40 Dorm Room Essentials to Start the Year Off on a High Note (2024)

With school almost in session, it's time to start planning for the semester ahead, especially if you're in college and need to outfit your dorm room. Whether you’re dealing with the snug dimensions of a smaller space or enjoying the luxury of larger housing, proper preparation is key to navigating dorm life successfully. To help smooth the sometimes stressful transition, we’ve curated a collection of practical yet stylish dorm room essentials to make any space a little more cozy and personalized. And don’t worry, our curated guide of essentials works for both upperclassmen returning to campus as well as freshmen adjusting to a new place.

From not-so-glamorous musts like a water filter and an air purifier to the more fun accessories, including soft sheets, wall art, and organizational products, we've compiled a list of 40 products to get you ready for what's to come. Just don't wait too long because we can't imagine such beautiful pieces will stay on the shelves for long. Not to mention, some of the goodies on our list, such as a customizable neon sign, take some time to craft. So, what are you waiting for? Your first assignment of the year is to make your college living situation as comfortable, cool, and collected as possible.

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A shower caddy is vital, especially when sharing a bathroom. Now, you can jam out to music, watch videos, or respond to texts with this one's waterproof pouch.

Name something worse than trying to find a plug in a new space. With over 1,400 raving reviews, this small but mighty power tower may be the solution to all of your charging needs.

Gone are the days of lugging around a massive laundry basket to the washing machines, hoping the handles won't snap off under all that weight. This backpack makes trips to the laundry room so much easier. It even features a convenient pocket for your detergent. Whether you choose to carry this nylon laundry hamper as a backpack or by its sturdy handles, its collapsible design ensures it won't occupy much space once you're done.

Whether you're dealing with communal showers or just prefer to not walk around the dorm barefoot, you'll need a practical pair of slides. Featuring a non-slip, quick-drying design, these lightweight slippers will help keep your feet comfortable and dry.

For students who'd rather study at home than in the library, this table lamp is a must. With three color temperatures and five brightness levels, this space-saving LED lamp is the perfect addition to your desk. You can even charge your phone with its USB charging port, prop your phone, or conveniently set a 30 or 60-minute timer.

Make sure you take all precautions to stay healthy in your dorm, where germs can, indeed, run rampant. This air purifier is designed to clean a space of up to 1,095 square feet every hour, effectively removing pollen, dust, and dander. It also features a sleep mode for quiet operation during the night, ensuring you breathe pure air while you sleep.

No matter your mattress preferences, experiencing a memory foam mattress firsthand reveals its benefits—you'll only truly appreciate it after a good night's sleep. It notably alleviates back pain and promotes proper alignment. Take advantage of the sale and choose this editor-approved option for the sleep you've been dreaming of.

The great thing about this vacuum is that it's cordless and portable, which means no more fuss with any wires when trying to maneuver it around your space. It also comes with detachable heads, making it way easier for you to get into every crevice.

Anything from Barefoot Dreams is worth a spot in your home, especially this robe. Don't let the price intimidate you because the machine-washable knit will last for years on end. Whether you use robes post-shower or for lounging, this snuggly pick will keep you so warm you won't ever want to take it off.

Trust us, your necklaces and earrings look way better stored away in a sleek jewelry box than they do scattered on the nightstand. Available in various colors with four tiers that work for any small accessories, this beautiful organizer is a good find for $40.

Make your mark in your dorm with this customizable neon sign. Offered in eight different sizes and 10 colors, there are plenty of ways you can express yourself. Plus, the LED light is environmentally friendly and is made to last up to 10 years.

Take your power nap to the next level with this elevated headboard. Not only is it made for easy installment with its strategically placed command strips, but its soft padding will allow for comfortable lounging while you charge up your devices. Say goodbye to clunky extension cords.

Thanks to this fun planner, you can keep your busy schedule organized. Plan ahead with 17 months of coverage, set your goals, and even get creative with the pages of colorful stickers.

"I relied on this compact coffee maker throughout my entire college journey," Le emphasizes. "It seamlessly fit in any dorm or housing situation I had and likely saved me hundreds of dollars at Starbucks, which was absolutely essential given my tight student budget."

What's another solution for clutter-free living you may wonder? This XXL underbed storage with wheels. With a generous capacity for bulky clothing, bedding, or shoes, this sturdy metal drawer supports up to 66 pounds, ensuring durability and strength. The transparent PVC lid also allows easy identification of contents while keeping dust and moisture out.

"This Brita has been a staple in my kitchen since college, and now, five years later, it’s gotten even smarter with a built-in filter indicator that tells you when it's time for a change,” contributing writer Amanda Le says. Just remember to refill it regularly, especially if you share it with others.

Clamp this portable fan on your bed, desk, or anywhere you need extra airflow. With its powerful wind capabilities and quiet operation, you'll find it indispensable wherever you go.

During your college years, first impressions count, so don't overlook any wrinkles. This steamer features a 9.2-foot cord and a generous water capacity, guaranteeing effortless steaming. Its compact design also makes it ideal for travel.

"The Boll & Branch signature comforter set is a bit of a splurge, but it’s worth every penny for dorm life," Editorial Director Joanna Saltz says—she bought it for her son at college. "For starters, it's made from a signature breathable cotton, which is exactly what you need in hard-to-predict indoor climates (it's cooling when it's hot out, and super-cozy when it's freezing)." Not to mention, this set comes in stain-forgiving colors and is completely machine washable, for those who live in sloppier settings. The smartest hack: Size up and get the full/queen (instead of the twin XL)—it's just the right length to cover messy under-the-bed storage.

You can never have too many hangers—choose these elegant velvet ones to keep your clothes from slipping. Plus, these are super sleek, so you can really pile them on the hanging rod without running out of room.