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TL; DR: We’ve compiled our Top 10 must-have dorm room essentials and 11 additional items to consider for a smooth college transition. These things will help maximize comfort and convenience for your new college dorm room.
Heading off to college for the first time can be an exciting time for students and parents. Young adults will get to explore a new world and learn more about themselves.
What’s more daunting is figuring out what you need to bring with you and how much of it will fit in your college dorm room. Luckily, Moving Help® has compiled our Top 10 dorm room essentials for you.
Our list will help keep you focused while providing insights into why you should bring these items with you. As a bonus, we’ll give you 11 additional items that are still important to consider. With the right essentials, students can make the transition to college smoother and more comfortable.
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Essential Dorm Items
Without further ado, below are our 10 college dorm room essentials.
Don’t have time to read the whole list? That’s OK! You can download it below to keep for when you’re on the go.
1. Mattress Pad/Topper
Odds are, your college will provide you with a mattress. The odds also are extremely high that the mattress will be super thin and hard as cement. Sleep is crucial, especially in college.
This is why we recommend you purchase a mattress topper or mattress pad. The following will thank you for it:
- Your back
- Your muscles
- Your brain
They’re not expensive and worth the cost in the long run.
2. Bedding Sheets
You’ll want to get bed sheets. Whether you sleep on the provided mattress pad or your own mattress topper, it’ll need bed sheets. Your college will provide you with the size of your mattress.
You just need to shop for those specific bed sheet dimensions. We recommend the follow for bed sheets:
- Bed sheets that are high quality.
- At least two bed sheet sets, so you can put new ones on while washing the dirty ones.
- Bed sheet colors that match your style.
If it gets cold in your room, you’ll be thankful you can tuck into your bed sheets for some extra coziness.
3. Mini Fridge
Whether you have leftovers or want plenty of snacks to store in the refrigerator, this is a must have item. Some even come with a small slot to freeze items. Unless you plan on going home every time you need something from your fridge at home, this is a perfect solution.
You should make sure to store your mini fridge in a dry area and make sure your mini fridge is compliant with any school rules.
4. Shower Caddy
Space in a college dorm is usually tight, which is why you need to get creative in shared spaces. The bathroom is a prime example of using the space you have available.
A shower caddy is an excellent way to keep all your products together such as:
- Body wash
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Lotion
- Creams and oils
- Acne wash
- Body brush
- Loofah
It’ll be organized and kept out of the way from your other roommates. Plus, you won’t be that person trying to balance all your products around the tub’s ledge.
5. Trash Can
You’ll most likely need to purchase a trash can since most colleges don’t provide one. You’ll want to get one that’s not too large but also not too small.
A trash can will keep your room clean and tidy. Most colleges have trash chutes, so you’ll want to make sure your full trash bag can fit in when throwing it down the chute.
6. Multi-Purpose Cleaner and Cloths
Luckily, while living in a college dorm room, you have a super small space to clean. You’ll want to get a multi-purpose cleaner and some washcloths to clean your whole space.
Of course, you can get an all-purpose cleaner and cloths or all-purpose wipes. You’ll want to get whatever products your college students will most likely use to clean their room and bathroom.
7. Command Strips or Double-Sided Tape
Your university probably won’t allow you to drill holes into your dorm room walls without paying a hefty fine after you move out. Therefore, you need an alternative solution.
You can use double-sided tape or hooks from Command or other brands. These options are a great way to hang items, add decor to your room, and make it feel more at home.
The best part is when you remove them from the wall, it’ll leave them damage free. Just make sure you’re using the right type of product for your wall.
8. Floor or Desk Lamp
A floor or desk lamp will be beneficial whether it’s nighttime and you need extra light or need some extra lighting in general. When you’re studying, it’s important to have proper lighting for studying and ambiance.
Of course, some people complete their homework at their desk, and others complete their homework from their bed. We recommend picking a lamp for what best suits your needs.
9. Portable Travel Cup
As a college student, you’ll be on the go constantly. Whether it’s to grab a quick bite to eat or to run to class because you overslept, you’ll need a trustworthy cup. Some good portable cups include:
- Stanley
- Hydro Flask
- Yeti
- Tervis
- Tumbler
It’s important to stay hydrated. It’s also important to consider what features you need most from your cup such as:
- Keeping your drink cool for a long time
- Keeping your drink warm for a long time
- Leak-proof
- Microwave safe
- Material
- Size and shape
- Lid style
- Easy to clean
10. Power Strip
You’ll only have a couple of outlets in your dorm room. Therefore, you’ll want to purchase a power strip. A centrally located power strip can keep the following devices charged:
- Phone
- Watch
- Computer
- TV
- Gaming consoles
- Tablets
- Blow dryer
- Portable charger
A power strip will ensure you have enough outlets while managing your electronic devices. Keep in mind of the safety features before purchasing your power strip.
11 Additional Items to Consider
While you need more than just the essentials we mentioned above, below are 11 items that are still important even though they didn’t make our Top 10 list.
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11. Shower Slippers
Whether you’re sharing a bathroom with three other people or live in a college dorm with communal bathrooms, you might want to consider investing in shower slippers.
If the bathroom isn’t cleaned often — or at all unless you do it yourself — the bathroom floor can get quite grimy and gross. Shower slippers are great for hygiene and safety.
You’ll want to consider the material and design options as well. We recommend shower slippers that have holes, so any water that gets on your slipper will fall through your slipper and onto the floor.
12. Door Hanging/Vanity Hanging Organizer
You can get a door hanging or vanity hanging organizer. It’s another useful way to save on space and storage while also being out of the way.
Various types have various purposes. You might need a door hanging organizer for all your jackets, or you might need a vanity hanging organizer for all your bathroom products.
13. Clothes Hangers
You’ll probably receive a small closet or drawers to put away your clothing articles and other items. If you get a small closet with a bar to hang clothes, you definitely need to utilize it.
You’ll want to make sure you have enough hangers, and you use the right hanger for each clothing article. Additionally, you should hang your clothes in order of importance. For example, your business suit or dress should be on a hanger instead of a ratty old T-shirt.
14. Rolling Laundry Basket
While having a rolling laundry basket might sound excessive at first, think about it for a moment. Unless your campus has a third-party laundry service or you’re bringing your laundry back to your parent’s house, you’ll have to use the laundry units in the basement of your college dorm room.
This means you’ll have to lug your heavy laundry from your dorm room to the elevator, down the elevator, and then to the laundry room. Phew! We’re exhausted just thinking about it. By getting a rolling laundry basket, you won’t break your back, and it’ll be easier to maneuver around with your laundry basket.
15. Countertop Microwave
Chances are you’ll need to heat a meal or reheat leftovers while living in your dorm room. A small microwave is a great and convenient way to accomplish that goal. It’s space efficient and can prepare meals quickly and easily.
You’ll just have to decide where to place it. One option is to place it on top of your mini fridge.
16. Smart TV
You’ll probably want to watch TV at some point. While your phone, tablet, or computer can suffice, sometimes a bigger screen is needed. If you’re a gamer, you’ll definitely need a TV.
We recommend a smart TV, but you should consider what devices you own to figure out which TV might best suit your needs. A smart TV might not be best for you, and that’s OK. You just need to make sure the TV you purchase fits your needs best.
17. Plastic Bowls and Plates
Plastic bowls and plates are great to have in a college dorm room. Mainly because they won’t break when they’re dropped. Plus, you’re in a dorm room, you won’t want fragile, breakable items like plates or bowls.
They’ll be durable for the microwave, and it could be more cost efficient and environmentally friendly than paper plates and bowls.
18. Bath Towels Set
It goes without saying that it’s obvious to bring bath towels with you. Our thought process is twofold.
One, you’ll want to get multiple bath towels in case you use more than one, or you need to do laundry but still have bath towels to use when showering. Two, it’s important to have a quality bath towel. You don’t want something that falls apart after a few uses.
19. Hand-Held Vacuum and Mop
A hand-held vacuum is small and convenient to use and clean up different areas quickly. A microfiber spray mop also cleans your floors easily and quickly.
The compactness of these products makes it great for a college dorm room.
20. Closet Organizers
If you want to maximize your closet space in your dorm room, you should consider getting closet organizers. An organizer will take advantage of the spacing when the shelving inside will be next to none.
It’ll help keep you organized, maximize space, and find everything you need. You also can invest in different types of organizers to fit your needs.
21. Safe/Birth Certificate/Social Security Number/Passport
If you have any high-valuable items, such as jewelry, you might want to consider getting a small closet safe. Additionally, if you plan to work, especially on campus, you’ll most likely will need to provide the following items:
- Birth certificate
- Social Security number
- Passport
- Other important documents
By having these on hand with you, you won’t have to worry about getting delayed being hired. This is especially important when you’re living far away from your home.
If you do bring these items with you, you must ensure they’re kept in a safe place, like a safe, and only you have access to them.
The Only Dorm Room Essentials List You’ll Need
The most important factor is being prepared when it comes to your college dorm room. You might not need everything on our list, but having the right essentials can help you transition into college more smoothly and make you feel more comfortable living in your new environment.
If you’re looking for an extensive college packing list, read our “College Packing List: 220 Things to Bring With You” article. Not sure what not to bring with you to college? Read our “Dorm Room Essentials You Won’t Use” article.
Need help packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, or other moving labor services? Moving Help has your back with labor-only Service Providers in your area to fit your needs and budget. Best of luck with your college adventure!
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