Life-changing College Dorm Room Essentials

If you clicked on this post you may be wondering what to pack for your college dorm. Without a list of college dorm room essentials, you can feel lost. Stay tuned for a free college dorm room essential checklist.

DISCLAIMER: By reading this post you are aware that it may contain affiliate links which could grant me commission.

To make it easier, I have compiled a list of my top 10 college dorm essentials to help you get started!

Moving to college can be a rocky road, especially if you’ve never lived on your own before.

So let’s stop blabbing and get started on our college dorm room essentials!

1. A Mattress Pad

To begin, you’re going to have to make your bed comfortable. Trust me, beauty sleep is a necessity. Those twin XL dorm beds are definitely something to get used to.

In my opinion this is the MOST IMPORTANT part of college dorm room essentials

This mattress pad from Amazon saved my back during the school year, so I could catch some Z’s amongst the madness.

2. Bed Risers

Along with your common bed essentials, you’re also going to need some bed risers. TRUST ME on this one. These things are life changers.

Listen, dorm rooms are small. My roommate and I could hold hands from our beds.

These bed risers from Amazon will save you space so you can shove dressers and storage bins under your bed and away from the eyes of your friends!

3. Extension Cords

Since your bed has most likely increased in height, an extension cord is a must have. Multiple, to be exact.

You’re not going to want to leave your bed to charge your phone on the ground with your short charger or throw a fit when your desk is so far from the nearest outlet.

Invest in multiple extension cords around your room, so you can plug in all your electronics with ease.

These surge protected extension cords from Amazon saved my sanity throughout the school year.

4. Microwave

Now that we have our extension cords, we can plug in the next necessity… a microwave!!

Yes, a fridge and TV are great but the microwave is where it’s at. There are so many easy microwave meals, gadgets, and recipes. When your dining hall sucks, the ramen and mac&cheese come in handy.

I used this BLACK+DECKER microwave from Target for my dorm with no problem. Make sure to check the wattage guidelines of your dorm before purchasing!

5. BBW Wallflowers

Now if you happen to use your microwave for too long while making popcorn, resulting in your room smelling burnt. Don’t worry there’s a solution.

The Bath and Bodyworks Wallflowers.

These things are life changers. My room always received compliments for smelling like fresh cut lilacs and snicker doodles.

You don’t want to be known as the person with a smelly room. Purchase some here:

become snazzy

6. Fan

Along with your fresh smelling room, you’re going to want some air circulation.

There is absolutely no temperature control in dorm rooms. Your only hope is the window.

Purchase this desk fan from Amazon so you won’t melt, especially during the night.

7. Tracking Device

Speaking of air, keys are sooooo easy to lose. You don’t want to get locked out of your room just from forgetting your key.

I encourage new college students to invest in a tracking device, such as an Apple Air tag from Amazon or Tile, so you can keep your keys in check!

8. Robe

Now if you do get locked out for any reason, especially after a shower you don’t want to be standing in just a towel! This is why I believe a robe is a key necessity for anyone living in a college dorm

If you’re like everyone else, you will most likely have communal bathrooms with nasty showers. Robes make it so you don’t have to change right away or walk around in a towel.

I suggest you buy a robe like this one from Amazon

9. Brita

Another key essential to keep yourself healthy is water! I highly suggest purchasing a Brita filter to keep your water clean and plentiful in your dorm room.

You can purchase the Brita filter: here from Amazon