Whether you’re a freshman or a seasoned upperclassman ready to tackle another year, packing for college can be a huge endeavor.
Although it’s been over a year since I graduated from the University of Missouri, going on college visits with my younger brother has got me thinking about college living.
Here’s a list of awesome products and college essentials to turn your dorm room into an organized (and functional) haven. Just click on the blue underlined text to shop!
*post includes affiliate links
A Second Set of Sheets
Who likes doing laundry all the time? I know I don’t!
That’s why a second set of sheets is a dorm essential.
Having a fresh set of cozy sheets will make your bed your ultimate refuge after a long day of classes, study sessions, and hangouts.
Everyone has their own preference, but I’m partial to basic colored bedsheets and this Cannon twin sheet set fits the bill!
They are 100% cotton percale and have a 200-thread count.
Bed Risers
Dorm rooms are often limited in space, so why not maximize it?
Bed risers are a secret weapon — they give you some extra room to stow away those storage bins, suitcases, and other goodies while keeping your bed looking clean and tidy.
I like these CreativeWare bed risers because they are adjustable. Sometimes, you need just a little more space.
A Shower Tote
Navigating communal showers can be a bit tricky, but fear not! A shower tote is your answer.
It’s ideal for transporting all your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and other bathroom essentials with ease. Just grab it and go!
It’s really a matter of personal preference and space. A plastic portable shower caddy, like the Slopheill caddy, stands up better than mesh shower totes.
The handle of a plastic caddy can also serve to hold hand towels and washcloths. It can be easier to hang mesh shower totes from suction cups or wall hooks.
You should also consider that mesh caddies, like the Lifewit caddy, can collapse to fit into a tight storage space better than hard-side plastic shower caddies.
Personally, a mesh tote best fit what I needed.
Shower Shoes
Speaking of dorm showers, there is nothing more gross than walking around with bare feet.
Whether it’s germs or infections, you have no idea what’s been left behind.
Trust me, you and everyone else will thank you for having a trusty pair of shower shoes.
These cloud slides are made for both women and men. Not only do they have a soft, comfy, and thick sole but they are also quick drying.
Dorm showers can be a bit unpredictable, but you can stay on top of your hygiene game with a.
Slip into these flip-flop wonders and walk with confidence, knowing you’re protecting your feet from the unknown.
A Makeup Mirror
Let’s be honest… people are not going to feel inclined to do their makeup in a shared bathroom which leaves you doing your makeup at your desk.
You are going to want to make sure that you are properly lighted and can actually see what you are doing.
This compact vanity mirror is a bestseller!
It features both 1x and 10x magnification. It also has a 360-degree fluorescent surround light!
A Good Fan
A good fan is always a good thing to have. And whether you’re dealing with street noise or loud roommates, it helps drown out noise to help you sleep at night.
Having a fan also help circulate air through your room. Especially when some dorms don’t have AC!
I found this 3-speed oscillating tower fan that can pack a punch and quickly cool off a room.
It’s nice that there is a remote control as well!
A Thermos For On-The-Go
Late-night study sessions? Early morning classes?
A thermos is your ticket to keeping your favorite beverage or on-the-go meal hot and ready whenever you need a pick-me-up.
For a cup of coffee or tea, I’m partial to the STANLEY classic vacuum bottle.
It keeps your drink temperature regulated for 24 hours and the insulated lid doubles as a cup!
Now, if you are in a rush and need to eat on the go, I recommend the Thermos Stainless Steel Food Jar.
It’s easy to carry around AND it comes with a spoon.
A Toolkit
Life happens… and so do loose screws, wobbly furniture, and inconvenient incidents.
That’s exactly why a toolkit is helpful (and why I had one from freshman to senior year!).
It’s great to have a tool kit hand, especially if you don’t want to wait for the maintenance crew.
I’m going to be completely honest, I am going off of what my dad recommended for this pick. This DNA Motoring kit has “everything a kid would need”.
There’s also this pink one that’s compact and filled with all of these essentials.
Just keep track of what you have because other people on your floor will want to borrow them quite a bit, and they may not always make it back.
A Mini Safe
A mini safe is a game-changer for your dorm room. While we would all like to think our items are safe where we keep them, that isn’t always the case.
Having a secure space for your important documents, medications, and other valuables is vital.
I found this five-star-rated safe and lock box with an electronic keypad, a lock and a fireproof exterior. It’s not half bad at just under $43.
A Sleep Mask
Having roommates can mean differing schedules.
My freshman roommate would leave the light on every time she left for her 8 AM class.
Trust me, a comfy sleep mask will be your secret weapon for slipping into dreamland, no matter the time of day.
I discovered this customer top-rated BeautyBio sleep mask met and thought it looked like a great pick. The eye gels are hydrolyzed and collagen-infused which will leave you looking refreshed.
A Good Pair of Headphones
Whether you’re jamming to your favorite tunes, attending virtual classes, or simply seeking a moment of solitude, a good pair of headphones is a surefire way to create your very own space.
A good pair of headphones can get expensive pretty quickly.
But if you are looking for a quality option that doesn’t break the bank. take a look at the Skullcandy Noise-Canceling Headphones.
A Bedside Shelf
Turn your bed into a multitasking hub with this super helpful bedside organizer.
I loved to find quiet spots to study on campus, but there were definitely times I chose to stay in bed to study — which is where this organizer came in handy.
It’s the perfect spot for your phone, a book, a glass of water, or even some late-night snacks.
Everything you need is right within arm’s reach.
I hope that this list of college essentials makes packing a little bit easier.
Remember, college is all about making memories, learning, and growing, so make your dorm room a cozy space where you can unwind and recharge.
From my college experience to yours,
Kylie
College essentials. And more. College essentials. College essentials. And more.College essentials.
