Guides

33 Dorm Room Essentials for Surviving and Thriving in 2025

by: Katie Lawrence

Published on May 27th 2025

Graduation’s behind you and move-in day is right around the corner, which means it’s time to figure out your dorm room essentials and start packing for the next chapter. Heading off to college comes with a lot of questions. What should I buy for my dorm room? What can I skip? We’ve got answers and a no-nonsense list of dorm room essentials to help you show up ready.

This guide goes beyond the obvious. It covers the basics, sure, but also those underrated dorm necessities that make the space actually feel like yours. Because a dorm shouldn’t just be where you crash between classes — it should be a place that works for your day-to-day life and reflects who you are.

Must-Have Dorm Room Essentials

1. Twin XL Sheets and Bedding

Dorm room bedding — *The right bedding makes for a good night's sleep (via Canva)*

A good night’s sleep starts with the right setup. Since most dorm beds are Twin XL, you’ll want sheets and a comforter to match. Choose a set that’s breathable, durable and feels like you. Sleep is key to staying sharp during the semester — just ask the Bureau of Indian Education — so make your bed a place you actually want to crash

2. Good Pillows

Pillows are equally important dorm room essentials as bedding. High-quality pillows that fit your price range can be hard to find, but they’re worth the search if you want decent sleep and fewer neck cramps.

3. Mattress Topper

Dorm mattresses aren’t always the most comfortable, so a mattress topper is one of the best dorm room essentials to make your bed feel like something you actually want to sleep on. Just make sure you get the Twin XL size.

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4. Mini Fridge

Late-night study snacks are basically dorm room essentials, and you’ll need a mini fridge to store them. Consider splitting the cost with your roommate if you’re trying to save money.

5. Desk Lamp

A desk lamp is something you’ll be glad you packed. You don’t want to keep your roommate awake when you’re up late cramming for a test (that you definitely had enough time to study for, but let’s not talk about that).

Dorm Room Essentials for Guys

6. Command Hooks

wall hangings — *Check with your dorm if you're allowed to hang things from the wall (via Canva)*

If you want to hang flags, hats or jerseys, Command hooks are your go-to. Since nails are off-limits in dorms, these dorm room essentials make it easy to decorate without leaving a mark.

7. Surge Protector

Between laptops, phones, speakers and maybe a gaming setup, outlets run out fast. A surge protector gives you extra plug-in space — and a little peace of mind.

8. LED Lighting Strips

Popular for a reason, LED lighting strips are an easy way to personalize your space. Stick them to the wall or around your desk and set the mood with color or sync them to music for the full effect.

9. Portable Mouse

If you prefer working or gaming at a desk, a portable mouse is one of those underrated dorm room essentials that makes everything smoother, especially during late-night study sessions or weekend marathons.

10. Microwave

You don’t have to rely on dining hall hours when you’ve got a microwave. It’s a dorm room essential that covers everything from breakfast in a mug to late-night leftovers — and yes, you can make scrambled eggs in under two minutes.

Dorm Room Essentials for Girls

11. Vanity Mirror

When you're making your college dorm checklist for a freshman girl, don’t forget a vanity mirror. Shared bathrooms come with plenty of challenges and mirror space is usually one of them. Having your own mirror means you can get ready on your schedule, no waiting (or racing) for sink space.

12. Shoe Rack

If you’re wondering whether to add a shoe rack to your dorm room essentials, consider this your sign. Dorm closets are small, and even a few pairs of shoes can turn into clutter fast. A simple rack keeps things tidy and saves time when you're trying to find your favorite pair before class.

13. Mini Blender

If smoothies or protein shakes are part of your morning routine, a mini blender is a space-saving win. You can even find portable blenders that let you blend and sip on your way to class.

14. Throw Blankets

No college checklist for a freshman girl is complete without a few cozy blankets. They add style and a personal touch to your room, provide comfort when you’re feeling homesick and are ideal for movie nights with your roommate.

15. Slippers

Slippers may seem like uncommon dorm room essentials, but they shouldn't. Dorm floors are cold, the hallways are not exactly barefoot-friendly, and having something cozy to slip on makes all the difference, especially during those late-night study breaks.

Dorm Room Decor and Personal Touches

16. Decorative Pillows

Dorm room essentials aren’t just about what you need — they also include the things that make your space feel like yours. Throw pillows are an easy way to warm up a dorm bed and add a pop of personality. Pick a few different shapes or patterns and mix them up for a look that feels anything but basic.

17. Accent Rug

When it comes to dorm room ideas that instantly add comfort, you can’t go wrong with an accent rug. Most dorm floors are cold and hard, so having something soft underfoot is a game-changer. You don’t need anything oversized — just enough to warm up the space and tie everything together.

18. String Lights

Soft lighting definitely falls into the realm of dorm room essentials. After all, you don’t want harsh overhead lights when you’re trying to wind down for the evening. String lights are easy to hang and make your room feel cozier without much effort.

19. Houseplants

If your dorm rules allow it, adding a houseplant (or a few) brings a bit of life to the room — literally. Plants are a fun way to show off your style, and they help freshen up the air, too. Even a small succulent on the windowsill can make a difference.

20. Wall Art

Wall art is one of the most personal dorm room essentials. Whether it’s a band poster, a print from your favorite artist or a gallery wall of photos from home, your walls are where your style gets to shine. Bonus: it’s a natural conversation starter with new roommates or visitors.

Dorm Storage and Organization Musts

21. Storage Ottoman

Smart storage is one of the top dorm room essentials, and a storage ottoman checks a lot of boxes. It hides clutter, doubles as a seat and adds a bit of style. It's also handy for bedroom office ideas if you need a spot to stash folders, notebooks or anything else you’d rather not leave out.

22. Bed Risers

No storage under the bed? Bed risers fix that fast. These simple dorm room essentials lift your bed just enough to slide in bins or boxes, giving you a lot more space than you started with.

23. Slim Clothing Hangers

Every inch of space matters when you’re thinking about dorm room essentials. Slim clothing hangers allow you to hang more clothes in your dorm closet, which is — let’s face it — probably pretty small.

24. Desk Organizer

If your desk is more on the compact side, a compact desk organizer with stacked compartments helps keep the chaos in check. Pens, paper, chargers — it’s all within reach but off the pile.

25. Shower Caddy Bag

A shower caddy bag makes communal bathroom life a lot easier. Just toss in your shampoo, razor, and whatever else you need, and you're good to go — no juggling bottles on the way to the showers. Look for one that dries quickly and has plenty of pockets.

Uncommon Dorm Room Essentials

26. Tool Kit

Not the first thing that comes to mind, but a tool kit can be a lifesaver when you need to tighten a loose screw or fix a wobbly chair. Definitely one of those dorm room essentials you’ll be glad you packed.

27. Bedside Shelf

Nightstands take up space, which dorms don’t exactly have to spare. A clip-on bedside shelf gives you a spot for your phone, water, or whatever you like to keep within reach, without eating into your floor space.

28. White Noise Machine

Got a roommate who stays up late or neighbors who treat every night like a party? A white noise machine can help you block it all out and get some sleep. Add it to your dorm room essentials list now, thank yourself later.

29. Air Purifier

Dorm room air is notoriously stale, so an air purifier is one of the most important dorm room essentials for helping you breathe better.

Dorm Room Essentials from Amazon

30. Spray Mop

Dorm floors collect dust fast, especially with friends popping in and out all week. A spray mop is a compact, easy-to-use cleaning tool that belongs on every list of dorm room essentials.

31. First Aid Kit

Not the most exciting thing to shop for, but still essential. A basic first aid kit covers you for cuts, scrapes and other minor surprises college life throws your way.

32. Dry-Erase Calendar Board

If you’re always forgetting things, a dry-erase calendar board you can stick on your fridge is perfect for helping you remember important test dates and assignment deadlines. Keep this in mind for the future; it’s a great place to write positive quotes for work.

33. Shower Shoes

Shower shoes are one of the most affordable dorm room essentials Amazon has to offer — and one of the most important. Shared showers are germ central, and these will save you from things like athlete’s foot.

Dorm Room Essentials FAQs

What Should I Buy for My Dorm Room?

Start with the basic dorm room essentials: bedding, storage and school supplies. Once those are sorted, you can move on to the fun part — dorm room décor. Throw pillows and blankets, an accent rug, wall hangings and a mirror can all help the space feel more like you. Check with your school to see what’s already provided, and coordinate with your roommate so you don’t double up on shared items like microwaves.

What Not To Bring to Your Dorm?

The easiest way to figure out what not to include on your list of dorm room essentials is to check your school’s prohibited items list. That usually includes anything that’s a fire hazard (think space heaters and candles) or anything dangerous, like weapons. Skip bulky furniture, since dorms are already furnished, and avoid overpacking your entire wardrobe “just in case.” If you need more clothes later, your parents can always send some. Sentimental or valuable items are also better left at home. And if you forget anything? Dorm room essentials from Amazon can fill in the gaps.

Can a Girl Share a Dorm With a Boy in College?

Some schools do offer co-ed housing, and many allow gender-neutral roommate options. That means you might room with someone of any gender, or choose your own roommate, depending on school policy. If you're not comfortable with that, most schools still offer gender-specific housing, too.

What Do College Students Need for Their First Year?

You’ll need a mixture of dorm room essentials, class materials and personal items to start your first year of college feeling ready and prepared. Academic must-haves include a backpack, laptop or tablet, flash drives, binders, textbooks, notebooks, pens and pencils. Dorm room essentials include everything listed here, laundry supplies and kitchen items like utensils, plates and bowls. You’ll also need toiletries and other personal hygiene products.

From Twin XL sheets to a first aid kit and a few things you didn’t know you needed, the right dorm room essentials can make college life way easier. With a little planning (and a good checklist), your space can be functional, personal and actually feel like home.

For even more fun ideas for college, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!