Between picking out classes and meeting new roommates, there's a lot on your mind when you're a college freshman. Chances are, it's your first time living away from home and the chaotic shared space of a dormitory is all-new territory for you.
A good college packing list can make the adjustment to dorm life so much easier. To compile this list of essentials, we surveyed recent graduates and pulled affordable options from our buying guides. We also handpicked some fun things to brighten up your new space.
Most likely, your college has provided a basic packing list and included information on what you can't bring to your dorm. Make sure to keep that list in mind while you're shopping. A great place to start getting ready for school are to utilize some student discounts on useful subscriptions, like Amazon Prime and Instacart+.
If you need some more inspiration, check out our other dorm-related back-to-school product recommendations, including budget-friendly basics, storage solutions, ways to keep cool, and affordable upgrades.
Organization essentials
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A planner for tracking assignments, events, and habitsWe love Day Designer planners, since they give you lots of room for jotting down the day's to-dos, as well as tracking habits and self care.
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A wallet that sticks to the back of your phoneI didn't usually carry a wallet, but I always had my phone on me, so I used these little phone wallets to hold my important cards. These are cheap, easy to stick to your phone, and fit on almost all phone models.
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A plethora of Command hooks, strips, and caddiesCommand's fleet of hooks and strips make it easy to customize your dorm room without damaging walls. The brand launched a line of Heavy Duty hooks and strips that can hold up to 20 pounds, so you can even hang framed art.
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Our pick for the best drying rack for small spacesIf you have any clothing that is too delicate for the dryer, one of these racks will come in handy. The best part is, you won't even notice it once you put it away.
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A rolling storage bin for extra spaceAmple closet space is a luxury not typically found in dorm rooms. Having a few bins that fit under your bed maximizes storage without taking up extra space.
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Our pick for the best pop-up hamperDepending on your laundry situation, you might be lugging your hamper up flights of stairs or to another building on campus. This hamper also collapses flat for storage, making it a useful space saver.
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A little wastebasket to keep your room cleanMany dorms have trash and recycling bins scattered throughout, but don't have anything in the rooms. These are small enough that they can be hidden in the corners, but they actually hold a good amount of garbage.
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A folder that can fit all of your subjectsYou most definitely will need folders or binders to keep track of all of your papers. While you can opt for individual folders for each subject, I found that one compact folder was the most convenient.
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An adjustable shelf for your deskYour desk may be the only tabletop you have in your room, so it's key to make it as multifunctional as possible. This organizer comes in two parts that you can position vertically or horizontally.
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A string of lights with photo clipsIt wasn't until I was already moved in, with all the practical items, that I realized I had nowhere to display my memories. I ordered string lights to decorate my small dorm with all of my favorite faces.
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Some additional hanging space attached to your doorAnother great space-saver, these hooks fit right over your door and are flat enough so your door can actually close. Use these to hold your towels, jackets, and bags.
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An aesthetically pleasing storage binThese baskets are great to put on your bedside wall to hold your water bottle and phone as it's charging overnight, or perfect to put next to your desk to showcase picture frames or plants.
Kitchen essentials
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A bottle to keep your drinks hot and your bag dryThis travel mug is great for keeping your drinks hot, but it also has an autoseal that keeps your drinks from leaking and spilling. So, you can throw this in your backpack and still hand in your essay sans coffee stains.
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Our pick for the best electric tea kettleIt heats up water rapidly and automatically turns the kettle off once the water is boiled. For dorm-life, this is just as useful of an appliance for quickly heating water for tea, oatmeal, or a personal favorite instant meal, easy mac.
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A mini-fridge to stock when you're over the dining hallHaving a fridge this big might be considered a luxury, but if you live with more than one other person, you'll be extremely glad you made the investment.I kept it for all four years of college.
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Nutrition bars to keep you energized on long daysOn those days when it feels like you will never get out of class, you're going to need some sustenance. Nutrition bars are a quick fix that you can throw in your backpack for long days when you don't have time to sit down for a meal.
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Our pick for the best ceramic mugInstead of swiping them from the dining hall, bring your own mug to college. A mug that you love is a little thing that can help make a dorm room feel more like home.
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A bottle that will keep your water cold all day longThis insulated water bottle can keep your beverages cold for 24 hours, so you can always stay hydrated with ice cold water. I love the range of bright colors and the option to purchase different caps, like a sports cap great for taking to the gym.
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A set of reusable snack bagsWhether you need a grab and go sandwich or want to keep leftovers fresh, Stasher bags are reusable, microwave ready, and dishwasher safe. The flexible storage bags are perfect for tucking into your backpack or totebag.
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A Keurig for a quick caffeine fixEarly morning classes and late night study sessions make caffeine a college student's best friend. This is a speedy, single-serve coffee maker that is extremely easy to use and clean.
Bathroom essentials
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Staff PickOur top pick for shower caddiesThe shower caddy is a college staple, allowing you to carry toiletries from bathroom cubbies or your room to the shower stall. We appreciate the drainage holes and multiple color options to choose from.
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A towel that won't fall for womenA towel wrap is a great substitute for a regular towel. These are just as comfortable and drying as your average towel, but the added Velcro strap ensures that your towel will stay put on your trek from your room to the shower.
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A towel that won't fall for menSharing a bathroom with a hallway full of peers can be a bit intimidating. This towel wrap with a velcro strip helps ensure you won't get caught with your towel falling as you're carrying all your bathroom essentials.
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Clorox wipes for easy cleaningNobody is cleaning your room for you once you get to college, so you should have some basic cleaning supplies on hand. Clorox wipes are great for wiping away crumbs, dust, and any other grime that accumulates in your room.
Sleep essentials
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A small, but mighty fanIf you don't have air conditioning in your room, a fan can be a lifesaver. The best small fan we tested will keep your space cool without taking up a lot of space. Clip it to your desk or the edge of your bed for a constant cool breeze.
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A sleep mask for early nights and late morningsThis sleep mask does a good job of keeping out light, but is still really lightweight and comfortable. It is contoured so it doesn't press on your eyes and this set even comes with a pair of ear plugs to block out sound too.
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Decorative pillows to liven up your spaceTo make your dorm feel homey, add some decorative pillows to your bed. Decorative pillows are a fun way to show off your style and make your space feel like it is yours. Plus, these will also make your bed extra cozy.
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A comforter that feels like your favorite t-shirtMost likely, you won't be able to control the temperature of your dorm room, so having a warm comforter is essential. This Room Essentials comforter is the best budget option we've tested, with moderate thickness and a soft outer shell.
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A dorm-safe way to keep your space smelling freshMost dorms don't allow candles, which makes an essential oil diffuser perfect for college-sanctioned scent and ambiance. The Urpower diffuser is under $20, has a six-hour run time, and saturated our tester's room with scent.
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A set of sheets that is cozy and cool at the same timeThese cozy percale sheets only get better with time. With each wash, the breathable fabric softens— a good incentive to do your laundry. Each set comes with a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases.
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An upgrade for your mattressDorm room beds are not the comfiest. A memory foam mattress topper instantly elevates your bed and makes it feel 10 times comfier. It was one of the best investments I made for my dorm.
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A tapestry to liven up dull dorm room wallsDorm room walls can be dull, but you can easily cover them and add some intrigue to your room with a tapestry. Society6 has tapestries with lots of unique designs to make your room feel a little more like your own.
Tech essentials
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A colorful speaker that is college-proofThis shockproof, waterproof speaker can survive all of the antics of a college party. You can also connect your UE Boom with up to 150 other UE speakers for the ultimate party sound system. The fun colors are also a plus.
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Staff PickOur top pick for desk lampsSave yourself from studying under glaring overhead lighting and get a compact desk lamp. It only has one feature (a 40-minute timer), but it has three light color options, dimmable brightness, and takes up minimal desk space.
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A power strip for all of your devicesMany dorm rooms are not set up so outlets are in the most accessible locations, plus you have to share what is available with your roommate. A power strip is an easy, cheap solution to make sure all of your devices can be charged simultaneously.
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A streaming stick for movie nightsSome of my most treasured memories from living in the dorms were movie nights. An Amazon Fire Stick gives you endless options of content to choose from, and is extra handy if your dorm doesn't offer a cable hookup.
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A charging cable that is extra-long and extra-convenientThis phone charger is extra-long, so you can use your phone while it charges in an outlet up to six feet away. This is super useful if there is no outlet near your bed, but also it's just as good as a regular phone charger.
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A Kindle for reading in your free timeWith all the reading you have to do for class, you'll have enough books taking up space on your desk and in your backpack. This Kindle has a Paperwhite surface, so you can read outside with no glare, and a built in light.
Clothing essentials
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A pair of comfy leggingsWhen your day starts with an 8 a.m. class and ends with homework, your outfit needs to be comfortable as well as cute. We suggest adding a few pairs of Colorfulkoala leggings to your wardrobe — they're inexpensive, but durable and opaque.
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A pair of comfy joggersA pair of joggers is another college essential. This retro pair from Champion comes in 10 colors and will quickly become your favorite pants for staying comfortable on the go.
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Staff PickVersatile footwearThe versatility of the Tasman slipper is ideal for college students. With a plush lining and durable outsole, you can slip into them from bed and wear them straight to class. These slippers made it on our lists of the best women's and men's slippers.
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A pair of shower shoes that you can also wear to classShower shoes are a must if you're using communal showers. These Havaianas are simple, comfortable, and you won't be horribly embarrassed if you accidentally wear them out of the shower and into class.
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