Everything you need to outfit your college dorm room

by: Lauren Corona, BestReviews Staff

Posted: Aug 23, 2023 / 11:39 AM EDT

Updated: Aug 23, 2023 / 11:39 AM EDT

Moving into a college dorm is a big deal. It’s easy to forget important items or not realize everything that you’ll need, especially in the first year. While there isn’t an exhaustive packing list that’s the same for every student, all the basics are the same.

Not only do you want items that are practical and make dorm life simpler, but you’ll probably also want to decorate it in your style to make it your own.

Shop this article: Bare Home Twin XL Sheet Set, iDesign Orbz Plastic Bathroom Tote and Kiampon Gold Industrial Table Lamp

You’ll need to pack a lot of belongings when moving into a dorm, but many of these you’ll already have. Once you’ve got an idea of everything you’ll need to bring, you can start thinking about what you already have and what you need to buy or upgrade.

Presumably, you already have clothes, but you may want to procure some new, in-style threads for your wardrobe before you start college. Grouping your clothing into categories can help you remember everything you need. Don’t forget that you’ll have limited closet space.

The exact electronics you need to bring will depend on your course and preferences. For instance, some students will need a powerful desktop or top-end laptop, while others can get by with a basic notebook. Some will want a dedicated dorm printer, and others will have paperless coursework. A phone and charger are essential, and noise-canceling headphones will help you concentrate in a noisy dorm. Don’t forget basics, such as power strips or “bricks” to plug USB chargers into.

Although most colleges will have somewhere you can buy toiletries on campus, the range is often limited. It’s best to bring them with you, unless you aren’t fussy. Toiletries you need may include soap, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, makeup, moisturizer, shaving foam and facial cleanser.

Many students take notes on laptops, but you’ll still write by hand occasionally. So, you’ll need paper notebooks and a range of stationery as well as a backpack in which to carry your supplies around.

In most dorms, beds are twin XL size (extra-long), so you’ll need to bring sheets and comforters to fit. Dorm mattresses are notoriously uncomfortable, so a mattress topper won’t go unappreciated.

While they aren’t essential, decorative touches make a dorm room feel more like home. Popular decorative pieces include posters, prints, plants and planters. Some items, such as lamps and throw pillows, can be decorative and practical. Make sure to choose compact dorm room decor so you’ll have enough room for all your necessities.

Bare Home Twin XL Sheet Set

Containing a fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcase, this set contains all the necessary basics. All items are made from a microfiber material that’s quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant. There’s a choice of roughly 50 colors, including gray, aqua and plum for this microfiber sheet set.

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Sure2Sleep Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Just what you need to spruce up a tired old dorm mattress, this 2- to 3-inch memory foam topper comes in a twin XL size. Its gel swirl has cooling properties, which is great if you sleep hot.

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Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows

These super plush pillows bring a touch of luxury to a dorm room and will help you get a good night’s sleep, even if your bed is smaller than you’re used to. They’re machine-washable and stain-resistant.

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iDesign Orbz Plastic Bathroom Tote

A portable shower caddy is a must-have for dorm living since you can’t leave your toiletries in a shared bathroom or shower block. It has excellent drainage and is easy to clean.

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Adidas Adilette Shower Slide

Shared showers aren’t always known for their cleanliness and can be hotbeds of foot fungus. With these Adidas slides, you can keep clean confidently, no matter how gross the bathroom floors look.

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Hammam Linen Bath Towel Set

With two bath towels, two hand towels and two washcloths, you can always have one on the go while the other is in the wash. They are made from soft Turkish cotton and come in 14 colors.

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Starplast Rolling Three-Drawer Diamond Storage Cart

This simple set of drawers provides extra storage, which is much-needed in most dorm rooms. It’s compact enough to tuck under a desk or use as a cupboard. It can also double as a nightstand.

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StorageLab Low-Profile Under Bed Storage Containers

You can use these storage containers to make the most of the space under your bed. They’re sturdy with strong sidewalls and a transparent zippered lid, so you can see what’s inside.

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Simple Houseware Over Door Pocket Organizer

When living in a small space, you should take advantage of every bit of real estate at your disposal — including the backs of doors. This pocket organizer lets you transform the back of your room or closet door into storage space.

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Kiampon Gold Industrial Table Lamp

This vintage-style table lamp not only looks great but is a practical choice, thanks to its USB charging points. The dimmer switch makes it easy to change the mood of the lighting in your room.

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Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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