20 College Dorm Room Must Haves

You’re heading off to college! Many congrats! It’s a very exciting time, especially if you’re a freshman! For the first time you get to start life on your own! That means choosing the items you’ll need for your dorm, making new friends, and so much more!

While this is an exciting time, if it’s your first year of college then it will be necessary to furnish your dorm room and take those essentials that get you through the year. If you’re not sure of the best things to take along, then don’t panic! We’re here to help with a list of the 20 best things to take for your dorm!

College Dorm Room Rules

Before you start buying anything and everything to furnish your dorm room, it’s a good idea to check with your university housing to see if they have rules about what you can have in the room. For instance, there may be some safety issues to consider, and more.

Here’s a list of generic dorm room rules—be sure to check with your university for specific rules:

• Fire hazards: some dorms make it against the rules to have candles (with real flames—flameless may be OK), hot plates, anything with a burning. This may also include toasters and microwave ovens.
• Pets: this is a hard one, but most dorms will not allow pets. This is because many people are allergic to various types of animals. Plus, pets can damage the room and furnishings, make horrible smelly messes, and more.
• Holes in the walls: some dorms don’t allow you to make holes in the walls. We’re not talking about using a sledgehammer to make holes (though a sledgehammer’s probably against the rules, too!). Instead, this rule’s against making holes with nails, tacks, and more. Each school varies, so be sure to check with your dorm to see if they allow nails, etc. If not, then you’ll need to use adhesives to hang posters and more.

These are some of the basic rules! So, keep these in mind when choosing the furnishings you’d like to take along to college!

20 College Dorm Must-Haves!

Here’s the list you’ve been waiting for! Let’s get started!

1). Bedding Set

 

 

Add some style to your dorm with some great bedding! Here’s a set that includes everything you need:

• Comforter
• Flat sheet
• Fitted sheet
• Sham
• Pillowcase

This set comes in various styles and colors. Choose the version that fits with your style and favorite color. Plus, getting the entire set in one saves money, because then it won’t be necessary to buy individual pieces. That can really add up.

So, opt for this bedding set to set your room’s style, while you save money at the same time.

2). Pinzon 6 Pieces Blended Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel Set

 

 

Towels are another essential for your dorm room. We found an entire set of towels that can keep you dry at an affordable price. These towels are 100% cotton, and they’re extremely absorbent. They’re also machine washable/dryable and come in a set that includes:

• Two large bath towels
• 2 hand towels
• 2 washcloths

This set also comes in various colors, so you can match your dorm room’s decore!

3). Underbed Storage Bag Organizers

 

 

Space is usually sparce in a dorm room, so it will be necessary to get creative with storing everything. We found this great set of 2 underbed storage cubes to expand storage options. They’re great for saving space and are even puncture/tear resistant. You can store anything in these bags from seasonal clothing to shoes, and more.

4). Storage Word 6-Shelf Hanging Closet Shelves

Here’s a way to add more storage capacity to your closet! Dorm rooms are notoriously small and consider you may need to share that space with a roommate.

Hanging storage shelves are a great way to increase the capacity of the closet, while keeping everything nice and organized. This set even includes three drawers.

5). Smart Design Deluxe Mesh Popup Square Laundry Hamper

 

When you’re away at college, you’ll need to do your laundry. This popup hamper is a great way to store your dirty laundry until wash day. On wash day, just carry the hamper to the laundromat. This is easier than using several bags, which can tear and make a big mess.

This sturdy hamper can carry up to 50 lbs! Plus, its side pockets can carry laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and more. It even folds up when not in use.

6). Contigo Coffee Couture Autoseal Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug

 

 

If you like to take coffee or tea with you to class in the morning, then this autoseal vacuum-insulated travel mug is just the answer! This travel mug can safely go into your backpack and won’t spill. Other types of travel mugs can spill and cause a big mess, or even damage your electronic devices.

With this 14 oz travel mug, you won’t have to worry about spilling or leaking. Everything will be safe and dry when you get to class! And you’ll be able to enjoy a hot cup of coffee to get the study juices flowing!

7). Fineloo Shower Shoes

 

If you know the dorms have communal showers, then you’ll need to have some shower shoes. This pair are great because they contain holes that allow the water to drain as you shower. And the surface of the sole features small nubbins that stick up and gently massage your feet. How relaxing is that!

The bottoms of the shower sandals are made with an anti-slip material. So, they’re safe to wear in the shower.

8). Vornado FIT Personal Air Circulator Fan

 

 

Dorm rooms can become stuffy no matter what time of the year, so a fan can help keep you cool. Plus, if you’re easily distracted by noise, use the fan to create some relaxing, soothing white noise to help you focus.

The Vornado fan is very compact and has two speeds. And the base is adjustable, giving you some control over the airflow’s direction. The fan also folds down flat when not needed, making it easy to store just about anywhere.

9). Poweradd 3 Outlet

 

When you share the dorm with a roommate, you’ll quickly find there may not be enough outlets to power all of your devices. For this reason, it’s a great idea to buy a power strip extension cord like the Poweradd 3 Outlet.

This power strip acts like a surge protector and has three outlets and three USB charging ports. Plus, the cord is 5 ft long, so you’ll be able to benefit from outlets that are farther away from your devices.

10). iDesign Orbz Plastic Bathroom Shower Tote

 

The iDesign Orbz Plastic Bathroom Shower Tote will really come in hand whether you’re sharing a bathroom in the dorm room, or whether you’re using a communal dorm bathroom. You’ll be able to carry everything you need in this handy tote and won’t have to worry about dropping anything.

What’s more, the tote can also work store your personal care items when you don’t need them.

11). Zober Non-Slip Velvet Hangers

 

Don’t forget it will be necessary to hang some of your clothes! Here’s a 50-pack of velvet-covered hangers that will keep your clothes and belongings from falling off.

These hangers are thin, so they won’t take up extra space, and they’re strong. Each hanger can hold up to 10 lbs!

12). mDesign Slim Plastic Rectangular Large Wastebasket

 

Here’s a slim wastebasket that will fit in your dorm room! You’ll have plenty of trash, so a wastebasket is a must to keep everything neat and tidy. This is a wastebasket can be kept under the desk or in some unused corner, out of the way.

13). Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

Speaking of keeping things tidy, you’ll want to keep your dorm room clean, too! So, you may want to get some Clorox disinfecting wipes. They can be used on most surfaces including bathrooms, your desk, and more.

14). Linenspa Infused Memory Mattress Topper

 

Dorm room beds are known for not being very comfortable. Plus, the mattress is sometimes stained and not pleasant. So, it can help to have a mattress topper for your dorm bed.

The mattress topper will cover the mattress and make it more comfortable to sleep on. Having a good night’s sleep when you’re a student is a necessity!

15). Cowin E& Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones

 

Dorms can be noisy places sometimes, which can make it challenge to study. So, investing in a good pair of active noise cancelling headphones can help you stay focused. These headphones use active noise cancelling technology to block out most background nose.

Plus, you can choose to use them wired, or connect with your devices via Bluetooth. Another great thing about these headphones is that they have a long battery life. You’ll be able to get through the night with no problem.

16). NovoLido Rechargeable Desk Lamp

 

Here’s a desk lamp that has different functions. It can be used to store pens and things, hold your mobile phone, act as a desk lamp with LED lights with adjustable light brightness and 2 color modes.

The lamps neck is flexible, which makes it easy to shine the light where you need it. The lamp has a rechargeable battery, which will work even if the electricity goes out (as long as it’s been charged).

17). Sleepsia Bamboo Pillow

 

You’ll also need some comfortable pillows when you’re away to college! This pillow is a shredded bamboo memory foam pillow. It works to help your head, neck and shoulders release tension that increases over the course of the day. You’ll have a good sleep with reduced stress on a memory foam pillow!

18). Honey Can Do Folding Drying Rack

 

If possible, see if a drying rack might fit in your dorm room. This would allow you to save money on drying your clothes and other belongings at the laundromat. This metal drying rack is small and folds up when not in use.

19). Euhomy Mini Fridge with Freezer

 

Many dorms allow you have a small fridge in your room. We found the Euhomy Mini Fridge for a great price, and it even has a freezer! This is a 3.2 Cu. Ft freezer that has plenty of room for food and drinks.

This fridge/freezer has a modern brushed steel exterior that’s easy to keep clean, and it will add a modern look to your room.

20). Commercial Chef Small Microwave Oven

 

Before buying a microwave oven, it’s always a good idea to check with dorm housing to make sure they allow these in your dorm. Many colleges do allow them.

This is a compact microwave that won’t take up much room in the dorm. In fact, it may be able to sit on top of your fridge. A microwave is great for those days when you don’t have time to hit the cafeteria for lunch or supper. Just pop in a frozen pizza or a microwaveable frozen dinner and you have a meal in just a few minutes!

Plus, you can cook a wide variety of foods in the microwave—everything from canned and frozen foods, to veggies and more.

These are some of the best suggestions on what to take to college. We’ve done our best to make sure each item is one that’s necessary and that they will be helpful.

Once again, congrats and good luck as you head off to a new life at college!