Hey y’all! So movin’ into a dorm soon? Don’t even stress—this dorm essentials list got ya. We threw together like 30 things you for sure gonna need to make your room feel comfy, cute, and not a total mess. From bins to keep your stuff in place to lil’ touches that make it you, we got it covered. College can get crazy, but if you got the right stuff from the jump, it’s way easier. Ever be sittin’ there thinkin’ “what do I even pack for a dorm?” Yeah—same. That’s why we made this dorm essentials list so you don’t gotta guess. Let’s knock this out and get you ready to crush dorm life.

My Real AF Dorm Essentials List (Stuff You Actually Need)

Alright, so you’re headin’ off to college and ya probably Googled dorm essentials list like a million other freshmen. And lemme guess—you found a bunch of “cute” checklists that don’t tell you squat about what really matters. No worries. I got you. I’ve been there, done that, and here’s the actual stuff you’ll be glad you brought (or wish you did).

BEDDING STUFF (aka your crash zone)

1. Mattress Topper

Look, dorm beds suck. Period. They’re stiff, loud, and feel like sleeping on a cardboard box. Grab yourself a thick foam topper—seriously, your back will thank you later.

2. Sheets & Pillowcases

Don’t go cheap here. Get 2 soft sets so when one’s in the laundry, you ain’t sleepin’ on a bare mattress like a caveperson. Cotton or bamboo = chef’s kiss.

3. Good Pillows

Pillow fights ain’t important. Sleep is. Pick ones that match how you sleep—side, back, stomach—whatever. Don’t just take the first ones on sale.

4. Comforter or Duvet

Dorms get cold AF in winter and hot in the summer. Go for a washable comforter that isn’t too heavy but still cozy. Hypoallergenic is a bonus if you sneeze a lot like me.

STORAGE (because yes, your room is a shoebox)

5. Under-bed Bins

Lifesavers. Toss your off-season clothes, snacks, shoes—whatever. Try to get the clear kind so you don’t gotta dig through 3 boxes to find your hoodie.

6. Hanging Closet Things

No space? No problem. Hang these bad boys for shoes, undies, or just junk you don’t wanna see on the floor.

7. Storage Cubes

These lil cubes are weirdly useful. You can sit on ‘em, stash stuff in ‘em, or stack ‘em like shelves. Multi-use = win.

8. Drawer Organizers

Drawer chaos is real. Especially when you’re half awake and can’t find your deodorant. Keep stuff sorted with little boxes or trays.

MINI KITCHEN VIBES (for snacks + survival)

9. Mini Fridge

Game. Changer. Keep cold drinks, fruit, leftover pizza—heck, even eye cream in there. Just don’t be the roomie who lets it mold over.

10. Microwave

Yes, you’re gonna microwave ramen at 2am. Yes, it’s essential. Bonus if it has a popcorn button (trust me).

11. Coffee Maker or Kettle

Can’t live without caffeine? Same. Get a lil coffee machine or electric kettle for instant coffee, tea, or oatmeal.

12. Dishes & Utensils

One plate, one bowl, a fork, knife, and spoon. That’s all you need. Maybe two of each if you don’t wash dishes often (aka me).

CLEANING STUFF (gross but necessary)

13. Tiny Vacuum or Broom

The floor WILL get nasty. People drop chips, hair gets everywhere, and you don’t wanna be stepping on crumbs barefoot.

14. Wipes

Lazy cleaning hack: grab disinfecting wipes. Swipe the desk, doorknob, whatever’s gross. Done.

15. Laundry Basket & Detergent

Get one you can carry down 3 flights of stairs without dying. And don’t forget detergent pods—less mess, less effort.

16. Trash Can + Bags

Trash piles up fast. Especially if you snack a lot (guilty). A lil can under your desk works great. Bags too—don’t forget.

BATHROOM STUFF (aka don’t be the smelly roommate)

17. Shower Caddy

You don’t wanna be juggling shampoo, soap, and a loofah down the hall. Mesh ones dry fast and don’t get moldy.

18. Towels

Two big ones, couple washcloths, maybe a hand towel. Get the quick-dry kind or prepare to live with that weird damp smell.

19. Shower Shoes

This ain’t your home bathroom. Dorm showers are gross, period. Flip flops = feet savers.

20. Toiletries

Pack everything you use at home: toothbrush, body wash, face stuff, deodorant (please), and so on. Buy extras now so you’re not stuck without toothpaste mid-semester.

STUDY GEAR (cuz you are technically in college)

21. Desk Lamp

Not all dorm lights are bright enough for late-night cramming. A lamp with adjustable light and maybe a USB port is super helpful.

22. Laptop

Yeah, you knew this already. Just make sure it works for whatever major you’re in. And please—bring the charger.

23. Notebooks, Binders

Even if you go digital, some classes need paper stuff. Have a notebook or folder per class. Keep it together.

24. Pens & Supplies

You don’t need 100 pens, but like… get enough so you’re not asking your neighbor every day. Highlighters are also your friend.

COMFORT + DECOR (make it not ugly)

25. Chair Cushion

The desk chairs are literal rocks. A squishy cushion = longer study time before your butt gives up.

26. Rug

Cold tile floors + bare feet = no thanks. A soft rug makes your room cozier and comfier. Plus, it looks cute.

27. Wall Stuff

Add some pics, posters, fairy lights—whatever feels like “you.” Makes a boring room feel more homey.

28. Curtains or Blackout Shades

If your dorm doesn’t have these, you’ll wake up with the sun every day. And no one wants that.

29. Plants

Fake or real, plants make your room look alive. Just don’t pick one that’s hard to keep alive (RIP to my cactus).

30. Extension Cords + Power Strips

There’s never enough outlets. Ever. Surge protectors are smart too if you’re plugging in a lot of stuff.

WRAPPING IT UP

So there ya go—my totally honest, slightly chaotic but 100% useful dorm essentials list. Not everything here’s fancy or Insta-worthy, but it’s stuff you’ll actually use. Trust me, don’t skip on comfort stuff like mattress toppers or a good rug. And definitely don’t forget shower shoes. Seriously.

Moving out on your own’s a big step, but having the right gear makes it way easier (and less smelly). Save this list, print it, send it to your mom—whatever works. Just don’t show up with only socks and a laptop.