Dorm Room Essentials

We recently moved our oldest child into his dorm room for his first year at college. So this was my first experience with moving someone into a dorm room, and I wanted to help make it a cozy and organized space with room for all of the necessities and more! I researched the many dorm check off lists, shopped around, checked out reviews and joined a Facebook group called, “Dorm Chatter.” I gathered all of the info I could, and together we ended up with the following list of dorm room essentials. Even if you aren’t looking to organize an actual dorm room, some of these small space organization ideas may be helpful for a small space in your home.

(This post contains affiliate links. This means I receive a small compensation at no cost to you. For example, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read more about it here. Thank you for your support!) You can click on any of the pictures to go to the links.

1. Storage Rack

This particular rack was easy to pack by keeping it in its box and easily assembling it there. It has wheels which helped here because it fit perfectly between his bed and desk, so he can then slide it out. This rack also fits the following bins perfectly. We used two, but technically you could fit 6. They come in a bunch of colors and patterns which is fun, too! He was able to fit different desk organizers on it as well (linked under number 6).

2. Storage Bins and Organizers

It’s all about optimal use of space. These are definitely dorm room essentials!

Two of the following bins fit just right on top of the cabinet in his dorm. These bins fit cereal boxes perfectly as well as snacks, etc. They also fit a folded tshirt perfectly, and you could stack a bunch in one.

These drawers also come with optional wheels, but we fit it inside of his cabinet without them.

Since all of his clothes fit inside the drawers that were set up under his bed, he didn’t need to have a lot of space to hang clothes in the cabinet. So to be able to utilize that extra space, the following was the perfect solution!

3. Bedding

Find out what size mattress the dorm will have. Most, if not all, seem to have twin xl sized mattresses. This chart (credit: Bed Bath and Beyond) is helpful in showing all the layers you’re going to want to get. Following that are the links to all the bedding we chose, including our absolute favorite pillow ever!

Below is the topper we chose, but the lucid memory foam one is also highly recommended. We are both happy with what we chose, but it’s a personal preference.

You may want to have two sets of sheets to have a back up just in case.

I highly recommend the Coop pillow! Best pillow I’ve ever had, and my son agrees!

The following is great for having something to lean against when hanging out on the bed besides the pillow.

4. Hooks

Hooks are always a great use of space! We had over the door hooks picked out, but when we got there the door was too thick. The hooks wouldn’t fit there, so instead they happened to work great on the side of the cabinet. Command hooks might be another option. Definitely need a place to hang a towel and a jacket, but they also come in handy for lots of other things!

5. Laundry Storage/Organization

This collapsible laundry bin/hamper was from Target but is no longer available. Shown here is the inside of the cabinet. (There isn’t a closet in his room.)

TIP: We also got these large laundry bags that actually fit perfectly inside his hamper as a liner (I’m sure they would fit many laundry bins/hampers!). That way he can just pull out the bag when it’s full on laundry day. These bags could also hang on a hook and are machine washable, another plus.

6. Desk Organization

These items fit on the rack (linked under number 1) or on his desk that was provided.

7. Desk Chair Cushion

The wooden desk chair that is provided isn’t the comfiest, so I found this chair cushion that works great.

TIP: The typical desk chair that is provided in dorms rocks back. One tip I learned to stop it from rocking back is using pool noodles along the bottom. I didn’t know if that would be necessary, but he went and got some himself after not liking how it was rocking. They worked!

8. Dustbuster

9. Garbage Can

A garbage can with a lid is always a good idea. We also thought it would be nice to have a larger one so he doesn’t have to empty it as often. Don’t forget to pack trash bags, too!

10. Mini Fridge/Freezer Combo, Microwave, and an Over the Fridge Organizer

Check your dorm rules as far as what is allowed, but the fridge and microwave are pretty much a given as far as dorm essentials. However, I didn’t realize that some mini fridges also have freezers! Great for ice packs, ice, and frozen treats as well as some of Mom’s premade meals to freeze and pop in the microwave.

This fridge organzer is the coolest thing. So handy!

11. Filtered Water Pitcher

If there is easy enough access to a sink, this is a must have in a dorm room. It fits well in a mini fridge, too. This one is rated well and is the one we went with.

12. First Aid Kit

I felt better having first aid supplies separate from all of his toiletries and stuff and easy to get to. This is especially important if the student has an EpiPen or other medications that may be needed in an emergency situation. This one is also easy to spot and can be hung on a hook out in the open.

Some of the items that you may want to put in there are: Tylenol/pain reliever, hydrocortisone, Band-Aids, Neosporin, cough medicine/drops, antihistamine and a thermometer.

13. Shower Shoes

These were rated well, and so far so good!

14. Shower Tote

15. Ear Plugs

So far he hasn’t needed them, but just in case it is noisy and you can’t sleep, these might come in handy instead of headphones!

16. Umbrella/Rain Jacket

Who wants to sit through a class soaking wet?

17. Fan

He already had a fan, but this one is highly recommended. If the dorm doesn’t have air conditioning, you may want to get a box fan as well.

18. Frakta Bags and Collapsible Duffle Bags

Where do you put most of the stuff into to travel with? I never gave much thought to what we would be packing his stuff into until I heard about frakta bags from the Dorm Chatter group on Facebook. They are game changers! The Frakta bags are from Ikea, but we used these knock offs that were awesome. They fit so much and then can fold up nice and flat for easy storage.

I also found these duffle bags that worked great for his clothes. They also fold up nicely. That works great for storing in his dorm room. He has one there in case he needs it. There’s no room for luggage!

19. Misc.

Some other things you might want to remember to pack (make sure to check your dorm rules/restrictions): power strip, phone charger, flashlight, batteries, Ziploc baggies, Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer, paper towels, area rug, mirror, desk light, Keurig, Electric Kettle Hot Pot, Command hooks, bulletin board, posters, decor, plants, twinkle lights, bed risers, tool kit, shoe organizer, paper plates, cups, plastic utensils, water bottle, bedside table, laundry basket, detergent, laptop, printer, winter jacket, boots and hangers.

Pin for Later

---