College Dorm Room Essentials for Move In 2023.

HELLO College!!! Whether you are heading off to college for the first time or returning back to campus as a sophomore or junior, there are a few “must-have” college dorm room essentials.

Of course, everyone needs a cozy comforter, a soft pillow, and a reading light…but what else is needed?

This college guide is all about dorm room essentials for a smooth and easy move-in.

Some of these items are obvious must-haves, while others are things you may not have thought about but will be glad that you have.

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In this article:

College Dorm Room Essentials for a Good Night’s Sleep

Sleep is so important, especially in college! Don’t forget any of these college dorm room essentials for move-in day.

1. College Dorm Room Comforter

Of course, everyone needs a comforter. Choose a dorm room theme and color, and then get a matching comforter and sheets.

This college dorm room comforter is lightweight, easy to wash, and gets great reviews!

2. Twin Sheets

These sheets are super cute and fun!

Target is also a good place to go shopping for twin sheets for college dorm rooms.

3. Pillows

Don’t even bother packing a pillow from home. Buy a new one for college!

Relatively “flat” pillows are easier to sleep on at night. Go with a hypoallergenic one if you can.

4. Mattress Topper

College dorm room mattresses are SO uncomfortable. Get a good, cooling mattress pad/topper to ensure you get quality sleep!

This is something you don’t want to go cheap on.

5. Eye Mask

An eye mask to block out your roommate’s reading light at night will be a life-saver. Plus, this eye mask is super soft and handles the washing machine well.

Handy College Dorm Essentials You May Forget

These are must-have college dorm room essentials that are easy to forget!

6. Mirrors

Mirrors make small spaces look bigger.

Have one full length mirror over your door and another mirror on the wall by your bed to expand the space visually.

7. Bulletin Board

A small bulletin board above your desk is GREAT for hanging up photos and placing “to do” lists.

8. Command Strips

Don’t put holes in your dorm room walls. Use command strips instead! Command strips are also great for hanging up picture frames and posters in college dorm rooms.

Command strips are GREAT for hanging up lights and for creating space to hang up your backpack, purses, coats, and sweaters.

9. Hangers

Thin hangers are a MUST to squeeze as many clothes as possible into your small dorm room closet.

10. Under the Bed Storage

Under the bed storage containers are PERFECT for placing clothes you don’t need on an everyday basis.

Think winter coats in the summertime, heels for formal events, costumes, and blazers for professional occasions.

11. Bed Risers

Most college dorm beds sit relatively low to the ground. Get bed risers to raise the height of your bed, and to ensure you can fit storage containers under your bed.

12. Desk Lamp

Your desk may have a light above it, but a desk lamp adds extra light and a touch of softness.

Amazon has GREAT lights. IKEA has some really good options too!

13. Reading Light

Your roommate may go to bed earlier than you. To be polite, use a small reading light to stay up and read your favorite book.

This puts out less light than a traditional nightlight. Plus, it’s great to pack for traveling too.

14. Clothes Hamper

You’ll need a hamper for your dirty clothes.

Plastic hampers are sturdier than cloth hampers and easier to carry to and from the washing and drying machines in college dorms.

15. Lysol Wipes

Lysol wipes make it quick and easy to wipe down dusty services. These will also come handy in the wintertime to prevent you from getting sick!

Don’t forget to wipe down doorknobs too.

16. Vacuum

College dorm rooms get dirty quickly. The space is so small!

This small vacuum can be used to vacuum floors and to vacuum the edges of the floor too.

17. Trash Can

Your dorm room may come with a trash can, but why get black when you can get something that is fun and matches your dorm room color theme?

Bathroom College Dorm Room Essentials

You will likely be sharing a bathroom with others, so you’ll need a good bathrobe and towel, a shower caddy, and good sandals to wear in the shower.

18. Towels and Bathrobe

You may have a towel at home, but it’s nice to get a new matching set for college.

Depending on whether your floor is co-ed or not, you may want a bathrobe for walking to and from the bathroom.

19. Shower Caddy

A simple shower caddy for holding your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razer, and hairbrush will be most helpful! Get a plastic one with holes to let the water out.

20. Sandals

Colleges are usually good about keeping the bathrooms clean, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Get a simple pair of cheap sandals for wearing in the dorm room showers.

Optional College Dorm Room Essentials

These aren’t “must haves” for a college dorm room, but they sure do come in handy for college students!

21. Dry Erase Board

Put a fun dry erase board on your dorm room door.

You can write fun notes for your roommate and friends on it, like “Happy Friday!” or “Have fun at the football game this Saturday!”

22. Charging Station

A charging station for your phone and Airpods will be most helpful. And if you don’t own a pair of noise canceling AirPods yet…it’s DEFINITELY worth the investment.

23. Mini Fridge

Cafeterias usually close around 8pm. If you stay up late (which you likely will!), it will be nice to have a mini fridge for keeping yogurt, turkey, cheese, and other snacks.

24. Fairy Lights

Fairy lights (AKA “twinkle lights” or Christmas tree lights) make a dorm room bright and cheery.

Plus, they are an instant and quick way to decorate a room! Buy the small command strips and hang fairy lights above your bed.

25. Fans

Most dorm rooms have ceiling fans, but it can get warm at night (or while studying). Get a large fan if you get hot at night and a small desk fan to keep you cool.