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23 College Necessities For Dorms: Things You’ll Actually Need In Your Dorm Room

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These super helpful college necessities for dorms will make your life SO much easier. You seriously won’t be able to live without them!

College Necessities For Dorms
Source: @madynoguchi

By the first few weeks of living in your dorm, you’ll come to realize how important it is to get some things for the place to make the whole process of living there somewhat easy. 

I know I reallyyy needed a sound machine, a makeup mirror, and some storage as soon as I moved in.

In this post, I’m only sharing the best college necessities for dorms with you! These are the essentials that every college student recommends to any incoming freshman for their dorm, so sit back and make sure you have all these checked off from your packing list!

COLLEGE NECESSITIES FOR DORMS 

1. Ottoman

White Ottoman as college necessities for dorms
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An ottoman is so nice to have in dorms, as decor purposes but mainly for its functionality. You could use it as a stool to step up to your raised bed or as a seating option when friends are over.

But what I really love (and you will, too) about an ottoman is that it allows you to store things inside! Pro tip: the more storage you can fit in a small dorm room the better! 

2. A Full Length Mirror

Full Length Mirror as college packing list pdf
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I had this full length mirror in my dorm room and I can say all the good things about it. It’s great and an essential to take all the mirror selfies, but what it’s the best for is the secret storage option it comes with!

I had all of my jewelry organized inside and it held them up so well which was incredibly helpful for someone who loves to accessorize :). 

3. Mattress Topper

Mattress Topper as college essentials for class
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You will definitely want to add a mattress topper at the top of your dorm checklist! 

Do yourself a favor and invest in a good mattress topper. This is the exact one I had and it made a HUGE difference! The gel-infused system adapts to your body and makes the bed 10x more comfortable.

Quality sleep in college is important, so if there’s anything you should splurge on for your dorm, it should be a mattress topper!

4. Mini Fan

Mini Fan as college necessities for dorms
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When I tell you this mini fan will be your best friend in the dorm, you have to believe me! You never know the condition of the dorm AC (they stop working at the worst time of the year), and that is exactly when you’ll be thanking this small, handy gadget!

It will save your life when it’s blasting hot outside and you have no sort of air conditioning circulating through your room. Seriously, get this!!

RELATED POST: 25+ Dorm Room Gadgets That Will Make Your College Life Easier

5. Foldable Chair

White Butterfly Chair as college essentials for class
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Okay, a foldable chair is a must in dorms, even more if you have friends over all the time! These butterfly chairs have been a cult favorite because they are so so comfy, and good looking too!

You will also want to have a seating option in your dorm other than your bed that you can lounge on, scroll through TikTok, and watch all your favorite shows… which is basically another essential 😉.  

6. Storage Baskets

Storage Baskets as freshman dorm essentials
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You’ll definitely need some organizers to maximize the space and fit everything in your dorm room. These storage baskets are collapsible, which means they can go anywhere you want them! 

I had 3 of these under the bed to store extra pillows and some clothes, but you can also have them in the closet for toiletries, undergarments, etc.

I also recommend checking out these posts that are all about dorm organization: 

  • 29 Insanely Clever Dorm Room Organization Ideas You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
  • 21 Best And Cheap Dorm Organizers All Under $30
  • 14 Dorm Desk Organization Ideas For The Most Organized Desk Space

7. Command Hooks

Command Hooks
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Command Strips
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If you are planning to bring decor you want to hang, you need these because they don’t let you drill holes. Almost every college student has command hooks holding up most of their things, making it the best product that was legit made for dorms! 

They seriously held up all my heavy stuff like backpacks and purses without bulging at all! Highly recommend you get them!

8. Blackout Curtains

Blackout Curtain as college necessities for dorms
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One of the college necessities for dorms has to be these blackout curtains! There will be times where you will want to take a nap during the day or sleep in the morning, but won’t be able to if you don’t have something blocking the sunlight. 

You’ll need a tension rod to hang these curtains up (the process is super easy and quick), plus, you will be able to get the quality sleep you deserve at any time of the day! 

RELATED POST: 19 Unexpected Things To Bring To College You Probably Didn’t Think Of

9. Lamps

Desk Lamp as college necessities for dorms
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It’s always a great option to bring additional lights to college. Dorm lights are dim, so you’ll need a desk lamp for studying and another lamp to keep on your nightstand to cover up for that. 

I also recommend getting a lighted makeup mirror to make sure your makeup is looking 100/10 when getting ready! 😉

10. Air Freshener

Wall PlugIns as college necessities for dorms
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When you’re living in a small space with a roommate, the room is bound to start smelling at one point. That’s why an air freshener is an essential to keep in dorms! 

These plug-in wall fresheners are seriously the best and will keep your dorm smelling fresh and clean 24/7!

11. Tool Kit

Tool Kit as college dorm checklist for girls
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Living in a dorm room will also require you to fix and screw a few things here and there, but this time dad won’t be around, so make sure to get a toolkit! 

You’ll just be needing basic things like a screwdriver, scissors, etc. all of which this toolkit from Amazon has!

12. First Aid Kit + Medicine

First Aid Kit as college packing list pdf
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Advil as printable college dorm checklist
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Emergen-C
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Always make sure you have a first aid kit in your dorm at all times. I would also suggest keeping medicines like Advil, Emergen-C, and cough suppressants because the last thing you want to do when you’re sick is make a trip to the pharmacy. 

13. Brita

Water Filter as college necessities for dorms
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There’s no saying where the tap water in dorms comes from, so a Brita might just be one of the best freshman dorm essentials for you! You wouldn’t have to worry about anything if you filter out the water with this! 

Plus, it helps save those tons of water bottles from taking up space in your dorm.

14. Mini Fridge

Mini Fridge as college necessities for dorms
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Some dorms usually come with a fridge, and if yours doesn’t then, you’ll need to get one for yourself! I know friends who couldn’t have gone a day without their mini fridge, it really is essential for dorms! 

I have linked the cutest mini fridge that looks like it was made for dorms! I mean, since your fridge is going to be on display, get a decent looking one! 

15. Mini Microwave

Mini Microwave as freshman dorm essentials
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Same thing with a microwave, check your dorm before getting one. For heating up food, whipping up popcorn for movie nights, and making all the best mug recipes, you’re going to need a mini microwave! 

I absolutely loved a microwave in my dorm, it’s such a handy gadget and there are tons of cute mini microwaves these days that don’t take up much room, and also match any dorm aesthetic! 

16. Rolling Cart

White Rolling Cart as packing for college
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A Rolling cart is another essential to have. It will give you that extra amount of storage which you’ll definitely need! 

My friends and I had one, and loved it all year long! I had all my makeup and skincare products organized in this, and even some school supplies on the top. SO helpful!

RELATED POST: 21 Best and Cheap Dorm Organizers All Under $30

17. Keurig

Black Keurig as freshman dorm essentials
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If you are the kind of person that needs coffee first thing in the morning, a Keurig will be the perfect option for you. It’s super popular in college and almost every student owns (and heavily depends) on one of these!

Definitely talk to your roommate beforehand so you don’t end up with two of these in your dorm!

18. Vacuum

Mini Black Vacuum for college dorm checklist
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Don’t forget a vacuum to keep your room looking spotless! 

Dorms usually provide a vacuum but those “communal” vacuums are old, don’t work well, and have been used dozens of times. So, you’ll definitely want to keep a mini size in your dorm!

19. Charger / Extension Cord

10ft Charger as college necessities for dorms
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Extension Cord as college necessities for dorms
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The two most important tech essentials to have in your dorm room. You’ll definitely need an extension cord because we college students have tons of things to charge these days and dorms have very limited wall plugs. 

A charger is like every college student’s greatest best friend! You’re bound to lose or break many chargers as you go, so always make sure to have spares! These also go to all the weirdest places plugs in dorms are, making it easy to use your phone in bed while charging!  

20. Sound Machine

Sound Machine as unexpected things to bring to college
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I’m telling you this right now, if your neighbor decides to blast music at 2am (especially on a school night), you will be the first to hear them because dorm walls are super thin. I experienced this and knew I needed something to block out the noise. 

A sound machine like this is truly a lifesaver! They make your life so much easier living in dorms and help you concentrate on your studies, orrr get a good night’s sleep!  

21. Wall Grid

Gold Wall Grid as dorm checklist for guys
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Okay, I know this isn’t really one of the college necessities for dorms, but it sure is a fun decor piece! 

You could hang up your favorite polaroids of your friends and family on it or even daily reminders. It gives such a great look to any desk area and upgrades the place!

RELATED POST: 23 Cutest Dorm Decor Amazon Sells For Cheap (That Actually Looks Expensive)

22. Laundry Basket

Laundry Basket
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Laundry Basket with wheels
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We all hate doing the laundry, but we also have to admit there’s nothing worse than dirty clothes lying all around… not when you’re sharing the room with someone. Get a laundry basket to keep in the corner of your dorm with all the dirty clothes inside.

I recommend getting one you can carry like a bag, so you don’t have to drag it alllll the way down. I have also linked the one with wheels if you prefer an easy rolling option!

23. Rugs

Rugs as packing for college
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Lastly, on the list of this dorm checklist are rugs. I loved a rug in my dorm room, it seriously decorated it so well and made it seem more put together!

Also, you should know that dorm floors are mostly crusty and old, which is another reason to love a rug and get one that will match your aesthetic!


These were all the best college necessities for dorms you’ll definitely use.

Related Posts To Check Out:
  • 47 College Dorm Must Haves To Buy Before Moving In
  • 21 Best Dorm Room Ideas For The BEST Dorm On Campus
  • 23 Dorm Room Decor Amazon Sells For Cheap (That Actually Looks Expensive)

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