Don't Forget to Buy These 25 Dorm Room Essentials Before They Leave for College
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When my daughter got to college two years ago, I thought we packed all the dorm room "essentials" she could need. She had a mattress topper , new bedding, storage containers, and a laptop. But despite our best efforts, she was still missing a few necessities, which led to frequent texts asking me to send things to her dorm.
These days, I have a much clearer sense of which dorm essentials she'll actually use day to day—and which ones end up collecting dust. To round out my list, I checked in with some of her friends and fellow moms of college students for their input. My biggest takeaway? College kids can never have too many fans.
1) Dreo Smart Fan for Bedroom
Why it's worth it:I purchased my daughter a small clip-on fan for her bed, but she needed a bigger one. The older dorms in her building get super warm on the upper floors—even in the middle of winter.
Why we like this one:Dreo has several models in best fans roundups, and the brand won a Good Housekeeping Home Reno Award in recent years. I have this specific model in my living room right now and love that it oscillates in multiple different directions.
This specific model also glows an assortment of LED colors, so college kids can add some ambiance to their room without hanging up string lights.
2) Command Assorted Strips and Hangers
Why it's worth it:Already added these to your list? Add more; they'll probably need way more than you think. Also, if they want to hang up twinkle lights, these small hooks are key.
Why we like this one:These hooks will allow college kids to hang up art (and even towels!) without putting holes in the walls. Of course, just always check the weight capacity for each hook. Also, trust me from experience, use Command hooks instead of that putty option to save yourself the damage fees or hours of removal time.
3) SY Compact Travel Umbrella
Why it's worth it:If your college kid has classes across campus during a rainstorm, they'll need an umbrella (and they probably won't remember it until the first day it pours).
Why we like this one:It's lightweight; plus, our team was impressed by the automatic button that opens and closes the canopy.
4) WEILAILUX Cordless Mushroom Table Lamp
Why it's worth it:According to my 20-year-old, twinkle lights are out and lamps are in. Was that just an excuse for her to get a bit of a room refresh this year? Maybe. But she says that kids love a lamp that gives off a soft glow, so they can turn off those harsh overhead lights.
Why we like this one:Aside from the adorable mushroom shape, this one doesn't have to be constantly plugged in, which is key when outlet space is at a premium. Instead, it's rechargeable, and they can even take it with them for camping or study sessions in the library.
5) HAOYUNTE Tension Rods for Windows
Why it's worth it:Their dorm probably has built-in mini blinds, but they might want to add some curtains for personality.Just make sure to get them a removable tension rod so they don't put screws into their drywall and cause damage.
Why we like this one:This rod fits spaces from 28 to 48 inches and can be installed in less than a minute. You can get it in black, silver, and white, and there are smaller and larger lengths available if their dorm has nonstandard-sized windows.
6) Samsonite Freeform Hardside
Why it's worth it:Don't forget about luggage. Sure, my kid was going to school a short drive away, but a suitcase is necessary for weekend trips home for the holidays.
Why we like this one:This is our overall pick for best lightweight luggage, which means it can store in the back of their closet or under their bed when they aren't using it. It's carry-on size so it is also great for kids who are flying back and forth to their school.
7) Amazon Basics MagSafe Compatible 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station
Why it's worth it:That Apple Watch charger always has a way of disappearing, but this MagSafe device can give that a boost along with their phone and AirPods all at the same time.
Why we like this one:Charging cords have a tendency to disappear when someone needs to borrow them, but they are less likely to loan out something that powers all their devices. Plus, this only needs one outlet instead of three.
8) SentrySafe Fireproof Safe Box with Key Lock
Why it's worth it:If they are sharing a room, a safety box for their valuables is a smart idea. Not only can they keep their passport, cash, and expensive jewelry inside, but also any medications.
Why we like this one:This one is probably a bit overkill for a dorm, but it is fire-safe to keep important documents protected, and I've personally had this one for ages so they'll be able to keep it well after college. It uses a key that they can keep hidden away until they need it.
9) Athena Collection Small Ottoman with Storage
Why it's worth it:Having a space to sit is always a nice benefit, even if it is just so they can put on their shoes. Plus, they can store extra blankets or small items inside.
Why we like this one:Shopping Editor Jessica Dukes got this one for her daughter after she raised her bed up as high as it would go. It not only worked as additional seating, but also as a sturdy step up to the high mattress.
10) Hatch Restore 3
Why it's worth it:Without an adult around to yell at them when they're going to be late for school, they'll likely be relying on their phones as an alarm. But that can be tempting for doom-scrolling, which is why an analog alarm clock like this one is key.
Why we like this one:My daughter loves the customizable features on this clock that allow her to create a healthy sleep routine. It even has a built-in white noise machine, which can be so necessary for a noisy dorm.
11) Amazon Basics LED Puck Lights
Why it's worth it:We learned a few things freshman year when my daughter was on the crew team: one was that her roommate didn't appreciate the lights being on at 4:30 a.m. when my daughter was getting dressed for practice. Small tap lights let off just enough light so you can see what you are doing, without waking up a whole room.
Why we like this one:These affordable puck lights work on batteries, so they don't need to be plugged in. They can fit inside a drawer or a closet so your college student can easily find their items.
12) FENNIO Vanity Mirror with Lights
Why it's worth it:My Gen Z kid says that "everyone" is turning their standard-issue desks into custom vanities at her college, and that starts with an oversized stand mirror.
Why we like this one:If they are making content or just looking for a space with some good lighting to get ready with friends, this mirror has lights built in that can change colors and even act as an extra lamp.
13) PRIMEPATIO Bed Wedge Gap Filler
Why it's worth it:A headboard and a wedge pillow are probably the things my daughter has been most vocal about "needing." Most dorm beds have a large gap between the mattress and the hard wooden headboard, and my kid complains that their pillows, phones, and small items get lost and fall down there.
Why we like this one:This one is simple and affordable, and it can be set up quickly without the need for screws. It even has pockets for remotes or other small bits of tech they want to keep handy.
14) Vaseline Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Lotion, Unscented, 10 fl oz (4 pack) (Bundle)
Why it's worth it:Dorm rooms, particularly the older ones, are often lacking in good ventilation and that can lead to dry skin. Helping to keep their skin moisturized is key, so stock them up beforehand with a budget-friendly pick.
Why we like this one:Our experts deemed this one the best overall body lotion because it is hydrating and quickly absorbs into the skin. Best of all, it is unscented, which makes it a perfect unisex option.
15) Swiffer Sweeper 2-in-1
Why it's worth it:Given the state of her room at home, I wasn't expecting my kid to go through as many cleaning supplies as she did—but products like Clorox Disinfecting Wipes and a Swiffer Sweeper were essential.
Why we like this one:There are fancier mops and brooms out there, but I like this one because it's compact. The dry version picks up fine dust particles while the wet version makes quick work of sticky floor messes. Plus it holds the Good Housekeeping Seal.
16) Homfa 2 Tier Beside Table
Why it's worth it:Dorm space is usually limited, so adding furniture is not always feasible—but if they've got a bit of extra room, a bedside table for storage is nice to have. It's a great place to keep an alarm clock, chargers, and a water bottle.
Why we like this one:This pick is our best nightstand for dorm rooms because it doesn't have a very big footprint—but it does have a spot for books and a drawer to keep smaller items.
17) Tile Life360 Mate Bluetooth Tracker
Why it's worth it:College kids are usually walking across campus for classes and to hang out with friends, which makes it easy for them to lose things along the way (like keys, ID cards, water bottles, etc.).
Why we like this one:While our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute say you can't go wrong with either Tile or AirTags, I love that this Tile already comes with a spot to attach it to a keychain (unlike AirTags that require you to add on a hanger).
18) CraveBox CraveBox
Why it's worth it:Most of my daughter's mid-semester requests were for food (a sentiment I heard from a lot of fellow moms). While her dining plan covers meals, she was after easy snacks and candy.
Why we like this one:This care package has all my daughter's favorite snacks—an assortment of salty and sweet items—which also helps prevent money being spent at the vending machine.
19) Owala SmoothSip Slider
Why it's worth it:You might want to invest in a to-go coffee tumbler that they can take to the cafeteria for refills. Just make sure to write their name on the bottom with a Sharpie so it won't get mixed up with others on campus.
Why we like this one:When the slider of this tumbler is locked correctly, it's leakproof, according to our pros at the Kitchen & Cooking Lab . They also determined that the double-insulated construction can keep warm liquid hot for nearly six hours.
RELATED: I've Tested Almost 40 Travel Mugs This Year Alone—These Are My Favorites
20) Petcube Bites 2 Lite
Why it's worth it:This item stays at home but allows college kids to connect with what they miss most: the family pet. My daughter desperately wanted to see our cat—and with the help of the Petcube, she and her friends gleefully talked to him and gave him treats from an app on her phone.
Why we like this one:While I have to make sure that this is stocked with treats, this one is super easy to set up. As an added bonus, I can monitor my pet while on trips or at work.
21) ORB 2 in 1 Air Purifier and Humidifier
Why it's worth it: Dan DiClerico , director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, said, "Dorm rooms and their surrounding communal spaces tend to be filled with indoor air pollutants, everything from mold and mildew to dust mites and cockroach allergens."
Why we like this one:An air purifier can help clear the air of those contaminants, while the humidifier feature of this two-in-one can help combat dryness when the dorm's heating system starts up during the winter months. This was picked by product analysts and DiClerico as the best value model for a combo air purifier and humidifier. It's ideal for dorms because it's versatile and doesn't take up a lot of space.
RELATED: Best Air Purifier and Humidifier Combos, According to Our Testing
22) Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit
Why it's worth it:Sure, there's likely a health center on campus—but accidents happen, like blisters or small cuts. Make sure they've got their own stash of Band-Aids.
Why we like this one:Our best value first aid kit has a variety of items (like Band-Aids, Neosporin, hand-cleaning wipes, and more)—and it's all compact in a storage case.
23) all Sensitive Fresh Spring Breeze
Why it's worth it:Heading to a dorm means doing their own laundry—and the college kid in your life will probably need plenty of detergent to get them through a semester.
Why we like this one:This detergent is good for kids (like mine!) who are sensitive to other brands.
24) The Container Store 4-Tier Shoe Rack with Adjustable Bars
Why it's worth it:My Vans- and Crocs-collecting kid struggled all freshman year to find space for her beloved footwear. And while we'd opted for an over-the-door model, it didn't really work with her closet, as it kept the older doors from completely shutting properly.
Why we like this one:This shoe rack is the one our experts named the best value, and it can tuck easily into a closet so she can bring all her favorite shoes to school.
25) OXO Good Grips Ice Cube Tray
Why it's worth it:Most dorms don't have room for fancy countertop icemakers, but your kid might still want a way to chill their sodas or coffee during study sessions.
Why we like this one:Our best value ice cube trays are streamlined and easy to stack. Along with lids, these have grooves between the cube molds to help prevent spills from overfilling.
RELATED: Best Ice Cube Trays
Things I wish I hadn't bought
While we forgot to buy and pack some of the above items when she first moved into her dorm, there were some purchases I regretted. Many of them were listed on "dorm essentials" guides, but they went unused or were donated.
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A coffee maker.If your college kid can easily access coffee on campus without having to buy milk and such, they'll probably opt for that instead of the cheap pods in their dorm (I know my daughter did).
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Kitchen supplies.Unless they're living off campus or in a suite where they plan on making their own meals, they probably won't need a ton of dishes, cups, or cookware.
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A mini-fridge. Mini-fridges can be pricey and tough to store over summer breaks. I recommend renting one to save yourself the hassle.
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A large clothes-drying rack.For those with ample space, a clothes-drying rack can be useful—but the one I bought was too big for her dorm room. I brought it back home with me.
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Hard storage containers.Plastic bins are great for moving in and out, but so are collapsible totes (like these blue IKEA-style bags )—and they are easier to store during the school year, given their soft, flexible build.
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Smart home devices.I wanted to send my kid to school with an Alexa device, but her campus policy didn't allow for any additional smart devices, like lightbulbs or home assistants. (According to her school, they can drain the shared dorm Wi-Fi.)
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Too much decor.I spent a lot of money buying art and matching items at HomeGoods, and much of it got replaced throughout the year as my daughter found items that spoke to her personally.
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