Introduction
When it comes time to prepare for college there’s a lot to think about, including the dorm essentials all 2025 college students need. I remember doing so much research to ensure I didn’t forget any necessities for my freshman year dorm, so I’m here to share everything that I learned (and originally forgot to bring) so that your transition is as smooth as possible.
Whether you’re moving into your first dorm or coming back for another year, having the right essentials makes a huge difference. From cozy bedding to must-have cleaning supplies, this post will help you understand everything you need to stay organized, comfortable, and set up for an amazingly successful year at school.
This post is all about dorm essentials for every 2025 college student.
Bed Dorm Essentials
1) Mattress Topper
This may be one of the most important items on this list. No matter where you go, all freshman dorm mattresses are tough, uncomfortable, and probably used by at least 50 people before you. So trust me when I say you don’t want to go to college without a mattress topper.
This is the exact mattress topper that I used and I absolutely LOVE it. All of my friends tell me I have the most comfortable bed. It’s slightly more expensive, but you’ll likely have to reuse it for at least three years and it’s totally worth the investment.
2) Sheets
You’ll obviously need some nice sheets to put on your insanely comfortable mattress topper. I stand by these Target sheets. When I upgraded from a twin XL to a full mattress, I went back and bought these exact Target sheets I’ve had since freshman year.
* Pro tip: If you know you’re messy, just get plain white sheets that you can bleach. This way they always look fresh after a wash (even if you spilled your microwave mac & cheese on them the night before).
3) Washable comforter set
Your bed is what feels like home at college, so you want it to be comfortable! College is also messy, so you want something you can easily pop in the wash. Getting the comforter and duvet cover disconnected and reconnected after washing is a hassle. It’s much easier to get a connected set to throw the whole thing in the wash.
This is the exact set I used and it’s the perfect dorm essential. Very comfortable, durable, and easily washable. Plus it comes in lots of different colors so you can match your bedding to your dorm aesthetic however you please.
4) Throw blanket
You’re going to want an extra blanket when it gets cold or when you want to wrap up while you’re working at your desk. Plus it makes your bed even more comfortable and homey.
I’ve repurchased this Vera Bradley plush throw blanket at least four times in my life because I seriously love it that much. It’s the perfect size for a twin XL and adds a cozy touch to your room.
5) Good quality pillows
You’re going to want two pillows that you love so you can reuse them for all four years. I used these exact Target pillows and will continue using them after college. They are slightly more expensive than others, but they are so much more comfortable. Buying two nice pillows freshman year will save you money in the long run when you don’t need to buy more pillows every year.
6) Husband pillow
There will be times you want to sit up and do work in bed, or even when you’re lounging talking to friends. A husband pillow is the key to this (because trust me—if you just use your pillows while you’re studying, you’ll end up sleeping instead). I didn’t have this freshman year, and once I got one sophomore year, I regretted not buying it sooner.
7) Clip on bedside table
Dorms are small, but you still need somewhere to put your phone and water bottle when you sleep. This clip-on bedside table is the perfect solution. It doesn’t take up any extra space in your dorm but gives you that extra surface area you definitely need.
8) Under bed storage
When it comes to storage dorm essentials, under-bed storage is an absolute must. Since dorms are so small, you have to use every inch of storage to your advantage (especially if you bring a little too much to college – which you probably will). Under-the-bed storage was a game changer in my freshman-year dorm. These bins are perfect because you don’t have to drag a bin out every time you want something – you can just use these pull-out drawers.
9) Adjustable bed risers
In order to maximize the storage under your bed, you definitely need bed risers. This not only makes more space for storage, but it raises your bed which most people (all of my friends at least) really like. These risers are nice because you can adjust the height of your bed to make it exactly how you want.
Bedroom Dorm Essentials
10) Rug
Besides bedding, a rug is the second most important thing in transforming a dorm room into a home. Covering the cold floors with a rug is definitely a necessity to make your room cozier, especially in the winter. I used my freshman year rug all four years of college because I took good care of it and cleaned it well in between each year. Rugs can be on the expensive side, but trust me when I say you don’t want to go without one. If you take good care of it (and clean it really, really, well between years) it will last for the duration of your college career.
11) Full-length mirror
There will frequently be times when you want to take a look at your whole outfit before going to class or going out at night, so you definitely want a full-length mirror in your room.
This is the exact mirror that I used throughout all 4 years of college, and I plan to use it afterward. It’s sturdy, has an accurate reflection, and the white goes with everything. If you want something a bit cheaper, Ikea has plenty of other ones to choose from.
12) 3-tier cart
It’s no secret that freshman-year dorms lack space, so you want to bring plenty of items to maximize space and organization.
This 3-tier cart was a lifesaver for myself and my friends. It is the perfect place to put makeup, hair, and beauty supplies. I love that this cart has wheels because you can tuck it away and roll it out when you want to get ready. This way it doesn’t take up extra space next to your desk or mirror.
13) Slippers
Indoor shoes are an absolute college dorm room essential. When you walk down the hall to your friend’s room, you will want something quick to slip on your feet. Even when you’re in your own room walking around, you need slippers to keep your feet warm and socks clean.
These are inexpensive, fluffy, memory foam slippers for extra comfort. They come in plenty of colors so you can definitely find some you like!
14) Vanity mirror
Even though you need a full-length mirror to check your outfit, a vanity mirror is another great staple to have in your dorm room. You’ll use a vanity mirror when getting ready and doing your hair.
Dorm lighting is usually fluorescent, harsh, and overall unflattering. This vanity mirror has warm lights to help you get an accurate visual of your makeup, hair, and anything else.
15) Diffuser and essential oils
No matter how clean you keep your room, I promise there will be times when it just doesn’t smell great. Freshman-year dorms are usually old and always smell a bit musty, and if you are very particular about your room smelling good, you will absolutely want to bring a diffuser and essential oils.
No freshman dorm will let you light candles – in fact, you’ll get fined even if you have an unlit candle in your room. A great, safe alternative is a diffuser. Just fill up the water container, and add a few drops of essential oil. This will make your room smell like a spa, making one of the most important dorm essentials.
This is the exact diffuser I used for multiple years and it worked great. I prefer essential oil mixes like “calming sleep” and “tranquility” so you can pick your scent based on your mood.
Bathroom Dorm Essentials
16) Velcro towels
You need two towels in your dorm, no more and no less. This is the perfect amount to ensure you always have a clean one, but not where it takes up more space than necessary. I had regular towels my freshman year, and I regretted not getting velcro towels.
When you walk down the hall to your floor bathroom, you’ll be carrying your shower caddy and whatever else you need, and the last thing you want is to accidentally drop your towel. These velcro towels ensure the towels stay secure and are also comfortably plush to dry yourself off.
17) Shower shoes
If you’re going to skip buying any of these things, don’t let it be one of the most important dorm essentials: shower shoes. DO NOT use dorm room bathrooms without shower shoes. Seriously. Unfortunately, every communal shower is pretty gross no matter what school you go to, and you don’t want to risk getting foot fungus (gross).
I personally liked plastic sandals more than flip flops because they stayed more secure on my foot so my shoe didn’t accidentally fall off in the shower. These slide-on sandals with adjustable straps are the perfect option for college dorm shower shoes. There are also over 80 options of styles and colors so you’re guaranteed to find something you like.
18) Shower caddy
Shower caddies are an absolute necessity for every freshman-year student. You’ll need somewhere to put all your shower items that you can take in and out of the shower.
Since it will get wet, your caddy must dry easily. This mesh caddy is the perfect option. Since it’s made from plastic mesh, it shouldn’t get moldy and it can be easily cleaned. It also has lots of pockets around the sides so you can organize your products how you like.
19) Bathroom caddy
I wish someone had told me that I would need another caddy for my non-shower essentials like toothbrush and toothpaste, floss, facewash, face lotion, and more. I bought an extra caddy a few weeks into my freshman year because of how much I needed it.
This caddy is perfect for holding your sink-related bathroom items. It has several separate slots so you can keep all your products organized. I also love the sturdy handle at the top because it makes transporting products from your room to the bathroom much easier.
20) Medicine bin
This might be one of the most important tips you get here because I haven’t seen it anywhere else. Get a medicine bin!! It’s almost guaranteed that every single freshman will get sick. Your body isn’t used to the germs that come with living close to so many people. College is basically a glorified petri dish, so you want to be prepared for when the sickness inevitably comes. This medicine bin is one of those dorm essentials you’ll be glad you brought when your friends are sick and in need of a few cough drops.
6 must-have items to always have in your medicine bin
- Bandaids: You’d be surprised at how many people come to school without simple first-aid necessities. You will probably need a few bandaids yourself and you’ll have an extra supply for when others inevitably need one.
- Emergen-C: This is the best solution when you feel a cold coming on. Mix one of these packets in some water a few times a day to fill your body with vitamin C and fight off the stubborn cold.
- Advil: You will most certainly need painkillers. Whether it’s to lower a fever or get rid of a stubborn headache, this is an absolute must for college freshman dorms.
- Mucinex day and night: Do you know what makes the flu worse? Being totally unprepared and needing to go to a drugstore when you feel horrible. Make sure to bring this Mucinex day and night to school so you are well prepared for sicknesses worse than a mild cold.
- Cough drops: When that mild cold comes, though, you’ll want to be readily prepared with cough drops so you don’t sound like you’re coughing up a lung in a giant lecture hall (we’ve all been there). These cough drops will also help to soothe your throat when it’s sore.
- Tums: Freshman dining halls are not known to be easy on the stomach. You and your friends will have times when the food doesn’t sit quite right and you’ll be grateful to have some Tums on hand.
Laundry Dorm Essentials
21) Backpack laundry bag
Obviously you need somewhere to put your dirty laundry, but I specifically recommend a backpack laundry back with a space to keep your detergent. If you are carrying multiple things to the laundry room, lugging a big laundry basket is a hassle. Just throw this laundry bag on your back to make transporting your dirty and clean laundry extra easy.
22) Foldable laundry rack
I guarantee you that if you put all your clothes in the dryer, you will end freshman year with a pile of uncomfortably small tops and bottoms. You should never put jeans or delicate tops in the dryer so they can last and keep their original shape. This was one of the dorm essentials I was so glad I bought for freshman year, and I still use it today!
A foldable laundry drying rack is a must to keep your clothes in good condition. This laundry rack folds down like an accordion so it doesn’t take up any extra space in your room and can be easily tucked away when not in use.
23) Stain remover
One of the worst feelings is getting a stain on your clothes with no way to get it out. You will stain your clothes time and time again freshman year, but with this stain remover, it’s not a problem! Spray the stain and throw your clothes in the wash to make your clothes look brand new.
Appliance Dorm Essentials
24) Brita
I wasn’t convinced I needed a Brita freshman year because unfiltered water doesn’t bother me. That being said, your immune system will already be so compromised that ensuring your water is filtered can prevent sickness. I ended up getting a Brita just so I didn’t have to walk so far down the hall every time I needed to fill my water bottle. If you like to stay hydrated, having a Brita is a game changer. Fill it up and keep in your mini fridge so you always have cold water on hand.
25) Keurig
You will have many late nights freshman year where you have to stay up and study. If you are a coffee lover like me, having a Keurig in your room is incredibly helpful. I like iced coffee, so before I went to bed every night I made coffee with a bit of honey, put it in the fridge, and added oat milk in the morning. I’m a big tea person too, so I used my Keurig to make a cup of hot tea every night.
You won’t want to spend your money buying coffee (or tea) every day, especially with how much you will consume throughout your freshman year. Having a Keurig ensures you can stay in the comfort of your room whenever you need a pick-me-up (and you can avoid the watered-down dining hall coffee).
26) Fan
Most freshman dorms are pretty old, so they don’t have air conditioning. I have vivid memories of sweating in my freshman dorm at the beginning and end of the school year when it was particularly warm outside. A fan is an absolute dorm necessity to remain cool and comfortable.
This fan is perfect because it doesn’t take up too much space but it’s very powerful. It also comes with a remote so you can control it no matter where you are.
27) Toolset
I was the only one of my friends who thought to bring a toolset to college, and it became a hot commodity. The amount of times I got asked for a screwdriver or tape measure was insane, but I was happy that I was able to help out my dorm mates! There will be times when you are building furniture where you will dorm essentials like a hammer, screwdriver, scissors, among other things.
This small toolkit is perfect for bringing the basic tools to college that everyone will thank you for.
28) Steamer
There will be times when your drawers of clothes become unorganized, and your clothes wrinkly as a result. Wearing wrinkly clothes in public, especially to a nice event, feels embarrassing and makes you look a bit disheveled. This is easily avoidable!
Steamers are incredibly quick and easy to use. This steamer is foldable so it doesn’t take up extra space in your dorm. I promise you’ll have it for years to come.
29) Extension cords
You don’t show up to your empty dorm without at least 2 extension cords. Dorms usually only have a few outlets, but you will have many things to plug in.
This extension cord is awesome because it has 12 outlets in addition to USB and USB-C plugs in case you run out of outlet blocks. This purchase will ensure you never run out of space to plug your electronics in.
30) Handheld cordless vacuum
When it comes to cleaning-realted dorm essentials, you won’t want to pass on a handheld vacuum. You won’t have space to have a whole vacuum in your room, but there will be times when the crumbs and dirt become unbearable and you want to clean them up. This is the exact handheld vacuum that I got and still use to this day for small messes (even though I have an actual vacuum now). Having this vacuum is a college cleaning essential to ensure your dorm feels like a spotless sanctuary.
Conclusion
This post covered all the dorm essentials for college students in 2025. Starting college can feel daunting, but I hope this guide made shopping for your dorm a little easier and less stressful. College is such a special time in your life, so remember to cherish it and don’t get too stressed out about what to bring. You can always buy things you forgot later. I’m so excited for you to thrive during this new adventure, and I hope this post helped you feel a little more prepared to do just that.
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