This blog post is about what to bring to college.
If you are going into your first year of college, and you are going to live in a dorm room, check out this post to understand exactly what to bring to college!
Packing for college and buying everything can be pretty overwhelming, and especially if you are buying wayyyy to many things, it can also be super expensive if you’ll buy a bunch of things you don’t actually need.
SO, I’m here for you to show you exactly what to bring to college, exactly what to pack and what to buy.
Let’s get started 🙂
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WHAT TO BRING TO COLLEGE DORM
Table of Contents
What Can I Take For College?
When packing for college, make sure you are packing college essentials you are 100% sure you will actually need and use.
For your dorm room, pack bedding essentials, organization products, clothes, toiletries, etc.
Beyond your dorm room, get yourself the essential school supplies, a comfortable backpack or bag, and everyday essentials like a reusable water bottle, chargers, etc.
I recommend downloading this free college packing checklist that includes all the college essentials you actually need:
Free Download
COLLEGE PACKING CHECKLIST
What To Bring to College :
TOP 5 DORM ROOM ESSENTIALS
1. Mattress Topper
Usually, dorm’s mattresses are more than basic and definitely uncomfortable. That’s why I think a mattress topper is an absolute must-have for dorm rooms.
2. Magic Space Saving Hangers
I’m OBSESSED with these Magic Space Saving Hangers from Amazon!
Dorms closets are so small, so what I like about these space saving hangers is that you can hang on one a few shirts or clothes, and the hanger will only take up space of one hanger.
So you can fill up your closet much smarter, and fit in more clothes than what’s possible.
There’s also a pants hangers version btw.
3. Over The Door Organizer
I think this over the door organizer is a must-have for dorms!
You can use it to organize jewelry, makeup, accessories, everyday products – while also using it as a full-length mirror.
AND, my favorite part is that it easily connects over your door. So it won’t take space in your dorm, and it is also very dorm room friendly.
4. Towel Wrap
I never used towel wraps before college, and after using them, I couldn’t stop!
Having a towel wrap is so much nicer than just walking around with a towel and holding it to your body, while also carrying your shower caddy/clothes.
You can get a cute one like this personalized towel wrap from Etsy 🙂
5. Portable Steamer
One of the best dorm room tips I can give you, is NOT to pack an iron/iron board, and just get this portable steamer instead.
It’s much easier to pack and store in your dorm, and it makes an amazing job removing wrinkles from your clothes.
What To Bring to College - Bedding:
1. Mattress Topper
Starting off with a mattress topper! I just talked about it, but in case you missed the TOP 5 essentials part, here’s a quick brief:
Usually dorm mattresses are so uncomfortable. So I always recommend getting a comfy mattress topper for you to have a much more comfortable sleep 😉
2. Mattress Protector
A mattress protector is something most students forget to get for their dorms.
I don’t want to bring up gross thoughts lol, but think about how many people slept for YEARS on your dorm bed.
A mattress protector is perfect for feeling clean in your dorm after the fact I just told you, and it will also protect your own mattress topper from different spills or accidents.
3. Headboard
I know a headboard for bed isn’t an essential, but personally I love beds with headboards, and I think beyond the fact that it makes the bed look prettier (and especially in dorms where the bed isn’t the prettiest piece of furniture you’ll see), I think it also makes your bed more comfortable if you like to lay in your bed and be do homework on your laptop or iPad.
4. Bed Skirt
Since dorm rooms are small and you will probably utilize your under bed storage space, you can get a bed skirt and hide all the organization systems and under bed mess.
There are so many cute bed skirts, they will definitely make your dorm bed look nicer, and you’ll be able to neatly hide your under bed clutter.
5. Bed Sheets
Quick tip, when you are buying bed sheets for your dorm, make sure you are buying “Twin XL” sheets, and NOT the regular twin size.
Dorm beds are twin xl, so make sure you are buying the correct sized bed sheets for your dorm.
6. Bedding Set
In general, your bed is the biggest piece of furniture in your room. The first thing you/people look at when they come in.
Especially in dorms, where your bed is ACTUALLY the biggest piece of furniture, and the one piece with the most potential to be cute – I think it is so important to have a cute bedding set to match your aesthetic and decorate your dorm.
7. Sleeping Pillows
It’s important to choose high quality sleeping pillow, and it is even more important to not compromise on your sleep and invest in a comfortable sleeping pillow.
8. Throw Pillows
As I said earlier, your bed is the biggest piece of furniture in your dorm, so you gotta make it cute!
You can get cute throw pillows and decorate your bed a little more with matching throw pillows/throw pillow covers.
9. Reading Pillow
I LOVE working from bed, and I used to LOVE doing homework and studying from my bed.
This reading pillow is so comfortable and perfect for sitting on your bed and making your back comfortable.
10. Throw Blanket
I love throw blankets, and although you have your main blanket, I love having a throw blanket everywhere with me to feel extra cozy.
Whether I’m on the bed or at my desk, I love snuggling with a soft throw blanket to feel extra warm and cozy.
11. Bed Shelfie
If you are not getting a bedside table for your dorm, and even if you do but want extra space on your bed, you can’t go wrong with the BedShelfie!
This BedShelfie is the perfect nightstand shelf for your dorm bed.
You can put on it your phone, iPad, or anything you want close to you by your bed.
What To Bring To College - Bathroom:
12. Shower Caddy
You can’t live in a dorm room without having and using a shower caddy.
I love recommend this mesh shower caddy from Amazon that you can easily use and store all of your shower essentials inside.
Plus, since it’s from mesh, the water won’t get trapped in the caddy.
13. Shower Flip Flops
I wouldn’t recommend walking barefoot in those dorm bathrooms. YUCK.
So make sure to have a pair of shower shoes! I recommend these shower flip flops that also have holes in them for the water to go through.
14. Towel Wrap
We talked about having a towel wrap in the beginning of this post, but I honestly SWEAR BY having a towel wrap in college!
It’s going to be so much nicer to just have your hands free to hold anything you need after taking a shower, instead of holding in one hand your towel on you, and another hand to hold your belongings.
15. Towels Set
In addition to a towel wrap, I always recommend bringing one more towels set (even not the whole set honestly), and have extra towels with you.
16. Curtain Liner & Shower Curtain Rings
If your dorm doesn’t come with shower accessories like a curtain liner/shower curtain/etc, or if you have your own shower, get a curtain liner and shower curtain rings to hang up your shower curtain.
17. Shower Curtain
If your dorm bathroom doesn’t come with a shower curtain/liner/etc. So get yourself a nice shower curtain for privacy 🙂
18. Bath Mat
Although you could say bath mats are for decoration, I disagree because no one like stepping onto a cold floor right after a hot shower!
So in my opinion, a bath mat is definitely a dorm room essential.
19. Foldable Makeup Mirror
If you are doing your makeup on a daily basis, you won’t survive living in a dorm without an LED makeup mirror.
But instead of getting a regular standing one, consider getting a portable makeup mirror that is also the perfect size for comfortably doing your makeup, and also is easy to store anywhere in your dorm.
20. Plunger & Toilet Brush Set
It’s pretty self explanatory why you need a plunger and toilet brush in your dorm bathroom.
You just need it, especially if you are living in a dorm room with a private bathroom..
What To Bring to College - Furniture:
21. Desk Chair
If your dorm doesn’t come with a desk chair, or you want a cute desk chair instead, you can’t go wrong with this cute teddy desk chair from Target!
It is small, on wheels, and SO CUTE.
22. Storage Ottoman
A storage ottoman is the perfect solution for storage space and sitting area.
You can use it to store shoes, towels, dry food, accessories – etc, WHILE sitting on it and having extra sitting space for friends!
23. Folding Chair
A folding chair is GENIUS. If you don’t want to sit on your bed ONLY, or want to make extra sitting space for friends, you can’t go wrong with this folding chair from Target.
While not using it, you can easily store it under your dorm bed without it taking too much space.
What To Bring to College - Storage & Organization:
24. Drawer Organizers
I’m an organized drawers freak! I can’t stand messy drawers lol
I LOVE these clear drawer organizers and use them a ton! They are perfect for organizing your dorm desk area/dresser/nightstand drawers.
25. Desktop Organizer
Another way to organize your desk is with this awesome desktop organizer.
It has space for all of your school supplies you want to easily reach.
26. Desk Bookshelf
If you need extra storage space for your desk area, you can get this desk bookshelf that you place on top of your desk.
You can use it to organize your books and school supplies, or also get small storage baskets and use it to store little things.
27. Velvet Hangers
I swear life splits to 2 after getting velvet hangers.
They are slim, so they won’t take up too much space in your dorm closet.
And the best part is that they keep your clothes on them so the clothes won’t easily slip and make a mess in your closet.
28. Magic Space Saving Hangers
I always talk about these Magic Space Saving Hangers from Amazon!
Since dorm closets are small, with these magic space saving hangers you can hang multiple clothes on one hanger!
So you can fit more clothes in your closet by utilizing this hack.
29. Storage Baskets
Using storage baskets for organizing your belongings is one of the best ways to organize your dorm. You can use them to organize literally ANYTHING and EVERYTHING in your dorm.
30. Cube Organizer & Bins
Maximize your under bed storage space with a storage cubes organizer with storage bins.
This is the perfect way to maximize storage space, and organize extra clothes/accessories/school supplies/dry food/etc.
31. Over The Fridge Organizer
Another way to maximize storage space in your dorm, is utilizing the SIDES of your mini fridge with this mini fridge organizer. You can use it to organize some spices/sauces/silverware/etc.
32. Over The Door Mirror Organizer
This over the door mirror organizer is the perfect solution for a full length mirror with extra storage space.
You can easily put this over your door, and use it as a full-length mirror and as a organizer for your makeup, jewelry, accessories, skincare products, etc.
33. Jewelry Organizer
And/OR, you can get this jewelry organizer for your everyday jewelry and put on your nightstand/dresser/desk.
What To Bring to College - Decor:
34. Photo Collage
A string light photo collage is the perfect way to personalize and decorate your dorm room!
The string lights are so cute and cozy, and you can hang on them your favorite photos from home or even from events throughout the school year.
35. Wall Art
Decorate your dorm room walls with cute and personalized wall prints! Wall decor, and especially wall art make your space feel like yours.
There are so many cute wall art prints on Etsy, and also beautiful wall prints on Amazon I highly recommend checking out!
36. Custom Neon Sign
You can’t go wrong with a neon sign for your dorm, and especially not with a custom neon sign!
You can personalize this neon sign and write your name/something inspirational.
37. Over The Door Mirror
If you are not feeling the over the door mirror organizer, you can also get this simple over the door mirror.
38. Throw Pillows
We already talked about throw pillows, but they are truly so fun to decorate with!
I love this personalized name throw pillow from Etsy.
39. Rug
You don’t understand how much you need (or actually want) an area rug in your dorm until you get one lol
Most dorms have tile floors, which makes the space feel empty and also cold in the winter, so having a nice area rug will make you feel much more cozy and warm.
Plus, a rug really puts things together design-wise.
40. Curtains
If you are wondering what to bring to college, I’ll definitely say blackout curtains.
I wouldn’t recommend sheer curtains alone, though you could combine them and use the sheer curtains during the day if you want sunlight and close the blackout curtains during the night and morning until you wake up.
41. Table Lamp
I don’t know about you, but at home I barely turn on my ceiling light.
I like feeling cozy, and small light fixtures make the best lighting and cozy feeling in my opinion.
Plus, sometimes dorms ceiling lights are too bright and ugly, and I just recommend getting a table lamp for your nightstand and a desk lamp instead.
What To Bring to College - Kitchen:
42. Mini Fridge & Microwave (if needed)
Usually dorms come with a mini fridge and at least a microwave, but if yours doesn’t come with a mini fridge or a microwave, don’t forget to buy one.
43. Tableware set
You’ll definitely need a tableware set if you want to eat 😉
I hate disposable dinnerware, it’s harming our environment and in general disposable dinnerware are not comfortable in my opinion.
So I recommend getting a plastic tableware set like this one from Amazon.
44. Silverware set
In addition to what I just wrote, you can’t go wrong with a cute silverware set.
This is a 20pcs silverware set from Amazon, making it perfect for college students. You really don’t need more than this.
45. Mini Keurig Coffee Maker
As a 100% coffee lover, I can’t imagine college without coffee lol!
I love this Mini Keurig Coffee Maker for dorms because it’s slim and won’t take much space in your dorm room.
46. Ice Cubes Tray
Having an ice cube tray in your mini fridge can come in handy if you want to make your drinks cooler, and especially if you like iced coffee 😉
47. Reusable Straws
I don’t know if I’m the only weirdo, but I can’t drink cold coffee without straws.
I know straws are not a must, but if you can relate, or if you like drinking with straws in general, I highly recommend this glass straws set from Amazon.
48. Ziploc Bags
I love Ziploc bags for basically anything. In your dorm, you can use it for small leftovers, snacks, or even taking them on trips.
49. Brita Water Filter Pitcher
I don’t recommend drinking tap water in dorms, and I definitely do recommend getting a Brita water filter pitcher to ensure you are drinking clean water all the time!
This is a much cheaper option than constantly buying water bottles.
What To Bring to College - Laundry:
50. Laundry Hamper
A laundry hamper is definitely a must-have, but a laundry hamper with removable bags is SUPER convenient and easy to use.
This will make carrying your laundry around so much easier.
51. Laundry Detergent
If you are wondering what to bring to college as for laundry, a laundry detergent is a no-brainer 🙂
I like this Tide laundry detergent, it does it’s job and is perfect for avoiding laundry accidents from my experience.
52. Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets are perfect for keeping your clothes from getting static in the dryer, and I also love the scent of this dryer sheets pack.
53. Wrinkle Release Spray
Avoid wrinkled clothes with this Bounce wrinkle release spray from Amazon. You just need to spray it on your clothes, and it gets out all the wrinkles!
54. Stain Remover
Having a stain remover is super important as a student.
Whether you spill something on your clothes, or have any other accidents, a quick spray of this stain remover will make it go away!
Also, I LOVE these Tide sticks to do. They are perfect for having them daily in your bag.
You never know when you are going to spill something on yourself or anything like that, so having one with you at all time is perfect for those little accidents.
55. Mesh Wash Bags
Mesh laundry bags are perfect for keeping your bras and underwear safe during the wash!
What To Bring to College - Cleaning:
56. Dish Soap & Sponges
If you are packing reusable dishes, you will need to wash them.
So a dish soap and dish sponges are a must for that 🙂
57. Clorox Wipes
Clorox Wipes are the number one cleaning essential to add to your packing list when thinking what to bring to college.
They are the easiest way to clean your dorm and surfaces/counters/bathroom/etc.
58. Glass Cleaner
Honestly I love using glass cleaner for everything haha It’s perfect for cleaning windows, mirrors, and really anything else you can think of.
59. Vacuum
A vacuum is definitely a must-have cleaning essential for your dorm.
Just make sure to get a slim vacuum that won’t take up much space.
What To Bring to College - Tech & Appliances:
60. Laptop
You are going to LIVE on your laptop during the school year.
I highly recommend investing in a good (though you don’t need to go crazy) laptop for college.
I have this HP 255 G10 laptop, it isn’t crazy, pretty affordable, and I’ve had it for a while now and I’m super happy with it.
61. AirPods
I can’t imagine college without earbuds. I love these AirPods Pro, they are very high quality.
62. Extension Cords
Most dorm rooms don’t have too many plugs, and they also put them in the most random places.
I highly recommend getting extensions cords before going to college, to make sure you have different extension cords to charge your phone from bed easily no matter where the nearest plug is.
63. Bluetooth Speaker
I have this JBL Flip 6 speaker, and although I’m not in college I ALWAYS use it.
If you like listening to music while you study, a Bluetooth speaker will be so much fun.
64. Sound Machine
If you are a light sleeper, a sound machine will be so helpful to kind of mute the outside noise.
I’m a heavy sleeper, and I can literally sleep in a concert of screaming people, but if you can’t relate, definitely consider getting a sound machine.
65. Portable Fan
A little bedside fan can be perfect for clipping it on your headboard and making sure you are cool all night long!
I hope you found some GOOD dorm room essentials to pack.
This post was all about what to bring to college.
