The Ultimate Dorm Packing List: Helpful Items for Your Dorm
This post contains affiliate links, meaning I will receive a commission if you purchase through my link at no extra cost! Please read my full disclosure here. All product images on this page are from their respective websites (Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc).
This post will be the best college packing guide you will find online and holds dorm room essentials you will use and need while at college!
It's wild to think that I am going to be graduating in under five months from now! My college experience has been a roller coaster, from moving out of state, living in the dorms, dealing with COVID-19, friendships, classes, clubs, and more. My college years have been jam-packed with action! As I am wrapping up college, I have been able to separate the items I needed and wouldn't want to live without from the items that seemed nice at first, but their use was short-lived.
Just for you, I am highlighting all of the elements of college and will show you all of my favorite and recommended products that either myself, my roommates, or my friends heavily used and bought during our time in the dorms and at college. This includes bedding essentials, wellness items, and even college clothing favorites!
Buckle up because this post is going to be LENGTHY. However, this will be my blog's most detailed post covering what to pack and buy for college.
Table of Contents (click to jump to section)
The Top 10 Amazing Dorm Room Essentials
Below is my list of the top ten products I heavily used and needed in the dorm rooms. Some of these were things my roommates borrowed from me constantly until they got their own. All of these items are things I still use to this date, even after moving out of the dorms! Some of these things could be argued as "wants" instead of "needs," but I argue that I NEEDED all of these things XD.
Mattress Topper
You'll probably see that many college bloggers list a mattress topper as their number one college "best buy" - and trust me, it is for GOOD REASON. Your back and neck will thank you for buying one.
The mattresses in the dorm rooms are not comfy, and good sleep is crucial in college. I recommend this 3-inch memory foam mattress topper in a Twin XL. I used this topper for my futon (which will be listed later) once I moved out of the dorms and wanted another soft nap spot in my apartment. Talk about reusing what you have!
Of course, you shouldn't just put the memory foam top on your bed without a cover. I've purchased this mattress protector multiple times (for different-sized beds), and it has spared my memory foam topper from spilled water, period mishaps, and even the lovely, drunk, puking college students (my bed has had bad luck with drunk friends)
Bedside Fan
If you didn't already know, heat rises. I promise you will be reminded of this fact when you climb up to your lofted dorm bed and start sweating in the summer or when you have the heat on in the winter.
I adore this bedside fan, as it can clip onto the railing of your dorm bed and be turned on at any time during the day. Many dorm rooms don't have AC, so you are at the mercy of the weather outside. This mini fan was something all of my roommates had in our rooms during the summer. Even better is that it is usually on sale for under $20!
On the flip side, dorms can also get cold in the winter if you don't have heat controls in your room. I invested in several heated blankets in college - as every corner of the room had to be toasty. I had a heated blanket for my bed, futon, and desk, and my roommate did the same! This heated blanket from Sunbeam comes in multiple sizes, has 12 different heat settings and an auto-off feature, and comes in multiple sizes ranging from a twin to a king.
THIS RIGHT HERE. This Zero Water 23-Cup Pitcher kept me HYDRATED while in the dorm. I'm not the biggest fan of sink or tap water, so I would often not drink water if filtered options weren't around. Healthy, I know.
This water pitcher would allow me to grab water anytime during the day. It fits in my mini fridge, and I could refill my water bottle SO many times before refilling the entire pitcher. The filters last for a while, and the pitcher even has a reader to tell you when to replace the filter! If you prefer Brita filters, no worries! I included the link to the 6-cup capacity Brita Pitcher here!
My roommates bullied me for bringing this into my dorm room. Fast forward three weeks into the first semester, they were sneaking into my room to use it and begging me to use it for cooking tater tots for chicken nuggets on snow days. How the tables have turned…Yes, I may still be salty about it.
This Ninja Air Fryer is the BEST investment I made for my dorm - and I still use an air fryer today in my apartment several years later! An air fryer is great for late-night snacks or when you aren't feeling up to the dining hall food options.
Surge Protector Extension Cords
Fun fact: many dorms do not allow students to use basic extension cords due to fire and safety hazards. However, they will allow students to use surge protectors. As long as the extension cord is UL-listed, and this surge extension cord is, you should be allowed to use it!
I love this extension surge cord because Amazon has it in SO many sizes and different colors to match your dorm room theme.
Another must-have is blackout curtains. These are a lifesaver, especially if your bed is beside a window. Not only do they keep the sunlight out so you can get the proper sleep you deserve, but they also help with temperature regulation. They help keep heat out in the summer and keep warmth in during the winter. How great is that?!
These curtains come in SO MANY COLORS AND SIZES, so you will surely find some that match your dorm room theme style.
If you have a lofted or a bunked bed, you will despise climbing up and down whenever you forget your phone, tissue, book, water bottle, etc. Especially once you already get comfy in bed.
This bedside caddy is fantastic for storing your nighttime essentials, and it mounts right to the railing of your bunk! It has multiple pockets, so you can organize your belongings as you wish!
Some people may have wood or metal bed frames, and different designs may not allow all bed caddies to be hung. I included this additional wood tray bedside table in case you want more of a platform for your belongings! My roommate would use hers to set up her tablet to watch movies.
If you value your sanity and alone time, you WILL invest in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones, like these Sony's!
Sometimes, you can't escape the noise of your roommates, the campus is overstimulating, or you want to vibe in your own world. These headphones are FANTASTIC for doing any of those things.
I owned a pair of Sony Headphones that were a different model, but these are the upgraded versions of the ones I owned! They are fantastic for blocking out everything! You can also download an app on your device's app store and create custom settings for how your music sounds and what type of sounds the headphones block out!
I know this one is rather pricey (but it typically goes on sale for the holidays!) it is a WORTHY INVESTMENT. My roommate bought this Dyson Cordless Vacuum for our dorm, and I immediately wanted one for when I moved out. She still uses this vacuum to this day!
This cordless vacuum was amazing and did not take long to charge. It was perfect for cleaning the entire dorm suite and getting hard-to-reach places! It's bagless, great for dirt, dust, or pet hair, and has different vacuum attachments.
Dorm Bedding Essentials
Alright! We are on to the main part of your dorm room - the section you sleep on, eat on, cry on, hook up on, study on, the list goes on… Getting proper sleep and enjoying your bed space is important, especially since you spend a good chunk of each day in bed!
Mattress Topper and Cover
I know I already listed a mattress topper and mattress cover in my top ten section above, but I'm listing them again because they are THAT IMPORTANT. The dorm room mattresses typically are not comfy, and your back and neck will thank you for giving them a nicer platform to sleep on.
While still on the topic of good sleep, a comfy comforter or duvet is a must for staying cozy (or getting cozy) in your bed each year. All three of these options are my favorite, and you can select one based on the theme you are going for in your dorm. Personally, my overall favorite was the Bedsure Twin XL Duvet Cover Set. This bedding set comes with a duvet cover and matching pillowcases!
These are some of the softest and coziest sheets I have found on Amazon! They offer multiple sizes, so get them in a twin XL. This sheet set has a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcase. There are over 20 color options, so you can mix and match as you choose!
I recommend getting two sets of sheets for your dorm. You always want to have a spare on hand in case you can't get to a washer or dryer right away or in case you spill something on your bed! I wouldn't advise getting more than two sets, as you won't have enough space to store things in your small dorm room!
In case you are a Target fan (aren't we all), I also included one of the sets I purchased from them! I like this Microfiber Solid Sheet Set, as they are just as comfy as the Amazon alternative. They come in a twin XL with five different color options!
This set also comes with one fitted and one flat sheet, along with pillowcases! Everything that you need in one place!
Give your head a break…or rather a cloud. My all-time favorite pillows are the Setrapedic Copperloft Bed Pillows. They come in a set of two, and you can choose to get them in King or Queen/Standard Size. I CONSTANTLY buy these pillows (my bed is 2/3 pillows, 1/3 sleeping space, and I wouldn't have it any other way).
Do note that if you buy king-sized pillows, you will need to purchase king-sized pillowcases to cover the entire pillow! Most dorm sheet sets do not have king pillowcases, so factor this in.
This other pillow was one of those things I didn't know I needed until I used one. My roommate had one of these reading pillows for when she wanted to watch TV, read, or relax in bed. Let me tell you. This was a great buy! I always struggled to get comfy when lying down and reading a book or was straining my neck trying to watch the TV in our dorm. This comfort pillow solved those problems immediately!
Yet again, here are the bedside caddies. These were my best friends in the dorm, as I had a lofted bed, and the ladder was sketchy, and I hated using it more than I had to. These caddies are great for storing your phone, tablet, drinks, medicine, tissues, or whatever else you typically want on a nightstand.
This basket caddy was my favorite because it had pockets to separate things (which is great if you are a neat freak like me).
My roommates loved their wooden shelf-based caddies as they let them watch shows on their tablets while in bed!
Fleece blankets FOR THE WIN. These bad boys are great for snuggling up (with a pet, a glass of wine, a partner, or your feelings) and getting toasty. These twin-sized fleece blankets come in multiple colors on Amazon and are under $20!
I'm also a sucker for heated blankets (I may or may not have multiple). I love that this Sunbeam heated blanket has an auto-off feature for safety and 12 different heat settings. I don't know about you, but I enjoy being able to select what level I like to be toasted at.
Dorm Kitchen Essentials
When I say "dorm kitchen," your dorm room will not have a kitchen installed. Your dorm hall might have a community kitchenette that you can use, but you won't have your kitchen. However, there are workarounds for this! You can purchase things for your dorm that will allow you more flexibility with meals or mini-cooking efforts despite not having a full stove, refrigerator, etc. This section will cover the kitchen essentials I adored in my dorm room.
First up is a rice cooker. I adore having one in the dorm room because it can be used for much more than just rice! I cooked up some vegetables, made some soup, and, of course, made rice!
This Mini Rice Cooker comes in multiple colors and is a mini size, which is great for easy storage in your dorm room!
If you love coffee or tea, you are willing to want a mini Keurig in your dorm room! I loved having this by my bed as it let me roll over and start the day with a warm drink (mostly because I love the smell of coffee). If you aren't a coffee fan, they also make tea K-cups so that you can have a hot cup instead of coffee!
Okay, truth be told, once I bought a Nespresso machine, I didn't touch my Keurig as much anymore (however, my roommates still used it heavily)! I became an espresso kind of gal and used this bad boy daily. I run a mini Starbucks from my room!
The Nespresso VertuoPlus is my specific model, and it works perfectly for college students who want something compact, similar to a Keurig size.
As a bonus, I bought a frother to be fancy with my drinks. You can find the link to get it here!
I also got this rotating stand for my coffee pods to see all my options!
Another top 10 reappearance - the beloved air fryer. You will be the favorite roommate if you get one of these. I'm talking about endless chicken nuggets, tater tots, french fries, and more, all from the comfort of your futon in your dorm.
You aren't just limited to fried foods, either. You can even bake cookies or other treats in an air fryer!
Unpopular opinion incoming: I hated having actual washable dishes in the dorm room. If you don't have a sink in your room, going to wash them in the bathroom is a pain (and a little gross). I preferred to use paper or plastic plates and bowls until I moved into an apartment with an actual kitchen. I didn't eat enough meals in my dorm to justify actual bowls and stuff. I was usually on the go!
Now, this thing is a game changer. I know you can stick the ramen in a microwave-safe bowl and go to town (trust me, it was the only way I made ramen before discovering this magical item). This ramen cooker allows the ramen to be cooked evenly and in less time, depending on your microwave! My roommate got this, and I had to get it myself once I moved out.
I also can't forget…the ramen cooker comes in multiple colors!
A note on the kettle - you will only need this if you don't have a coffee machine that can't already give you hot water. Kettles are nice if you want to make tea, have instant ramen, or have some other daily item that requires hot water!
I love the looks of this kettle; it has different markers to tell you how much water you are filling it with. The LED light is pretty cool, too. There's something satisfying about watching bubbling water.
Call me basic, but having a Hydroflask or similar large water bottle is a lifesaver. I can fill it up before I climb up to my bed, take it to classes with me, and I don't have to worry about constantly finding a water fountain! The Hydro Flask brand has many color and size options, so choose the one that works best for you!
I prefer this one with the built-in straw because it makes quick sips easier.
The mini fridge is also a must-have in the dorm room. Be sure to coordinate with your roommate, who will bring one (and check and see if your dorm already provides one) before purchasing!
BEFORE YOU BUY A MICROWAVE - Be sure to check your dorm policies on wattage and power allowances. My dorm had a policy that microwaves had to be below a certain wattage, or else they were prohibited. This specific microwave is 700W, so you shouldn't have any issues. However, check to be sure!
I don't need to explain why a microwave is needed, but I will. You'll use it to heat leftovers, quick microwave meals, etc. Without it, I don't know how I would have survived my midnight craving (or my roommate making 50 pizza rolls at once).
If you want to make smoothies or shakes to enjoy while in your dorm, you will want a mini blender. Specifically, this Magic Bullet Blender. These things are tiny but mighty and even come with lids allowing you to take your drink on the go! It's perfect for single-serve drinks, and the blender can be easily stored when not in use!
Dorm Bathroom Essentials
Next up - bathroom and toiletry essentials! These items will be helpful, especially if you have a communal shower and don't have one in your room. These items range from shower necessities to simple toiletry items that you will want to have handy!
Let me say this loud and clear. Communal bathrooms can be gross. If you shower barefoot, you have an increased risk of getting infected or potentially sick. Bacteria stops for no one!
These plastic shower shoes are fantastic as they are waterproof and can be easily slipped on or off. Protect your feet and get some shoes!
You are going to need towels to shower and dry off. This is a nice and soft towel set that comes in multiple colors! This set will give you body towels, hand towels, and washcloths.
This could also be one of my favorite dorm room items, and it was so close to making the top ten! You will want something you can keep all of your shower/bathroom items in since you will likely need to walk down a few halls to get to the shower room.
I love this shower caddy because it is mesh, allowing water to drain out so it can dry and not get moldy. It has multiple pockets for organizing your shampoo, conditioner, razor, and other belongings. It also has straps to hang on a hook for easy access while showering. Talk about convenience!
This might seem very similar to a robe, and that's because it is. However, I prefer this towel wrap, as it has an elastic band that prevents it from easily coming undone or sliding off as you walk back from the showers. It's comfy and easy to use and comes in multiple colors.
Everybody needs to have at least a simple first aid kit in their room. An example of why: I somehow managed to shatter a light bulb on my arm at my desk when no one was home, and I needed some antibacterial cream and gauze pads, which I happened to have handy in my first aid kit.
This kit comes with everything you should need for minor cuts/scrapes and then some!
If you like to do your makeup or want a nice selfie-lighting mirror - look no further! This vanity mirror is portable and comes with three different dimmable light settings! It is rechargeable and compact enough to be suitable for a dorm room!
Who doesn't like to jam in the shower (or, at the very least, listen to a podcast or audiobook)? This speaker is perfect as it is compact (so it can fit in your shower caddy), and it can stick to walls! Of course, be courteous, and don't blast music at obscene hours.
Dorm Cleaning Essentials
Keeping a clean space in your dorm is important, especially since you will live in such a small space with at least one other person. Even if you don't have your bathroom to clean, there will still be surfaces or things that will need constant upkeep within your room. If your room is messy or dirty, you won't be fully focused, and your roommate might not be happy with you if you are the one causing the mess and not cleaning it up.
Don't let cold and flu season ruin your semester! I always preferred to purchase the larger hand sanitizer bottles, like this one, and then buy mini refillable bottles that I could put in my purse, backpack, car, and other bags I would carry. This bad boy was on a constant purchase rotation, especially during the winter months.
The vacuum is back. Another top 10 item you should prioritize is having in your dorm room. As mentioned, my roommate had the Dyson Cordless Vacuum, which will will last you through college!
I recommend getting a laundry basket with wheels if you have the space. I initially had the first laundry basket with handles, and although it was nice and compact, carrying it down the hall to the laundry room was a struggle, as it got heavy with all of my clothes and my detergent. The wheel upgrade was FANTASTIC for my back in the long run once I had more space.
My hands get super irritated and itchy if I directly touch cleaning products. I also have a latex allergy, so finding some cleaning gloves that were safe to use was a challenge! However, I came across this set of two non-latex reusable gloves and have used them ever since!
These are just handy to have, making wiping down surfaces much faster and easier. Clorox Wipes have been my go-to way before college. I highly recommend you get some so you can clean off your desk, door handles, and any surfaces you have in your dorm (goodbye germs)!
You would be surprised at how dusty your dorm will be when you move in, and you'll be just as surprised when you see how dusty it gets while you are living in it. It's like these rooms are dust and lint magnets. I bought a Swiffer Feather Duster, and it was a great purchase. The wand extends so you can reach difficult spots, and the feather duster is easily replaceable.
I preferred to buy dryer sheets in bulk so that they would last an entire semester! I love using the Bounce brand dryer sheets, as my clothes were always soft and smelled good when coming out of the dryer.
College Technology Essentials
Next is some important technology and devices you will want in your dorm room. Some of these will be things you take on campus with you to classes, while others will be things you will need regularly in your dorm room.
You will have busy days on campus and won't always have access to a wall outlet to charge your phone during classes. Even more likely is that you forget to charge your phone the night before, and you won't have time to be stationary while it charges. A portable charger like this Anker Charger is great for busy college students.
A desk lamp (especially one that charges stuff, like this one!) is super helpful in the dorms. You will likely get tired of the bright fluorescent in your room, or you might need to stay up late, and your roommate doesn't want bright lights on. It also has the capability of charging your phone!
I got this Samsung TV during my freshman year and still use it in my apartment! You will want some form of entertainment to watch your favorite movies or shows or play video games with friends after class! This TV is very user-friendly, easy to set up, and has pre-installed popular streaming apps.
This tiny thumb drive will make all the difference. Unless you want to have to depend on finding an open computer lab or spending late nights on campus in the library to access and work on your files, you will want a decent-sized flash drive. I would have so many CAD projects with 20+ files that I could easily put on a flash drive and then take home to work on.
This Homedics Sound Machine is a great tech addition if you like having ambient noises to sleep to. It features six pre-recorded nature sounds, such as rain and thunder, and is battery-operated so you can place it anywhere in your dorm room! It has a timer feature and volume control, so you can decide how long and loud it plays.
I recommend getting a 10-foot charging cable for your phone. Wall outlets are usually sparse and in bad spots in dorm rooms. If you want your devices to be accessible while charging, grab these extra-long cables.
Surge Protection Extension Cords
As stated in the top 10 section, many dorm halls don't allow typical extension cords that don't have UL Surge protection. This extension cord is UL-Surge Protection approved and has rotating sockets for plugs that may need a different orientation!
Noise-cancelling headphones are a MUST in your dorm room. They are great for tuning out loud roommates or neighbors when you want to study. On the other hand, they are fantastic for having a silent disco in your room!
Dorm Furniture and Organization Essentials
Our final section will be about furniture and organization solutions! Space is valuable in a dorm room, so you should be sure you are strategically selecting furniture and storage options that will be practical and useful.
A futon was one of the best large furniture investments my roommate made for our dorm room. It was great when we wanted to have it for movie or game nights. It also expanded into a comfy (decent-sized) bed for guests and friends staying with us. This futon was able to seat four to five of us easily.
A clean desk is a happy desk. Really! I would get overwhelmed when I had stationary or papers scattered across my tiny workspace. This organizer made my desk much more welcoming and allowed me to stay organized during the school year!
Some of the best storage solutions are the ones that don't take up extra space in your room! We used these over-the-door organizers on our bathroom door, bedroom door, and even our dorm wardrobes! My personal favorite is the jewelry organizer that I included below. It could easily house some of my nail polishes, jewelry, makeup, and other small hair accessories! When shut, it is also a mirror, so you get two-for-one storage and views!
Jewelry and Makeup Organization
I also included some of the organizers I used for my makeup and jewelry. These are super nice, as it has prevented me from misplacing makeup brushes, rings, and other makeup products. I loved to place the first three organizers on a three-tiered cart (which provided even more storage for the dorm room).
PHEW. That was a lengthy post! However, I hope this extensive list of things to pack for college has you excited about shopping and moving into your new dorm room! Remember that you'll only experience your first college move-in once; soak in the entire experience!
Happy dorm room and college packing, and let me know in the comments if there is anything else you would like to see added to this list!
