Top 20 Favorite College Dorm Room Essentials
Sharing tips from past high school seniors.
If you are a high school senior or the parent of a high school senior you are already thinking about dorm decor and essentials you will need. It is so exciting to decorate a new space. I love browsing all the stylish dorm decor accounts on Instagram but thought I would share a few functional items that make dorm life easier.
For the last 3 years I have asked my seniors what were their favorite gifts, what items they think are must haves, and what they wished they had their first semester as a college freshman. Here is an updated list must have items for your dorm room.
A mattress topper will help you make your bed a cozy place to rest. Let’s face it your bed will be your sanctuary so you want to make it as comfy as possible.
You will need sheets, pillowcases, and duvet or comforter for your bed. You will need to check what size bed your specific dorm will have before purchasing! A popular size is Twin XL. There are great bundles that are affordable and offered in so many colors and styles.
This is great to be able to keep things within reach such as your phone, laptop, water, and more.
Dorm rooms can always use a little more light and desk lamps are great because this type is dimmable to not disturb your roommate and also has usb charging ports. Things that work double duty are great spacesavers.
Dorm rooms are notorious for not having enough plugs. These towers are great because they can be set on a table or shelf and again works double duty as a usb charging station.
You can never have enough storage so having a cute utility cart for your things will help you stay organized and have more things in reach.
These hangers make such a difference helping you fit more clothes in your dorm closet.
These are perfect for hanging up towels, jackets, robes, etc.
Compact steamer for your clothes on the days your have to look their best.
Everyone needs a full length mirror to check the outfit on the way out the door. :)
If you are going to school in the south a fan is a must. A fan that you have the option to attach to your bed or table will help you stay cool and adds a little white noise.
By now you see the theme - dorm rooms do not have enough storage and the containers make sure you can utilize the room under your bed.
Towels are a popular gift according to my seniors but they are a must have. :)
Another storage and organization option for your desk.
This may be an item you can’t check off your list until you are able to see your dorm room but most do not have window coverings. You will need to double check the size of curtains you need. Black out curtains and a rod that doesn’t require drilling into the walls will work great.
(small for dorm fridge) Nice to have the convenience of filling your water bottle while in your room.
A quick dry tote caddy for all your bathroom accessories. This one has been a past senior favorite.
Backpack laundry bags are so much easier to carry to the laundry room in the dorm or at home. :) So convenient that it also has storage for laundry supplies also.
These are very sturdy moving bags and great for move in day or additional storage.
Perfect to store your phone, earbuds, remote, etc.
Jamie Loomis is a high school senior and headshot photographer with a photography based in Vass, NC. She offers portrait sessions all over the state of North Carolina including, Pinehurst, Sanford, Southern Pines, Holly Springs, Fayetteville, and the coast of the Carolinas. Her photo sessions have been described as fun, relaxed, natural, and creative. Each session is designed to let your personality and achievements shine. She will work with you closely before and during the session to help with outfits, locations, and posing. Contact Jamie to book your custom senior experience. To see more of Jamie’s work visit her website or check out her most recent work on Instagram.
As a participant in the Amazon Associate Program I may earn from qualified purchases.