Dorm shopping lists tend to grow out of control. Most rooms are small, many are shared, and a lot of what gets bought ends up under the bed until May. This checklist sticks to what most students actually use, with a few notes on what to skip.
Before you buy anything, check your school's housing page. Many colleges ban certain items, like candles, string lights that aren't approved, extension cords without surge protection, and some small appliances. Also check what the room already includes, like a mini fridge or a desk lamp.
Sleep
- Sheets that fit the bed. Many dorm beds are Twin XL, which is longer than a standard twin. Check before you buy.
- A mattress topper. Dorm mattresses are thin.
- Two pillows and pillowcases.
- A comforter or duvet plus a light blanket.
- An eye mask and earplugs, especially with a roommate.
Laundry
Laundry is where many first-year students get stuck. Our dorm laundry guide covers the how-to. For the checklist:
- A hamper or laundry bag. In a small room, a hanging hamper saves floor space.
- A way to carry laundry to the laundry room. A bag with a shoulder strap or a bag that empties into a basket works well.
- Detergent pods or liquid, and dryer sheets if you like them.
- A stain remover stick.
- A drying rack for things that shouldn't go in the dryer.
- Quarters or a loaded laundry card, depending on your building.
Study
- A desk lamp, if one isn't provided.
- A surge-protected power strip, if your school allows it.
- A laptop stand and a basic keyboard if you'll study for hours.
- Headphones, ideally noise-canceling.
- A planner or a calendar app you'll actually use.
- A small whiteboard for reminders.
Bathroom and shower
- A shower caddy you can carry to a shared bathroom.
- Shower shoes.
- Two or three towels and a washcloth.
- A robe or wrap for the walk down the hall.
- Basic toiletries and a small first-aid kit.
Storage and organization
- Under-bed storage bins. Measure the space under the bed first.
- Over-the-door hooks or organizers for coats, towels and bags. Our small bedroom storage ideas work in dorms too.
- Slim hangers to fit more in a small closet.
- A small trash can and a recycling bin.
- Removable adhesive hooks for walls where nails aren't allowed.
Food and kitchen
- A reusable water bottle.
- A mug, a bowl, a plate and a set of utensils.
- A few storage containers with lids.
- A small dish soap and sponge.
Fun and comfort
- A rug, if the floor is cold or hard.
- Photos from home.
- A small game to break the ice with roommates. A mini hoop over the door or a deck of cards gets people talking. See our dorm room gift ideas for more.
What to skip
- Large furniture. Rooms come furnished and are small.
- A full kitchen setup. Most dorms have a shared kitchen or a dining plan.
- Too many clothes. You can swap seasonal clothes at a break.
- Duplicates. Coordinate with your roommate on shared items like a mini fridge, a rug or a microwave if allowed.
A note on shared rooms
Talk to your roommate before move-in day. Decide who brings what, and agree early on simple things like lights-out times and when friends can visit. Keeping your own laundry in your own hamper also avoids a surprising number of arguments.
Where Sockshot fits
We make Sockshot, an over-the-door laundry hamper with a mini basketball hoop. It needs no drilling, keeps laundry off the floor, and gives roommates something to compete over. The mesh bag unzips at the bottom, so you can empty it into a basket before the trip to the laundry room.
FAQ
What size sheets do dorm beds use?
Many dorms use Twin XL mattresses, which are longer than standard twin. Check your school's housing page to be sure.
Can I bring a mini fridge to my dorm?
Many schools allow small fridges within a size and power limit, and some rent them. Check your school's rules.
What's the most forgotten dorm item?
Students often forget shower shoes, a power strip, a stain remover and a way to carry laundry.
