The Essential Dorm Room Checklist

Moving into a dorm for the first time is an exciting milestone, but it requires careful planning to ensure you have everything you need. You may or may not need the items on this list, but hopefully it gives you a starting point and guide. To help you prepare, here's a comprehensive checklist of essentials, along with links to the top-rated items.

Bedroom Essentials:

  1. Twin XL bedding set - Bare Home Twin XL Sheet Set

  2. Mattress pad or topper - LUCID 3-inch Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper - Twin XL

  3. Headboard Wedge Pillow - WOWMAX Large Headboard Pillow

  4. Blankets or throws - Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Blanket

  5. Bedside locker/table - Novogtaz Cache Metal Locker

  6. Bedside lamp or desk lamp - Gooseneck Organizer Desk Lamp

  7. Alarm clock or smartphone with alarm function - Digital Alarm Clock with USB Charger Port

  8. Under-bed storage bins - Sterilite Underbed Storage Bin

  9. Closet organizers - Simple Houseware Closet Organizer

  10. Laundry basket or hamper - Simple Houseware Laundry Hamper

  11. Over-the-door hooks - Over the Door Hooks

  12. Fan or small portable air conditioner - IRIS USA WOOZOO Fan with Remote

Study Supplies:

  1. Laptop or desktop computer - Apple MacBook Air or HP - Envy x360 2-in-1

  2. Power strip with surge protection - GE 6 Outlet Surge Protector

  3. Desk organizer or caddy - SimpleHouseware Mesh Desk Organizer

  4. Notebooks, binders, and folders - Five Star Spiral Notebooks

  5. Backpack or tote bag - AmazonBasics Laptop Backpack

  6. Printer with ink cartridges and paper - HP DeskJet 2755 Wireless All-in-One Printer

  7. Desk chair or cushion - AmazonBasics Classic Leather Office Chair

  8. Calendar or planner - 2024-2025 Academic Planner

Kitchen and Dining Essentials:

  1. Mini-fridge - BLACK+DECKER BCRK17B Compact Refrigerator

  2. Microwave - Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Microwave Oven

  3. Coffee maker or electric kettle - Coffee Maker

  4. Microwave-safe food storage containers - AmazonBasics Glass Locking Food Storage Containers

  5. Can opener and basic kitchen tools - Multifunction Can Opener

  6. Snacks and non-perishable food items - Ultimate Snack Care Package

  7. Water bottle or reusable drinkware - Contigo Autoseal Water Bottle

Personal Care and Hygiene Items:

  1. Shower caddy or tote - Attmu Mesh Shower Caddy

  2. Towels - AmazonBasics Quick-Dry Towel Set

  3. Shower sandals or flip-flops - adidas Adilette Shower Slide Sandal

  4. Toiletries - Dove Men+Care Complete Care Gift Set

  5. Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss - Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush

  6. Hairbrush or comb, hair dryer - Conair Double Ceramic Hair Dryer

  7. Skincare products - CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

  8. First aid kit - First Aid Only All-Purpose First Aid Kit

Miscellaneous Items:

  1. Extension cords and extra electrical outlets - GE 6 Outlet Wall Plug Adapter

  2. Command hooks or adhesive strips - Command Large Utility Hooks

  3. Small toolkit - Cartman General Household Hand Tool Kit

  4. Entertainment options - Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device

  5. Decorative items - Umbra Hangit Photo Display

  6. Umbrella or raincoat - SY COMPACT Travel Umbrella

  7. Portable speaker or headphones - JBL Clip 3 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

  8. Important documents - AmazonBasics Clear Sheet Protectors

This checklist covers most of the essentials that you'll need for a smooth transition into dorm life. With these items in hand, you'll be well-prepared to tackle your first semester and beyond.