The Ultimate Shopping List for College Dorm Essentials

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So your kid is going to college. Are you ready? Are they ready? While we can’t help you feel better about your kid taking this huge life step, we can help you with packing for their dorm life. It’s definitely an adjustment to sharing a small room with a stranger who could become a close friend.
Add in shared bathrooms, going to the dining hall for meals, attending classes – it’s a lot of change.

We’ve created the ultimate college dorm checklist to make shopping simpler. Whether your kid is a freshman, transfer or just going back for another year, these must-haves will set you up for a successful year.

Pro Packing for College Tip: Most dorm rooms are small and shared, so stick to essentials that are compact, multi-functional, and easy to organize.

Bed Essentials

You’ll spend a lot of time in your bed—it’s your sleep zone, study space, and chill-out corner. Comfort is key! Pick soft fabrics and make sure you are comfy!

Twin XL Sheet Set – Soft & Breathable

Mattress Topper – Ultra Soft Twin XL size: Viscose Made from Bamboo Pillow Top Mattress Pad for Back Pain Relief – Naturally Cooling for Hot Sleepers, Green

Bedsure Pillows (Set of 2): Soft Bed Pillows for Sleeping 2 Pack, Fluffy and Supportive, Hotel Quality, Original Down Alternative Filling for Side

Soft, Lightweight Down-Alternative All-Season Comforter and Bedding Set, Pinch Pleat, Twin/TwinXL

Reading Pillow (Husband): Supportive back-rest cushion, Oeko-Tex Certified

Under-Bed Storage Bins

Bed-in-a-Bag Set

Fan – we love Woozoo! Spend the money on a good fan like the Iris Woozoo fans.

FanShelfie Adjustable Fan Holder for Dorm Room

Now to take all this up to college? Wash your items and then use a vacuum storage bag to hold and compress these bulky items so they’ll fit in your car.

Here’s a 15 pack of vacuum storage bags with a pump included, you can use the included pump (But I used my new Shark Ninja Upright Vacuum to suck the air out of it and it was really quick).

Kitchen and Snacks

We love our snacks and treats, right? While you may be able to use a mini-fridge and microwave in your room, as well as a K Cup Coffeemaker, make sure to check your college’s housing rules. At my son’s school, you cannot have an air fryer, a hot pot electric kettle, a student owned microfridges or refrigerators larger than 3 cubic feet, portable ranges (like those little one burner plug ins that you see in cooking videos), griddles, toaster, toaster ovens, rice cookers, George Foreman Grills, popcorn makers, fondue pots/fountains, electric pots/pans/woks, Coffee makers/electric kettles with exposed heating elements, hot plates, crock pots, Instant Pots, and other electronic pressure cookers, etc.

But you can get:

Mini Keurig Coffee Maker Sure, this may not satisfy all your caffeine cravings for early morning classes or late night study sessions, but it will sure help.
Simply, Doritos & Cheetos Mix Variety Pack
Compact Mini Fridge with Freezer (just make sure your school allows you to bring your own).
Reusable Utensil Set with Case
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers – my niece actually suggested this, for when you want to take food from the dining hall.
Glass Food Storage Containers with Airtight Snap Locking Lids BPA Free
Snack Organizer Tray (aka Snackle Box)
Snack Box Variety Pack (40 Count) Candy Gift Basket
Frito Lay Baked & Popped Mix Variety Pack, (Pack of 40)

Laundry & Cleaning Supplies

Even if laundry isn’t your favorite chore, you’ll need to keep things clean.

Pop-Up Laundry Hamper with Handles
Laundry Sheets – leave the bulky bottles of detergent at home
Stain Remover Stick
Compact Vacuum or Handheld Dustbuster
Disinfecting Wipes – Bulk Pack
Swiffer Sweep & Mop Deluxe 2-in-1 Floor Mopping and Sweeping Kit

Organization & Storage

Maximize every inch of space with smart storage.

Tech & Electronics

Make sure your dorm is wired for success and convenience.

Surge Protector Power Strip with USB Ports
Clip-On Reading Light for Desk or Bed
Noise-Canceling Headphones – I like these SONY ones.
Bluetooth Speaker

Bathroom & Toiletries

With shared bathrooms, portability and hygiene are a must.

Shower Caddy – Quick Dry & Portable
Flip-Flops for the Shower
Towel Set – Quick-Dry & Soft
Toiletry Bag with Hanging Hook
Robe – Lightweight and Cozy
Odor Eliminator – you remember that your kid will be sharing bathrooms. Make it less stinky.

🖥️ Desk Supplies & Study Aids

Make your study space inviting and efficient.

Comfort & Personal Touches

Make your dorm room feel like home.

✅ Final Checklist

✔ Twin XL Bedding
✔ Storage & Organization
✔ Laundry Supplies
✔ Cleaning Tools
✔ Tech Accessories
✔ Kitchen Essentials
✔ Bathroom Supplies
✔ Study Tools
✔ Personal Touches

Ready to Shop?

Save or print this list, or better yet—create an Amazon wishlist and start checking things off!

🎓 Bonus Tip: Make sure to reach out to your roommate so you don’t end up with two mini fridges or six lamps.

Here is a link to my Amazon Storefront, with all these suggestions in one easy place!

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