When both of my kids moved into college dorms, I quickly learned what items actually got used and what ended up shoved in a corner. Dorm rooms are tight, shared spaces with barely enough room to turn around, so every item that makes the cut has to be functional, space-saving, and worth it. After going through this process twice now, I’ve rounded up our top five must-haves, dorm room essentials that truly made a difference in their day-to-day dorm life.
Here’s what I’d buy all over again:
1. Heavy Duty Blue Bags
Forget cardboard boxes, these extra large, heavy-duty moving bags are a game-changer. They hold bedding, clothes, shoes, and more, and the zippers and handles make loading, unloading, and carrying everything so much easier. Plus, they fold flat to store under the bed or in the closet when not in use. These are the MVP of dorm room essentials.
2. Twin XL Sheet Set
Twin XL is the standard dorm bed size, and this ultra-soft, breathable set is both comfortable and durable. The deep pockets stay put on dorm mattresses, and the wrinkle-free fabric means no ironing (a win for any college student). My daughter had a few kinds, these were her favorite.
3. Surge Protector Power Strip Tower
Dorm rooms are notorious for having too few outlets. This tower gives 11 outlets, 3 USB ports (including a USB-C), and a 6-foot cord. It’s compact, space-saving, and provides surge protection for all those laptops, phones, lamps, and other electronics.
4. Mattress Topper
Dorm mattresses are not known for comfort. This 3-inch memory foam topper adds much-needed support and cushioning, while the cooling cover keeps things breathable. The adjustable straps help it stay in place on the thinner dorm beds. A true upgrade for better sleep in the drom room.
5. Compact Air Purifier
Dorm rooms get stuffy fast, especially in older buildings. This compact but powerful air purifier helps reduce dust, allergens, and odors. It covers large rooms up to 1,000+ square feet, has multiple modes and a timer, and runs quietly for nighttime use. I believe this is what kept my daughter from getting sick her freshman year.
Bonus Picks: Worth the Extra Space
Desk Lamp with USB & Clock
Perfect for studying, this multi-functional lamp has a pen holder, clock, USB charging port, and even a soft RGB night light. It keeps a student’s workspace well-lit and organized.
Quick Dry Towel Set
Quick-drying, soft, and durable, this towel set includes 2 bath towels, 2 hand towels, and 2 washcloths, everything your student needs for dorm bathroom life. The quality is amazing, and they hold up wash after wash.
I’ve already gathered all of our favorite finds in one place to make shopping easy. You can check out the full list of dorm room must-haves here on Amazon, including other little things we ended up needing.
If you’re packing for college or looking for ideas, feel free to follow along on Instagram or check out the dorm section of my blog. I love sharing what’s worked for us and making move-in season just a little less stressful.