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Corynn. S Lifestyle

College · July 12, 2020

Dorm Room Essentials List | Things Every Freshman Need For College!

Last Updated on March 6, 2023 by Corynn

Welcome to dorm life! while studying for your career you’ll be staying campus. Not sure what you need for your dorm? Here is a Dorms room essentials list that you can follow as a freshman!

This post contains affiliate links from Amazon and other brands where I will be receiving a small commission on any items you may buy. You can read terms and conditions for more information. All photos are credited to the source unless they are my own.

freshman dorm room essentials

This blog post is about freshman dorm room essentials

What Do College Freshman Need For Dorms?

Living on campus is pretty close to living on your own. So you want to be comfortable as possible. This will be your second home for a while.

You’re going to need bedding, shower items, cleaning products, and decor items to make your dorm feel homey.

Here is a list of 55 College dorm room essentials you need as a freshman.

Table Of Contents
show
  • What Do College Freshman Need For Dorms?
  • College Dorm Room Essentials: Bedding
  • Dorm Room Essentials: The Kitchen
  • Dorm Room Essentials: Cleaning Products
  • Dorm Room Essentials: Laundry Supplies
  • Dorm Room Essentials: Bathroom
  • College Dorm Essentials: Decor
  • Dorm Room Essentials: Extras

College Dorm Room Essentials: Bedding

After a long day of classes, you want to lay down in a comfy bed. Here is a list of bedding items that are essential for your dorm room:

1. Waterproof Mattress Topper

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Dorm room beds are honestly.. Not that comfortable. You want a bed that you can comfortably sleep on. This means grabbing a mattress topper to place on top of your mattress.

2. Mattress Protector

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You want to protect your mattress at all cost. From things like; spills, food, critters, skin sheddings, and anything in between.

3. Mack’s Slim Fit Earplugs

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The night life on campus can be loud. Lots of people partying, playing loud music and also.. other things happening. This items is great for light sleepers and people who just want silence sometimes (and that’s totally okay!).

4. Set Of 2 Standard Size Pillows

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I highly suggest getting two pillows for the most comfiest sleep.

5. Set Of 2 Zippered Waterproof Pillow Case Protector

find on amazon

Just like your mattress, you want to protect your pillows the same way. These pillowcase protectors are super easy to put on and can be closed up with a zipper. These pillow case protectors are great for people with dust allergies.

6. Silk Pillowcases Set Of 2

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Silk pillow cases are great for preventing breakouts on skin, and having less breakage of your hair.

7. Lightweight Comforter

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You really want to find the coziest comforter out there. Especially if you live in a colder climate. You want to invest in a warm comforter that will keep you warm during the colder season.

Dorm Room Essentials: The Kitchen

Meal plans are sometimes pretty restricted. You really want to have your dorm stocked with things you like to enjoy throughout the day. Here is a list of items you need to keep on you whenever you feel snackish.

8. Mini Fridge With Freezer Compartment

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Need something to store your beverages in? Invest in a mini fridge inside of your dorm room so you can store cold items.

9. Countertop Microwave Oven

find on amazon

While living on campus, you’re going to learn how to make a few dishes inside of a microwave. Check out my blog about things every freshman student should know where I discuss why a microwave is must have!

RELATED POST: 14 Things Every Freshman Should Know Their First Year In College

10. Electric Glass Kettle

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Having a kettle is great for whenever you want to make instant soup or tea.

11. Keurig K-Express Single Serve Coffee Maker

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As a college student, you no longer have the finances to purchase large amounts of coffee at Starbucks. investing in a coffee maker such as a Keurig, will save you countless of dollars on coffee runs.

12. Simple Modern Tumbler

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Want to take your homemade coffee to class? Purchase a coffee mug! Simple Modern has THE BEST tumblers you can ever find! It keeps my hot drinks warm for hours!

13. Simple Modern Reusable Water Bottle

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Instead of going to the grocery store and hauling cases of water, look into investing in a reusable water bottle. Simple Modern has (again) the best non leaking water bottles you can find out there. Having a water bottle is also great to keep inside of your College bag.

I promise this is not a sponsorship! I just really love their products!

14. 10-Cup Brita Water Filter

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A brita filter can be filled up very quickly in the common areas or dining halls. It’s always great to have water in your dorm room at all times.

15. 16-Piece Microwave Safe Containers

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Containers are great way to store leftover food, food from home, and if you wanted to bring any snacks with you to class.

16. 16 Piece Bowls and Plates

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Depending on the college you go to, some dorms are laid out where you may have a small kitchenette to cook and eat in. It’s always great to have a set of bowls and plates inside of your dorm room.

17. Pots and Pans Set

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If your college dorm includes a kitchenette, you will want to have a set of pots and pans on hand to cook.

18. Cutlery 12pc Set

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Always great to have and environmentally friendly than plastic cultery.

19. Snacks

You want to keep a few snacks on hand while you have late night study sessions, or not wanting to walk all the way to the dining hall. Here is a list of snacks that you can store in your dorm room;

  • Goldfish crackers
  • Fruit snacks
  • Granola bars
  • Apple sauce
  • dried fruit
  • nuts and seeds

Make sure to keep your snacks stored away to prevent having any critters visiting you.

Dorm Room Essentials: Cleaning Products

Living in your own living space, you want to make sure you keep your place tidy. Here is a list of cleaning supplies to take with you;

20. Lysol Wipes (pack of 2)

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To clean and disinfect areas of your dorm room.

21. Mrs. Meyer’s All-Purpose Spray

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If you have a large dorm room, this is a great cleaning product to help you clean all different kinds of surfaces.

22. Swiffer WetJet Kit

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Easily to store away and can quickly mop floors in no time.

23. Dustpan and Broom Set

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Dorm rooms are very small and tend to collect dust and dirt from the outside very quickly. Bring a dustpan and broom to keep your floors dirt free.

24. Trash Bin With Lid

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Some dorms provide you with a garbage and recycle bin, although they’re not really big enough to fit anything inside. Purchase a garbage bin that is big enough to fit some garbage inside although small enough so it will not take up a lot of space.

25. Small Colored Garbage Bags

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For inside of your garbage bins.

26. BISSELL Powerglide Pet Slim Cordless Vacuum

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Have wall to wall carpeting in your dorm? Purchase a small compact vacuum that you can use to vacuum your carpets and store away easily. I use the Bissell Petwave vacuum and it’s perfect for picking up hair and crumbs off the ground.

27. Bounty Paper Towels

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Dorm Room Essentials: Laundry Supplies

Here is a list of items you will be needing to do your laundry.

28. Laundry Basket With 2 Removable Bags

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To place your dirty clothes in. Find the laundry hamper that you’re most comfortable with. This could be a basket, a hamper with a lid, or a mesh bag.

29. Velvet Non-Slip Hangers 50-Pack

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To hang your clothes and jackets in the closet.

30. Laundry Detergent – Tide Pods

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When looking for laundry detergent, it’s easier to use Tide Pods versus the liquid detergents. Because of having to carry everything to the laundry area and back to your dorms.

31. Hanging Closet Organizer

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Need more storage space for your clothes and shoes? Look into getting a closet organizer! It hangs on the side of your closet door.

Dorm Room Essentials: Bathroom

Yes, you will have to share the showers with other people. But these bathroom items will help you out!

32. Mesh Shower Caddy

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A shower caddy is great to hold your items in while you go to the community bathroom. Here is a list of things you should have inside of your shower caddy;

  • toothbrush
  • toothpaste
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • face wash
  • loofah

33. Non-Slip Shower Shoes

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Wearing dorm shower shoes protects your feet from bacteria and the build up that happens in the community bathrooms.

34. Fleece Robe With Hood

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Having a bath robe will prevent you from being cold and to keeping yourself covered while walking to and from your dorm

35. Premium Towels Set – 8 Pack

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Towels can be used to dry your body, hair and face. It’s always great to have 2-3 extra towels on hand.

College Dorm Essentials: Decor

Now we’re onto the fun stuff! Decorating items for your dorm room. Here is a list of simple decor items you can start of with.

36. Waterproof Curtain Fairy Lights

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To add soft lightning in your room.

37. Fuzzy Faux Fur Throw Blanket

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Can be use for decor or as a 2nd blanket you may need.

38. Soft Bedside Rug

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A small rug can really bring the room together while keeping your feet warm from the cold tiles.

39. Full Length Door Mirror

FIND AT TARGET

Full body mirror is great to help check your outfits in a full length mirror without going to the community bathroom each time.

40. Damage Free Hanging Command Hooks

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Hooks are a great place to hang your keys, towels, and backpack on. Command hooks are great for dorms because they can be easily place on and off without ruining the paint on the wall.

wall art/poster. College dorm checklist for girls.

41. Gallery Wall Set Dorm Decor – Pink Wall Art

FIND ON ETSY

Wall art and/or poster is a nice simple touch to start decorating your dorm. Instead using tape, you can use poster strips or sticky tack to keep your posters up without damaging the walls. Ety is a great place to find wall art for your dorm room.

42. Comfy Foldable Lounge Chair

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Want another seating area besides your bed and the desk? find a foldable comfy chair to sit on.

43. Wall Photo Display Collage

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As you go along your college journey you’re going to meet a lot of new friends and create memories with them. a Wall photo display is a nice way of decorating your dorm room and to show appreciation to your friends.

44. LED Desk Lamp w/ Wireless Charging

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Desk lamps are great for helping you read your assignments and books better without straining your eyes.

45. Desk Organizer With 8 Compartments

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Want a place to put all of your college school supplies? A desk organizer can keep your desk clean of any materials you may have. Not sure what supplies you need for school? Here is a blog post about all the must have items you need on your back to school shopping list.

RELATED POST:

46. Dry Erase Board 14″ x 11″

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Need a place to write your reminders? Get a dry erase board. Some dry erase boards have a calendar layout, so you can use it to plan out your month with assignments and events.

47. Blackout Curtains 2 Panel Set

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Depending on the college you attend, some dorm rooms already have built in blind for their windows. IF you feel like you need more coverage, or your dorm does not provide any; here is a set of blackout curtains you can use to keep the sunlight out. For times when you want to study or sleep during the day.

Dorm Room Essentials: Extras

Here are a few extra things that you may need to bring with you on campus.

48. 2-Pack Surge Protector Power Strip

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College dorm rooms have hardly any outlets that you can use. Grab a couple of power bar strips to charge your items and have your small appliances plugged into.

49. Amazon Basics Phone Chargers

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You can never have enough phone chargers on hand. I suggest to always have a charger that stays in your dorm room. To prevent misplacing it around campus.

50. Clear Storage Bins

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Storage bins can be used to store extra food items, or seasonal clothing.

51. Amazon Basics 3 Speed Small Room Fan

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If you go to a college in a warmer climate, you may deal with some hot and humid days. This could lead to a overheated dorm room. Try looking for a fan that can sit on top of your desk.

52. 3 Wide Plastic Drawers

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Want something to organize your stuff that can fit inside a small space? Plastic drawers is your answers. Very easily to clean and can hold a lot of stuff. This could be extra school supplies, skincare products, hair products, and more.

53. Vanity Mirror

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Look into finding a vanity mirror that is small enough where you can do your makeup and skincare routine with.

54. First Aid Kit

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You want to always be prepared for anything. Always have a first aid kit on hand for any emergencies.

55. Mini Tool Kit

Find on amazon

Things break all the time. You want to have a mini tool kit on hand to fix items, rather than calling your parents each time something breaks.

Overall..

This dorm room essentials list is great for freshmans to start off with. You can always change and substitute some of the things I have listed here. Need help creating a college supplies list? Check out our blog post right here all about it!

Posted By: Corynn · In: College

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