25 Dorm Essentials You’ll Need as a Freshman in College
I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers. By using these affiliate links, I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
In this post I share dorm essentials you’ll need as a freshman in college.
My youngest daughter is a senior in high school and it’s a bitter-sweet time for us. My daughter is sad to end her high school life but is equally excited to be starting her new college journey.
Although she is ready to start her new college courses there are some dorm essentials she’ll need to make her college stay a bit easier.
Dorm Essentials You’ll Need as a Freshman
1. Air Purifier
Dorm Rooms are not very well ventilated and are a breeding ground for students to get sick. I recommend an air purifier to help combat cold/flu season as well as freshen up those stale old rooms.
2. Laundry Bag
The right laundry bag with straps can help when it’s time to do your washing. Perfect for carrying your laundry to and from the laundromat and it has a section for your detergent as well.
3. Detergent and Fabric Softener
A little goes a long way and as a busy college student in a cramped dorm room, it’s best to have laundry products in the basket tucked away.
4. Shower Slippers
Dorm rooms floors can be gross, you don’t want to walk around the shower floors feeling all the previous soaps, dirt and more on your feet. YUK!
5. Bath Towels
You don’t need a ton of bath towels, the most you may need is 2 plus some washcloths for scrubbing your skin clean.
6. Shower Caddy
Shower caddies can be a great organizational tool for all your shower needs. In one trip you can carry your shampoo, conditioner, body wash and so much more. You can choose the mesh shower caddy or the hard shell caddy.
7. Trash Can
Trash cans are such an important item to have in your dorm. Don’t go for the cute tiny cans, they’ll fill up quick on those late night study sessions. Opt for a taller trash can that can hold more of your junk. Don’t forget the trash bags to go with it!
8. Surge Protectors
Some of these older colleges don’t have enough outlets to use for your chargers, lighting, hair dryer or others needs.
9. Command Strips
You’ll be amazed at how much you will need these to hang up just about anything. Just make sure you have the right weight for hanging on walls.
10. Dry Erase Wall Calendar
Having a dry erase calendar will help you keep track of any important dates, tests or projects due that month.
11. Storage Ottoman
Storage ottomans are great as a multi use item. It can be used to store items, as extra seating and as a step stool to boost you up on your loft bed.
12. Swiffer Dusters
Swiffer dusters are my go to for dusting my home and is a great way to quickly clean up a small dorm room.
13. Bedsheets
One or two bedsheets is enough for a busy college student to use during your stay. You can alternate uses between wash. I recommend XL twin sheets or full size sheets, that way when you make your bed it’ll be easier to tuck.
14. Bedside Caddy
A bedside caddy is perfect to keep essentials items by your bed, especially if you sleep on a loft bed. You can use it to keep your phone/alarm clock next to you as well as a water bottle or anything you need to help with studying or gaming in your down time.
15. Pillows
Of course you can’t forget your pillow. My suggestion is to only have 2 or 3 pillows on your bed. less clutter and easier to maintain.
16. Fan
Dorm rooms can be quite warm and stuffy. On those hot summer nights you will be glad to have one.
17. Over the door hooks/hangers
These space saving over the door hooks/hangers are a great way to coral your shoes, toiletries or other items. Keeping your small cramped dorm room from being overpowered with your stuff everywhere.
18. House Slippers
Wearing slippers in your dorm is a great way to keep your feet warm and comfy as you head to and from your room.
19. Extension Cords
Some dorms don’t have a lot of outlets and you may need to plug in a few things like recharging your laptop, cell phone or your hair dryer. that’s when extension cords come in handy.
20. Small Vacuum
A small vacuum you can use and store in your dorm room and is perfect for quick clean up.
21. Vanity Mirror with Lights
Such a great item to have! Dorm rooms often have bad lighting due to the age and having a vanity mirror with lights will be such a huge impact on getting ready or unready.
22. Mini Fridge
If your dorm allows you to have a mini fridge this will be a huge life saver when you have your late night study sesh or have a few minutes to grab your snack on your way to class.
23. Mini Fridge Organizer
I genius way to organize all your miscellaneous kitchen items, basically a caddy organizer that goes on over the top of your mini fridge. Perfect for: can openers, bowls, cups or any snack goodies needing a home.
24. Mattress Protector
It’s kind of gross to think about, but there are probably so many people who have slept in your bed and on your mattress before. That’s why a mattress protector is extremely important.
25. Drying mat
Trust me, you’ll need a spot in your dorm to dry your shower caddy and slippers or you may get mould and we don’t want that!
