobbyly.
Tall 8-Drawer Wood Nightstand – (44″ tall). The Walmart version of the Ikea Alex drawers. They are very close in look and measurements.
Simple 3-Shelf Bookcase – (36″ tall). Prefer the look of open storage next to the bed, this 3-shelf bookcase is 36″ tall.
Long Shelf Between Bed & Wall – (40″ tall). No room at the head of the bed for a nightstand? Maybe there is a heating element unit there or another obstruction, or the bed is too close to the door. Another option is to use a long and tall but narrow headboard between the bed and the hall. The option linked here is 78″ long (a Twin XL bed is 80″ long), 40″ tall – perfect for a raised bed and only 6″ wide. At each end, it has an outlet and 2 USB ports. PERFECT solutiontion if charging furniture is permitted, and you can spare 6″ between the bed and the wall.
You can also build a ‘Fridge Bridge’ between two beds to serve as storage, a mini-kitchen and nightstands with just a few items! Check out our full how-to article.
Nightstands For Fully Lofted Or Upper Bunk Beds
Fully lofted or upper bunk beds often mean the sleeping surface will be about 70″ from the floor. Before you start considering nightstands, PLEASE ensure that your bed comes with a safety rail. If it does not, and the school will not provide one, please bring your own bed rail. There have been too many tragic results after students have fallen out of lofted dorm beds.
Adjustable Height Bed Shelf – Some students want to put their fan on a perch that is higher than their sleep surface, and this is a good option.
Bedside Caddy Organizer – Several pockets to hold tablets, phones, books and notebooks plus a side pocket for a water bottle.
5-Cube Tall Organizer – (70″0 tall). If you have 15″x16″ floor space next to your bed, you can use the top of this as a nightstand, and the 5 cubes below for storage! Walmart has this selection of wood cube inserts too to make organizing in this cubes even easier. Use the bottle storage insert to store 9 water bottles!
Dorm Room Ottomans
For all of the details on what to look for in dorm room ottomans which can play triple duty – storage, seating and a step up to your raised bed, please see our article with the Most Sturdy Storage Ottomans For College.
Two-Step Wood Step Stool – 15.6″H x 14.77″W x 17.7″D. 300lb capacity. Slip-resistant foot pads. This is a quality product that will last for years.
Solid Storage Ottomans (No Storage)
Performance Velvet Ottoman – 15.5″H x 15.5″W x 15.5″D. PICTURED IN TEAL ABOVE. I have this one in our home dorm room in teal. I stand on it to get up to the beds ALL THE TIME. My 200lb son has used it to get up to the beds as well. Great dorm-trend colors available in pink, teal, gray, navy, ivory, etc.
Round Striped Ottoman – 16.5″H x 20″W x 20″D. This one has a weight limit of 225lbs, so I would only use this for students 150lbs or less.
Round Better Homes & Gardens Ottoman – 16.5″H x 17.5″W x 17.5″D. I’ve gone to Walmart and jumped up and down on this one myself (don’t worry, I took my shoes off). This is another sturdy choice. At the moment, I only see this in gray, but will update if the ivory/tan color comes back in stock.
Butterfly Chair – An extra chair for visitors or just chill time that folds away when not in use. Holds up to 150lbs.
Saucer Chair – Another chair option that folds away when not in use. Holds up to 225lbs.
Lounge Chair & Ottoman – If you have a little extra room and a student who loves to be comfortable, these are a popular option for college student.
Sturdy Bean Bag Chair – This is a good option if you don’t need to move it out of the way as you can do with the folding chairs above.
Affordable Futons For Dorm Rooms
If you are fully lofting both beds (be sure you have bed rails!) in your dorm room, a popular plan is to put a futon/couch under one bed, and a TV/kitchen area under the other. The following are affordable futon options as you likely don’t want to make a huge investment in something that may only be useful for a couple of years.
Padded Memory Foam Futon (72″ long) – This one comes highly recommended by several of the Dorm Shopping Recommendations group members.
After bedding, the next most important of the dorm room essentials is storage. Traditional double dorm rooms average around 180-240sqft. That’s about the size of a good-sized bedroom or small living room. And TWO people are living there, in just that one room!
Creative storage to the rescue!
Under Bed Storage
Under bed storage options include plastic drawer towers, cube organizers, carts and even fabric drawer dressers. Your provided dorm dresser may fit under your raised dorm bed. We have an entire article about how to measure and plan for under dorm bed storage.
Plastic Drawer Towers
These are some of the most popular drawers used under dorm beds. For well under $30, they hold a decent amount, are lightweight and easy to move and are 24″ tall which fits under most dorm beds.
Target Brightroom Drawer Towers – The striped Look. I find these to be more suitable for guys’ rooms, and this is what we went with for my son’s room pictured above, in the gray color. Made in the USA and BPA and Phthalate free. Hopefully all colors will be fully stocked by late Spring.
Clear Or Colored Front Drawers from The Container Store. A little bit better quality with the ability to create custom looks and a little more privacy with the colored fronts. Large: 15-3/4″ W x 19-3/4″ D x 8-1/8″ H. Small: 7-1/2″ W x 13-1/2″ D x 4-1/4″ H.
Storage Cubes
If you’re looking at cube organizers for under the bed or elsewhere in the room, know that they typically come with cubes that hold either 11″ square bins or 13″ square bins. The 13″ bin organizers are more sturdy, and you’d be surprised how much that extra 2″ all the way around makes a big difference in storage space. Regardless of the size you choose, be sure to match your cube size with the bin size.
These organizers can be placed horizontally or vertically. The 6-cube organizers stood vertically can make a great nightstand for a raised dorm bed if you have the room next to the bed.
The under bed storage options above will not take up the entire depth under the bed.
Twin XL beds are 38″ wide, and most of the options above will sit in the front 12″-17″ deep. The space behind these storage options is great for out of season storage, sports equipment and items that will be used less frequently.
Out of season clothes, jackets, extra blankets and bedding should be stored in a zippered container such as the moving bags you’ll use for all of your college moves, or you can use these large foldable storage bags with the windows to see what’s inside.
Dorm Rolling Open Storage Carts
Rolling carts are a great option for a dorm room. Use them for laundry and cleaning supplies or snacks and drinks or a coffee cart or makeup and beauty supplies. Metal is more sturdy than plastic and that is what we’ve recommended beow.
Target Metal 3-tier Rolling Cart – Target’s cart comes in 3 colors. This has the flare out at the bottom that can aid stability but also takes a bit more room if you’re wanting to squeeze a cart into a narrow space.
Space Maximizing 3-tier Rolling Cart – Another metal Amazon option that really uses space well with the addition of baskets and a pegboard with hooks .
Dorm Room Safes and Locking Storage
Many students choose to keep important documents, prescription medicines, sentimental jewelry and electronics in a locking storage box.
Locking Medicine Box (Small) – 5″H x 8.5″W x 2.8″D. You can tether this to your bed frame with a cable lock like this one.
Locking Medicine Box (Medium) – 7.9″H x 12.2″W x 7.5″D. This can also be tethered to the bed frame or other stationary object in the room.
Small Locking Storage Box – 10.6″D x 7.5″W x 2.4″H Good for medications, passport and small valuables. Not quite large enough for a laptop. Comes with a tether cable so that you can attach it to your bed frame.
Locking Storage Box – 6.5″D x 13.5″W x 23″H. Large enough for a laptop and other valuables.
Locking Footlocker With Wheels – I love this one for the large size plus ability to roll it in and out from under the bed. Add a padlock to the front closure with the holes and a cable lock to attach it to your bed frame. This is the same footlocker in a teal color.
Locking Storage Ottoman – A safe hidden inside an ottoman you can use for extra seating and storage. You can tether this to your bed if you are concerned it may be carried out of the room. This ottoman is not recommended as a step up to a raised bed – the top is not strong enough to push off of continuously.
Locking File Cabinet – Offering more locking storage than a box, a filing cabinet gives you room to safely lock up even more personal items. It also provides more tabletop space for a microwave, printer or storage bins.
Fireproof Waterproof Document Storage – At 11″x15″, this is large enough to store and protect important documents such as your passport or birth certificate. Be sure you have a printed copy of your Young Adult Power Of Attorney documents with you at college and that your roommate can access these in the event of an emergency.
BunkTrunk – A more expensive but amazing dorm room solution – our link includes a $30 off coupon. Good for any bed height, but especially useful for those high lofted beds or upper bunks. The locking trunk is made of solid birch and is large enough to hold all of your valuables and also serves as a desk with the opening flipped down. BunkTrunks are made by a small family business in California, and their customer service is amazing. You can use these after dorm life as a locking trunk by simply removing the legs.
The BunkTrunk On A Dorm Bed
Dorm Kitchen Storage / Mini Fridge Shelving Units
Before planning for storage, please check with your school to determine which, if any, appliances are allowed.
For over mini-fridge storage, some will suggest over-toilet shelving, but for around the same price, please consider the 4-shelf over fridge shelving below. These shelves are 18″ deep versus most over-toilet storage units at 9″ deep. That will make a huge difference in the amount of storage and will allow you to also store the microwave and other appliances above the fridge.
Microwave Storage Cart – A great way to elevate the microwave and create storage below for food, snacks, plates, cutlery, etc. This is especially useful if you will not have a mini fridge in the room as you’ll need a spot for your microwave. This cart can slide into a more narrow space by turning it lengthwise.
Mini Fridge Organizer Caddy – A simple and affordable way to create extra storage on the sides of the mini-fridge. Also available at Walmart.
Magnetic Storage Shelves & Paper Towel Holder – An absolute dorm favorite! These shelves and paper towel holder attach so strongly to the fridge or microwave, they won’t move. Use the shelves to store water bottles, coffee mugs, salt/pepper/spices, vitamins, popcorn oil, sugar, packets of oatmeal, small box of baggies, napkins, aluminum foil, hand sanitizer pump, dish soap, rolled up dish towels, etc.
Over the Fridge Shelving (4 shelves above) – This 18″x24″ unit creates great vertical storage above a mini fridge. The shelves adjust and can be set to start right over the top of the fridge. Put the microwave on one of the shelves and other appliances or small bins or baskets on the other shelves for food storage. There is also a black version that is 6″ taller.
Wood Fridge Surround Shelving – If you have a little extra floor space, this is helpful organizer with an open back (to allow ventilation) make a little mini kitchen area. To create even more vertical space, you can use the optional shelving unit for above this station found at the same link.
Under Sink Storage – If you have an en-suite kitchen, bathroom or sink with a cabinet below in your dorm room, consider under-cabinet storage units to double the storage, help delineate your space and keep things neat.
Hanging Shelves – If you need additional folded clothes space or room for hats or other accessories, this will give more vertical ‘shelf’ space while only taking 12″ of horizontal hanging space.
Closet Hanging Shoe Organizer – If you have more shoes than clothes to hang up, these will add shoe storage and keep them from piling up on the floor of your closet. Only 5 1/2″ wide!
Closet Rod Doubler – If you only need a bit of long-hanging space and want to create more short-hanging space, this doubler will be perfect.
Slim Plastic Non-Slip Hangers – I call these the “They Thought Of Everything” hangers. Never thought I’d gush over hangers, but here’s why these are so great, not just for dorms!
Space-saving thin profile.
S-shape design allows easier hanging and removing so as not to stretch collars.
Non-slip texture on shoulders for shirts and on center bar for pants.
Smaller bar for ties or scarves.
Small hooks for strappy tops or accessories.
Swivel hook.
Slim Velvet Hangers – Slim hangers help you get more items in a small closet. Velvet helps keep items from falling off the hangers, but some students find the velvet ‘too sticky’ to easily move clothes on and off the hanger.
Hanging Jewelry Organizer – The least space-intensive way to store jewelry in a dorm room is in a simple thin hanging organizer.
Over Door Organizers
Favorite Over-Door Organizer – Add 5 super sturdy storage shelves to the back of your closet door or the side of your over fridge storage shelving. Store kitchen items, snacks, clothes, shoes, personal items, medications, etc.
Over Door Shelves & Hooks – A sturdy organizer to hold accessories above and jackets, hoodies and backpacks on the hooks below.
Over The Door Mirror – Check to see if your dorm room is equipped with a mirror. If not, an over door model is often the best choice.
Large Bins For Upper Closet Shelves – Super sturdy fabric bins with metal frames to organize small items on the top shelf of a closet or wardrobe.
Zippered Shoe Organizer – This can sit on the floor of your closet or zip up for storage under the bed.
Under Bed Shoe & Boot Organizer – Store extra shoes and even 4 pairs of boots in this zippered storage under the bed. A great for long-distance students to store out-of-season shoes.
Other Dorm Closet Accessories
Closet Light Option – If you learn that the closets or wardrobe units are really dark inside, these rechargeable magnetic or Command Strip attached motion activated LED light strips will be a huge help. No batteries or outlets required!
Small Footprint Coat Rack – Some rooms have more floor space than closet space or over door capability, so a small footprint coat rack can be a great solution for hanging coats, hoodies, bags and lanyards.
Non-Adhesive Drawer Liners – Line those previously used dresser and desk drawers with your own liners (after cleaning first!). Schools do not allow adhesive drawer/shelf liners, so these non-adhesive liners are a great option.
Quick Dry Towels (Target option) – Dorm rooms have little airflow and are often older, damp and musty. Not a great environment for drying towels, especially when there isn’t a lot of room to hang them.
Quick Dry Towels (Kohl’s option) – Available to purchase as individual towels or as a set, these are affordable, highly rated, OEKO-TEX® certified quick-dry towels perfect for a dorm room. A similar option is available at Walmart.
Women’s Bath Wrap – Girls will want a wrap or bathrobe to go to/from the shower.
Hair Towel Wrap – Wrap up long hair right out of the shower so it doesn’t drip all the way back to and around the dorm room.
Women’s Bathrobe – Something lightweight and simple to get to and from the shower if you have a community bathroom.
Over Door Towel Hooks – For multiple towels, or towels and bathrobe, a place to hang them to dry is important. Hang this over your closet or private bathroom door.
Single Over Door Hooks For Closet Or Bathroom – These hooks can be hung from a more narrow side or a wider side to allow for a fit on most doors. Use these on doors, on the top rail of your bed’s footboard to hang your backpack and off of your over fridge storage shelves for hand towels.
Community bathroom floors and walking around the dorm hallways in general – you never want to go barefoot. Slippers are known to go outside and even to class, so indoor/outdoor soles are a good option. I suggest not spending a ton on slippers for dorm life – they may not survive a full semester let alone a full school year!
Poo-Pourri – Whether you have a communal or connected bathroom, a little spray before you go helps keeps odors in the bowl.
Private Dorm Bathrooms
Standard shower curtains for bathtub length showers is 72″x72″. If you have a stall shower, please check with your school for exact measurements, but you will likely need a 36″x72″ curtain. Avoid using a regular-sized curtain in a stall-width shower as it will have an even harder time drying than a well-fitting curtain – this could create an easy environment for mold and mildew to form.
100% Cotton Antimicrobial Bath Mat – A thick quick-dry towel-like mat. Have each student bring a few of these so they can be regularly and easily switched out and laundered.
Long Bath Mat For Bathtub/Shower Combo – A long rug in front of the tub/shower reduces a wet mess on the floor. Quick dry is important especially if multiple students share the bathroom.
Swiffer Mop – Again, the easier it is for them to clean, the more likely it will be to happen.
Additional Cleaning Supplies – In addition to the toilet and floor recommendations above, be sure to bring supplies to clean the shower, sink and mirror.
Air purifiers are often dismissed as overkill when first dorm shopping, but spend some time in dorm and college groups in the fall, and you’ll read story after story about frequent illnesses and inability to shake a bad cough or cold. Other community members will recommend an air purifier, and almost every time, that solves the problem.
Dorms have notoriously poor air circulation and worse, are often battling mold growth especially in an around the air vents in the rooms. If you’re still on the fence, I recommend asking about historical illnesses and solutions in a parent Facebook group.
Our recommended air purifiers are below. These will freshen up the old musty dorm building and furniture, repel germs, pollen and bad smells and continually clean the air in the room. You want the 12.5 minute refresh rate to be close to the size of the dorm room, larger is fine, but not much smaller.
If the student has allergies or asthma, consider a higher grade air purifier such as the Coway listed below.
Levoit 200S – Refreshes 183sqft every 12.5 minutes. This is a great size and is smart (has an app). You may not be able to use the smart/app in a dorm while on the campus WiFi, but you can still use the buttons on the unit to run it. The smart functionality will be great for off campus years and beyond and is about the same price as other non-smart purifiers. Also check Target’s price on the Levoit 200S as Amazon and Target fluctuate which has the best price.
Coway Airmega Air Purifier – Refreshes 361sqft every 12.5 minutes. The heaviest duty, highest rated true HEPA room-sized air purifier.
Fans
WOOZOO Fan – If you follow our Dorm Recommendations group or most any college group, you likely know that a WOOZOO fan is a must have! They really are far superior in air movement than any other fan on the market, and they are compact too. Perfect for a dorm. Just make sure you get the right one with the perfectly round head on a pedestal and at least 5-speeds. These come with a remote as well. There is only ONE model that you want, and the only place to buy the correct WOOZOO model new is at Costco or Best Buy. Non Costco members can purchase at Costco online for a 5% surcharge. You’ll see other models at Target, Sam’s Club and The Container Store – those are all the incorrect models, and the Costco model is less expensive than these typically. You may see the correct model (PCF-SC15T) at other stores, but PLEASE note the seller. It is almost certainly a 3rd party seller trying to sell a return that may not function correctly. Those are almost always more expensive than buying new at Costco, so just skip right past those.
Vornado Whole Room Air Circulator (Medium) – If you like a little more white noise and don’t need the full circulation of the WOOZOO, this Vornado fan is another good desktop sized option.
Draft Stopper
Door Draft/Noise/Light Stopper – My son purchased this 1 week into college. The light from the hall was coming under the door. The noise from the partiers was coming under the door. Not sure if drafts were an issue, but this will stop that too. This could also be used at the base of the window if there is a draft (and a ledge).
Humidity Control
Dorms are damp. Well, maybe brand new dorms are not, but so many dorms are older buildings with dampness issues. You may be able to manage it with a simple bucket of Damp Rid every couple of months. But for the extremes, you may want to invest in a dehumidifier. On the flip side, if you are in a particularly dry area or dorm, you may consider a humidifier.
Small Damp Rid Buckets – Use in the dorm room and/or in your private bathroom if you have one.
Damp Rid Hangers – Hang one in your closet to help keep closet humidity down.
Dehumidifier – My son’s school dorms need dehumidifiers. This was the most recommended model when I asked in the parent group. There are some slightly less expensive, but their tanks only hold 1 pint (16oz) of water. The model linked here holds 85oz. My son is dumping out the water every 2-3 days!
Humidifier – If you have the opposite issue and a dry dorm room, a small humidifier should easily cover a dorm room. This one is the cousin of the Levoit 200S Air Purifier above and will run from the same app.
Check with your school, some actually provide a hutch for the dorm desks. If not, find out the measurements of the desk for your specific dorm building. A popular size is 42″W x 24″D x 30″H, but dorm desk size definitely varies. See if your housing department has this information on the website, and if not, send a quick email to housing to inquire about ALL of the measurements for the room and the provided furniture. Please see this article for a list of the measurements and information to find about your dorm room.
Wood & Metal Hutch With LED Light Strip & Charging Ports – 30″W x 9.4″D x 31.5″H. 19.7″ height clearance for makeup mirror or computer monitor. Includes power strip with 2 outlets and 2 USB ports. Please be sure this is allowed in your dorm room.
Wood & Metal Hutch (no electrical) – 3 sizes available. An option if your school doesn’t allow charging furniture or you prefer a hutch without it.
DormCo Desk Hutch Selections – DormCo has several hutches in various colors. It is easier to scroll their catalog than have several links here for each color. We went with a DormCo hutch, and it is high quality and easy to assemble.
Dorm Desk Accessories
Reversible Protective Desk Mat – Inexpensively protect the dorm provided desk from scratches, spills, pen marks and anything else that may result in a damage fee, and keep laptops and other peripherals from moving around.
Desk Organizer – School Supplies A small organizer to catch pens, binder clips, push pins, sticky notes, etc.
2-Sided Desktop Dry Erase Whiteboard – A place to jot down ideas, to do’s and other notes that won’t get lost like a piece of paper. Can be pushed up against the wall or left down in easel style.
Cork Bulletin Board – These are nice to have along the back of your desk/against the wall if you choose not to use a desk hutch.
For those who have a community bathroom or even a shared bathroom, their desk will very likely be the spot for skincare, hair and makeup. See below for options for lighting and storage.
Other Desk Accessories And Study Tools
Lumbar Support Pillow For Desk Chair – Most dorm desk chairs are solid wood with a slight (and worn) seat cushion only. Unfortunately, almost no dorms allow you to remove their furniture and replace with something better.
Adjustable Lap Desk In a small dorm room, there aren’t many options for changing scenery when studying, so some of it is going to happen while sitting in bed.
Daily Time Block Planning Sheets – Not a full planner type of student but having a little trouble fitting it all in or staying on schedule? These one-day-at-a-time sheets help with time blocking for busy students.
Monthly Budget Planner – If your student will be responsible for managing a budget and paying some bills, help them stay organized with a budget planner.
Thank You Notes For College Students
College students should have thank you cards on hand for situations such as 1) Thanking grandparents or loved ones sending care packages, 2) Thanking college faculty or staff for an opportunity, extra help, networking introductions, etc, 3) Thank you note following an interview, 4) Thanking friends and family for donating to a cause you are supporting (fundraising is a big part of Greek life and other organizations).
A must-have for anyone with a skin care or makeup routine. Don’t stand in front of the community bathroom mirrors or take up that much time in a busy suite-style bathroom. A lighted mirror on your desk will give your own space to get ready, no waiting.
Hollywood Lighted 15 LED Bulb Makeup Mirror With Touch Control – (22″W x 18″H) Hollywood mirrors are the in thing these days, and this one has a USB and a USB-C charging port too. Be sure it is a) permitted and b) will fit within your desk hutch if you have one. There is a similar vanity mirror at Walmart (same brand) if you want to compare prices.
25-Piece Drawer Organizer Trays – Lots of options for desk drawer organization or bathroom drawers depending on your room setup.
Hot Hair Tool Organizer – If you have room for this, it is a great idea for storing just used hot hair tools with bonus storage space for products and accessories.
Hot Hair Tool Storage & Mat – 3 reasons to consider this mat. 1) Protect in-room surfaces from hot hair tools. 2) Using the attached loop, wrap the mat around still-warm hair tools that need to get right in the suitcase. 3) Bonus benefit – use it to help open tight jar lids.
Makeup Mini Fridge – We know some students have makeup that requires refrigeration. If your school allows a second fridge, this one is a good option.
Lots of different ways to store jewelry in a dorm room. The objective is to have a place for everything so that things get put away and not misplaced.
Hanging Jewelry Organizer (can also fold up for travel). This can hang out of view in your closet or over a bed slat in a less visible part of the room.
25-Piece Drawer Organizer Set – Lots of options for desk drawer organization or bathroom drawers depending on your room setup.
Large Acrylic Organizer – With a 6″x9″ footprint, this taller multi-drawer option provides a good bit of vertical storage.
Desktop Jewelry Box – This small 10″x10″ 2-layer box holds a LOT for its size.
Lockable Jewelry Box (in 7 colors) – About the same footprint as the jewelry box above but with more vertical storage. Several drawers plus hanging necklace on each side.
Locking Storage + Full Mirror Floor Stand – This is another great option if you have a private room with a little extra floor space. Use this all through college and beyond.
Travel Jewelry Organizer – A great bag that packs flat and organizes jewelry going with you on a trip.
Some schools have very specific electrical requirements for anything that plugs in, including power supplies, such as the requirement that only UL-Listed items may be brought to your dorm room. Yes, they will check!
Heads up that ETL-Listed is the other American safety testing company, so in many cases, schools will accept ETL when they only state UL-Listed is allowed. Please confirm this before purchase.
You’ll want at least 2 long surge protectors for your side of the room – also check to see if your school limits the length of the cord or has a requirement for the minimum joules of protection or an on/off switch – we’ve seen all of these and just about everything else you can imagine!
UL-Listed Extension Cords – PLEASE BE 100% SURE YOU ARE ALLOWED TO HAVE EXTENSION CORDS. Soooo many schools do not allow extension cords of any kind. But if yours allows them, they likely need to be UL-Listed to reduce fire hazard.
Laptops
Please do not buy any laptops for college until you are very clear if your school and your major have specific requirements. Everyone should check, but majors that typically have very specific requirements or restrictions include Engineering, Architecture & Industrial Design, Computer Science, Graphic Design and Nursing. Specifications may require or disallow an operating system (Windows or Mac) or require certain memory, processing speeds or software.
When you’re armed with that information, here are links to educational discounts for popular brands. Check these out and also check with your University Bookstore to see if they offer institutional discounts and/or additional benefits such as extended warranties, low-cost repairs or helpful included tech support.
Also check with Best Buy, Amazon or Costco for additional deals. These links will take you right to their laptop categories.
Amazon sometimes has better deals on MacBooks than the Apple Education discount. It is worth checking!
Computer Accessories
HDMI Cable – HDMI cables connect your laptop to a printer (if you bring a printer, you’ll need a wired connection as printers typically can’t go on school WiFi networks), a monitor, a TV and other peripherals.
Ethernet Cable – If you have access to a parent page for your school, search for or ask if kids bring an ethernet cable to get faster internet. WiFi can be slow, especially in peak times, and many rooms have network ports in them that can be turned on (made ‘hot’) with a service request. If you don’t have an ethernet port in your computer, you can get an adapter to plug it into your computer. Adapter for MacBook (USB-C to Ethernet).
Hub/Docking Station – A hub/docking station plugs into one port on your laptop and provides several other ports/inputs so multiple peripheral devices can be connected. This recommended model connects to a USB-C port and has:
an ethernet port (so the separate adapter above would not required)
HDMI ports for connecting/mirroring a monitor, TV or printer
USB ports for various small devices
SD-card readersfor media from cameras and dash cams
Apple iPads And Accessories
So many college students are bringing iPads to school for note-taking these days. There are a few great apps that will digitize hand-written notes and drawings, incorporate photos/video/audio, provide for collaboration with other students and more. You can learn about those in our Dorm Recommendations Facebook group.
To take hand-written notes, make drawings and annotations on the iPad. You must match the Apple Pencil to your iPad model.
Apple Pencil USB-C – This pencil works with most iPad models and charges via the USB-C port. Please compare this model to model below that also matches your iPad to determine which features you prefer. The models below likely have more features but must be charged separately, not via USB-C. Apple Pencil (USB-C) works with iPad Pro 13-inch (M4); iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation); iPad Pro 11-inch (M4); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation); iPad Air 13-inch (M2); iPad Air 11-inch (M2); iPad Air (4th and 5th generation); iPad mini (A17 Pro), iPad mini (6th generation); and iPad (10th generation).
Apple Pencil 1st Gen – Apple Pencil (1st generation) works with iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th* generation); iPad Air (3rd generation); iPad mini (5th generation); iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation); iPad Pro 10.5-inch; and iPad Pro 9.7-inch. * iPad (10th generation) requires USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter.
Apple Pencil 2nd Gen – Apple Pencil (2nd generation) works with iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation); iPad Air (4th and 5th generation); and iPad mini (6th generation).
Apple Pencil Pro – Apple Pencil Pro works with iPad Pro 13-inch (M4), iPad Pro 11-inch (M4), iPad Air 13-inch (M2), iPad Air 11-inch (M2) and iPad mini (A17 Pro).
Apple AirPods
The ultimate college fashion accessory with at least one in an ear almost all the time.
Apple AirPods 4 – Wireless, Bluetooth, up to 30 hours of playback between charging the case.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 The noise canceling Pros are a great study accessory as well. Wireless, Bluetooth, 30 hours of playback between charging the case.
Phone Charging And Accessories
Anker Zolo 10,000mAh Portable Charging Block – Keep your phone charged for safety and your tablet charged for school. This one is a favorite with the embedded USB-C cable that can be used to charge the block OR to charge your phone. Love that this has a digital display to show how much charge is left in the block. This also comes in a more powerful 20,000 mAh version. You’ll get double the charges out of the 20,000 version, but it will be a little heavier (.78lbs vs .47lbs of the 10,000 mAh version). You’ll get 2 iPhone charges out of the 10,000 and 4 out of the 20,000.
Anker Charging Blocks & Extra Cables – They never seem to be able to find their charging blocks and cables! Love these blocks that can take a USB or a USB-C charging cord. Write their name on the plug-in side in a Sharpie!
Yes, many college students will watch streaming content on their phones, but there are definitely those who want to watch shows and sports on bigger screens.
42″ 1080p HD Smart Roku TV – The built-in Roku means no keeping up with an external Roku or a Fire Stick. Use the Roku to stream your subscription platforms (Netflix, Hulu, etc) or to potentially connect to your home cable provider if your school does not provide any cable options. My son uses the Xfinity app on Roku at college to watch our channels from our home subscription.
65″ 4k Ultra HD Roku Smart TV – A larger screen version of the TV above if you’ll have a living room and room for a larger TV.
Roku Streaming Stick – Have a TV already but want to add a Roku to connect to your streaming platforms or possibly your home cable provider? This is a Roku in a stick – not set top device necessary, just plug this into an HDMI port on your TV.
HDMI Adapter for iPhone/iPad – If you want to connect your iPhone or iPad to a TV, this adapter plugs into the USB-C charging port and has an HDMI port on either end. You’ll need an HDMI cable.
LED Backlights For TV – Just for fun and to add a cool glow to your room, add these to the back of your TV for an inexpensive sound-sync light experience.
TV Cart With Device Shelf – Wondering where the heck you can put a TV in a dorm room? A TV cart is often the answer. In addition to having it on wheels so that you can see it from various parts of the room, it can also be placed near the foot of the bed for those not in lofted or upper bunk beds. This cart also has a shelf to hold a gaming device or laptop. The shelf can be removed if not needed.
Your dorm room will likely have an overhead light operated by a switch next to the door. These are usually pretty bright and not-dimmable. Many students choose to bring other lighting for around the room either for task lighting, ambient lighting or both!
Desk & Reading Lamps
Sanitizing Desk Lamp – A desk lamp that reduces eye strain, charges your phone AND sanitizes devices? This wellness Ottlite is a trending lighting solution.
Clip-on Lamp – For studying at your desk or reading/studying in bed, a clip-on bed helps provide more light while keeping it fairly contained to space if roommates are trying to sleep or rest.
Reading Light – USB rechargeable light can attach to a book for reading or studying at night while not distributing your roommate.
We recognize that matching nightstand lamps are often the plan, especially for college-bound freshman girls. Below you’ll find recommendations for both single lamps and pairs that match current dorm decor trends.
Carbon Monoxide Detector – Yes, every campus building should be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector, but unfortunately, it is not always the case. Or they are not always operational. Read this article from 2021 at a major university. The detector linked here has a helpful digital display to let students know that it is functioning, and it can be plugged directly into an outlet, or mounted nearby an outlet.
First Aid Kit – If your student will not have easy access to a drug store near campus, or you just want to be prepared for the inevitable college colds and flu, put together a first aid kit for them to have handy in their dorm room. Our First Aid Kits For College guide has a list of what to consider putting inside, a list of OTC meds & when to take them and a whole bunch of creative container ideas.
Birdie Personal Alarm – She’s Birdie is a personal alarm that attaches to a keychain, backpack or school lanyard and emits a loud siren and bright flashing strobe light when put to use.
Drink Cover In A Scrunchie – A protective drink cover that is carried inside a wrist/hair scrunchie to help you keep a cover on those drinks while you’re out in crowded public places.
For safety purposes, all young adults should consider putting the legal documents in place to give their parents or other trusted adults the ability to make decisions for them should they become unable to do so themselves. You can learn more about this in our article The Important Documents You Need When Your Child Turns 18.
Before purchasing any appliances for your dorm room, please check the rules and restrictions for your particular dorm building. Some dorm room essentials are just not allowed or schools may require students to rent microwaves and/or refrigerators.
Dorm Room Mini Refrigerators
If you decide to bring your own mini-fridge, please determine if there is a size limitation. Often you’ll see a cubic foot maximum such as 3.1 or 4.5cuft. We highly recommend 2-door models versus a freezer compartment inside the refrigerator.
Like mini-fridges, if you decide to bring a microwave to your dorm, please determine if there is a size limitation. These are often expressed as cu ft as well. I’ve seen up to .7 cu ft (basically the smallest possible microwave) to 1.2 cu ft.
The .7 cu ft/700 watt microwaves are the smallest and have the least power. This often leads to poor reviews especially related to the smaller cooking area and cooking times being longer. If you can go larger, I would, but if not, take those ratings with a few grains of salt. It is what it is with such a small model.
Please double check your dorm rules to be sure any of these are permitted and if there are size, wattage or other restrictions.
Countertop Ice Machine – I have been surprised by the enthusiastic interest in ice makers for dorms in the last few years! This one makes 26lb of cubed ice per day.
Rice Cooker – If you don’t have a microwave, a rice cooker is a great way to heat up soups, chilis, pastas, some leftover queso or cook up some oatmeal on a cold morning.
Mini Waffle Maker – Perfect for cold mornings or late night study sessions.
Panini Press – Just a couple of minutes to a comforting grilled cheese sandwich or a warm-up of leftovers. Can cook meat and veggies as well.
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!
Electric Hot Pot – This is the one that became TikTok famous in a dorm room.
Microwave Splatter Guard – Cover food and keep the inside of the microwave clean without depending on college students to clean it.
Microwave Pasta Cooker – No stovetop, no worries. You can still cook pasta in a microwave.
Microwave-able Food Storage Containers – Pop the leftovers in here for safer keeping (and smaller footprint) than a styrofoam box, and then right into the microwave when ready to eat.
Microwave Soup Mug – Heat up soup, noodles, tea and other hot items without risk of burn thanks to the stay-cool handle.
Microwave Popcorn Popper – Microwave popcorn bags are filled with preservatives and also make a room smell like fake butter for hours. Easily pop your own healthy popcorn (no oil required) and control your ingredients.
Small Cutting Board – For fruit, veggies, sandwiches, take out sharing, etc.
Manual Can Opener/Bottle Opener Combo – For those cans of soup and other canned goods. The one linked here also has a built-in pop-top bottle opener.
Multipurpose Hot Pad, Trivet, Spill Protector – For hot items coming out of the microwave, you’ll need a hotpad. These also work as a trivet under hot items or as a small placemat to protect from spills.
Small Versatile Cooking Spoon – If you’re planning on making any food in a dorm room, you’ll need a compact spoon for stirring and serving.
Chip Clips For Open Snack Bags – Keep the chips and snacks fresh and protected from dorm room humidity with some simple chip clips.
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.
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 at only 4.5″ wide 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.
Cold Brew Coffee Maker – For a refreshing cup of coffee on those hot days, or a healthier caffeinated option as opposed to soft drinks or energy drinks. This is an excellent option for a small dorm fridge.
Coffee Cups, Mugs and Accessories
“Coffee Bar” Mat – Protect the surface under the coffee maker from heat, coffee drips and creamer spills. Also a good place to put just washed dishes to dry.
Stanley 40oz Tumbler – The must-have for young adult women available in many colors.
Stanley 30oz Tumbler – The slight smaller version of the famous Stanley tumbler.
Owala Bottle – These are a great option for travel, fit nicely in backpacks or bags and is leakproof so no worries! Plus gives the option of sip or straw and comes in loads of colors for everyone.
Some dorms provide a trash can, so worth a check, but it also may be a small office-sized vessel vs one that can hold a kitchen trash bag. A larger trash can is preferred for many reasons. Be wary of what you see online because some of the small ones look big in the pictures. A standard kitchen trash can is about 13 gallons.
Stainless Kitchen Trash Can – We have heard from a few of our Facebook group members that their school only allows METAL trash cans, so here is the most affordable kitchen-sized option out there.
40 kitchen sized (13 gal) trash bags – 1 per week It would be a good idea to leave a supply of appropriately sized trash bags on move-in day. No excuses for not taking out and taking care of the trash!
A cramped dorm room is SO much nicer when it is clean! Not to mention that pests are notorious in dorms, so don’t give them a reason to visit your room!
3-in-1 Stick Vacuum – Assuming you have a rug and/or carpet in your room, a vacuum will be important. Check with the school to see if they loan out vacuums to use, but if not, make a small investment and encourage the student to keep the floor clean. This under $35 Bissell converts from a standard stick vacuum to a handheld and is great for light cleaning.
Compact Vacuum With Brush Roll – For those with long hair and carpet or rugs, you’ll likely need to step up to a vacuum cleaner with a brush roll. This Bissell is a lighter weight compact model to take you throughout college and beyond.
Magnetic Paper Towel Holder – Attach this to the side of the fridge or microwave for an easy way to keep a roll of paper towels close at hand. If you opt for the magnetic refrigerator shelves mentioned earlier, that set comes with a paper towel holder.
Cleaning Wipes – An easy solution for all surfaces before moving in as well as through everyday dorm life.
It will definitely help to know where your laundry facilities are located before selecting the style of laundry hamper/laundry basket for your dorm room. I’m one who prefers not to put clean clothes back in the dirty laundry hamper, so you might need 2 vessels if you have this issue too. 🙂
Dorm Laundry Bag/Hamper Options
Backpack Laundry Bag – A space-saving gatherer and easy to carry, but you need to be disciplined to get the clothes inside the bag that won’t stand on its own. Backpack laundry bags are helpful for situations where you need to take stairs or walk a far distance to the laundry facilities.
Rolling Laundry Hamper – This is a favorite laundry option – stands on its own, has a lid and of course wheels to get to the laundry room, but it takes up more space than the others. These are often a choice for buildings with elevators to the laundry facilities or possibly to go to another building if you’re ok wheeling laundry through campus.
Mesh Pop-Up Laundry Hamper – This one stands on its own and folds away when not in use, but it can be a little cumbersome to carry if its really full.
Collapsible Laundry Basket – This is what my boys use to transport the clean laundry back to the room. It collapses to almost flat when not in use. Whether or not the clothes are folded for transport is a mystery to me!
Collapsible Tote – This is another option for clean clothes. You wouldn’t want to use something like this for dirty laundry because of the horizontal profile, but you can store it away when not in use.
Dorm Washing And Drying
Laundry Sheets – These must’ve been made for those with distant laundry facilities. No heavy box or jug of laundry detergent, simply take 1 sheet (like a dryer sheet) and pop that in the washing machine. Just be sure they are allowed in your dorm laundry machines – there are some crazy laundry rules out there.
Color Catcher Sheets – Don’t worry about sorting colors and whites, these sheets with great reviews, prevent colors running together in mixed loads because
Dryer Balls – While we’re being eco-friendly, check out Dryer Balls. Throw these in the dryer instead of dryer sheets as a natural chemical free fabric softener.
Mesh Laundry Bags For Delicates, Small Items & Favorites – Dorm laundry room washers and dryers are commercial machines without many options or settings. They are rough and tumble (pun intended!), and it is easy to lose small items and ruin favorite things.
Drying Rack – For delicates and so much more. Dorm washers and dryers aren’t gentle. Run your clothes through the wash in laundry bags and hang dry the delicates and your favorite items.
Handheld Garment Steamer – College students just don’t iron. But they need a way to make business clothes, suits or dresses for events presentable. Portable garment steamers are the answer.
Before shopping for dorm room decor, pay special attention to your dorm’s rules. Are rugs permitted? Curtains? How are you permitted to hang wall decor? Please leave the shag rugs and candles at home – read on to learn more!
Rugs
There are sooooo many options for dorm room rugs out there.
My best advice is to PLEASE avoid shag or fluffy rugs. They trap all of the dirt, crumbs, hair and grime, and they are hard to clean. Your best bet is a low pile rug that is easy to vacuum (because you know it won’t happen that frequently). I prefer a low investment on the rug vs spending more on a washable rug that might not clean up well at the end of the year anyway.
While many dorms have metal blinds on the windows, students often prefer to add room-darkening curtains to block the street lights and sunlight that tends to stream in on the sides of the blinds.
It is probably fair to say that most dorm rooms have non-standard window sizes, so the first thing you’ll want to determine are the number of windows and window sizes. You’ll also need to know how you’re permitted to hang curtains, if they are even allowed at your school. The most popular option is to use a tension rod inside the window opening – this is typically the case with cinder block wall rooms with a straight recessed opening in front of the window. If a tension rod is not feasible, consider Command curtain rod holders if Command products are allowed.
Some schools have fire retardant requirements as well, so please double check the rules.
After helping parents and students get ready for dorm life for years now, we had a great idea of wall art designs that are popular in dorm rooms and decided to create our own collections in more size options than you may find elsewhere.
These are downloadable files that you can easily print at your local Walmart, Walgreens, Office Max or FedEx Office store.
Visit our College Dorm Wall Art Shop to browse collections in multiple color palettes for both girls and guys.
A few simple decor items can make even a sparse dorm room feel a little more cozy and like home.
These may be framed pictures of family, lamps, small fake plants, string lights (check if these are allowed), throw pillows, flameless candles and more.
Trolley Sleeve Weekender Bag – I love trolley sleeves that slide down over the handles of your suitcase. This one combines extra packing space with a laptop bag.
Duffle Bag – For college & club athletes who travel or other short trips, a duffle bag is a necessity.
Travel Backpack – My boys each have one of these and use them on flights or weekend trips home. Here’s another version that also gets fantastic reviews.
Convertible Garment Bag – Offers space for folded clothes and shoes along with hanging garments.
Collapsible-Expandable Laundry Bag – Folds flat or expands as you add laundry holding up to a week’s worth of clothes. It is machine washable itself.
Compression Packing Cubes – I’ve become a huge packing cube fan. Whether I use them to keep outfits together (because I can’t remember my plan!) or to just get everything inside a cube to make closing the suitcase easier, they are super helpful for organization and space saving.
Travel Pillow – If you don’t have a window seat and a pillow, you’ll want a travel pillow if you’re traveling during overnight hours or nap time.
Bluetooth Headphone Adapter – Those airplane provided headphones are ok, but they can get uncomfortable after a few hours. If you want to use your own headphones to watch airline provided content on their screens, you can use this adapter to connect your personal headphones to the in-seat video. This adapter lets you connect two sets of headphones in case you want to watch the same show with your travel companion.
Portable Phone Holder – If you’ve downloaded shows to your own device, use this to hold your phone to watch shows and movies on an airplane. You can also use it as a desktop phone holder, a kitchen phone stand and anywhere else you can clip this device to hold your phone.
VENO Moving Bags – Forget IKEA bags (they’re discontinued anyway), 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 on your next road-trip. You can thank us later. Please use this link to ensure you get the version with backpack straps because there are other variations without them that look similar. These have historically been the best price in January – March, and we watch them everyday for price drops. Be sure you’re following us to get the best price deal alert!
Toolbox – A simple toolbox for move-in and beyond. Be sure a measuring tape is included if you choose a different set! This is a great leave-behind set that they can use throughout their stay at college.
Rubber Mallet – If you don’t have a rubber mallet at home now, go ahead and get one. These come in very handy on move-in day for adjusting dorm bed heights and putting furniture together. You’ll be loaning yours to others on the hall who weren’t in the know.
Zip Ties – Use for attaching a headboard and/or surge protectors to the dorm bed.
Set Of Door Stoppers – These are SO important for move-in day to keep your dorm room door open while you’re bringing things in and to also keep some air flowing (it is typically HOT)! Take a few extras to offer to new neighbors – great way to meet new 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 single door stopper makes a nice conversation piece too.
Convertible Hand Truck – Many schools offer large rolling bins for large loads, but having a hand truck as well can help speed the process
Vacuum Bags – If you need to really compress your dorm haul for the move (eg flying), these will help.
Wall Hanging
Command Strips/Hooks – IF allowed in your dorm, these are the primary way students hang decor on their walls.
Painter’s Tape – Some schools ONLY allow this on the walls. If that is the case, you can put strips of painter’s tape with Command products over the tape. The tape linked is an Extra Strength for Rough Surfaces version.
Mounting Putty – Another option for hanging items if allowed by your school.
Push Pin Picture Hooks – If allowed, these are great for drywall and can hang up to 4 pounds.
Alien Tape – Double-sided heavy duty tape. Again, be sure you understand what you can and can’t use in your dorm.
Step Stool – If you don’t already have one to bring some home, pick one up to make it easier to reach those hard to reach places.
If you’re taking a car to school, consider these safety items below. Also considering hiding an Air Tag somewhere in the car, just in case.
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.
Portable Jump Start Battery – Jump your own car with this heavy duty portable battery with jumper cables. I’ve used this personally to jump my 8-cylinder SUV, worked like a charm and did it by myself.
Portable Tire Inflator/Air Compressor – Fill your own tires as soon as necessary and avoid looking for air filling machines at gas stations. Also has nozzles for bike tires, sports balls and pool floats. A must have for college and to keep one at home too.
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 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 of 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.
Dash Sun Shade – If you’ll be parking in an uncovered lot day in, day out, consider an inexpensive sun shade to protect your car from sun damage and excess heat.
Get Sale Notifications and Dorm Essential List Updates
The list above is monitored daily for sales and promotions with notifications via our Dorm Shopping and Deal Alerts Facebook group. Join now to follow the deals, see the conversation and ask questions.
Join our email list to be notified when new content drops here on The Dorm Guide.
Share This List With Friends
Help us get the word out and share this list with your fellow senior parents, senior students and even those a year behind so they can start learning early by using the social sharing buttons on the left.
Affiliate Disclaimer: I only recommend products I do or would use myself. All opinions expressed are my own. I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, for purchases made through the links in this post. Please see our full disclaimer for details.
Jenny J says:
What about rug options, or dishes?
Janice Nunez says:
I am so grateful for all this content, Thanks again! Life saver information!
Lynn Iannone says:
Thanks!!
Dawnie B. says:
Thanks so much for this! So helpful.