The Ultimate Guide of Dorm Room Essentials For Girls They Need In College For 2025

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This is the best dorm room essentials for girls guide you can ever find on the internet. These dorm room essentials are everything you need to survive the four years of college.

As you’re moving to college, I’m quite sure how excited you are about finding the best dorm room essentials you need in college. As a recent master’s graduate, I can’t deny the fact that finding the best dorm room essentials was something I was so excited about more than everything else.

Making your dorm room a peaceful, and beautiful space you call home and have everything you need to survive your new life chapter in college just like home where you get everything you need.

This amazing dorm room essentials guide and I’m saying this because it’s amazing and nothing can beat these dorm room essentials for girls. It’s the best and the most comprehensive guide like this one for all the essentials you need for college.

If you’re an incoming freshman, this post is going to be your best matte before starting your dorm room shopping.

As I spent four years in college now, I’ve come across the best and the worst and used all the dorm room essentials I got and couldn’t live without, dorm stuff I didn’t like, and other dorm essentials I regretted months not bringing with me.

What makes this amazing college dorm room essentials guide the best of all is all the products included have been used by me, my best friends in college, and other college girls who swear by every single one.

Not only this, we’ve made sure everything is organized under each section without escaping a thing to make this easier for you.

From dorm room bedding essentials to dorm bedroom essentials, kitchen, bathroom, and even the best college clothes you’ll need.

The reason behind this is to make sure you won’t forget any of these dorm room essentials you need for college and to get your dorm room from drab to fab.

I want to make sure after going through this comprehensive post, you will get everything you need to survive college and make your dorm room your second favorite place you call home.

The Best Dorm Room Essentials

Dorm Room Essentials: Dorm Bedding Essentials

1. Mattress

Let’s talk about dorm mattresses!!!

Most college students think they already have a mattress in their dorms; these mattresses, however, aren’t the best or at least in the best condition they used to be. Dorm mattresses have been used for years by different students.

When I used to be a freshman, I remember my dorm had the worst mattress ever. My roommate’s mattress was okay, but for me, I had to replace it because it was like 80 years old (not joking).

Let me tell you, buying a new mattress isn’t as expensive as everyone is saying unless you want a hotel-like mattress.

 I used my relatives’ money as a high school graduation gift to get this Linenspa memory innerspring mattress. I love it and have used it throughout my four years of college.

When I moved to my first college apartment with my friends Aria and Hannah, they told me about the mattresses they got out of Amazon, and they really love them.

Vibe 12” Memory foam mattress This was Hannah Mattress, and let me tell you, it’s so comfy. I haven’t been a fan of foam mattresses before, but when I tested them out, I couldn’t even remember why I didn’t like them before.

6 Inch Twin XL Mattress This was Aria’s mattress, and she said it’s the best investment she ever made. She gave it to her sister who will be a freshman in college this year.

2. Mattress Topper

This is the best and one of the must-have dorm room essentials every college student should get.

I can’t stop talking about it as it’s one of the best dorm room essentials I’ve ever got for college.

No matter how good and high-quality your mattress is, I promise you’ll need to get this Mattress Topper. It should be on the top of your dorm room essentials list.

Dorm mattresses are so hard and harsh. Even though I got a really good mattress (trying to avoid using my old dorm mattress), You’ll end up tired every morning from having the worst sleep ever.

Also, I can’t forget to mention you’ll end up having serious back problems and using back pain batches to release pain like an old 65 years woman (that’s how I felt).

I knew I had to invest in a mattress topper. I literally got one by the end of my freshman year (how stupid) because I got sick of having terrible sleep, and back pain issues that affected my everyday routine, especially my final exams.

This 3“ Memory foam mattress topper is just amazing. It helped me sleep all night without waking up every single minute.

And my body wasn’t aching when I wake up in the morning. I literally kept recommending it to all my roommates and everyone I met.

 Believe it or not, people don’t get mattress toppers because they don’t think they need them.

3. Mattress Cover

I highly recommend getting a mattress cover to just protect yourself from those who’ve been using the mattress before you (you get what I mean, right 😉 ).

It should be on your dorm room essentials list.

I got a mattress cover for mine even though I bought it because I wanted to cover my mattress, and I used it throughout my four college years.

4. Bed Sheets

Another must-have dorm room essentials for girls are bed sheets.

I highly recommend sticking with white bed sheets for your dorm. I just think they are easy to clean.

Also, I don’t recommend getting an extra white bed sheet set just because you actually don’t need them.

Trust me, once you undo your bed sheets out of their cover, you won’t be able to fit them again, and that will cause you storage issues.

I’ve never had an issue washing the bed sheets and waiting for them to dry to cover my bed again. The only issue I had is dom storage issues, as that’s what I cared about.

If you disagree with me and think you can’t stand your bed uncovered, get an extra one. It’s all up to your personal preference.

I got these amazing bed sheets from Target, and I really love them.

As I moved to my first apartment, I’m using this bed set from Amazon that is really amazing and of good quality.

It has a twin XL size and has different colors if you don’t like the typical white sheets.

5. Bed Suspenders

This is one of the dorm room essentials you think you don’t need until you get it. Let’s talk about these amazing bed suspenders.

When I moved to college, I had no idea what bed suspenders were, and I didn’t want to get them, although a lot of people recommended them.

You need these bed suspenders because they will keep your mattress topper in place no matter what and prevent it from falling off.

I really suffered from this issue. My mattress topper falls off every time I sleep and keep turning, or when I come out of bed, it comes with it.

I got these bed suspenders for like 8$, and they changed my life. I stopped worrying about sitting on my bed and every time I move or try to fix my sheets, it comes with it. Uggh, so annoying.

They’ll ensure your sheets stay on the bed so your mattress topper won’t come off as your sheets are so tight on the bed.

6. Sleeping Pillows

One of the most forgotten freshman dorm room essentials for girls is getting a nice, good pillow for your college dorm room bed.

I know most college students bring their own pillow from home. Leave your pillow at home, so when you ever get back home, you have pillows to sleep on at night.

I got these Beckham pillows, and I really love them. I still use them now. I’ve actually got an extra two for my first apartment guest room.

What I really love about them is they aren’t so thin. As I have a  bad allergy, I always have breathing issues of a blocked nose at night and sleeping on a thin pillow makes it even worst.

Sleeping at a high level is a nightmare as you’ll wake up with a hard neck. These amazing pillows, instead are made of HEAVEN. They are firm but soft.

7. Comforter

Among all of the dorm room essentials for girls, having a good comforter was on top of my dorm room essentials list.

I’m the type of person who can’t stand cold AT ALL. Apart from this, I highly recommend a white duvet for your dorm just because it goes with everything and matches whatever dorm room color scheme you’re going for.

Throughout my college years living in a dorm room and a college apartment, I’ve got two different comforters from Bath and Beyond and Amazon that I love and highly recommended.

When you are buying your dorm room essentials, consider these two reasons to get the best comforter ever:

First, dorm rooms are insanely cold. NO JOKE. I’ve never thought about how cold they can be in winter, even with an AC. You need to get a good comforter to keep you warm in the cold weather.

Bath and Beyond Dorm Comforter

I got this white Goose Feather and Goose Down Full/Queen Comforter. It’s the exact one I bought for my freshman dorm room essentials.

I really love this comforter because it’s luxurious and of really good quality. Also, it’s Hypoallergenic, which is a must for allergy sufferers like me. What I love about it is the fact it’s so warm and soft.

Amazon Duvet

Amazon duvet is by far the best yet cheapest comforter you can ever find. I bought it this year because it was my last year of college and I just wanted to get a new duvet for my college apartment.

Honestly, I couldn’t spot the difference with my Bath and Beyond Duvet, and it was only $29ish. For the price and quality, I think it did a great job.

If you’re ever getting this Amazon comforter for your dorm bed, I recommend getting the TWIN XL.

8. Protective Pillow Case

This is a dorm essential you need to protect your pillows and keep them clean. I don’t quite remember, but I think I got these protective pillow cases for $6 from Bath and Beyond, and they are really good.

This is a dorm essential you need to protect your pillows and keep them clean. I don’t quite remember, but I think I got these protective pillow cases for $6 from Bath and Beyond, and they are really good.

9. Throw Blanket

Well, I don’t know about you, but I know throw blankets are a must dorm room essentials for girls.

I love them, especially when I don’t feel like going to bed, yet I want to get warm without messing up my bed, especially if I’ve just made it out. I use my throw blanket all the time, and they really add texture to your dorm room decoration.

Not only this, I use my throw pillow when I’m studying or laying down on my bed watching a movie, coving my feet not to feel cold.

Throw blankets are cozy, and a must-have dorm essential.

Throughout college, these are the two-dorm room throw blankets I recommend girls buy

Bath and Beyond

This Madison Park Microlight Blanket is one of the best-selling blankets ever. I really love it as it’s soft, and cozy. I love it’s breathable, and you can use it even in summer (I promise, that’s not insane)

Amazon Throw Blanket

I got this throw blanket a week ago, and I really love it. I had to share it with you and recommend getting it for your dorm room because it’s such of good quality and cheap as well.

It’s really light weighted, so it will keep you warm during the day without the heavy weighted down feeling.

Before I forget, I bought this UGG blanket for my first apartment, and I  love it. It’s so soft and cozy.

If you want to get a high quality luxurious cozy blanket you’ll be using throughout college; I highly recommend getting this UGG blanket in the queen size.

10. Headboards

You don’t want to forget this dorm room is essential for girls. Having a headboard is a must for any freshman moving to college.

The space between your dorm bedframe and your wall is big. So, you need to fill up the space in between.

 Let me share with you the worst-case scenario for not having a headboard. Every time you sleep (and you’ll be flipping right and left), your pillow will fall off every time you move, and I know there is nothing you hate more than this.

Dorm headboards give a base to your bed and add a lot to your dorm room color scheme and your dorm decoration because it’s big and CANNOT BE UNNOITICED. They transform the whole look of your dorm and make it more put together.

Dorm Room Essentials: Dorm Bedroom Essentials

I wanted to break down dorm bedding essentials and dorm bedroom essentials because I want you to stay organized through these dorm room essentials for girls’ guide.

Everything in these dorm room bedroom essentials are things you need in college. Some you’ll be using them every single day.

1. Bed Risers

Bed risers are a dorm essential for girls to get for a storage solution. Dorm rooms are so tiny, and you can barely have space to put your stuff.

My freshman dorm was really small, and the layout was different from other dorms on the campus, so I wanted to make extra space to store my shoes, cleaning products, and others. I used the space under my bed to store a lot of stuff.

However, as my bed wasn’t that high, I needed to get these bed risers to make it a bit high, so I could fit my stuff under it.

I got my bed risers from Amazon when I was doing my dorm room shopping, and they were so cheap.

I highly recommend getting bed risers, even if you don’t know what your dorm room looks like yet.

Usually, by moving day, you won’t find most dorm essentials as they are out of stock, so you need to prepare in advance.

2. Bed Skirt

Can I say your dorm bed will be naked with the bed skirt? I don’t know about you, but I can’t stand getting back to my dorm and just seeing all the items I want to hide visible and breaking my whole dorm room look. Bed skirts are a must dorm room essentials for girls you need to buy.

You don’t want anyone to see all the storage and the mess underneath your bed, and it personally causes me anxiety.

This amazing bed skirt is an excellent solution to hide all the boxes and storage. Many dorm room beds are often raised to accommodate large items underneath like empty bins, a foldable dolly, tool kit, and suitcases. So, I recommend getting a three-panelled bed skirt.

I don’t remember exactly where I got mine, but my friend Jessica got her from Amazon, and they are really good.

I highly recommend getting either the white bed skirt or the grey ones as they match your dorm room color scheme.

3. Bed Frame

If you’re moving to your first college apartment with your friends, you’d need to get a bed frame.

Bedframes can be expensive, but there are a lot of cheap yet cool options as I’ve found on Target.

The above Boho style bed frame is Walmart and I really love it.

4. Bedside Caddy

OMG! Let me tell you, my freshman year was a waste without this amazing dorm room essential that you’ll love. 

This bedside caddy is life-changing for every college student. An easy way to put all your essentials without moving out of bed. 

For me, and I’m pretty sure we share this in common, I spend most of my time in bed, whether working on an assignment, watching, or blogging. So, I’d love to get everything close to me so I can grab whatever I want when I need it. 

On Amazon Prime Day I believe, I got this Amazon bedside caddy and it’s so cheap yet practical. I love the fact it’s sturdy, so you don’t have to worry if it slips out of your mattress. 

And kept it near the head of my bed to have everything close by whenever I needed to grab something.

5. Bedside Shelf

I haven’t got a bedside shelf personally, but my friend Hannah did, and she loves it. 

She says:” I got the short version of the Alex drawer, so it wasn’t my bed level, and I just got sick of every time need to get down to put down or grab my phone or laptop whenever I needed them. 

Honestly, this bedside shelf has been amazing and serves as a nightstand.

 It’s sturdy and fits nicely. It fits my laptop, phone, and other stuff I use the very first I wake up in the morning”. 

6. A Rug

This is one of the must-have dorm room essentials for every college girl. When you go dorm room shopping, and you decide to go for a specific dorm room inspiration, don’t forget to buy a rug for your dorm room that doesn’t only match your whole dorm room design but covers your whole dorm room floor. 

I can’t stress enough how dirty dorm floors can get so cold in winter. 

Also, they pick up dust quickly, are hard to clean and just ugly. 

While at least it was the case in my dorm room. Not only this, no matter how hard you try to make your dorm room look nice, without a rug, it can break the whole look. 

I highly recommend buying a nice, high-quality rug that will cover your whole dorm room floor (That’s a must). 

Having a rug will make cleaning your dorm room so easy using a small vacuum that is great for dorms. 

Another thing I want to mention that I consider a dorm room’s essential quality is to get a nice, high-quality rug, even if it’s a bit pricy. 

In my freshman year, I honestly didn’t want to spend a lot on a rug, and I got a cheap one for my dorm. It got damaged after two months only from moving to my dorm, and I had to buy a new one because it looked like an 80-year-old rug. 

Thus, invest in a good rug that will last. 

The second tip to get the best dorm room rug is getting a rug that doesn’t pick up dust quickly and is easy to clean with a vacuum. I know some rug types are so hard to clean with a vacuum.

7. Carpet Tape for your Rug

This is a dorm essential magical item that I didn’t know about until a year ago from a girl I follow on Instagram. 

She had that issue of her kitchen runner moving out of its place all the time. She shared that this carpet tape helped her keep the runner in place, and OMG, I found this an amazing tip to keep my rug in place. This carpet tape will help you perfectly secure your dorm room rug

8. Full Body Mirror

I don’t know about you, but for me, a full-body mirror is a dorm room essential for every college girl. Trust me, you’re going to need one, and you’ll want to have one.

You won’t believe how often I’d go out without paying attention to what I’m wearing or if every piece of clothing matches. 

If you don’t have a lot of space in your dorm room to get a full-body mirror, I recommend getting an over-the-door long mirror which is space friendly.

10. Curtains

Curtains are a must dorm room essential. I honestly don’t get people who say they don’t need them? 

Dorm rooms have the ugliest windows ever, and if you’re trying to go for that Pinterest aesthetic dorm room look, they will break out everything.

Also, some dorm rooms have curtains which is a surprise to me. Some of my followers told me they had curtains when moving to dorm rooms. However, these curtains don’t block out the light.

You have to get blackout curtains as they will help you block out the light early morning, especially when you want to sleep by morning if you don’t have classes.

I recommend getting a blackout curtain as they blocked out the light perfectly. Also, they serve as an extra privacy barri

Best Blackout Curtains For Dorm Room

According to college seniors, these are the best blackout curtains you can ever find.

11. Curtain Rod Decorative

If you want to have a much put-together dorm room, and you care about the smallest details like me, I highly recommend getting this matte gold curtain rod for your curtain.

It adds an intriguing detail to your dorm room décor and adds extra visual interest to your dorm room.

12. Command Hook

Command hooks are the first dorm room essentials you need to have stock of before college moving day, as they sold out quickly. 

You’re not allowed to use drills or anything else for your curtain rod, so these command hooks are the best thing ever. 

You can use them too behind the door of your wardrobe, and you can hang your purses, bags, and belts. 

I used them to hang my under-the-door storage that held all of my shoes and some stuff I wanted to hide. They stick nicely and never fall off.

13. Command Hook Hanging Strips

You need to stock up with these hook-hanging strips. I used them all the time on everything, literally. 

I use them to hang prints and collages all around my dorm room and even use them now in my first apartment. 

They are superb if you hate empty white spaces and want to decorate your dorm room walls. They leave no halls and no residue. Not only that, but they stay in place all the time, and they don’t fall off. 

When the time comes to move out, they are so easy to take off without scratching anything. You need to pull the little tab, and that’s everything. Easy-peasy.

14. Removable Poster Putty

I recently bought this removable hanging putty. It works just like command hook hanging strips. I really love these putties as well. I used them for hanging my metallic photos and other photos on my bedroom wall. They don’t peel off the paint off the wall which is good.

15. Desk Lamp

You already know how bad dorm rooms light, as everyone is complaining about this. 

Literally, dorms have the worst lighting ever. My sophomore dorm room didn’t have an overhead light, and I know it’s weird to say that, but it only had windows. So, it was pitch black at night, and I could barely see anything. 

I only had a desk lamp, which illuminated my dorm room pretty well. 

However, Also, with the blackout curtains, the desk lamp isn’t really enough to light up the whole dorm room. My roommate and I got these matching bedside lamps, which are so good and look expensive. 

When I moved to my first college apartment, I got this floor lamp just for extra lighting and a cozy feeling. 

For me, I really need that extra light to keep me up and focused when I study, so I make sure I won’t fall asleep.

16. Chair

You’ll be spending most of your college life at your desk studying, eating, or doing all of your college tasks there. Dorm chairs are awful and will give you long-term back pain that even pain patches won’t work. 

Thus, I recommend you invest in a good dorm room chair that will make you comfortable when sitting without giving you the extra side effects.

Throughout college, I got two chairs that I really love. 

I got this Ikea chair my freshman year, and I really love it. It’s comfortable and good. I love the curved shape, which provides good lower back support and prevents you from back issues after sitting for long hours.

I used this chair for like 3 years, and it’s still nice and good. not only that, but I got this Wayfair chair my senior year second semester and wanted to save it for my first apartment.

However, I couldn’t help but use it. I got it after seeing one of my follower’s dorm rooms. It’s a chic, stylish desk chair yet very comfortable.

17. Ottoman

If you’re lofting your bed in college, I highly recommend you get an ottoman. If you’re short like me (I’m only 5.15 feet), getting on and off of your dorm bed isn’t the easiest thing ever. An ottoman is a great thing to help you with this. 

Another thing is you can use it as an extra storage place to store your blankets, shoes, or random stuff like this. There is so much random dorm stuff that doesn’t have a specific place to store in.

For me personally, I use it to store my winter shoes when it’s the summertime and vice versa. I think these type of ottoman holds up throughout the year, and they won’t break. 

Another reason you need an ottoman is if you’re the type of person who doesn’t like it if someone comes to your room and sits on your bed.

I never had an issue with others sitting on my bed, but my roommate didn’t really like that. In this situation, an ottoman will do good for you.

18. A Fan

You can’t forget to get a fan even if your dorm room has an AC where you can control the heat.

Although some dorms still don’t have it. A desk or mini fan is still a must-have in a dorm room. It still gets super-hot by night and will make sure to keep you cool at night. 

I personally don’t believe that AC can be that great. Although I was happy to have it in college, a fan can be used to make your dorm cool.

Another hack I swear by for my dorm room is to make it refreshing and smell so good.

19. Dorm Room Bin

I’ve almost forgotten to mention you need to get two bins. One for your desk area and another one for your kitchen-like area. 

I bought this bin for my dorm room desk area, and I really like it. Obviously, you don’t need t buy a big trash bin for your doom room.

20. Drawer Liners

Technically, drawer liners aren’t dorm essential. However, I think you need them at some point in college. 

Actually, they are recommended by one of our readers. When you open your desk drawers in your dorm, you’ll find them disgusting and as bad as you can ever imagine. 

You’ll find stains that built up for years. This is when this liner comes in handy. You just can it and stick it onto the bottom of your drawers after cleaning them from dust. 

It doesn’t peel off the paint or anything else when you take them off on the moving-out day, as it’s safe to use.

21. Vanity Mirror

This is a must dorm room essentials for girls. Dorm room lighting is sucks. You’ll need a vanity mirror to do your makeup and skincare. 

I had the worst dorm room lighting ever. When I moved to my dorm room, I didn’t think I’ll ever need a lighted mirror to do my makeup as I thought the morning sunlight was enough. I ended up going out for class with really brown cheeks as I put on too much bronzer, and that was so freaking embarrassing. 

The moral of all, you need a vanity mirror. This vanity mirror has three types of magnification. I find it not too bright or dim, and you can adjust it the way you want.

22. Laundry Basket

I’ve almost forgotten to mention the laundry basket. It’s a dorm room essential you can’t forget about yourself. 

When it comes to this, I need to tell you what type of laundry basket you need to do laundry and highly recommend getting. 

You should get a nice laundry basket instead of buying a cheap one because cheaper laundry baskets can break in the first month, and you absolutely don’t want to have a broken one.

I highly recommend getting this laundry basket as it has wheels and makes it easy to get to the laundry room instead of dragging your basket all the way.

I use it to hide all of my dorm room cleaning essentials as well as to save space.

23. First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is a dorm room essential that most college students forget to bring to college. I haven’t bought it at all.

And on moving day, when I was unpacking my college stuff, I noticed my mum got me one with a drill combo kit, saying I needed to have it in my dorm room in case anything happened.

 She got my first aid kit from Amazon, which has everything from blister Band-Aids (a surprise that I suffered from blisters in college), Neosporin, and Advil. 

Literally, you should include everything you would ever need in your first aid

Dorm Room Essentials: Dorm Storage Solutions

Dorm rooms are tiny, and you can barely have any space to store all of your dorm room essentials. These dorm storage solutions are the best and are what helped me keep my dorm room organized.

Also, they helped me create an extra dorm storage solution to hide and organize all of the dorm essentials I used throughout my year in college.

1. Under Bed Storage Solution

Your under-bed area is the place where you will be storing most of your dorm room essentials that you need for college, but you won’t be using them immediately. Under your bed serves as a huge storage solution for tiny and small dorm rooms.

Here are the under-bed storage solutions I got throughout college, and I highly recommend you get them:

Under Bed Drawer: These drawers are life-changing. You can use them to store your summer sandals, underwear, and others.

I recommend you buy these under-bed drawers because they are thin, and you can actually fit them if you’re loafing your bed. 

Storage Bins: I bought these storage bins myself as they are so convenient when it comes to storing all of your clothes like your winter clothes and other stuff you won’t use till winter.

You can use them to store your blankets and extra pillows. I really like these storage bins as they keep me organized. 

Also, they are foldable and lightweight, so they won’t take up much space under your bed for storage.

2. Brimnes Cabinet with Doors

This cabinet is one of the most bought dorm room essentials among college students as it serves as the best dorm room storage solution ever. 

First, it works as a shared nightstand for you and your roommate. Second, you can use it to hide your mini-fridge and snacks. I really love this cabinet for this specifically.

 Sometimes, having your fridge visible can break your whole dorm room’s aesthetic look. It’s so perfect in size for your mini-fridge and keeps your dorm room aesthetically cool.

Not only this, some dorm rooms are so small, and it can be hard to create a kind of kitchen area.

As this Brimnes cabinet has two sides, you can use one side for your fridge and the other side to store your bowls, plates, and others.

3. Wayfair Naewe 4 Drawers

Hannah got this 4-drawer cabinet, and she loved it. This dresser is of high quality, and she loved the fact that it’s sturdy, and the drawers are fairly deep. Thus, they can take a lot of stuff.

 This dresser isn’t that big, so it’s perfect for small dorm rooms. Hannah and her old roommate got two of them, and they stick them to each other, so they can use them as a nightstand as well. 

Hannah said they did change the door knobs as they had a rustic look that wasn’t that good.

4. Ikea Alex Dresser

This is by far the most bought dorm room essential ever. We all love the Ikea Alex drawer. You can store a lot in these drawers as you’ll have nine drawers, and they are fairly deep. 

If you’re looking to invest in it, I highly recommend getting it on Amazon by Prime Day, where you can save up a lot on it.

Dorm Room Essentials You CANNOT FORGET

1. Reusable Water Bottle

You need a reusable water bottle to drink water. I’m so bad at drinking water, and it really affected my skin, and my body was so dehydrated. But that changed ever since I got the Hydro Flask water bottle. 

Although people in college were all raving about it, and I haven’t got it until I got one. 

Currently, use it about 7 times a day, and that helped me stay hydrated. I just fill it using my Brita.

Furthermore, I recommend getting the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth one 40 ounces as it’s the perfect size for your backpack.

Lately, I’ve discovered the Stanley Water Bottle, and I’m obsessed with it. 

It has a flip straw which is why I actually got it that makes drinking water easily. Also, it fits in your car cup holder, and most importantly, it doesn’t leak, which is amazing.

2. Toothbrush Cover

You need a toothbrush cover. You’ll be taking your toothbrush to the shower, or it can fall on the floor, or you’re carrying it around everywhere. 

Also, you need to protect your toothbrush from bacteria and keep it gram-free. 

I like these toothbrush covers from Amazon as they are cheap and will do the job. 

Also, I recommend getting an electric toothbrush instead of using the typical toothbrush we all used to. I’m not saying it will clean your teeth better.

Psychologically, you’ll be brushing your teeth for a minimum of two minutes using an electronic brush rather than the normal one. 

This will make sure your teeth are spotless, as it’s just mentally satisfying.

3. Phone Card Holder

This is a college essential you can’t forget. It’s really helpful especially for freshmen to put your ID to unlock your dorm room, to get food, and other stuff. 

4. Portable Charger

You need to have a portable charger to keep with you when you’re outside your dorm. Your phone or laptop battery may die, and you can charge them easily without carrying your chargers with you to class or the library. 

Sometimes, you will find all the plugs in the library or class are already taken.

5. Noise Sound Machine

I have light sleep, and I absolutely can’t sleep in noise, even if it’s not too loud. If you’re anything like me, unless you have a very deep sleep, I recommend getting this noise sound machine. It will help you block out all the noise and sleep in peace.

6. Umbrella

I totally forget to mention getting an Umbrella. It’s a must-have college essential you can’t forget.

I can’t say enough about the days I went to class and it rained heavily. I recommend getting a big one that will cover you all even your backpack.

Dorm Room Essentials: Dorm Closet Essentials

If there is one thing I know about dorm room closets, they are so freaking small to hold all of your clothes and other stuff you will bring to college.

First, I want to address that you won’t need to bring your home wardrobe to college as you won’t wear everything. You must ensure you bring only the clothes you wear in everyday life. This is the very first essential step to saving space in your dorm room closet.

This isn’t the case for everyone, and even if you bring only what you wear, it will be a lot, trust me (I packed what I only wear every day and it was a lot).

Thus, below you’ll find all of the dorm room closet essentials you need to get to make it organized and fit everything.

Also, these dorm room closet solutions are by far the best to save space and fit everything in your tiny dorm room closet.

I know some students get the chance to live on their own in their dorm rooms. That way you’ll get the chance to use both closets in the room. Yet, these dorm closet essentials will work perfectly for you.

1. Velvet Hangers

Hangers are usually a dorm room essential that most college students tend to forget (I was surprised knowing this too).

These are the best clothes hangers by far, whether you’re moving to college or not. 

I got these velvet hangers from Amazon, and they really cheap. Also, they come in the bulk of 50, and I find it the best deal ever for such a low price.

One of the reasons why people love them is the fact they are non-slip, which is perfect if you’re hanging silk clothes. 

Also, these velvet hangers are so thin. You can fit a lot more clothes in your closet.

Another thing I highly recommend is to order your hangers online and ship them directly to your dorm room, as they’ll take so much space when packing. That way, you’ll make sure you won’t forget about them too.

2. Storage Solution Hangers

I swore by this Swing-Arm Skirt Hanger in college. It’s the best hanging solution you can ever get for your dorm room closet.

You can use it to hang multiple shirts. It’s so perfect for hanging your skirts.

I loved that it left no fold marks when I used to unclip my clothes, which I hate to deal with.

3. Closet Rod Expender

Adjustable rod expender is life-changing in college. I know most college girls overpack for college and think they’ll wear all of their clothes. 

And this will cause a huge issue when finding extra space for them in your tiny dorm room closet. 

It happened to me personally, and I hate nothing more than a flowing closet. 

This is where this closet rod expender comes in hand. It will help you organize your closet quickly and save up a lot of space. It will leave your dorm closet neater and good. 

I highly recommend this closet rod if you’re experiencing an abnormally large wardrobe in college.

4. Closet Storage Bins

These storage bins are one of the best dorm room essentials for your dorm room closet. 

Well, can’t stop gushing about them as they are the best thing ever for your underwear, gloves and scarfs, tiny clothes pieces, and other stuff. 

And I got these storage bins out of Amazon, and I really love them. I highly recommend getting the pack of 4 as this is perfect for your dorm room closet. You can use them to hide different stuff.

 I literally just put them under my clothes back in my closet. 

They are really sturdy, and the quality is very good as they lasted for long.

5. Over the Door Shoes Organizer

This shoe organizer is another dorm room essential for girls that you don’t think will ever need until you get it.

To be honest with you, I was surprised that most college girls don’t have this over-the-door shoe hanger. I got mine my junior year, and I was questioning myself how the heck I survived in my dorm room without it. 

This shoe organizer doesn’t take up any space. You just hang it straight up and down in your closet or over the door of your closet if you have one. It holds a lot of shoes.

It’s so perfect for holding all of your sneakers and sandals.

6. Shoes Rack/ Storage

Hannah, who was my roommate my junior year, had a shoe rack. She basically got this shoe rack in sophomore year for her winter shoes. 

You can’t really store your bots anywhere in your dorm room except under your bed. I prefer the under-bed area for storing your winter clothes, suitcases and other stuff.

You put it at the bottom of your closet. This shoe rack is of good quality. It has two shelves, which is the perfect size. I recommend checking the size too if it’s a good fit for your closet. 

The 4 tiers rack allows you to have that space on the floor to have extra room for more shoes like your trainers. 

I’m saying this because every college girl can’t decide what shoes to bring to college and what to leave home. 

If you ever overpacked, I know you will, get this shoe rack to save space and make your closet organized.

7. Closet Curtains

You already know some dorm room closets don’t have a door, which is annoying if I can be honest with you. 

The best way to create a kind of door thing is using shower curtains or any other normal curtains to cover up your closet. 

The two main reasons why you need to get closet curtains are first if ever your dorm closet is so messed up, and nothing is in place.

It won’t be nice to see it every single day you wake up in the morning. It will make your whole dorm room looks messy. 

Also, your friends will come over, and you don’t want them to see your messy situation. 

Second, one thing I’ve got from living in a dorm room is how much dusty it gets in overnight. You don’t want your clean clothes to pick up dust and dirt. 

Using closet curtains will maintain your clothes clean, especially after doing laundry. I love this curtain as they are of good quality and kind of thick.

Dorm Room Essentials: Dorm Room Furniture

1. Futon

If you have a bit bigger dorm room or you’re living in a college apartment with your friends, I recommend getting this amazing futon for your dorm room. 

Almost all college dorm room ideas have this futon. It will create a chilling space for you and your roommate to chill and watch Netflix instead of staying in your bed the whole day.

2. Renovate your Dorm Chair

I know dorm rooms provide you with a chair for your desk. Some can be ancient and broken. 

If you want to have one of the Instagram-worthy dorm room ideas for girls, I recommend getting a nice, elegant chair that will match your whole dorm room look.

However, you can just renovate the chair your dorm provided you. Get this mini faux fur rug to cover your chair and make it look nicer.

Dorm Room Essentials: Dorm Bathroom Essentials

1. Towels

These towels are really of good quality, and I highly recommend them for college. 

I recommend getting a towel set always to have a backup when yours get dirty, and you’re not doing laundry. 

To be honest, when I was a freshman in college, I haven’t got a set of towels, and I haven’t had an issue with doing laundry before going to the shower.

2. Paper Towels for your Face

This is a weird dorm room essential for girls, but I highly recommend getting paper towels instead of face towels. I gave up face towels three years ago for the sake of my skin.

Using face towels helps bacteria build up, and you’ll transfer it to your face every time you use the towel, even though you clean it regularly.  

Since I started using these paper towels, I just clean my face and use them, then get rid of them, and I never suffered from pimples again, especially the small ones under my ski3n.

3. Bath Robe

I love this bathrobe and promise you’ll use it throughout college. You’ll wear it every time you go out of the shower, and it’s the best feeling ever.

Also, it’s a must to have, especially since college bathrooms are away from your dorm so you need to walk away. 

This bathrobe is great to have instead of a normal towel where you’ll be worried it can come off your way to your dorm. You don’t want that, trust me.

4. Shower Caddy

A shower caddy is a must-have dorm room essential you need to have on your dorm list. Whether you have a communal or a suite-style shower, it’s really small, and you can barely move, and you can barely have space to store anything.

I highly recommend getting a mesh shower caddy where you have a lot of pockets to store all of your shower essentials. Also, it has holes in it so it can drain the water.

I really love this mesh shower caddy from Amazon. It has a strap to carry it in and a long strap that you can wear around you going to the bathroom.

It’s the perfect size to have all the compartments for everything you need for the shower.

5. Shower Shoes

I’m in love with these shower shoes for college. Shower shoes are a must dorm room essential for girls you can’t forget.

If you have a communal bathroom, the floor can be disgusting, and there is no way to walk without them. Even if you live in a suit style, you will still need them.

The most important thing is you get shower shoes with holes at the bottom. In my freshman year, I got flip-flips with holes on the bottom, but I didn’t really like them. 

I got these Amazon shower shoes, and I really love them. They are really comfortable and dry very fast and allow water to drain. They come in different colors, but I really love the pink ones.

6. Shower Curtains

If you’re moving to your first college apartment, you’ll need to get a shower curtain. 

Target shower curtains I really like these minimal shower curtains. They bring a soft and relaxing vibe to your bathroom space.

Amazon shower curtains These Amazon shower curtains are so bright and fresh. I know some girls dream about having a themed college apartment bathroom. If you’re going for a lemon-themed bathroom, these shower curtains are the best.

7. Bath Rug 

You’ll need a bath rug for your first college apartment bathroom. It will help you soak up all the water without leaving damps underneath. Also, I highly recommend making sure you get a non-slip bath rug. 

I really love this Amazon bath rug that I got on Prime Day. It’s really soft yet thick and absorbent. The best part of it all is it sticks to the floor’s tile, and you can only move it by picking it up with your hands. 

The urban outfitter bath rug is of good quality and stylish. I love the fact it’s steady and cotton and so easy to clean.

8. Bathroom Organizers (under the sink)

One of the dorm room must-haves for your first college apartment is the ability to have extra storage space in the bathroom. 

You definitely need to get these storage holders t to organize your towels, bathroom products, skincare, cleaning products, and much more.

9. Trash Can

If you’re living in a dorm room, you’ll need to have two trash cans. One trash can by your desk and another one by your sink area.

It’s quite the same when moving to your first college apartment, and I recommend you get a small trash can, though, as you don’t want your dorm room to be smelly.

Dorm Room Essentials: Dorm Kitchen Essentials

When it comes to the dorm kitchen essentials, you don’t have to worry about getting so many things. First, I recommend checking the electronics that you’re allowed to bring to your dorm, as some electronics aren’t allowed. 

Secondly, if you’re having a roommate, I highly recommend talking to her before getting any dorm kitchen essentials.

It’s better if both of you share the expenses of this as you will be both using them. Otherwise, you can divide the items you can get, so you don’t have duplicate items.

1. Mini Fridge 

Having a mini-fridge in your dorm room is a must-have dorm room essential.

First, you need to check with your dorm room. Some dorms provide both a mini-fridge and a microwave. I highly recommend checking this first before getting one.

Having your own mini-fridge will give you access to your food whenever you want. I always get hungry by midnight, and there is nothing I hate more than going out of my dorm room to get snacks or something else. 

If you’re having a roommate, I highly recommend talking to her about this so you can share it together, as it will be budget-friendly.

2. Coffee Machine

I’m a coffee addict, and I can’t start my day without drinking coffee. I usually have about three cups of coffee every single day so having this Keurig is a must dorm room essential for me. 

If you want to treat yourself, I recommend getting this Nespresso vertuo coffee machine. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my whole life. I can make Starbucks-like coffee for free at my dorm, and it’s so good.

3. Cups

You’ll need both mugs and cups. I don’t recommend getting more than two for each as you won’t need that much.

4. Cups Holder

This is a life-changing dorm room essential everything tends to forget. This mug holder tree can hold up to four mugs. 

It will help you save a lot of space as you don’t have a kitchen area in your dorm. You can put it on your mini-fridge.

5. Microwave 

You’ll be using your microwave every single day in college. You’ll use it for cooking amazing microwave meals. 

I highly recommend checking if your dorm room will provide you with a microwave so you won’t need to buy one.

6. Plates and Bowls

I recommend getting these plastic plates and bowls. There are really good for a dorm room and sturdy as well. Also, they are super easy to clean.

I recommend getting two plates and two bowls like one bigger and one medium size.  

7. Silverware Sets

I really love this silverware set from Target. I got it for my college apartment, and I wish I had bought it earlier for my dorm room. They are really cheap and perfect for everyday use.

8. Blender 

This blender is a must-have dorm room essential for girls and guys. You’ll use it daily to make your favorite morning drink and smoothie. 

I used to make pancakes with it. I swear by this trick. You just put all the ingredients and blend them together.

9. Air Fryer

I’m not sure if you’re allowed to have an air fryer in your dorm room, but I got it for my sophomore year when I moved to my first college apartment, and it was life-changing.

It’s my go-to for healthy meals in record time. There is nothing I hate more than spending an hour or so trying to make dinner. 

With this amazing air fryer, you can make your favorite meals in less than 30 minutes while doing other stuff. 

As I know air fryers can be expensive, I got my Ninja air fryer from Amazon, and it’s really affordable.

10. Britta

Another dorm room essential is a Britta. You’ll use it every single day. If you don’t mind the taste of tap water, that’s totally fine, but for me, I don’t really like it. 

You can get this Britta, and it’s perfect as it fits in your mini-fridge.

11. Temperature Mug

A Temperature mug is a dorm room essential you have to get it. It’s one of the things I regret not bringing to college when I moved. This mug will keep your coffee or tea warm for so long. 

I’m a coffee addict, and I drink coffee almost every day, especially when I’m working or studying late, and there is nothing I hate more than a cold coffee. 

Literally, I would make coffee multiple times just because mine got cold, and I can’t drink it. 

This temperature mug helps me keep my coffee warm for a long time while working on a laptop or studying.

12. Food Containers

I recommend getting these food containers to store food or your leftovers in your mini-fridge. 

If you’re moving to a college apartment and you have more space, they are perfect for storing the weekly meals that you prepare.

13. Rolling Cart

You can use it to store all of your dorm room kitchen essentials on it. As it can hold everything from your mugs and silverware set to snacks and other stuff.

Dorm Room Essentials: Dorm Cleaning Essentials

Dorm cleaning supplies are one of the dorm room essentials college students need to have to keep their dorm rooms clean and a good space to live in. 

1. Vacuum 

A vacuum is one of the dorm room essentials you can’t forget to bring to college with you. Although your campus can provide you with a vacuum, you can use it for free.

Your college vacuum can be broken as it’s one hundred years old, or you’ll be waiting for your turn to get it. So, I highly recommend getting your own vacuum.

I don’t recommend getting a hand vacuum. It will make your life 10 times harder, and cleaning your carpet will take you ages.  

I love this Bissell Vacuum for college. It’s super good and lightweight. It’s also small, so you won’t be worried it can take up space in your tiny dorm room.

This Dyson vacuum is really good, and I do recommend investing in it. You’ll be using it throughout college and even when moving to your first apartment as well.

2. Disinfecting Wipes

I promise you’ll be using disinfecting wipes every single day in your dorm. You’ll clean any surface you have or disinfect your stuff. 

I recommend getting this three-pack of Clorox wipes as they sell out quickly by moving to the college season. 

In my opinion, having these Clorox wipes will prevent you from having so many cleaning supplies you’ll worry about where to store them. 

You can use them to clean everything, so it’s better than the jumbo pack.

3. Dawn Soap

This is a must-have dorm room cleaning supply. You’ll use this Dawn Soap for cleaning dishes and everything else. 

4. Laundry Essentials

You need laundry supplies to do laundry in college. I’m not going to lie, but I never did laundry before college, and It was my first time doing it by freshman year lol.

In my experience, you need these four amazing laundry products. 

White Vinegar 

I’m sure you’re confused about why you’ll need to get white vinegar when doing laundry. The fact is washing machines in college can be disgusting. Yes, I didn’t know about this before too. You need white vinegar and a cleaning cloth to just clean it from the inside before putting on your clothes. 

I’ve heard horror stories about getting your clothes smelly even after washing them. I highly recommend going through this step first. 

Laundry Detergent

My all-time favorite classic laundry detergent. It won’t leave white marks on the dark clothes and will last you for ages.

Downy Laundry Scent Booster

This is a life-changing dorm room cleaning supply you have to get for laundry. I’ve used many things to keep my clothes smelling good, but nothing ever lasted.

This Downy scent booster will make your clothes smell divine for days.

Zoflora 

You’ll need this amazing product for your dorm room. I use it to minimize the smell of my trash can and make my room smell good for as long as I can. 

While I do recommend getting a medium size to a small trash can. This will help you take out the trash quickly. 

You can prevent having a smelly trash can by putting some drops of Zoflora in paper towels and placing them under your trash bag, and I swear by this tip to minimize the bad smell of trash. cans.

5. Febreeze Trash Bags

Have you ever thought of getting scented trash bags? I swear by these Febreeze trash bags for your dorm room. You’ll never worry about having smelly trash again. 

6. Air Freshener

You have to get an air freshener for your dorm room. I don’t know why no one mentions this or talk about air fresheners. However, having an air freshener is one of the dorm room essentials you must have. 

First of all, you’re not allowed to have candles in your dorm room as they are scary and God forbid something bad happens. The best solution is to get this amazing plug-in air freshener.

As dorm rooms are small, they get smelly quickly, and you don’t want to live in a smelly dorm room. The air freshener will keep your dorm room smell good and fresh all the time.

7. Downy Wrinkle Releaser

You can’t go to college and you forget getting the Downy wrinkle release. You’ll no longer worry of going to class wearing wrinkly clothes just because you haven’t had the time to steam them.

Dorm Room Essentials: Dorm School Supplies Essentials

1. Backpack 

When it comes to getting a backpack for college, I highly recommend getting a sturdy, high-quality backpack that will last you for a long.

Herschel Backpack

I really love this backpack, and I find it perfect for college. It’s lightweight and has two front pockets which have places for pencils and pens.

I love it can fit your 15” laptop and your notebooks, planners and others.

Also, it’s waterproof, which is one of the reasons why some college students get it, especially in states where it tends to rain a lot.

Himawari Backpack for Women

I really love this trendy, feminine backpack for college girls. This Amazon backpack is really sturdy and high quality and can hold up a lot of your college class essentials.

2. Planner

If you think you don’t need a planner in college, I may prove you wrong even if you’ve never used a planner in your life.

With everything going on in college, you’ll be forgetting so many things, so I highly recommend getting a planner to take notes of your important stuff like your homework, and important dates. 

I really like this Day Designer planner as it’s perfect for college.

Dorm Room Essentials: Dorm Electronic Essentials

1. Phone Chargers

I swear by these phone chargers. They are a life-changing dorm room essential you can’t survive without. 

As you know, you barely have outlets in your dorm room, and they are pretty far from your bed. 

I recommend getting these 10 ft or the 16ft cable charging cord. They are so perfect when you like to use your phone from bed.

2. Extension cord

You’ll need an extension cord in college. You don’t have a lot of cords in college, so you’ll need an extension cord to plug in all of your devices like your fridge, microwave, your phone charger and others. 

I really love this extension cord as it comes in a pack of two, and it’s pretty cheap as well. 

Also, it has two USB ports you’ll need to charge your phone or use it for something else.

Dorm Room Essentials: Dorm Decoration Ideas

1. Decorative Pillows

Decorative pillows are a must dorm room essential for girls you need to buy. There is nothing high average than making your bed look aesthetically pleasing and getting compliments on how good your dorm bed is pleasing to the eyes.

Let’s say decorative pillows are the salt for food. It doesn’t have a taste without salt (I’m good at explaining, right?). 

However, I don’t recommend getting more than 3 decorative pillows because your dorm room will turn from that aesthetically pleasing view into a nightmare.

Dorm rooms are so small, and you don’t have a lot of space to store items, and the above are the three throw pillows I kept and used throughout college.

Another thing I highly recommend is to buy pillowcase inserts and get different covers that will match your dorm room. I can’t say enough about this trick, and it works amazingly. 

My college friends swear by it since I told them about and they literally just took their extra pillows home and used pillow insert covers instead.

2. Wall Arts 

Wall arts are a dorm room essential for girls to make your dorm feel homey and bring life to it. 

Usually, dorm room walls are so bare, and you’ll want to cover them. 

Whether it is gallery wall art or collage prints, they are must-have dorm room decoration essentials.

3. LED Lamp

I can’t call it a dorm room without LED lamps or string lights and literally, it’s one of the essentials that every college girl should get when shopping for their dorm rooms.

LED lamps or string lights add the final touch to your whole dorm room aesthetic look and make it cozier and homier. 

I got these string lights from Amazon, and I really love them. They were cheap and did a great job.

I used both of the above-LED lamps ( My friend Jessica bought them for our room) and the string lights, and I really love them. 

You can hang your string lights on the wall of your bed to have that cozy feeling, especially at night. 

My friend Jessica hung the LED lamps throughout our sophomore room. They looked so good, especially when we turned them on at night and watched a movie.

4. Artificial Flowers / Vines

There is nothing that can bring life to your dorm room more than having artificial flowers or vines. They are an amazing dorm room decoration, especially if you want to add a natural yet greenery touch to your dorm.

5. Tapestries

Tapestries are the best dorm room decoration essentials if you want to cover the whole wall or at least half of it.

Some dorm rooms’ wall paint is peeled off, and this can break your whole dorm room décor. I recommend getting a wall tapestry to help you cover it and maintain the aesthetic dorm room look you’re going for.

6. Macrame Wall Hanging

Having this amazing macrame wall hanging is a must dorm room decoration essential especially if you’re going for a boho dorm room idea.

These were all the dorm room essentials for girls you’ll need throughout the Four years of College.