33 College Dorm Room Essentials That Are Non Negotiable, According to Actual College Students

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

8 Ball Cherry Print Retro Wall Art

If there is one thing we want to emphasize, it’s that your dorm room should be a space where you feel comfortable and relaxed. Additionally, it should feel like you. Having a personalized space when you are living away from home can help ease transitions and minds. Decorations and little touches are a great way to do this, and we’ve linked some that we love whether you are looking for a pop of color or something more understated.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Ornate INSTAX MINI Magnetic Frame Set

These mini INSTAX magnetic frames are such cute multifunctional decor pieces. You can post up the memories you made on your fridge and be reminded of them everyday.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Printed Puffy Tufted Floor Pillow

If you need extra seating, opting for floor pillows like this one from Urban Outfitters, is perfect. You bring them out when your friends come over then put them away when they leave so you still have ample space in your dorm.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

LoveShackFancy Bow Neon Wall Sign

Neon signs are like a right of passage in a dorm room. For the girlies who love the coquette aesthetic, this LoveShackFancy bow sign will make the perfect addition to your space.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Threshold 2" Cool Touch Memory Foam Mattress Topper in Twin

“Mattress toppers make your bed far more comfy.”- Jack, sophomore

Dorm mattresses are notoriously tough and inflexible, and if there is one thing we know about college it’s that you will be needing your sleep. This Threshold mattress topper from Target is not only supportive and cooling, it has a washable cover so you can feel fresh and comfortable all year long. Dorm beds are typically twins, so be sure to pick that option.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Room Essentials™ Microfiber Comforter and Sheet Bedding Set

The next college dorm essential has to be a comfortable and durable bedding set. This Threshold set from Target includes a twin-size sheet set, comforter, and a matching pillow sham that are both reversible so you can switch up the look of your bed every once in a while.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Clarissa Floral Vine Duvet Set

For another cute duvet and pillowcase set check out this one from Urban Outfitters. It boasts an extra soft weave that is sure to keep you comfortable and cozy. Plus, it’s 30% off during their first-ever UO Haul sale.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Dreo Tower Fan for Bedroom

“A lot of dorms don’t come with AC, so it could be a great way to cool off.”- Caroline, senior

It may not be bedding, but a fan is a necessity for sleep, especially if your dorm has outdated air conditioning. This Dreo Tower Fan on Amazon is tall enough to reach a raised bed and rotates so you and your roommate can both reap the benefits.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Alaundra Tassels Reversible Throw Pillow Set

“I love my throw pillows, they make my bed look more put together.” – Brianna, senior

Throw pillows can be a great way to make your bed feel extra luxurious and fun, and these pillows from Wayfair are sure to do both. They have removable inserts for easy cleaning and come in a set so you can enjoy double the comfort. Plus, they have a bunch of cute color options.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Mesh Shower Caddy 

“Convenient for carrying all of your shower necessities.” – Caroline, senior

If you share a bathroom, a shower caddy is a must-have for transporting your shower products. This particular one from Amazon features various pocket sizes to accommodate different items and is made of mesh to prevent water from pooling at the bottom. Additionally, it comes in a variety of adorable colors and includes a durable handle for easy hanging.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Tianca Super Soft Cotton Quick Dry Bath Towel (6 Piece Set)

A good towel makes all the difference when it comes to showering, and these Latitude Run towels by Wayfair will not disappoint. This set includes two bath towels, washcloths, and hand towels, so you’ll always have a towel available, even on laundry day. They also include an antimicrobial treatment that keeps them smelling fresh for longer.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Pancake Stack Tufted Bath Mat

A unique bath mat is a surefire way to brighten up a dorm bathroom and prevent you from tracking water through the hallways. This pancake short-stack bath mat from Urban Outfitters is super absorbent and is sure to make your roommates smile. They are also machine washable for low maintenance cleaning, making them a true dorm necessity.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

shevalues Shower Shoes

“Needed for the germs on the bathroom floor.” – Caroline, senior

For shared bathrooms, shower shoes are a college essential. These ones from amazon are affordable, chic, and include drainage holes. They are anti-slip as well, making them perfect for the bathroom or hallways.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Frigidaire Retro Compact Fridge with Chiller

“My roommates and I relied on our mini fridge.” – Jack, sophomore

For the busy life of a college student, it is sometimes easier to keep snacks on hand rather than depend on the cafeteria. This mini fridge is spacious enough to store a variety of groceries whilst also being small enough to tuck into a corner. It has removable glass shelves for maximum storage efficiency and comes in a bunch of fun colors as well

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Brita Water Filter

“I love my Brita so much because the water quality at my school is not great.” – Caroline, senior

Staying hydrated is key to being healthy and happy in college dorms. This Brita water dispenser from Target makes it easy with a light that indicates when the filter needs to be replaced. It works to filter out toxic chemicals that are sometimes found in tap water and is a classic college dorm essential.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Hydro Flash Wide Mouth Stainless Steel Water Bottle

“I bring my water bottle everywhere, I drink a lot of water because the straw feature makes it addicting.” – Stephanie, junior

This Hydro Flask water bottle is another essential for staying hydrated. It has a handle for easy carrying to and from lectures and is leakproof, so you can toss it in your school bag without worrying about potential water damage. Plus, it’s more sustainable and cheaper than buying plastic water bottles.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Instant Vortex 2QT Mini Air Fryer

“I use my air fryer at least five times a week. It’s great for when you don’t have a full oven or just want to whip something up quickly.”- Brianna, senior

Cooking a five course meal in your dorm room may not be attainable, but with an air fryer easy and delicious meals can come together in no time. This Instant Vortex air fryer has four different settings so that aside from frying you can also bake, roast, and reheat. It’s easy to use and incredibly versatile, making it a necessity for dorm life.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

ENLOY 20 Piece Silverware Set

“You need silverware. You might not think you do, but I had to run out and buy some my first week so that I didn’t have to eat microwave mac and cheese with my hands.”- Belle, senior

Sometimes, it’s the small items that become indispensable, like utensils. A utensil set can make dining in the dorms feel much more civilized. This Enloy silverware set on Amazon provides enough pieces so you won’t have to wash the same fork and knife repeatedly, and they come in some fun colors too.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Beast Mini Blender

“Great for making breakfast in the morning.” Caroline, senior

Running late to an early morning lecture? The Beast Health Mini Blender is not only compact and stylish, it comes with a drinking straw and lid so you can enjoy a healthy smoothie or protein shake on the go. It’s small enough to tuck into a cabinet and easy to clean as well, making it the perfect dorm appliance.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Brightroom Scrunchable Round Laundry Hamper Green Stitch Grid

Laundry is an undeniably daunting aspect of the dorms, but this laundry basket by Brightroom has handles for transporting to and from the laundry room. It also folds down which is essential for saving on storage space.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Yamazaki Tower Laundry Hamper

“Folding laundry baskets are great and convenient, they take up less space.” – Jack, sophomore

For those looking for something a little more high-tech, this Yamazaki laundry basket from Nordstrom stays open for dirty clothes and then is easily folded up when it’s time to take it to the laundry room. It has a bit more structure, and a more minimalist style.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

HEYHOUSE Closet Organizers and Storage (Set of 6)

“Those closet spaces freshman year were so small that I had to get creative with finding ways to store my clothes. Vertical hangers are a good way to do that.” – Alex, senior

Dorms typically have limited closet space, which is why we love these closet organizers by Heyhouse on Amazon. They can position hangers horizontally or vertically which is great when you are sharing a closet with a roommate. They can also be used to dry clothes and are super durable, making them awesome to have on hand.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

The Container Store Our Long Underbed Box w/Wheels

“I keep a lot of stuff under my bed, and storage is so much better than just stuffing it under there and letting it collect dust.”- Belle, senior.

Whether your bed is raised or closer to the ground, under bed storage is a dorm necessity. The Container Store makes these durable compact cases that even feature handles and wheels for easy removal.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Gorilla Grip Over the Door Shoe Organizer

Rather than kick your shoes off by the door where they will undoubtedly accumulate we suggest this Gorilla Grip shoe organizer on Amazon. You can hang it over the back of a closet or bathroom door, making it a perfect space saving product. Not only are there enough pockets to fit all of your shoes and more, the pockets are clear so you can always see where everything is.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Brightroom 3-Tier Metal Utility Cart

This Brightroom cart from Target could be a bedside table, a snack cart, a bathroom organizer and so much more. It has three shelves for a variety of products and is on wheels, allowing for easy transportation from room to room, space to space. Plus, it’s small enough to fit in virtually any corner.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

HomePop Storage Round Ottoman

“Poufs are another great form of storage for a smaller room, especially since I need as much storage as I can get.” – Caroline, senior

For more discreet storage, consider the HomePop Ottoman from Target. It can serve as a footstool, a seat, or an accent piece. The best part is its removable top, allowing you to store pillows or blankets inside. It’s compact enough to fit in limited spaces and stylish as well!

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Command Medium Designer Hooks (Set of 2)

“I used command hooks for everything my Freshman year.”- Jack, sophomore

Dorm rooms are temporary spaces, so drilling holes in the walls is generally frowned upon. Instead, you can use Command Hooks, which are perfect for hanging bags, decorations, and various accessories. They leave no residue when it’s time to move out and can hold up to three pounds. Plus, these hooks sold by Walmart work on a variety of surfaces, allowing you to organize your bathroom, closet, and more.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Amazon Basics Rectangular 6-Outlet Power Strip

“There were only two outlets in my Freshman year dorm room, so a power strip was plugged into both.” – Carina, senior

This one from Amazon features a six-foot-long cord and six additional outlets. It also comes with surge protection, making it a must have-dorm supply. It’s a perfect solution to keep all your electronics running and you and your roommate happy.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Value Pack

“I buy these every August before going back to school, they cut my cleaning time in half.” – Alex, senior

Cleaning can be a hassle, especially when you are a busy student running from lecture to lecture. That’s why these Clorox disinfectant wipes are essential for dorm rooms. They remove dirt, kill germs, and can be used on a variety of surfaces quickly and easily. This pack has two scents, each having 75 wipes each, which hopefully will last through the year.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Clorox Free & Clear Multi Surface Cleaner

Walmart also carries this Clorox all purpose cleaner, which contains no bleach, dyes, or fragrances. As well as the wipes, it can be used on almost every surface without a lingering chemical smell left behind.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

BISSELL CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum

“It’s an easier way to clean than sweeping and helps you get all the dirt out of your room. When I had friends over and their shoes tracked dirt into my room, I always wanted to vacuum.” – Stephanie, junior

Not to stereotype, but college students can be pretty messy. That’s why we recommend a vacuum that will simplify the cleaning process without taking too much time from your busy schedule. The Bissell Vacuum on Amazon is small enough to fit in a dorm room, has an easy to clean dust chamber, and even features a removable wand so that you can get all those corners and crevices debris free.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Afloia Air Purifier

“I bought an air purifier my first month and it made a huge difference, I didn’t have to clean as often because it was catching so much dust.” – Belle, senior

Getting sick in college is practically inevitable, but your odds are better with an air purifier which will filter everything from dust to odor to smoke. The Afloia air purifier on Amazon is small enough to tuck into a corner and offers seven different lighting options and will dim on sleep mode. It’s a dorm essential, especially for older buildings where moisture and debris are more likely to accumulate.

BEST DORM ESSENTIALS 2025

Hotel Collection-Studio Pro Essential Oil Diffuser

“I used a mix of lavender and eucalyptus in my diffuser and my dorm always felt like a spa.” – Alex, senior

A diffuser is an excellent way to keep your dorm room smelling and feeling fresh. This sleek and minimalistic one from Hotel Collection is portable so you can move it wherever you’d like. It’s perfect for creating a calming atmosphere, and you can customize the scent to your liking. Most dorm buildings don’t allow candles as well, so this is a great alternative.