The Ultimate College Dorm Room Essentials Checklist for First-Year Students & Where to Buy Them

BEST MATTRESS

Tuft & Needle Original Mattress

A reliable mattress is a necessity that many overlook when planning a checklist for college. They can use the provided dorm mattress, but often, it’s not comfortable, leading to all-night tossing and turning. Luckily, Tuft & Needle offers the Original Mattress, which provides ample support for a restful night’s sleep for your hard-working college students. The mattress is crafted with T&N’s Flex Foam, which firms as they settle into bed, making it adaptive to them. It also includes cooling technology to beat the summer dorm room heat.

BEST SHEET SET

Room Essentials Microfiber Sheet Set

Parents report that these sheets are soft and fit dorm room beds perfectly! The set is crafted from a microfiber construction and brushed for softness. You get one fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and a pillowcase.

Pottery Barn Teen Essential Backrest Pillow Insert

This backrest pillow insert provides a comfortable resting spot for watching TV or doing homework on the bed. It’s supportive and made from a fluffy down-alternative that’s 100% hypoallergenic and made from recycled materials. You can also purchase a decorative cover for the pillow, which is sold separately.

BEST COMFORTER

DormCo Solid Glacier Gray Full Comforter

The DormCo Solid Glacier Gray Full Comforter has a cozy, oversized feel to it, which complements any bed. It has a soft, plush feel that remains even after washing.

BEST PEN HOLDER

Sallurna 360° Rotating Pen Holder

This pen holder keeps all of their utensils organized in one place. It has a wide opening that’s also large enough to keep scissors in place. Better yet, it rotates!

BEST DESK MAT

Brightroom Non-Slip Rollup Desk Mat

This roll-up desk mat adds sleek vibes to their workspace. Plus, it protects the dorm’s furniture from spills, scratches, and more! The mat is made from soft, rubbery materials that are easy to clean and sanitize.

BEST DESK CALENDAR

Threshold Rubber Wood Desk Calendar

This natural wood calendar is perfect for college students, as it’s minimal and helps them keep track of the days, ensuring they meet all their deadlines on time.

Post-it Dispenser Wave White

How handy is this Post-it Dispenser? It holds 3′ x 3′ notes and dispenses them when you reach for one. The dispenser comes with one notepad.

BEST STORAGE CART

The Container Store 3-Tier Rolling Cart Juniper

If there’s one thing that should be at the top of your dorm packing list, it’s this rolling cart. It offers three tiers that keep their laundry, bath, or closet items organized and in one place.

BEST CLOTHING STORAGE

Bright room 3 Drawer Wide Cart White

When your kid’s dorm lacks storage, they will likely need additional space to store their clothes. That’s where this three-drawer cart comes in handy. It has a wide composition, so it holds more. Additionally, it rolls, allowing them to organize it in their space how they prefer.

HomeHacks Storage 3-Pack Clothes Organizer Storage Bags

These storage bags are easy to tuck under the bed and are a convenient way to keep out-of-season items near but out of main storage areas. Each bin is made from premium polypropylene non-woven fabric, which is breathable, moisture-proof, and dust-proof. They also have reinforced seams and three layers of fabric for durability.

Room Essentials 18pk Everyday Washcloths

This 18-pack of washcloths will last them the entire school year! They are soft and durable in the wash, and the color doesn’t fade through wash cycles.

BEST TOWEL SET

Room Essentials 6pc Bath Towel Bundle Set

Shoppers say that these towels are “absorbent, yet quick drying.” They’re also incredibly soft, so they don’t irritate the skin.

BEST SHOWER CADDY

Room Essentials Shower Caddy

The Room Essentials Shower Caddy is a bestseller for a reason: It’s a simple solution for carrying all of your shower necessities to and from the bathroom. Plus, you can toss it out at the end of the year when it gets too worn and used.

BEST SHOWER SOES

Crocs Adult Slides Summer Sandals<br><a href="https://www.target.com/p/crocs-adult-slides/-/A-91814790?preselect=91814823#"></a>

The number one rule of communal showers is to never enter them with bare feet. They can be a breeding ground for all sorts of nasty infections, so shower shoes are a must. These Crocs slides are perfect for the job, and they’re on sale for just $20 at Target.

BEST LAMP

Organizer Task Lamp

You’ll need a little lamp for all of those late-night study sessions, and this one comes with organization stations to help keep things neat and tidy.

BEST LIGHTS

100ft LED Strip Lights

Dorms are often cold and stale feeling so some cozy lights really make the whole space feel more like home. We love these because you can change the color of the lights to fit your mood.

MUST-HAVE

Command Clear Variety Pack

OK, these aren’t technically decor, but if you plan on hanging up any picture frames on your wall, you’ll need to use something like these removable Command hooks to avoid any damage fees when you leave the dorm.

BEST LAUNDRY BASKET

Collapsible Laundry Bag

Whatever you do, do not buy one of those flimsy mesh laundry baskets (see here) that are on every dorm essentials list. They are cheap and will break within the first week of using them! Instead, opt for a sturdier option with heavy-duty handles to make transporting your laundry easier.

Tower Surge Protector Power Strip 10 ft

Dorms seem to have outlets in the most inconvenient places. A power strip like this will give you more outlets and make it easier to plug things in without cords running all across your dorm room floor.

Closet Organizer Hangers

Space is top priority in a dorm room, and these hangers allow you to maximize space by taking advantage of the vertical room in your closet or wardrobe.