Congratulations on your acceptance to college or university! Now it’s time to start thinking about what you’ll need for your dorm room or college apartment with a Dorm Room Essentials Checklist. To help you out we made a Packing List of the essentials and more. This will help you stay organized and avoid overspending. *Also, check with future roommates to avoid duplicating items.

Items to consider are included in our guide here so follow the links below to Amazon to get you started. Check out our updated Printable Packing List HERE. This list is not exhaustive and you may get more ideas from the individual articles on our site. And make sure to check back regularly for reminders and to make sure you have everything you’ll need. Thanks!

Let’s get into the Dorm Room Essentials Checklist!

1. Bedding / Sleep

Twin XL Sheet Set – We recommend 2 sets for when you get behind on laundry
Pillows
Comforter Set /Duvet Set with Insert
2-3″ Mattress Topper
Mattress Pad
Mattress Encasement
BlackOut Curtains
Also, check out various Bundles that can include a Comforter, Pillows, Sheet Sets, Mattress Pad and Topper, Towel Set and Laundry Bag
Noise Machine – Critical for light sleepers when your roommate is a snorer
Ear Plugs / Eye Mask
Clip Bed Fan / Desk Fan
Alarm Clock
BedSide Shelf – Available in lots of different colors and sizes
Or check out the Hanging Bedside Caddy

2. Shower / Bath

Mesh Shower Caddy – Available in many colors and configurations
Towel Set – Available in 20 different colors
Robe / Towel Wrap – Available in many colors, sizes and styles – for Men as well
Shower Shoes – A MUST for community showers
Hair Dryer
Waterproof Speaker
Makeup Organizer / Lighted Vanity Makeup Mirror – So many styles on Amazon!
A Hanging Shower Caddy if you have a private bathroom. Make sure to measure from the shower head to handles below to make sure you have enough space. If not a shorter one, one that hangs over the door or one that uses suction on the walls might work.

3. Kitchen and Food

Refrigerator/Freezer – Check the size allowed by your specific Dorm or University rules
Microwave – Check the Max Wattage allowed by your specific Dorm or University rules
Keurig Coffee Maker / K-Cups
Cups and Mugs
Reusable Ice Cubes
HydroFlask
Plastic Dish Set – 6 Color Combinations here – Microwave safe
Plastic and or Metal Utensils
Paper Products – Plates, Cups, Napkins
Paper Towels
Food Container Set
Dish Soap / Dish Towel
Bottle Opener / Can Opener
Cooking Utensils
Waste / Trash Basket and Bags

4. Electronics / Tech

Laptop – Check Requirements for your College Major
Power Strip with USB Ports – We suggest one with a 10 ft extension cord
Headphones / Earbuds – Critical for light sleepers when your roommate is a snorer and late night study sessions.
Portable Phone Charger – Essential for a long day out on campus – Also great for connecting to the inside of your backpack to charge your devices in class. We recommend a backpack like this one.
Flash/USB Drive – Essential for collaboration projects
Charging Nightstand – Great bedside option
TV/Speakers – perfect for your gaming system and for casting movies from your phone
Air Filter – Good for cleaner air in your room and as a noise machine at night.
Printer – In case you don’t have access in your academic buildings
Charging Desk Lamp
Gaming Equipment

5. Laundry / Cleaning / Housekeeping

Laundry Basket
Laundry Backpack/Tote – Available in 10 colors
Laundry Detergent Sheets
Pink Stuff Cleaning Supplies
All Purpose Cleaner
Cleaning Wipes
Swiffer
Lint Brush
Febreeze/Wall Plug-In
Kleenex
Dirt Devil Vacuum

6. Closet / Storage / Desk / Decorative

Under Bed Storage
Under Lofted Bed or Closet Storage – Just make sure you get accurate measurements before purchasing
Closet Storage / Organizers
Over the Door Mirror
Over the Door Shoe Storage – Many dorms have sliding closet doors so you may need a Closet Bar Hanger
Hangers / Extenders
Desk Chair
Area Rug
Command Strips / Sticky Tack
Locking Jewelry Organizer
Small Safe / Door Stop
Decorative Lighting
Wall Art

7. School Supplies

Backpack
Binders
Post-It Notes
Notebooks
Highlighters
Pens/Pencils
Paper/Graph Paper
Dry Erase Board/Bulletin Board / Dry Erase Markers/Eraser
Scissors
Tape / Glue Sticks
Stapler
Hole Punch / Paper Clips
Desk Organizer
Graphing Calculator – Depending on Your Major

8. Toiletries / Personal Hygiene and Meds

First Aid Kit
Ibuprofin
Antacid
Cough Drops / Vitamin C Drops / Benedryl
Comb/Brush
Cold Medicine – A good idea to bring since the on campus Dr. might not always be available
Antidiarrheal medicine – Don’t be caught without it!
Tweezers – Many uses
Cotton Balls / Q-Tips
Chapstick
Toothbrush / Toothpaste / Floss
Nail Clippers
Vitamins
Sunscreen / Bug Spray
Rubbing alcohol / Hydrogen Peroxide / Instant Ice Packs

9. Miscellaneous but Very Helpful

College Dorm Move in Day will be very hectic. Make sure someone always stays with your things if you need to be separated before moving everything to your room. Boxes/Bins should be labeled with your Name, Student ID # and your room #. Also, a collapsible wagon will make moving a breeze!