The Ultimate Dorm Packing List

Welcome to the ultimate dorm packing list made by someone who lived in a college dorm when they were a freshman!

Living in a dorm was one of the most exciting times in my college career. I made a lot of friends and made so many memories. Enough about me, but keep scrolling for the best college dorm packing list on the Internet (that also comes with a college dorm list pdf!)

This article includes everything you need to pack so you can thrive in comfort while living in a dorm.

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The Ultimate Dorm Packing List

What do you need to pack to live in a dorm? Living in a dorm was one of the things I couldn’t wait to do once I got accepted into my university.

I couldn’t wait to experience living on the campus and on my own for the first time. 

• 1.) Breathe. I know that packing for a college dorm can get overwhelming.
• 2.) Congrats on getting into college!
• 3.) I’m here to help you figure out what are your college dorm essentials.

Move-In Day was a brand new experience for me as a first-generation student. My excitement was so powerful that I didn’t even know what to pack!

I forgot so many items and constantly made trips to the store every month. So here I am trying to help you answer the following question:

“What do I really need for my dorm room?”

I tried to include the absolute essentials but each person has their own preferences.

If you getting college essentials on budget, then you should buy these from Target or Wal-Mart because they have sales right around the start of college.

Also, you do not need to buy everything on the list. Use this list as a tool and not as a for-sure guide.

The Ultimate Dorm Packing List

Electronics:

Tech is probably my favorite section to talk about due to how much I use technology. For your freshmen year in a dorm room, you will need a few huge items. This dorm room checklist only gives the basics so if you know you’ll want to bring something that’s not in this section, check with your university and their check policy (because I bought an Amazon Firestick my freshmen year for my dorm and it wasn’t permitted to work on-campus wifi.)

Laptop

Obviously, you’ll need some sort of laptop as a college student nowadays. I personally started out with an Apple MacBook Air that I got on sale and used it until I needed to upgrade to a MacBook Pro. 

I recommend a MacBook Air for most college students due to how it was made for students in made (literally what the Apple sales guy told me when picking) and how light it is. 

Phone

You can not believe how important phones are nowadays in college. If your high school was anti-technology, then college might be a little culture shock for you. Sure, some professors won’t allow you to use your phone in class, but phones are needed for almost anything nowadays. 

Chargers

What you really need to bring to your dorm room are chargers for any device you plan on bringing to campus. From your laptop, phone, etc. Don’t forget it at home!

I even recommend getting a long phone charger due to how weirdly placed some dorm electrical outlets are.

Television

One item you can bring to your dorm for entertainment purposes is a television. I know that some campuses give students free cable if they live on campus. Also, you can watch Netflix right in your dorm with a smart TV!

This one is similar to the television I have now that I’ve been having for almost 4 years.

Ethernet Cables

One unexpected thing to bring to college is an ethernet cable for your television. I did not know that I needed one for my television on campus and had to search high and low for one on campus. I just ended up buying one from Amazon. 

Headphones/Earbuds

If you know anything about me is that I am a music lover and I brought so many pairs of earbuds with me during my first year of college. You will absolutely need a pair of headphones or earbuds for studying.

I wished I got AirPods earlier because they are perfect for college students and even get a free pair when you buy your laptop with Apple during a certain time of year. 

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Bedding

So in your dorm, you’ll most likely have a twin XL dorm bed and can be adjusted to your height preference. I fell out of my bed once trying to reach my phone charger and do not recommend placing that high. But this section gives what you need for your dorm room bed or bedding.

Mattress Pad 

When I tell you that mattresses in dorms are hard, I want to you believe me. They are also gross. You will need a mattress pad for comfort. This is an absolute must for college dorms. I use this mattress pad during my freshmen year at Amazon, and it worked perfectly fine. 

Mattress Cushion

Next, if you love to sleep on a softer surface, then you need a mattress cushion. My roommate had one but I don’t. I prefer a harder surface for my back but that’s me. My current apartment subleaser gave me a cushion and it was really nice. I recommend them, especially if you want a softer bed.

Twin XL comforter

Dorm rooms are cold, especially if you don’t have control over the temperature. You will need a Twin XL comforter. Sometimes comforters include extra pillows and sheets. My comforter included extra stuff but getting a quilt can work find for you. Find a comforter that will coordinate with your dorm decor.

Twin XL Sheets

This is a college dorm essential that you CAN NOT GO WITHOUT. And PLEASE buy twin XL sheets that are not from the Dollar Store because those will cut and are so uncomfortable. Trust me, after returning from studying abroad in Greece and having no money, I bought some and it was so hard to sleep on them. Buy some Amazon, Target, anywhere but make sure you get some soft sheets (and even an extra pair.)

I had this exact pair of sheets for my dorm room’s mattress and they were perfect for me because I was searching high and low for college essentials on a budget. 

Pillows

Another college dorm essential is pillows. You need somewhere to put your head on at night. I recommend these pillows from Amazon because they are perfect for dorms. Make sure to get yourself 2 pillows. Having one pillow to sleep on sucked my freshman year. 

Bed Rest Pillow 

Now, this one of the most unexpected things to bring to college. People do not understand how AWESOME these pillows are. When are in bed and want to sit up to do work on your laptop, you’ll need one of these. This was one of the best investments I had throughout my four years at college. Here is one on Amazon that is perfect for dorm rooms. 

Decorative Pillows

If you are planning to decorate your dorm, then check out some decorative pillows. 

Throw Blanket

Again, dorms can get cold. You’ll also want to be comfortable some days, especially those rainy days on campus (we don’t talk about those days). I recommend getting a fluffy blanket and that’s it.

Blankets are my top dorm must-haves because they’re so nice to have. I‘m also biased because I’m literally wrapped up in 2 blankets as I write this sentence. 

Closet:

Up next is your dorm room closet essentials. From my experience, dorms have closets that are basically wardrobes. These things are not that big. But dorms also might provide a drawer set as well.

Tip: Pack your basics when it comes to clothing. You do not need that many clothes as you think. 

Hangers

Buy a pack of hangers or two to do their job: hang your clothes in your closet.

Closet Shoe Holder

One of the best things I brought to my dorm for my closet was a shoe holder that went inside of my closet and hung on the door. You have no idea how annoying it was to trip over shoes while rushing to class in the morning. Purchase the exact one that I used in my dorm here on Amazon!

Clothes Storage Bags

If you have do not enough room in your dorm, then you should check out the clothes organizers storage bag.

These are great if you happen to not have enough space in your closet for clothes and need to put them somewhere. I wish I knew about these when I lived in a dorm because I had extra blankets and coats that I didn’t wear and would have placed them at the bottom of my bed. 

Desk:

Lucky for you, dorms provide a free desk. They most likely are not going to be the best looking because they are not. Every single dorm picture I have seen on Pinterest has that same yellow desk that I even had at my dorm at LSU! Anyway, I have a short blog post about all the college dorm desk essentials you will want but these are the essentials. 

Desk Lamp

One of my main desk dorm essentials is a desk lamp. College dorms might not provide one, but it’s nice to have one for when you have to study late at night and do not want to disturb your roommate.

I use this one that is so cool because its brightness can be adjusted and its warmth or coolness can, too! It’s my favorite lamp so far because I had a cheap one that literally burned my eyes whenever I turned it on because it was so bright. 

Desk Chair

Straight up, your dorm will provide you will this chair that you will probably end up hating. I had a wooden cushion chair that would rock back and forth. It couldn’t roll or anything.

Just store that away underneath your bed or something because that’s what I did during my junior year in my apartment. Those desk chairs are horrible. If you can get a better desk chair, especially for your back! 

Sticky Notes

I recommend getting a pack of sticky notes to write down assignments. Seriously, I talk about how this helped me get my life together in my college morning routine post, but writing 2-3 tasks down on a sticky note makes you 10x more productive. It honestly was how I managed to stay organized in college.

Dry Erase Markers

Around campus, there will be places that have dry erase boards for you to use to study. My dorm had a few in our study rooms. I recommend having some in your room just in case. You never know when you will need them. 

Dry Erase Wall Pop-Up

I also recommend getting a dry erase wall pop-up. It was one of my favorite college essentials all throughout college because I also would write reminders and positive quotes on it. 

Trash Can

So, you will need a trash can for your desk for sure. My dorm did not provide one, but just know that you can find a small one that can do right next to your desk. 

Pencil Holders

You need someone to place all your pens and pencils. I used mugs to hold all my pens and pencils.

Wall File 

You have no idea how much paper you will have given to you throughout your first year. I was not expecting to have to buy a folder during my first year of college.

I eventually needed to buy a file to hang on my wall in order to organize all my papers. This one is the closest one to the one hanging on my wall right now. 

Bathroom:

College bathrooms are small similar to the dorms. Whether you are sharing a suite-style bathroom or running down the hall to your communal bathroom, you’ll need these college bathroom essentials.

Toilet Paper

I don’t know if your dorm will provide toilet paper, but you’ll definitely need to bring some to college. My college dorm provides some thin 1-ply paper that barely lasted a week. Just bring some toilet paper because no matter what it will better than whatever they provide for free.

Towels (both small & large)

Toilets are a must for everyone in college. You’ll need both small and big towels for sure. I recommend bringing 2-3 of each size. 

Robe

Keep yourself covered and warm after getting out of the shower with a bathrobe. This should definitely be on your college bathroom essentials list. 

Loofah

Use one of these instead of a towel! They’ll need to be replaced every month, but way better than using a towel in the shower.

Shower Shoes

You have no clue what kind of foot germs are partying on the floor of that bathroom in your dorm. Buy yourself a pair of shower shoes to avoid that itchy foot feeling. Believe me, it’s not cute. Buy a pair like these with holes in them. 

Shower Caddy 

Get yourself a mesh caddy instead of those hard ones. Those hold so much water and I hated using them. Here is a mesh caddy perfect for any dorm bathroom. 

Antibacterial Soap

Living in a dorm means that you will have to always wash your hands. Get a bottle of antibacterial soap for your dorm’s sink. 

Shower Rug

You do not want to slip and slide on the floors in your dorm. Get a shower rug or at least a water-resistant rug and place it near your shower , or if you have a communal-style bathroom, then place a rug near your sink. 

Kitchen:

The next part of the ultimate dorm packing list is the kitchen. Dorm rooms do not have kitchens in them. Dorm buildings might have a kitchen on each floor or one on one floor of the whole dorm. Find out below what kitchen supplies you’ll need to bring to your dorm. 

Mini Refrigerator

You will need somewhere to play all of your food. Mini refrigerators and dorm rooms go together.

Every single dorm room needs a mini-refrigerator. I recommend getting don’t that have both a freezer and refrigerator section because you’ll also want to have frozen meal sometimes. I recommend this refrigerator from Amazon:

Microwave

One college dorm essential you need is a microwave. Hands down, if you do not have anything else, you will need a microwave. 

Plates & Bowls

When I lived in a dorm, I used a combination of paper and plastic plates and bowls. I only had a few plastic ones because paper & plastic plates don’t work well in a microwave sometimes. I recommend getting a pack similar to this one because there are affordable and going to last all year.

Utensils

For my dorm, I also used a combination of plastic utensils and silverware. Target and Amazon have some cheap forks, spoons, and knives that work fine and I even have some after 2 years. 

Dishwashing Liquid

Don’t underestimate the need for dishwashing liquid for your plates and bowls. I had a small bottle of dishwashing liquid that lasted almost the entire year. You probably won’t wash dishes that often, but it’s nice to have it.

Water Filter

You need to get a water filter like this for your dorm so you can save money. The filter doesn’t need to change that often and it will do all the work for you.

Having a quality water filter in your dorm room will help you save money, so you don’t spend excessive money on Smart Water every day on campus. 

Mugs & Cups

Having 2-3 mugs and/or cups will be enough for your dorm. You don’t want to get too many because you most likely won’t use that many. 

Ziploc Bags

Remember to bring snacks with you while you walk around campus. Also, it’s great to have some plastic bags to store leftovers you get from free campus events.

Storage Containers

Okay, here is a free college dorm hack: buy storage containers for food from the dining hall. You are paying for that food! Just sit in the corner, take a container out of your backpack, and quickly move the food in it.

I did that often during my freshmen year and ate my food in my dorm room later that night. 

Laundry:

Sundays are laundry days, especially in dorms. Do not wait to wash your clothes on Sunday in a dorm, okay? Because EVERYONE is in that small room and it’s so chaotic. But here are the college dorm essentials for laundry day you’ll need. 

Laundry Hamper or Basket

A laundry hamper or basket is a college dorm essential that you will need, especially if you live somewhere not on the first floor. I recommend one with wheels for a dorm room and if you have an elevator because my back used to hurt carrying my basket up and down our elevators.

Tide Pods or Liquid Detergent

Y’all have no idea how shocked I was when I learned how expensive laundry detergent is. Go to Costco and buy it in bulk because sometimes I’d paid $20 for a huge bottle that was going to last me a long time.

Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets are kinda optional for some people, but they’re nice for when you wash clothes that will be soaked in sweat for a couple of days. 

Fabric Softener

Not necessarily a college must have but fabric softener is that extra step that you sometimes need. It makes your clothes smell so much better. I recommend getting a small bottle and using it sparingly.

Iron or Steamer

Again this isn’t a college must-have that you absolutely need. Getting an iron or clothing steamer will depend on you.

Most students I knew never used an iron on campus. Seriously, some people walk out with the wrinkliest shirts on campus. But if you ever need to dress up for a job interview or have a job where you need to look presentable, then it’s best to get one. 

Lint Roller

One thing I always did before leaving my dorm was used a lint roller on my clothes. It’s another unexpected thing you wouldn’t think to pack for college because it saved me for when my sweater or shirt would shed on my black leggings.

Cleaning:

Your dorm is not going to clean itself. And believe it when I say that dorms get messy pretty quickly because it’s small and you’re going to be busy. Here are the basic college cleaning essentials that you will need for your dorm!

Broom & Dust Pan

I don’t know why or how but dorm room floors are some of the messiest in the world. I remember having to sweep my floor almost every other day due to all of the stuff that would accumulate on it.

I also recommend getting a broom and dustpan, especially one like this one that has a long handle, to make cleaning easier. 

Mini-Vaccum

Some dorms have carpets but I don’t know any. I think older ones on my campus did, but I’d also recommend getting a small vacuum because you’ll drop something and it’s too much effort to clean it. 

Swiffer Sweeper

My mother prefers a traditional, old-fashioned mop and bucket to clean floors and complains about my Swiffer but it gets the job done.

Especially if you are in a tiny dorm and do not have time to spend hours mopping and wringing a mop. I started using the Swiffer Sweeper when I was in my dorm and it was perfect for me as a busy college student. 

Shower Cleaner

One college essentials that I can’t live without nowadays is a shower cleaner. I spray this every day to prevent my shower from getting gross. Seriously, you have no idea how disgusting a shower can get over time. 

Air Freshener

Dorm rooms are literally some of the smallest living areas that I endured and I lived on campus every year. I don’t know why but it is SO hard to get smells out of a dorm.

Literally, I was spraying air freshener every day in my dorm the first few weeks. Just buy a couple of air fresheners from Amazon. 

Hand Sanitizer

I always have a bottle of hand sanitizer in my dorm and one in my backpack. Seriously, college campuses hoard germs and you can get sick easily living in a dorm. 

Trash Can & Bags

In your dorm room, you’ll need a small trash can to place your garbage. Most dorms have a trash room on each floor for you to put your bigger trash bags in.

All-Purpose Spray

When cleaning you’ll do best to buy an all-purpose spray, especially for a dorm room. This is meant for those looking for college essentials on a budget because you can pretty much buy 10 different cleaning supplies and sprays at the store.

But an all-purpose spray will clean most surfaces fine. Also, you’ll save space with one spray. 

Disinfectant Wipes

Again, living in a dorm can get really germy. I had a bottle of disinfectant wipes in my dorm and wiped down my desk, hard surfaces, and door handles often. You should have a pack of Clorox Wipes or any brand of disinfectant wipes in your dorm at all times. 

Paper Towels

You’ll need something you wipe your counters and somewhere to place your late-night snacks on. I recommend buying them in bulk to save yourself a trip to the store. 

Sponge

Get a sponge or two to clean your plate and bowls and any cooking supplies you’ll use.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Getting a bottle of toilet bowl cleaner will save you some time. I use this kind of cleaner for my toilet now and all I do is place it in the toilet bowl and let it sit for a few minutes. That’s it. It does its job perfectly. 

Fabric Freshener Spray

One of my top college dorm room must-haves is having a fabric freshener spray. You’ll have pillows and other items that you won’t be able to wash that often. A fabric freshener spray makes them smell better.

Cleaning Rag

On cleaning day, the last thing you’ll want to use for a cleaning rag is your bath towels (like I did in my dorm and ended up bleaching my colored towels) Get a towel or rag made specifically for cleaning to save you the trouble. 

Documentation:

Driver’s License/State Issued ID & Student ID

It is a MUST to carry around any form of ID on campus. Also, the last thing you want to do it LOSE YOUR STUDENT ID. That is your lifeline on campus. And if you lost that then it will cost you to replace it. 

Passport

If you plan to study abroad, bring your passport…or if you don’t have one, maybe your campus might be able to help you get one so you can be able to study abroad. 

Birth Certificate

I’m iffy about bringing your original birth certificate but there will be some things such as jobs or anything related to need two forms of identification that you’ll need to have your birth certificate. Just need it in a safe & secret place. 

Money & Credit/Debit Cards

You’re going to need money on campus…bring some. Also, learn how to manage your money while you’re at it. 

Car Insurance & Registration

If you want a parking pass on campus, you’re going to be proof of your car insurance and registration. Keep in your car at all times!

Parking Pass

Now, keep your car parking pass in your car at all times, especially if you living on campus or parking there. Listen…campus parking is nothing to play with. They’ll give you a ticket before you realize it. 

Medical Insurance Card

If you still under your parents’ insurance then have your medical insurance card with you. Some health services on campus might need you to have insurance.

Emergency:

For this section, I included items that you probably won’t think about bringing but will most likely need them in an emergency or natural disaster. 

Medicine & Vitamins

This is definitely a freshmen dorm essential that you absolutely need, especially now.

Medicine and vitamins are things that I forgot to bring and had to pay a lot of money whenever I got sick. Again, college dorms are some of the germiest places on campus.

I got sick TWICE my freshman year. It’s best to get Vitamin C and D and bring whatever medicine you need.  

First aid kit & Band-aids

Accidents happen, especially on campus. I recommend having a first aid kit & a box of band-aids in your cabinet or stored somewhere.

I wish I had a first aid kit my first year of college when I was volunteering and a barricade landed on my toe. I am not kidding. Buy yourself a first aid kit so you can have one whenever you need it.

Batteries

You never know when you will need batteries. Try to keep a pack somewhere in your dorm. 

Flashlight

In case your dorms’ lights go out, it’s nice to have a flashlight around. It’s better to be prepared

Thermometer

Feeling under the weather? Check your temperature with a thermometer. This is the exact one I have in my bathroom right now. Totally recommend it.

Rubbing Alcohol

I never thought that I’d put rubbing alcohol on my dorm room checklist back in the day, but you’ll need rubbing alcohol at the most random times. It came in handy in disinfecting surfaces when I couldn’t find Clorox wipes this past year. 

Lip Balm

One of the things that I always carry around on campus was lip balm. I recommend getting this vegan lip balm because not only are they aesthetically pleasing and vegan, but also some of the best lip balm that I have used. 

Pepper Spray

Safety is so important on campus. Campus can get dangerous sometimes and it’s just nice to have pepper spray. This is an absolute must-have for college freshmen. I recommend getting this pepper spray but there are so many other kinds that you can get to keep you safe. 

Kleenex 

Again, just in case you get sick on campus, you need to have supplies around. It’s worse when you realize that you get sick and can’t go anywhere and don’t feel like. I recommend getting a small bulk of Kleenex tissue that’s stored in your dorm room. 

School Supplies:

I recommend reading my The Ultimate College School Supplies List blog post where I go into detail of why you need each supply. On this list, I’ll give a brief sentence or two about each supply. 

Notebook

Even with the vast amount of technology we have today, you will still need an old-fashioned notebook with you to take notes. My favorite notebook is the Five Star 5 Subject Notebook, and it has lasted me the whole year and even a year and a half in some cases. 

Pens & Pencils

Pencils and pens are should be on every single dorm shopping list because you’ll need them no matter what. Buying them on campus can get super expensive. Also, I recommend buying a good amount of pens and pencils because they will disappear. 

The G-2 Pilot pens are some of my favorite due to their smoothness and overall look.

Pencil Case

You’re going to need somewhere to place your pens and pencils. Remember to put this on your packing list!

Binder

Binders are great to place any printable sheets you have or if you prefer one over a notebook. 

Folder

I didn’t expect to need a folder in college but you’ll one. Professors hand out so many papers for you and you’ll need to keep up with them. Just buy a decent folder to keep up. 

Highlighters

One of my best study hacks was highlighting in my textbooks and notebooks. I personally love Midlinder Highlighters and have used them every year of college.

Backpack

You’re going to need somewhere to put all your school supplies. I recommend trying to find a backpack that will last you all four to five years. I had a NorthFace Borealis and it has not failed me yet. It has 2 sections and 2 side pockets for a water bottle and umbrella.

Planner

To tell you the truth, what college students need the most, is a planner. I honestly couldn’t have stayed so organized without my digital planner!

Stapler

One school supply that you’ll need for college is a stapler. You have NO IDEA how hard it is to find a free stapler on campus. I purchased this mini stapler, and still have it to this day because of how some of my professors would not take a paper without it being stapled. Please get yourself a mini stapler to avoid the hassle. 

Calculator

Most math classes require a calculator and it’s also nice to have one around when you’re pinching pennies and figuring your monthly budget.

Printer Paper

Finally, one college dorm essential that you will need is a package of printer paper. Now, as I mentioned in my college school supply list post, there will be times when you need to print something, and guess what happens?

The campus printer has no paper. Just save yourself the stress and buy a thing of paper. 

Misc:

The final section of the ultimate college packing list is random college dorm essentials that don’t fit any of the other categories but are needed. 

Any hygiene products

At first, I was going to dedicate a whole section to hygiene products but I realized that there are so many products and everyone is different. You should bring whatever you use on a daily basis, use to wash your hair, or anything you think you need. All I can say is deodorant and condition better be on the list. 

Suitcase

When you have to take a weekend trip home or fly back home for Thanksgiving OR even when you move into your dorm, a suitcase will be so useful. I recommend this set from Kenzie that I absolutely love (and planned to use for my study abroad trip but you know covid said no.)

Umbrella

Rainy days on campus are so annoying. It’s best that you get an umbrella and put it in your backpack just in case it starts raining.

Exercise Equipment

To avoid the freshmen 15, I recommend planning a workout plan and keeping some workout equipment in your dorm. You have no idea how just seeing a yoga mat can motivate you to exercise. 

Storage Rolling Cart

One way to store your hygiene products or makeup is to get a rolling cart. I have one in my bathroom right now because I don’t have the cabinet space I used to have. But they are also great for storage food and school supplies.

Recycle Bin

College campuses typically have a few recycling places on campus that you can bring your recyclable items. My roommate and I did this and separated it from our trash. 

Personal Locks

For safety (and trust) reasons, I recommend getting a few locks for your dorm and can place on your closet doors. 

Coasters

Have some coasters where you place your drinks that doesn’t ruin your wooden desk or makes a mark on them! 

Cube Organizers

Finally, the last item on my ultimate dorm packing list is a cube organizer. If you have space in your dorm to have one, I recommended it. My roommate had one and I was lowkey jealous because it fit perfectly underneath her bed and held all her snacks. I was so inspired that I bought one for my bedroom back at home that summer. 

These organizers are great to store anything you need, such as snacks, clothes, or even to decorate. 

This was the ultimate dorm packing list. I hope this list gave you an idea of where to start for packing for college because I had not a single clue. 

Before you leave, you should DEFINITELY check out these blog post that I’ve written just for college freshmen:

• 10 of the Best Walking Shoes for College