Looking for dorm room essentials? As a college freshman, it can be tough figuring out what you actually need to bring, especially if you’re moving far from home. It’s easy to feel like you have to pack your entire room and closet or buy a ton of things you might need. That’s why I put together this dorm room essentials list filled with basic items you’re most likely going to use in college. I based it on my own college experience when I was getting for my freshman year. And it really helped me to avoid overpacking and focus on what I would actually use.
When I was preparing for college, I had to consider what could realistically fit in my car. For starters, I was driving a sedan, so everything I packed had to fit in the trunk and backseat. I also had to think about the size of my dorm room. I didn’t want to bring a bunch of stuff that would take up too much space and make the already small room feel even more cramped and overwhelming.
Dorm Room Essentials
Seasonal Clothes
If you are heading to college in a area where you are going to be experiencing the fall weather and it has like the visible changing season then highly recommend packing seasonal clothes for the cooler fall and winter weather.
If you’re planning on going back home for Thanksgiving and Christmas you can delay packing your winter clothes during fall move-in and just bring back some of your winter clothes when you go home for the holidays.
Comfortable Shoes
When I was living on campus, I walked everywhere, so bringing comfortable sneakers was a must. I packed a few pairs to rotate throughout the week. I also brought one or two pairs of heels for special events and a couple of sandals and flip-flops for casual wear.
Since I went to college in Florida, the weather was sometimes very unpredictable. It could be sunny in the morning and then a complete rain storm by the afternoon. That’s why I made sure to pack rain boots to make it easier to walk to and from class on rainy days.
Umbrella
One essential I made sure to bring to college was an umbrella. The fall weather was often rainy and gloomy, so having an umbrella was a must for getting to and from classes while staying (at least somewhat) dry.
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Mattress Topper
When I was researching dorm room essentials the summer before college, so many people recommended getting a mattress topper, and I’m so glad that I listened. It was honestly life changing. Most college dorms have twin or twin XL beds that can be a little uncomfortable with the plastic covering and springs. A mattress topper adds a cushioned layer on top, and will make your bed a little more comfortable and easier to sleep in.
Bedding Set
Another dorm essential for me was a cute and comfy bedding set. I wanted something that matched the aesthetic I was going for and was easy to make in the mornings. For your dorm bedding, you don’t have to spend a lot of money. There are so many cute affordable options on Amazon, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Walmart.
Pillows
If you’re like me and love pillows, especially cute accent ones, definitely bring a few to make your bed both cozier and cuter. I personally got accent pillow inserts along with removable pillow covers, which made it super easy to wash them whenever I needed.
Desk Lamp
A desk lamp is another essential for your dorm. Not only does it complete your desk setup, but it’s also perfect for late-night study sessions. It’s much better than turning on a big overhead light that might wake up your roommate. Plus, it’s great for cozy days when you want a soft, warm lighting instead of a harsh bright room light.
Mirror
Bringing a full length mirror to my dorm room was also a great idea. I was able to get ready in the morning in the mirror and I didn’t have to stay in the bathroom to get ready. Which is great because you don’t want to hog. I have three other roommates. plus I had a full-size mirror which made checking my outfit very easy before heading out.
Clothes Hangers
Clothes hangers are definitely a dorm essential for organizing your closet. I folded most of my T-shirts and casual clothes, but for nicer items like blouses and dresses, using hangers was the best way to keep them neat and wrinkle free in the closet.
Shower Caddy
If you’re sharing a bathroom, whether it’s a communal one or just with your roommates, a shower caddy is a good essential to have. It lets you keep all your bathroom essentials in one place so you can easily carry them to and from the bathroom. It’s also great for keeping your products organized and preventing clutter. You can store your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, facial cleanser, and more all in your caddy.
Laundry Bag or Hamper
A laundry bag or hamper is a college must have for making laundry day way easier. If you get a hamper, look for one with wheels so you can roll it to the laundry room. If you prefer a bag, try to find one with shoulder straps to make carrying your clothes more comfortable especially if you have a bit of a walk to the laundry room.
Plates and Cups
Although you can you disposable paper plates, It’s a good idea to bring a few regular plates and cups to your dorm so you can eat snacks or quick meals. I recommend getting microwave-safe plastic plates, especially during your freshman year. Since they’re lightweight and won’t break if you accidentally drop them.
Microwave
A microwave is a great item to have in your dorm for quick and easy meals. I personally didn’t bring one because before moving into my dorm, I connected with my future roommate and she let me know she was bringing one. We agreed to share it, which worked out perfectly! Especially for my late night Pizza Rolls reheating sessions.
Brita Filter
Having a Brita filter in my dorm was super convenient and way more cost effective than constantly buying water bottles. After the initial purchase, I only needed to replace the filter every few months.
Broom or Vacuum
If your dorm room has carpet, I recommend bringing a small vacuum to keep it clean. If you have hardwood or tile floors, a broom or a lightweight stick vacuum works great for sweeping up dust and messes. Either way, having something to clean your floors is a must!
Extension Cord
Having an extension cord made charging things very easy. I could charge my phone, laptop, and other electronics without being limited by outlet placement. It also gave me more flexibility with decorating since I wasn’t stuck putting lamps or other items only where outlets were.
Air Freshener
An air freshener was a lifesaver during my college dorm experience. Since my dorm room doubled as a space to sleep, eat, hang out, and study, all those different smells tended to linger. Having an air freshener helped eliminate odors and kept the space smelling fresh. Plus, since most college dorms don’t allow candles (for safety reasons), air fresheners are a great alternative to keep your room smelling nice and clean.
All-Purpose Cleaner
An all-purpose cleaner is another must have, especially on move-in day when you’re doing that initial deep clean of your dorm room. It’s great for wiping down the mattress, dusting the furniture, and cleaning all kinds of surfaces. I also paired it with Lysol disinfectant spray afterward to ensure everything was properly disinfected after cleaning.
Bathroom Cleaning Supplies
If your dorm room has a bathroom, be sure to bring cleaning supplies. I shared my bathroom with three other roommates, and having cleaning supplies on hand made it easy for us to quickly clean up after ourselves and keep the bathroom tidy. For bathroom cleaning supplies just think of the basics like a bathroom spray cleanser, a sponge, toilet bowl cleaner, and a toilet brush.
