Here you will find the ultimate college dorm checklist for guys and girl college students all in one spot. This college dorm list will have everything you need for move in day whether you are a freshman or not.

College Dorm Checklist
Moving to college is fun and exciting but there are many items you will need and this college dorm checklist will help you make your move easier into student housing. Let's start with decorating your dorm room and create a shopping list and college packing list.
Decorating Dorm Tips
For a few design tips start by selecting an inspiration piece like a rug, art, or comforter set. Then build your room design around those colors. Another great inspiration piece is searching for dorm room ideas on Pinterest or check out our chic girls dorm room decor ideas, girly girl college dorm decor ideas or guys dorm room ideas.
Now that you have your inspiration piece let's begin going down the college checklist and picking out items. As you shop online put the items you are considering in your cart. You can print this list when you go to the store or you can order it all online to make your life even easier.
Organizational and Necessity Room Needs
Storage is very important when you live in a small space and is imperative on the dorm room essentials list. Every inch counts so being creative with storing all your stuff will help. When you plan for storage don't forget a place or important documents.
Here is a college dorm list of storage items and necessities.
Dorm Organization Room Needs
Room needs from organization to practical tools. These essentials will style you space too.
Stick Lamp - Room Essentials™
Set on a thin rod with a round base, this table lamp features a drum-shape shade for an elegant look you'll adore. The table lamp comes with a USB port for added convenience and easily lights up with the one-way light setting and socket turn knob rotary switch.
Capello Extra Large Display Digital Alarm Clock with USB
The updated Big Time clock adds USB-C and USB charging plugs to our popular design. Capello Big Time features an extra large 1.8” time display that makes it easy to read from anywhere in the room. The time shines right through the wood grain finish and brings a unique and modern look to your nightstand or desktop.
simplehuman 4.5L Round Step Trash Can
You may need a trash can. Purchase one with a lid to hide your trash. Remember your space is mall so it is nice to have something stylish.
Honeywell® Table Air Circulator Fan
Most dorms do not have ceiling fans so if you are used to a fan then you will want to bring a small fan along.
Ubrands 36"x24" Fashion Board Bulletin Board Black MDF Frame
You will need some push pins for your bulletin board. Consider some fun ones like these wooden pins.
U Brands 16X20 Flat Front Wood Frame Chalkboard Calendar
This wall pop dry erase calendar will make keeping track of your schedule easy. All you do is attach it to the wall and your done.
SUGIFT 3-Tier Rolling Utility Cart with Lockable Wheels
With three deep, high-capacity trays, smooth 360° rolling wheels (two with locks), and a strong, rust-resistant steel frame, this cart offers both function and style. Compact in size but generous in storage, it’s perfect for tight spaces and packed schedules.
10ct Spiral Filament Outdoor String Lights G50 Clear Bulbs - Opalhouse™
What is a dorm room without some fun decorations. Add some string lights to your room for a cool vibe.
Plastic Folding Step Stool
Reinforced construction include: a stronger hinge and more durable anti-slip rubber feet. This popular stool has been completely redesigned from the ground up to be more stable and flatter.
Aromatherapy Oil Diffuser Helix - SpaRoom
This is a personal preference but diffuser are great for dry winter nights. If you catch a cold this small diffuser will keep the air moist and help you breath better.
Weekender Bag - Open Story
Make sure to bring a weekender bag to college for when you plan to go home for a weekend or trips with friends.
Band-Aid Build Your Own First-Aid Kit Designer Bag
This colorful portable first aid kit from the Band-Aid brand, helps make first aid and wound care preparedness easy, and is ideal for various occasions and locations. This customizable first aid kit is great for college and more.
Command 2 hooks, 4 Strips Damage-Free Large Metal Hooks - Brushed Nickel
Command hooks are fabulous for so many things. There are lots of other options to choose from. Use them to hang art, hooks for your rob and laundry bag and so much more.
Handy Solutions 39-Piece Household Tool Kit
You never know when you might need a tool to fix something. A mini took kit is nice to have around.
Sewing Kit Basic Needle and Thread Kit
If you have any mending skills take a small sewing kit with you. It will be handy to attach a button back on.
I have a lamp on the list, but I'd like to share a few tidbits about lamps. Because space is limited, consider a desk lamp that does more than light up the room. You will find lamps with outlets on them and USB ports for your cell phone.
Linens and Laundry Needs
We have talked about practical items that are fun to select, but the real fun is beginning. It's time to select bedding, towels, and more.
Your bed is the second largest item in your room, except for the walls, so pick out something that makes a statement. You can go for a minimalist look like white and a thin stripe, or one big solid color with textured throw pillows.
Now let's dive into linens and laundry from this college dorm checklist.
Dorm Linens and Laundry Needs
Bedding, laundry and much more
Deny Designs Holli Zollinger Junglia Weave Comforter Set Gray
A comforter and duvet set will add design and character to your room.
Solid Performance 400 Thread Count Sheet Set - Threshold™
Twin regular or XL sheets are needed for your bed. Check with your dorm to see if you need XL or not.
Down Alternative Snuggle Pillow
Bring two pillows for the dorm or for each bed in your apartment. T
Pillow-Top Mattress Topper, Luxuriously Soft & Fluffy Thick Mattress Pad
This breathable and silky-soft material will keep you cool and comfortable all night long, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
Animal Print Design Faux Fur Throw
Micropoly Shag Area Rug - Project 62™
Most dorm come with good commercial carpet or hard flooring. A yummy shag rug will be nice on your toes and make your room feel like home.
Solid Bath Towels And Washcloths 6pc - Yorkshire Home
SereneLife Solid Wood Clothes Hangers
These heavy-duty wooden hangers are designed to hold coats, jackets, pants, and dresses with ease. Featuring a sleek natural wood grain finish and notches for hanging camisoles, these hangers provide both functionality and elegance.
Canvas Backpack Laundry Bag
The great thing about a laundry bag is that you can hang it in your closet or behind the door to save space. Then when it is time to do laundry just grab it and head to the washers.
All Mighty Pacs Free Clear Laundry Detergent Pacs
Bring a couple of bottles of laundry detergent to start your dorm life. When you run out of the first bottle add it to your list to pick up at the grocery store.
(2 Pack) all Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets Free Clear for Sensitive Skin, 120 Count
Make sure to have a few boxes of dryer sheets. Again it is nice to start with two boxes.
(2 pack) OxiClean Laundry Stain Remover, 21.5 Ounces
You will need a stain remover. Oxi clean is a good brand but the other brands work great too.
Bathroom Cleaning Caddy Gray - Madesmart
A shower caddy keeps all your toiletries in one place. It is also great to store you cleaning projects.
Scotch-Brite Mini-Travel Lint Roller - 30ct
Mini design makes these lint rollers ultra-portable.
Women's Waffle Robe
Have a robe around for walking down the hall if you have to use a community bathroom. This Waffle Robe from Auden™ lets you lounge in comfort and style.
Women's Palmer Square Toe Thong Flip Flop Sandals
If you are sharing a bathroom with a large group of students bring some shower flip flops to protect your feet. They are also nice to have around to run to your vehicle or go visit friends.
Rubber Wood and Stainless Steel Drying Rack
Some people love having a drying rack for clothing that is delicate. This is a personal preference but I wanted it on the list just in case.
Desk Area
Once you are at college you will need a place to study. A place to get organized and if it looks nice you will love to be there. Your desk area is important. There are many college essentials you can fit onto your desk during the school year.
So add some style to your desk. Pick out things that work with your style and make your study life more comfortable. This college dorm checklist is simply here to guide you so use the posts listed above for ideas on adding style to your desk.
Dorm Desk Essentials
Design your desk in a way that makes you want to spend time there.
Organizer Task Lamp - Room Essentials™
A lamp that allows you to organize is an essential to save space. This one comes in many color.
Pencil Cup with Phone Stand Brown - Threshold™
This pencil holder holds your phone too. What a great idea for when you are using Facetime to call home or study with friends.
Collapsible Lap Desk
A lap desk is great for when you are tired of sitting at your desk. Here you can lay in bed and prop your books up for more study time.
ASUS 14" Full HD Laptop
It is important to bring a laptop to school. ASUS makes many great, affordable laptops.
GE 3-Outlet Surge with 2USB ports
You will need some extra plugs in your dorm room. This one not only gives you more plugs but you have additional spots to plug in your cell phone.
Epson Expression Home XP-4200 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
You will need a printer for college. Look for something that is small. Don't forget the printer cartridges.
Printer Paper Letter Size 20lb 750ct White - Up&Up™
Bring a couple of reams of paper for your printer to get you started.
RUSSELL + HAZEL Acrylic Stapler Gold
Heavy cast clear acrylic combined with gold toned hardware will lend a minimalist, contemporary aesthetic to your work desktop or home décor with this modern russell+hazel stapler.
Swingline Standard Staples
Add some staples to your list for when you need to refill your cute stapler.
Amazon Echo Dot
A great gift for a grad moving to college. An echo dot is useful to help in so many ways.
SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C - 256 GB
Flash drives are sometimes required for classes. Keep a few on hand for when the time arises.
SWISSGEAR Laptop 18" Backpack
You will need a back pack for college. This one can be used for books for staying overnight with a friend.
Kitchenette Area
Living the dorm life means you most likely will not have a kitchen in your room. To create a small kitchenette space with a mini fridge, microwave or air fryer, and storage for a few snacks and maybe breakfast foods.
This area is great for late-night snacks or mornings when you need to grab some breakfast and go. Many of these items on your college dorm room checklist will make your dorm life more comfy and cozy.
Dorm Kitchenette and Household Essential
Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
Space saving single serve mini Keurig is great for any size kitchen or kitchenette area.
Whirlpool 3.1 cu ft Mini Refrigerator - Stainless Steel BCD-88V
Great fridge and freezer to store cold items like milk and frozen desserts.
Hamilton Beach 0.7 Cu. Ft. Black Microwave Oven
A small microwave if allowed in your dorm room or apartment is useful for warming up snacks and quick meals on the go.
Stanley 24oz GO Stainless Steel Quick Flip Water Bottle
Save plastic and space by using an insulated water bottle. Your water will stay cold all day at school and play.
13oz Dipped Stoneware Mug - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
Add some fun to your dorm or apartment the a trending coffee cup to be used with your keurig
20oz Stoneware Wethersfield Cereal Bowl - Threshold™
Keep a few bowls around for cereal in the morning or a dessert at night.
10.5" Stoneware Stella Dinner Plate - Threshold™
Keep a few plates for food in your dorm room.
20pc Flatware Set Silver - Room Essentials™
A few sets of silverware for any breakfast or food items. Have some extra to share food with friends too.
Ziploc Sandwich Bags
Probably the one item you don't realize you will use so much. Ziploc bags are great for food, hair ties and so much more.
Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap Original Scent
A small size of Dawn for cleaning dishes is needed for dorm or apartment life. You can also find these in mini sizes at the Dollar Tree.
Clorox Handi Wipes Multi-Use Reusable Cloths, 6 Count
Dish washing towels that dry quickly and last a long time.
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Honeysuckle Scent Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner - 16oz
This is a favorite all purpose cleaner. Not only does it clean nicely but it smells great.
Microfiber Dust Cloths - 2pk - Made By Design™
Keep a few dust cloths around to use with the multi surface cleaner.
Conclusion
I am so excited for you that you're getting to move away to college or move away for the first time as a college freshman. This college dorm essentials list has everything you will need except your clothes and toiletries.
If you are moving into an apartment this list will help you make an apartment move too but you may have a few extras you will need like other small appliances, furniture, and more
Good luck on your move and feel free to share any items in the comments that we may have missed on this college dorm checklist. This is a great place for us to learn from each other.
Since this post we have added this statement piece to this room and thought you'd like to see it.
Happy Decorating!
It’s difficult to find knowledgeable people in this particular topic, however,
you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Thank you! I lived in a dorm when I was in college and now I have two college age daughters who don’t live in a dorm but they have friends who do. Luckily I have been about to talk to them to get some more current advice. However, I am surprised that a lot has not changed except for technology. 🙂