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College Dorm Must Haves
79
items Don't be unprepared for dorm life! Make sure you're all set to go with my carefully put together and comprehensive list of must haves before you move into your college dorm.
Sections
6
Kitchen & Cooking Solutions
Bedding
Small Space / Storage Solutions
Safety
Cleaning
Bathroom
Kitchen & Cooking Solutions
Small spaces with no “real kitchen” require smart and compact cooking appliances.
You can make so many yummy dishes with an air fryer. If you take one cooking appliance I think this is a great option.
Ninja AF080 Mini Air Fryer, 2 Quarts Capacity, Compact, Nonstick, with Quick Set Timer, Grey
Ramen cooker- bc college & ramen go together. It's small and doesn't take up much space.
Ramen Cooker Ramen Plastic Bowl Set with Chopsticks Microwave Noodle College Dorm Room Essentials for Girls for Boys Apartment -White
Reusable Plates BPA free, easy to pack and won't break. You need something to eat and drink from and these would be essential in my opinion.
Plastic Plates College Dorm Room Essentials Dishes Set Camping Plates and Bowls Dishes Set Dinnerware Accessories Mess Kit-Microwaveoven Safe BPA-Free with Mesh Bag-24PCS
This is nce to have to cook since there is not kitchen or stove. It is small and compact and a great option when there is no stove top available.
Dezin Hot Pot Electric Upgraded, Non-Stick Sauté Pan, Rapid Noodles Electric Pot, 1.5L Mini Portable Hot Pot for Steak, Egg, Fried Rice, Ramen, Oatmeal, Soup with Power Adjustment (Egg Rack Included)
Another great option for cooking when there is no kitchen or stovetop available.
Nostalgia MyMini Personal Electric Skillet & Rapid Noodle Maker, Perfect For Healthy Keto & Low-Carb Diets, Yellow
Cute chubby Mug bc you can still have cute things in your dorm. I love this mug.
Koythin Ceramic Coffee Chubby Mug Saucer Set, Creative Cute Fat Handle Cup with Saucer for Office and Home, Dishwasher and Microwave Safe, 10 oz for Latte Tea Milk (Light Purple)
Many different Fridge options. This one all black and compact. No freezer.
BLACK+DECKER BCRK25B Compact Refrigerator Energy Star Single Door Mini Fridge with Freezer, 2.5 Cubic Feet, Black
This compact fridge has a freezer as well which for me is a must.
EUHOMY Mini Fridge with Freezer, 3.2 Cu.Ft Compact Refrigerator with freezer, 2 Door Mini Fridge with freezer For Dorm/Bedroom/Office/Apartment- Food Storage or Drink Beer(New Silver)
This Compact Fridge and Freezer combo is for those that want a more stylish appliance.
Frigidaire EFR840-BLACK-COM Compact Refrigerator, 3.1, Black
Fridge and Freezer combo that is in all white. If you are looking for an all white option.
BLACK+DECKER BCRDK32W 2 Door Mini Fridge with Separate Freezer – Small, Drinks and Food in Dorm, Office, Apartment, or RV Camper Compact Refrigerator, 3.1 cu.ft, White
This is a very compact fridge for limited space. This is just for minimum food and drink storage.
Midea WHS-65LB1 Compact Single Reversible Door Refrigerator, 1.6 Cubic Feet(0.045 Cubic Meter), Black
Mini Kitchen gadgets are great bc you can't take full size, you don't have enough room! This is such a practical and smart idea I love it.
Kitchen Gadgets Set 5 Pieces, Space Saving Cooking Tools Cheese Grater, Bottle Opener, Fruit/Vegetable Peeler, Pizza Cutter, Garlic/Ginger Grinder, Stainless Steel Accessories Dishwasher Safe(Blue)…
BPA Dish Cup set. This is a great all in one set everything you need from cups, utensils, bowls and plates.
PYRMONT Wheat Straw Dinnerware Sets, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe Unbreakable Dinnerware Set-(28 PCS), Reusable Dishware Sets, Lightweight Camping Dishes, Plates, Cups, Cereal Bowls for 4
Ice Coffee for life - or at least before morning classes. This is a slim compact option for you.
Keurig K-Iced Single Serve Coffee Maker, Gray
If you have space a microwave is a great appliance to have. I would make sure there is ample space for a microwave.
Galanz GLCMKZ07GNR07 Retro Countertop Microwave Oven with Auto Cook & Reheat, Defrost, Quick Start Functions, Easy Clean with Glass Turntable, Pull Handle.7 cu ft, Green
Water Filter bc we are not drinking tap water friends. I love a good filter as well as I love being eco friendly not using plastic water bottles.
Brita Water Filter Pitcher for Tap and Drinking Water with 1 Standard Filter, Lasts 2 Months, 6-Cup Capacity, BPA Free, White
I love this cute smiley face insulated Tumbler to bring to morning classes.
Swig Life 18oz Travel Mug | Insulated Tumbler with Handle and Lid, Cup Holder Friendly, Dishwasher Safe, Stainless Steel, Travel Coffee Cup, Insulated Coffee Mug with Lid and Handle (Oh Happy Day)
I am a sucker for overnight oats! They are so many variations you can make. These containers are great for breakfast prep to help your morning go easier.
4 PCS Overnight Oat Containers with Lids and Spoons, Portable Plastic Yogurt Jars, 20oz Leak-proof Large Capacity Dessert Cups for Yogurt Breakfast On The Go Cups, Oatmeal Jars Snack Containers
A Classic Coffee maker is always a good idea if you have the space for it.
Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker K-Cup Pod, Single Serve, Programmable, 6 to 10 oz. Brew Sizes, Black
You can't boil water on the non-existent stove. This electric kettle is great for your ramen, mac & cheese, etc…
COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle with 5 Variable Presets, Pour Over Kettle & Coffee Kettle, 100% Stainless Steel Inner Lid & Bottom, 1200 Watt Quick Heating, 0.8L, Matte Black
If you want a stand alone toaster this is a great option. I would personally find a combo type appliance with a toaster to maximize space.
Amazon Basics 2 Slice, Extra-Wide Slot Toaster with 6 Shade Settings, Black & Silver
I think this compact slim coffee maker is great if you don't want to take up too much counter space.
Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker, Oasis
3 in 1 Multi use cooker. You can toast, you can cook eggs and all types of food with this. This is my pick for must-have cooking option.
GreenLife 3-in-1 Breakfast Maker Station, Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Dual Griddles for Eggs Meat and Pancakes, 2 Slice Toast Drawer, Easy-to-use Timer, Turquoise
I love a hood smoothies, don't you? This is a great blender option plus it's portable.
Ninja BC151BK Blast Portable Blender, Cordless, 18oz. Vessel, Personal Blender for Shakes & Smoothies, BPA Free, Leakproof Lid & Sip Spout, USB-C Rechargeable, Dishwasher Safe Parts, Black
Mini Kitchen Cooking Utensils bc space is limited in the dorm room but you still need cooking utensils to cook your ramen.
Country Kitchen Set of Five Grey and Gunmetal Silicone MINI Kitchen Utensil Set
Electric pot is great for steaming, or cooking all types of meals.
Topwit Electric Pot with Steamer, 1.5L Non-stick Ramen Cooker, Hot Pot Electric, Electric Pot for Cooking Pasta, Noodles, Steak, Egg, Portable Pot with Dual Power Control, Dorm Room Essentials, Green
Electric pot for soups, mac & cheese, casseroles, etc. another get cooking appliance option.
Hytric Electric Pot with Handle, 1.5L Mini Multifunction Electric Cooker for Shabu-Shabu, Noodles, Pasta, Nonstick Frying Pan for Sauté, Dual Power Control Ramen Cooker for Dorm and Office
Bedding
Your bed will be where you hang out a whole lot make sure it's comfy and cute.
Sometimes you just want to be extra cozy and this would be easy to walk around in and stay warm. I would rock this all over my house.
Dreamighty - The Wearable Throw Blanket and Cape in One, College Dorm Essentials for Girls, Students, Birthday Gifts for Women Who Have Everything, Get Well Gifts - Cloud Pink
Extra soft and comfortable bed topper bc down beds aren't known to be the most comfy. I suggest you add this to your must-have list.
Bedsure Twin XL Mattress Pad Dorm Bedding - Soft Mattress Cover for College, Extra Long Twin Quilted Mattress Protector with Deep Pocket Fits up to 21", Breathable Fluffy Pillow Top (White, 39"x80")
Silk Pillowcases helps prevent frizzy hair and dry skin. It feels so nice on your skin too. I switched to a silk pillow case and I will never go back.
Bedsure Satin Pillowcase for Hair and Skin Queen - Pale Blush Silk Pillowcase 2 Pack 20x30 Inches - Satin Pillow Cases Set of 2 with Envelope Closure, Gifts for Women Men
A solid choice for bedding set. It comes in different colors.
Sweet Home Collection 5 Piece Comforter Set Bag Solid Color All Season Soft Down Alternative Blanket & Luxurious Microfiber Bed Sheets, Gray, Twin
Flower pillow bc your bed can be cute. Pair in with the other flower pillows on this list.
conrtems Nordic Style. Flower-Shaped and Ball Throw Pillows. Sofa Cushions. Plush Throw Pillow.(Flower 45cm (17.71inch), White Flower)
Flower pillow in green to add to the cute pillow collection. Pair it with the other flower pillow in this list.
ANYE Polypropylene Flower-Shaped Throw Pillow Floor Cushion Office Sedentary Tatami Car Butt Cushion (Green, 40cm)
I suggest a good back pillow. It's great to have if you are doing school work in bed. This would help your posture and make it easier to sit up in bed.
Milliard Reading Pillow with Shredded Memory Foam, Back Rest Pillow for Sitting in Bed with Faux Fur Removable Cover –18x15 inches (White)
Pillow basics start here for your basic no frills pillows. I suggest a no frills yet comfy pillow.
Amazon Basics 400 Thread Count Cotton Pillow Cases, Standard, Set of 2, White, 30" L x 20" W
Sheets basics for your no frills sheets. I like white bc it is always easier to clean bc you can bleach it.
Amazon Basics Lightweight Super Soft Easy Care Microfiber 4 Piece Bed Sheet Set With 14-Inch Deep Pockets, Queen, Bright White, Solid
Cute Boba Pillow Plushy for that cute pillow collection.
FJZFING Cute Plush Boba Milk Tea Stuffed Teacup Pillow Soft Bubble Tea Cup Plushie Toy Kawaii Cartoon Gift for Kids Home Decor Original 9.4 Inch
Checkerboard fleece blanket is all the trend right now. Be trendy and warm.
FY FIBER HOUSE Checkered Flannel Fleece Throw Blanket Soft Cozy Checkerboard Grid Print Chessboard Gingham Pattern Blankets for Bed Couch Sofa, 50"x60", Pink
All Season Duvet- depending on where you are going to college it may get really cold.
ViscoSoft All Seasons Twin/Twin XL Down Alternative Reversible Comforter - Perfect for Dorm Bedding - Breathable Extra Long Premium Soft Microfiber - Gray Duvet Cover Insert
Cute fuzzy slippers bc you do not want to walk around barefoot. I suggest a cute pair like these.
GRS GRANDROSÉ Women's Men's Retro Face Slippers Comfy Warm Plush Slip-On House Slipper for Winter Indoor Soft Cushion Non-slip Fluffy Slides Slippers
Bedding bundle comes in different colors. I would get this one bc it is cute and a great deal.
OCM 7-Piece College Dorm Bedding Bundle in Paige Pink | Blush Pinks & White, Pinch Pleats | Twin XL | Comforter, Sheets, Pillow, Mattress Pad & Blanket
This bedding option that is reversible and a great options for a basic warm comforter set.
Bedsure Twin XL Comforter Sets - 5 Pieces Reversible Twin XL Bedding Sets, Grey Bed Sets for College Boys, Bed in a Bag with Comforters, Sheets, Pillowcase & Sham
Small Space / Storage Solutions
You probably won't have many outlets available so this is a must have.
Anker USB C Power Strip Surge Protector(300J),6 Outlets and 20W Power Delivery for iPhone 14/13, 3-Side Outlet Extender, 5ft Extension Cord, for Travel,School,Home,Desk,Office,TUV Listed
I like personality on my walls. No nails no problem with this peel and stick hook strips. Hand whatever you need to hang with out damage.
Command Variety Pack, Picture Hanging Strips, Wire Hooks and Wall Hooks, Damage Free Hanging Clear Variety Pack for Up to 19 Back to School Dorm Organizers, 1 Kit
Must-have for moving in and out of dorms with ease.
Moving Bags, Storage Totes, Extra Large Storage Bags for Moving Supplies, College Dorm Essentials, Bedroom Closet, Packing Bags with Backpack Handles Zipper Compatible with IKEA Frakta Cart（2 Pack）
Limited space solution- using every space in a smart and effective way.
Classic Design – Dorm and office Double Over the Fridge Caddy Organizer, 11 Pocket Storage and Paper Goods Organizer, Flatware Storage Organizer, Gray
Hanging shoe shelf will clear up the floor from piles or shoes.
Whitmor Hanging Shoe Shelves - 8 Section - Closet Organizer - Grey
Dorms have limited space - I highly encourage you to use all space available in a effective way. Over the door for storage is a great option.
Heavy Duty 6-Shelf Over Door Organizer, Flexible 1 Split into 2 Wall Mount Hanging Organizer Storage, Closet Bathroom Nursery Bedroom Dorm, Toys Cosmetics Sundries and Baby Essentials, Black
I always have to have my essentials by my bed usually on a night stand but your college dorm may not have that. Bed Shelf to keep your laptop and essentials close by.
SOLEJAZZ Bedside Shelf for Bed, Foldable Bunk Bed Shelf for Top Bunk Clip On Nightstand with Drawer College Dorm Essential Table Caddy Tray Organizer Bedroom Shelf, Plus Size with Drawer, Black
Foldable Vanity with lights that folds up for compact storage.
Makeup Mirror Vanity Mirror with Lights, 2X 3X 10X Magnification, Lighted Makeup Mirror, Touch Control, Trifold Makeup Mirror, Dual Power Supply, Portable LED Makeup Mirror, Women Gift (White+10X)
Mini Fan is a great item to bring bc sometimes dorms can get warm and stuffy.
IRIS USA WOOZOO Oscillating Fan, Vortex Fan, Remote Equipped 3-in-1 Fan w/ Timer/ Multi Oscillation/ Air Circulator/ 3 Speed Settings, 46ft Max Air Distance, Medium, Black
Wall Storage solution you can utilize for phone and important items nearby.
EHKIT Bedside Shelf Accessories Organizer- Wall Mount Self Stick On,Ideal for Glasses,Remote,Earphone, Cell Phone Charger,Manicure Kit
All in one charger is a space saver and outlet saver. You can charge phone, earbuds and watch all in one.
WAITIEE Wireless Charger 3 in 1,15W Fast Charging Station for Apple iWatch 7/6/5/4/3/2/1,for AirPods Pro,for iPhone 14/13/12/Pro Max/11 Series/XS Max/XR/XS/X/8/8 Plus,for Samsung Galaxy Phones (Green)
I always run into the problem of an outlet being behind the bed or something else too close to the wall. This slim flush to the wall plug for tight spaces is a great idea.
Sleek Socket Ultra-Thin Outlet Concealer with Cord Concealer Kit, 3 Outlet, 3-Foot Cord, Universal Size, UL Certified
Tank Hangers so you don't have wrinkled tops and can have all your tanks in one place.
3 Pack Closet-Organizer,8 Tier Tank-Top-Hanger,Closet-Organizers-and-Storage Bar-Hangers-Space-Saving,Apartment Dorm-Room-Essentials-for-College-Students-Girls Organization-and-Storage Camisoles Scarf
I suggest these slim hangers saves space as it utilizes vertical space instead of horizontal.
HEYHOUSE Closet Organizers and Storage,College Dorm Room Essentials,Pack of 6 Multifunctional Closet Organizer Magic Space Saving Hangers with 9 Holes Closet Storage Organization for Wardrobe Closet
Light up led clock bc it's aesthetic and useful.
WulaWindy Digital Alarm Clock, Large Mirrored LED Display, with USB Charger, Snooze Function Dim Mode Wall Hanging Beside Desk Clock for Bedroom (White)
Lap Desk for doing your assignments if you don't have desk space.
Lap Laptop Desk - Portable Lap Desk with Pillow Cushion, Fits up to 15.6 inch Laptop, with Anti-Slip Strip & Storage Function for Home Office Students Use as Computer Laptop Stand, Book Tablet
This Vacuum Bags to shrink you clothing, bedding, etc for storage or moving.
20 Pack Vacuum Storage Bags, Space Saver Bags (4 Jumbo/4 Large/4 Medium/4 Small/4 Roll) Compression Storage Bags for Comforters and Blankets, Vacuum Sealer Bags for Clothes Storage, Hand Pump Included
Safety
Personal keychain alarm for when you are walking by yourself.
She’s Birdie–The Original Personal Safety Alarm for Women by Women–130dB Siren, Strobe Light and Key Chain in 5 Pop Colors
Fire Extinguisher - easy to store in dorm and easy to use. I want you to always be prepared.
StaySafe 5-in-1 Fire Extinguisher | For Home, Kitchen, Car, Garage, Boat | The best small extinguisher that tackles 5 types of fire in seconds
A MUST HAVE! Drink Cover to protect from anything being put in your drink. I can not stress enough how important these are to have.
Nightcap Drink Cover Scrunchie- The Reusable Drink Spiking Prevention Scrunchie As Seen on Shark Tank
Pepper Spray for safety - if allowed on campus. I would check with your college first.
SABRE Pepper Spray, Quick Release Keychain for Easy Carry and Fast Access, Finger Grip for More Accurate and Faster Aim, Maximum Police Strength OC Spray, 25 Bursts, Secure and Easy to Use Safety
Keychain Self Defense. Window breaker, whistle, alarm, etc. All good options to have on your keychain.
Keychains Kit for Girls with Personal Safety Alarm, Funseeya Keychain Accessories with Personal Sound Safety Siren, Cute Pom Pom, Locking Carabiner Clip and Whistle
This keychain alarm is cute but loud when needed. Plus it doesn't look like an alarm which is great.
Personal Safety Alarm for Women - Ahh!-larm! Emergency Self-Defense Security Alarm Keychain with LED Light, Purse Charm, Confetti Glitter Heart
This keychain alarm for that spooky babe who wants to keep safe.
STINGER Stay Away Personal Safety Alarm Car Emergency Escape Tool, Safety Panic Alarm Siren, Glass Breaker, Seatbelt Cutter, Security Device for Women Men Kid (Black Stay-Away)
A personal safe for important items you may leave behind in your dorm room.
Master Lock Portable Small Lock Box, Set Your Own Combination Lock Portable Safe, Personal Travel Safe
Cleaning
This Lightweight Vacuum doesn't take up much space and is great to clean up messes with ease.
Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum with Crevice Tool, 20334, Purple
I like these dishcloths bc they are washable and reusable for wiping counters, cleaning, etc.
Swedish Wholesale Swedish DishCloths for Kitchen- 10 Pack Reusable Paper Towels for Counters & Dishes - Eco Friendly Cellulose Sponge Cloth - Assorted
Gotta have wrinkle release spray bc honestly who has time to iron? Not you.
Downy Wrinkle Releaser Fabric Spray, Light Fresh Scent,33.8 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)
I like to keep this Quick Stain Remover in my bag for those stains that happen on the go.
Tide Stain Remover for Clothes, Pocket Size, 3 Count
Detergent Sheets are great to have on hand when you want to wash clothes or do hand washing.
Poesie Travel Laundry Detergent Strips 40 Sheets Liquidless Laundry Soap Sheet for Travel Dorm Home Lavender
Laundry Hamper that is slim and aesthetic.
Laundry Hamper with Lid, 100L Large Laundry Basket Bamboo, Clothes Hamper with Clear Window Visible, Removeable Laundry Bags For For Bathroom Bedroom Home, Toy Organizer
Lightweight Broom & Dustpan is a must have to keep your floors clean.
Kelamayi 2021 Upgrade Broom and Dustpan Set, Large Size and Stiff Broom Dust pan with Long Handle, Upright ,Ideal for Indoor Outdoor Garage Kitchen Room Office Lobby Use (Green)
Bathroom
A great set of Bathroom Towel basics for you.
Simpli-Magic Towel Set, 2 Bath Towels, 2 Hand Towels, and 4 Washcloths (8 Piece Set), Ring Spun Cotton Highly Absorbent Towels for Bathroom, Shower (Gray)
I LOVE these Hair Towels for quick hair drying.
Leporem Extra Large (30 inch X 11 inch) 3 Pack Microfiber Hair Towel - Ultra Absorbent & Quick Dry Hair Turban for Curly, Long & Thick Hair, Anti Frizz, Hair Repair Towel Wrap for Women, Kids
Keep your shower essentials together and organized with the shower caddy. All your shower must-haves have a place in this organizer.
Mesh Shower Caddy Portable, Dorm Room Essentials for College Students, Large Capacity with 8 Pockets Shower Bag for Camping,Swimming,Gym,Travel
Another great option for shower essential organization.
Shower Caddy,Dorm Room Essentials for College Students Girls Boys Guys,Travel Essentials Hanging Toiletry Bags for Traveling Women Men,Mesh Shower Caddies Portable for College,Camping,Beach Essentials
Don't forget the Shower Slippers! Dorms have shared bathrooms and showers so this is a must have to avoid gross germs on the floor.
Xomiboe Shower Shoes Quick Drying Non-Slip Comfortable Men Women House Slippers