Follow this list to see the absolute best dorm room essentials that you need right now for your campus living space!

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Putting together your new living space is one of the most exciting times in a young persons life. Figuring out what you need, what you want, and getting to decorate and organize your very own living space for the first time is so fun and such a huge step in getting older and growing up!

Knowing exactly what products and features are essential can often be confusing and overwhelming, so I’ve put together this master list of everything that I loved, wanted, and needed when I first moved into my dorm room!

From bedding to bath, closet organization to study setup – this list will have you living in your best dorm room possible while also setting you up for success with your school work! Let’s get to it!

Dorm Room Essentials

Dorm Bedroom Essentials

1. Bedding

This bed set is super cute and will have you feeling cozy so you can get a great night sleep every single night. Pair it with this comfy duvet, sheet set, and this mattress protector to keep the mattress clean and you’re ready to sleep. Just make sure you find out the size of your bed first!

2. Mattress Topper

The bed that you’ll be given won’t always be the comfiest thing in the world. To ensure that you get a good sleep every night so that you’re refreshed every morning, get a mattress topper that will save your back and give you the best sleep possible

3. Pillows

Another bedding item that you’ll have to bring is your own pillows. This 2-pack of super comfy pillows is the number one best seller on Amazon!

4. Rug

The floors in dorms tend to be super cold and don’t hold the heat very well. If you don’t want to wear socks every day, a cozy rug is the perfect solution

5. Blackout Curtains

If you’re a light sleeper, definitely get blackout curtains to keep the light out of your room. If you’re a heavy sleeper, skip this one!

6. Alarm Clock

Most people use their phone as an alarm clock, but I’ve always found that a secondary alarm clock is absolutely essential when it comes to ensuring that you wake up for your early morning classes. Making sure that you don’t sleep through your morning exam if something happens to your phone overnight is worth every penny of a clock!

7. Storage Drawers

The storage space in dorms isn’t always in abundance. These storage drawers will help you keep your space tidy

8. Hanger Closet Organizer

You likely won’t be able to fit everything in your closet that you want to, so this hanger organizer will help you fit all of the clothes that you want to wear

9. Command Hooks

Another super cheap way to stay organized is to use these removable hooks to store your towels/coats/clothing/anything else that you want to hang

10. Heaters & Fans

Depending on what climate you’re in and the extremes in temperature, space heaters and a fan will be a life saver

11. Comfy Chair

You won’t always want to sit upright in your uncomfortable desk chair or lay down on your bed. Having a cozy chair to hang out in is so valuable, and it can move back home with you when you move out

12. Cozy Blanket

I napped a few days every week while away at school. I always cozied up with a special warm blanket that I deemed my “nap blanket” and I’d always fall right to sleep

13. Vanity Mirror

The lighting in your room will definitely NOT be the greatest. This vanity mirror will be your best friend

14. Makeup Organizer

This super cute makeup organizer will keep your makeup sanitary and tidy

Dorm Bathroom Essentials

15. Shower Caddy

This portable shower caddy will be one of your most valuable purchases for your time in a dorm. You’ll need to store your own bathroom supplies back in your bedroom, so keeping them accessible and easy to grab & go in a caddy will save you a huge headache every time you want to shower and will keep your space tidy at the same time

16. Towels

This great quality towel set will keep you set for the whole year away from home

17. Shower Shoes

Something that a lot of people don’t talk about is how gross the shower situation can be. Having a good pair of shower shoes is an absolute must. I tried using flip flops, but I found these to be much better because of how porous and slippery flip flops tend to be

18. Bath Robe

Instead of running around in a bath towel while other people are walking around, wrap up in a bath robe and you’ll be set to go from the shower back to your room

19. Shower Speaker

This one is more of a want, but it could be argued that it’s a necessity too. Once you start showering with a Bluetooth Shower Speaker, you won’t want to go back to regular boring silent showers again. Playing music, or even listening to a podcast, while you shower is a total game changer

Dorm Kitchen Essentials

20. Plates, Bowls, & Mugs

Eating from plastic plates isn’t environmentally or financially sustainable. Buying an inexpensive set of dishes will last you a long long time. Also use a tumbler for your water – perfect for in your dorm and on the go

21. Utensils

This set is a great price for utensils

22. Mini Fridge

A mini fridge is definitely one of the more expensive items on this list, but if you have room in your budget I highly recommend it. I started off my time in my dorm without one and then brought one in after about a month. It definitely made life easier by allowing me to keep healthy snacks on hand and not have to go out and buy something each time I felt hungry

23. Microwave

If your dorm doesn’t supply a microwave, you’ll definitely want one to be able to cook easy foods and reheat your leftovers!

24. Brita Water Pitcher

This Brita Water Filter Pitcher will save you SO much money by not buying bottled water. Pair it with this water bottle for when you’re on the go

25. Keurig

Make your coffee in your dorm with your Keurig instead of buying it at a coffee shop everyday. Pair it with these K-Cups

26. Travel Mug

The best sealing travel mug for when you’re on the go

27. Hot Plate

Hot Plates are great for reheating!

Dorm Study Essentials

28. Desk Lamp

If you’re going to work late into the evenings, use a desk lamp so you don’t strain your eyes

29. Desk Chair

Some dorms provide you with a desk chair. Mine came with a hard plastic chair that I used all year and wish I had upgraded. This office chair is a killer price and will save your back while you work

30. Printer

You’re going to need to print out quite a few (maybe too many) documents during your time at school. Having your own printer will make your life much, much easier. Pair it with this paper

31. Phone Charger

Having a long phone charger cord is one of the most essential items for every single person

32. Extension Cord

The plugs available in your dorm definitely won’t be plentiful enough so this extension cord with multiple outlets will save the day

33. Planner

I can’t think of anything more essential than keeping track of your work and assignments. This planner will help you do just that

34. Pens

I organize my planner by assigning a different color to each subject/topic. I highly recommend the colored pen system!

35. Garbage Can

Your dorm may or may not supply a bedroom garbage bin, and these ones are a great price

36. Noise Canceling Headphones

Your study schedule may coincide with someone else’s party schedule. These noise canceling headphones are a must when it comes to staying focused

Dorm Cleaning Essentials

37. Laundry Bin

This laundry hamper will help keep your room tidy from clutter

38. Tide Pods & Dryer Sheets

The invention of Tide Pods has made life so much easier when doing laundry in a dorm, and these dryer sheets will keep you set for a long time

39. Handheld Steamer

I have this handheld steamer and love it so much. It gets rid of annoying wrinkles in your clothing, and also kills germs while it does it

40. Lysol Wipes

Wiping down your surfaces and knobs/handles regularly with Lysol Wipes is a must

41. Compact Vacuum

You’ll likely be in charge of floor cleaning, and this lightweight Bissell vacuum is easy to store and works perfectly to keep your space clean

42. Swiffer WetJet

Run this Swiffer WetJet over your floors after vacuuming at least once a week

43. Swiffer Duster

The Swiffer Duster has become my favorite little cleaning gadget because of how easy it makes doing my chores regularly, highly recommend it!

Dorm Decor Essentials

44. String Lights

String lights instantly create the coziest atmosphere and I’ve never met anyone that didn’t love theirs!

45. Wall Art

Etsy has the best wall art created by small businesses for amazing prices! You can find pieces that are digital prints that you can print out yourself as many times as you want, or you can buy physical prints that the sellers will mail to you. I’ve added a few cute prints below or you can shop a bunch of different wall art options here!

Set of 3 Love Print from Good Vibe Design Store

Set of 3 art prints from Soul Curry

Eucalyptus Print Set of 2 from Divi Arts Studio

46. Essential Oil Diffuser

I love to run my essential oil diffuser every morning because it sets the tone for the day so well. This starter set will get you up and running!

I hope you found this list of dorm room essentials helpful and discovered some of your new must-have products!

Moving into your dorm is such an exciting time, and when you’re set up for success it takes the stress out of the situation so you can have all of the fun with none of the worry!

Related: 30 Easy And Delicious Mug Recipes That You Can Make In Your Dorm

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