Equip: 20 Dorm Room Essentials for Your 2025 College Dorm Checklist
Jul 18, 2025
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Moving out of your parents’ house is a rite of passage for every man. While four years doesn’t seem long, it’s a huge opportunity to grow, find yourself and increase independence. Before move-in day, getting your college dorm checklist ready is critical. What should you pack in the moving truck? Here are 20 dorm room essentials to make your year fantastic!
1. Fresh Bedding
Dorm room bedding can affect your sleep and becomes even more important the night before an exam. It’s even better to have some clean spares around your dorm. Ensure you have enough fresh sheets and pillowcases to last between laundry days to avoid skin irritations and hygiene problems.
Our pick: Bare Home Bed-in-a-Bag 5-Piece Comforter & Sheet Set
2. Comfortable Pillows
A good night’s rest depends on a firm but comfortable pillow. Avoid neck pains every morning by investing in a good one. Buy multiple pillows if you’re used to snuggling one at night. Some doctors recommend getting one that supports the natural curve of your neck. They’re worth the investment if you regularly experience body pains when you wake up.
Our pick: LANE LINEN Standard Pillows Set of 2
3. Twin XL Mattress Toppers
Sleep is integral to your energy levels, so you should get a good-quality mattress topper. This is one of those improvements you should splurge on because you’ll use it every day of college life. Get a twin XL because it’s the most common mattress size in dorm rooms. Adding a topper will save you from wondering about dust and dirt and counting how many students used the mattress before you.
Our pick: Bedsure Twin XL Mattress Topper
4. Power Strip
Moving to a dorm has its fair share of challenges. One is the limited sockets for plugging in all your electronics and appliances. College dorm rooms are designed to be cost-effective, so don’t expect to have the same number of sockets as you do at home.
Maximize the limited sockets in your dorm room by getting a power strip. Pick one with multiple sockets so you can plug in several devices simultaneously. Staying productive should be one of your top priorities in college, making surge protectors essential supplies for your phone, computer and tablet.
Bonus Tip: Get a power strip with surge protection to keep your delicate electronics safe from sudden bursts of electricity. Don’t overlook this minor detail.
Our pick: Power by GoGreen 6 Outlet Surge Protector
5. Charging Hub
While it’s safe to assume that your college dorm will have a backup generator in the event of power outages, having another plan is always a good idea. Put a portable power station or charging hub on your college packing list to charge all your electronics and other essentials.
Charging hubs are a godsend when the power goes out and you have an essential paper to turn in the next day. You can plug in your laptop and portable Wi-Fi while you work, so you don’t have to worry about running out of juice as you type away. Portable power stations have multiple USB ports and sockets to plug in other devices like cooling fans or lamps.
It’s better to have one and not need it than to need it and not have it. Be a good dormmate and offer your charging hub to your buddies. You can earn extra points for being the friendly neighborhood Boy Scout who saved them from missed deadlines.
Our pick: BREEKET USB-C Fast Charger
6. Cooling Fan
Dorm rooms typically have air conditioning, but they can still get pretty stuffy when you and your roommates turn in for the night. Staying cool and comfortable will increase your quality of life, especially when preparing for exams and other important school activities. It’s among the college dorm essentials if your dorm doesn’t have an air conditioner.
Choose a powerful fan to manage your room temperature efficiently. Also, consider something quiet enough so you and your roommate can still sleep soundly at night. Studies show that staying comfortable will help you focus better when working or studying.
Our pick: Dreo Tower Fan for Bedroom
7. Folding Table
You can forgo getting a folding table if you’re lucky enough to score a sweet and spacious dorm room. However, a collapsible table is ideal if you draw the short straw and land a smaller room. There’s no guarantee you’ll get a desk!
You can eat, study and do everyday things with a collapsible table. It folds up, can be tucked away neatly under your bed or behind a door, and unfolds when needed. Having a spare table in your room is also perfect for folding your clean laundry. College life requires you to do a lot of that.
Our pick: POLWKZU Folding Desk
8. Speakers
Whether chilling in bed on a lazy weekend or heading to the beach with friends, a good speaker will keep you company and appropriately entertained. A college dorm checklist is only complete with one. Choose a speaker to fill the room with soft music and survive a few falls from your bedside table.
Just be mindful when you turn the music up and remember to ask your roommate if he’s cool with you playing some sweet tunes. You won’t want to wake them or your neighbors up from their post-class naps after they stayed up too late the previous evening.
Our pick: JBL GO2 – Waterproof Ultra Portable Bluetooth Speaker
9. LED Lamp
No matter what people say, you will always need to read books and other papers in college — it’s simply part of the experience. You need a reliable lamp to illuminate your reading materials at night. Get yourself a good LED lamp with adjustable light settings since LEDs last longer than traditional bulbs. Some even have tri-color options so you can choose between bright and soft lighting depending on your mood.
If you’re wondering what to bring to college to help you study, it should be one of your top choices. LED lamps let you focus light on your papers and keep it away from sleeping roommates. Sometimes, you’ll have to burn the midnight oil by yourself!
Our pick: Addtam LED Desk Lamp
10. Diffuser
Aromatherapy can calm you by relieving stress during hectic weeks. Pop a few drops of your favorite scents to soothe your nerves while on your reading break. Some essential oils can even help you sleep and reduce tension. You’re becoming your own man now, and part and parcel of that is making your space enjoyable instead of just livable.
Another reason to get a diffuser is to make your room smell better. If you bunk with an athlete, it’ll quickly become one of your dorm room essentials. Grab scents like lavender because they relieve jitters and prove you care about smelling good.
Our pick: ASAKUKI 300ML Essential Oil Diffuser
11. Vacuum Cleaner
Clean your dorm room like your life depends on it, because sometimes it does. Having a clean space to sleep, study and relax is more important than many think. Use a vacuum cleaner to tidy around your room. Sweep under your bed and work around other high-traffic areas where dust can quickly accumulate. If your dorm floor has inspections, this tool will be one of your college essentials.
Bonus Tip: Get a cordless handheld vacuum cleaner if your budget allows it. It’s typically easier to store due to the smaller size, and you won’t have to worry about cords that can tangle and trip you while cleaning.
Our pick: Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum
12. Underbed Storage Bins
Space maximization is the name of the game when it comes to dorm room storage space. Make use of every available inch in your part of the room by getting storage bins. You can stow unneeded items under your bed in a flash. Keeping things organized is a great way to reduce clutter around your room. It’s also an excellent way to maintain a healthy environment to study and rest.
Bonus Tip: Get storage bins with lids and stack them. Use them for fragile items or stow them in your dorm closet to maximize space.
Our pick: Budding Joy 90L Under Bed Storage Containers
13. Nightstand
A dorm nightstand is among the underrated college essentials, and you’ll be happy after getting one. This area provides safe storage for your phone, wallet and keys as you get your nightly rest. Plus, it stores things every guy should have in his bedroom, such as smart plugs or a flashlight.
Our pick: Fixwal Night Stand with Charging Station
14. Microwave
The on-campus cafeteria and restaurants are convenient meal options, but they might not always be accessible. Having food and cooking appliances in your dorm is critical if you’re low on cash or don’t have time to wait in line at the mess hall. If you’re wondering what to bring to college, a microwave is among the can’t-miss items.
Just because you’ve started college doesn’t mean you have to lose track of your fitness. Use your dorm room in the mornings to heat meals in your microwave and stay healthy. For instance, use oats with 13 grams of protein per serving to make a quick oatmeal.
Our pick: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven
15. Shower Shoes
Your dorm may have a lone shower room instead of individual bathrooms in each suite. If you must share, put shower shoes on your college dorm checklist. Your friends and roommates might not have the cleanest habits, so don’t underestimate what’s on the shower floors. These shoes will protect your feet from the worst contaminants.
Our pick: Xomiboe Shower Shoes
16. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Midterm and final exams mean it’s time to lock in and focus on studying. However, some guys down the hall are thwarting your plans by having a party. How do you expect to concentrate and memorize your notes? You’ll need noise-canceling headphones to block out the world and keep your attention on your studies.
Plus, they’re great for playing video games and escaping the world for a while. If you’re homesick, play something that’ll make you feel more at home. For example, you may want nostalgic games like The Legend of Zelda or Mario Kart: Wii.
Our pick: Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise-Canceling Headphones
17. Picture Hanging Strips
Decorating your dorm room is one of the freshman essentials because you can let your personality blossom. However, don’t expect your RA to let you use a hammer and nails to hang posters. Instead, you’ll need picture hanging strips that won’t damage the walls and necessitate repairs every fall. As a bonus, they’re much easier to use than traditional tools.
Our pick: Command Variety Pack
18. Laundry Bag
If you live close to home, you might do your laundry at your parents’ house. However, everybody else must find alternative solutions at their dorm or laundromat. Regardless, laundry bags are dorm room essentials to transport your clothes and encourage cleanliness. Otherwise, you’ll be up to your eyeballs in dirty clothes as you walk to the laundry room.
Our pick: Dalykate Backpack Laundry Bag
19. Mini Fridge
While food is essential, you can’t forget the beverages. Room temperature bottled water can only be palatable for so long! You’ll need a mini fridge to store your Dr. Pepper, apple juice and milk. This appliance keeps your drinks cold, and you can store small foods like yogurt and produce.
Our pick: Upstreman 3.2 Cubic-Foot Mini Fridge with Freezer
20. First-Aid Kit
Accidents can happen, so don’t underestimate the likelihood in your dorm room. First-aid kits are essential college supplies if you fall off your bed or get a nasty paper cut. Your university may have an on-campus primary care facility, but don’t count on 24-hour operations. Don’t take any chances.
Our pick: Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First-Aid Kit
Getting the College Dorm Essentials
Spending time away from home and family can be full of challenges, but it’s part of being a young man. Enjoy what college has to offer instead of just surviving it. Preparing everything you need in your college dorm checklist is a great way to kick-start your new living experience.
Originally posted 12/15/2023 – Updated 07/18/2025
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Author
With almost 10 years of experience writing about cars, gear, the outdoors and more, Oscar Collins has covered a broad spectrum of topics during his time as a blogger and freelancer. Oscar currently serves as the editor-in-chief of Modded, which he founded to spread his love of cars with an international audience. He's committed to providing high-quality content on a regular basis with readers across the world. You can find his work on Auto News, Gizmodo, Esquire and similar publications.
