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It’s that time of the year again. The kids are headed back to school, so we’re shopping the best dorm room essentials to outfit your college dorm room.
From duvet covers and twin XL sheets to mini fridges and those tried-and-true essentials (one word of advice: shower shoes), there’s a lot to organize into cardboard boxes before hitting campus.
Whether this is your first year away from home or you’re about to graduate, consider this the ultimate college packing list, with picks from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and other favorites. Many you’ll use long after you’ve grabbed your cap and gown.
Amazon
Pros:
Reversible comforter, providing two looks in one
Hypoallergenic material
All-season
Budget-friendly
Cons:
Mixed reviews on sizing. We recommend sizing up
It may not have the same cache as other brands, but Bedsure has been trusted for decades by those who prioritize comfort, durability and affordability. For back-to-school, it doesn’t get much better than its Comforter Set, which comes in sizes Twin/Twin XL to Super King, and more than a dozen classic shades to suit whatever dorm room style you find yourself in. The comforter is certified by Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, reversible, and comes with two pillow cases.
Amazon
Pros:
Easy set up
Multiple slots for cable wires
Fits any bed frame with a rail
Cons:
Clamp may bend if the shelf is overloaded — stick to 35 pounds or less
For nights you can’t bring yourself to go to the library, the BedShelfie Beside Shelf will be your best study buddy. The original space-saving bed shelf can hold up to 35 pounds, comes in three different styles (including one with a cup holder), and has multiple spots for device cords.
Walmart
Pros:
8GB of unified memory
13-inch Retina display
8-core CPU for 3.5x faster performance
You can’t go wrong with an Apple MacBook Air Laptop. It offers a 13-inch Retina display that delivers brilliant colors, while the Apple M1 chip with an 8-core CPU makes the model exceptionally fast. It’s loaded with the classic apps to get your work done (think Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365, and Google Drive), but you can download more at the Apple App Store, too. More importantly, the laptop has 18 hours of battery life, so you can study all day and deep into the night without recharging..
Walmart
Pros:
Top handle, so it’s easy to move to different locations
Built-in cup holder
Pocket for storage
Cons:
Limited color options
Sellout risk
For hours of studying (or wasting time on your phone), this is the chair to do it in. The Big Joe Dorm Bean Bag will become the unofficial best seat in the house (or dorm) with its cushy backseat and oversized design. It’s also made with stain-resistant SmartMax fabric, so no worries if you spill your coffee on it.
Amazon
Pros:
Machine-washable
Lightweight but warm
Available in Twin-King sizes
While we won’t recommend bringing your childhood blankie to campus, we will recommend this ultra snuggly option from Quince. The Luxury Organic Cotton Blanket is perfect to wrap in while studying or to curl under for in-between-class naps. It’s machine-washable, making it a grown-up but low-maintenance option that will take you from undergrad to your master’s program.
Amazon
Pros:
Amazon choice product
Made with quick-drying material
Eight-pocket design and large enough to fit a rolled-up towel inside
Cons:
Soft bottom can make caddy prone to falling over if the products are not evenly distributed
For those who don’t get a room with a private bath, a shower caddy is essential. More than 10,000 Amazon shoppers have added the one from Eudele to their cart, praising it for its durability and multi-pocketed design, which makes it easy to cart shampoo, conditioner, and other shower necessities back and forth.
Amazon
Pros:
Intelligent noise-control
Sweat-resistant
Personalized spatial audio
Cons:
There are cheaper earbuds, but the sound on these makes them worth the investment, according to multiple members of our team
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) deliver immersive sound with adaptive noise cancellation and personalized spatial audio that adjusts to your environment. With a sleek, sweat-resistant design and improved battery life, they’re built for everything from work calls to workouts.
Amazon
Pros:
Under $50
Spout on lid makes pouring mess-free
Durable
Trusted brand
Amazon Choice product
Cons:
Can take some force to lock lid into place
For your morning smoothie (or next party), you’ll want to have this in your dorm room. The Hamilton Beach Power Elite Wave Action Blender offers 12 different blending functions, including crushing ice, and features a top spout on the lid for mess-free pouring.
Amazon
Pros:
Amazon Choice product
Has a USB port
Long cord
Cons:
Not exceptionally stylish, but it neatly fits behind a bed, nightstand or desk
A power strip is one of those things you never think about needing until you do. This one from Hopow is an Amazon Choice product, under $15, and includes five different outlets, plus a USB port. The strip cord is 6 feet long, so you don’t need to keep it close to an outlet..
Amazon
Pros:
Unisex style
Fits a 16-inch laptop
Adjustable EVA-padded shoulder strap
Cons:
Styles are selling out fast
The Herschel Supply Co Little America Mid is a favorite backpack of Post Wanted readers and our editors alike. Along with its padded adjustable straps, it offers ample interior storage, an expanded pocket for a water bottle, and a front pocket perfect for your phone, wallet and pens.
Walmart
Pros:
Full range speakers with built-in Bluetooth v5.0
USB port to charge phone, laptop, and other electronic devices
Stylish, minimalist design
No tool assembly
Cons:
Partially made of plastic, so not likely
The Round End Table from DecorTech doesn’t require a single tool to put together and has a stylish design that will make your cinderblock dorm room look more sophisticated and put-together. Featuring four-way built-in speakers, a USB port, and Bluetooth, it’s a space-saving option for music lovers who don’t want to find space for their sound system.
Amazon
Pros:
More than 15,000 ratings on Amazon
Amazon Choice product
Side pockets for smaller, non-clothes items, such as hair brushes, makeup or slippers
Cons:
Some reviewers report that the organizer is not as sturdy as they’d hoped. Tip: Don’t overstuff
Dorm rooms are much like NYC apartments — low in space. So take it from us, you’ll want to have one (or three) of the Youdenova Hanging Closet Organizers. The storage solution comes with six shelves ( seven, if you include the top shelf) and side pockets for small essentials. Perfect for towels, shoes and sweaters, it keeps items off the floor and easily accessible. More than 10,000 shoppers have purchased this month.
Amazon
Pros:
Excellent for households with different brewing preferences
Programmable up to 24 hours
Auto shut-off plate
Cons:
Some reviewers report that the pot’s mouth pours messily
Everyone likes their coffee differently, which is why we’re suggesting the Keurig K-Duo. It features a 60-ounce reservoir, multiple brew sizes, plus a single-serve K-Cup brewer. Whether you need a pot to get through a night of study or a simple cup, this coffee maker will be the barista to get your order right.
Amazon
Pros:
Comes with hanging pins and rope
Wood veneer frame
Cons:
Cork isn’t thick
Not suitable for all wall types
It’s one of those simple things you’ll appreciate having when you find your desk filled with sticky notes, random receipts, and the occasional postcard from your folks who suddenly have time to take a vacation.
Amazon
Pros:
Advanced photo features
Doubles as a scanner
Print from your smartphone
Touchscreen
Cons:
Requires an outlet
Takes up some space
Believe it or not, you might have to print something while at school. Instead of going to the library or the nearest Staples, wouldn’t it be easier to print from your room? The HP Envy Inspire can handle copious amounts of copy, has scanning capabilities, and can even produce colored photographs for your wall.
Amazon
Pros:
Amazon Choice product
Trusted-brand name
80-piece kit
With mommy not around to clean up boo-boos, it’s smart to have a first aid kit handy. The Johnson and Johnson Band-Aid Travel Ready Portable Emergency First Aid Kit is small enough to tuck into your desk or under your bed, and comes with everything you can think of. From bandages to ointment to sanitizing hand wipes, it’s exactly what you’ll want when minor accidents occur.
Wayfair
Pros:
Lockable wheels
Non-seethrough fabric for extra privacy
Available in four different styles
Cons:
Shelves are only on one side of divider
In the sad event you hate your roommate, you’ll always have this: The Ebern Designs 3-Panel Room Divider is not only posh in its style but a practical solution to create privacy in cramped corners. Its design includes storage shelves and it’s movable, with lockable wheels.
Amazon
Pros:
Doesn’t take up much counter space
Six one-touch options
Multi-cooking stages
Cons:
Heat level could be stronger, according to some reviewers
For late-night ramen in a cup, popcorn and other munchies, you need a microwave. The Faberware Counterop Microwave is a popular pick for college, with its slim design, 700 watts of power, and easy-to-clean surface.
Amazon
Pros:
Rotating cover
Narrow base to fit into a cup holder
Leak resistant
You probably already have one, but just in case, we must include a Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler on this dorm room essential list. Made of 90% recycled BPA-free stainless steel, it keeps your cold drinks icy cold and your hot drinks piping hot. At this point, it’s just as important to your college experience as your grade point average and weekend parties.
Amazon
Pros:
Charge via USB-C lasts up to 12 weeks
Lightweight and thin enough to carry in a tote or backpack
Waterproof
Cons:
Only available in three colors
This one is for the book lovers who cry over leaving their home library behind. The Kindle Paperwhite will not disappoint. It can store thousands of titles and has a battery life of up to 12 weeks when charged with a USB-C. With a durable screen and waterproof, it’s a space-saving solution for book collectors everywhere.
Wayfair
Pros:
Fade and stain-resistant
Available in three colors and more than a dozen sizes and multiple shapes
More than 6,000 reviews on Wayfair
Cons:
Doesn’t include an anti-slip pad to go beneath the rug
The right area rug will automatically turn a meh dorm room into a haven from crowded classes and hallways. We like the Kelly Clarkson Hector Performance Rug from Wayfair not only for its 6,000-plus reviews but its stain-resistant material. Made of durable, stain- and fade-resistant polypropylene, it features a low .3 profile, a vintage-inspired medallion design that brings a grown-up flair to the room. It’s also available in lots of different shapes and sizes.
Amazon
Pros:
Available in more than four sizes
Three frame styles
Can be placed on the floor or mounted on the wall
Cons:
Drill required for wall mounting
Please don’t get one of those cheap, unflattering dorm mirrors that everyone else gets. The BeautyPeak Full Length Mirror is not only stylish but can also be mounted or securely placed in a corner with its attached bracket. It comes in multiple sizes with different style frames, and the mirror offers HD imaging, perfect for those OOTD selfies.
Amazon
Pros:
Built-in wireless charger compatible with iPhones and some Samsungs
Three color modes, plus light dimming capabilities
Storage in base for pens, scissors, and other work supplies
Amazon Choice product
Cons:
Mixed reviews on sturdiness
For long nights studying while you’re roommate sleeps, the Sailstar Desk Lamp is a must. It offers three different brightness settings, as well as dimming. Available in six different styles, we love that the base has a compartment for work essentials and that it can also have a charging dock.
Walmart
Pros:
16,000-plus ratings on Walmart
Adjustable interior glass doors and food bins
Reversible door
Compact
Cons:
Needs to be stationed close to an outlet
Rumor has it that some ya’ll are renting your dorm room fridges? Cut that ish out, and grab the Artic King Two Door Mini Fridge instead. It has plenty of room for all your drinks and microwavable dinners, while remaining compact enough not to take up much room. Available in stainless steel and black, the interior shelves can be moved around to fit whatever you’re bringing home from the grocery store. This energy-efficient fridge also comes with a freezer and can stay with you the entirety of your academic career, regardless of what dorm room or apartment you find yourself in.
Amazon
Pros:
4.1 star rating on Amazon
Made with laminate wood, so it’s easy to keep clean
Available in three styles
The Prepac Astrid Tall Dresser can be tucked in a corner and offers extra storage for socks, underwear, loungewear and whatever else is making its way with you to school. The six-drawer dresser’s simple design may not bring the wow-factor, but its unassuming style will lend itself to a myriad of decor options. The top shelf can be used for picture frames or your shower caddy when not in use, while the top drawer, slightly smaller than the rest, is ideal for storing personal care products or accessories. Available in three different finishes, it can be assembled in 2 hours or less.
Amazon
Pros:
Available in sizes Twin and Twin XL
Comes in multiple color options
Rave reviews on Amazon
Machine-washable
Cons:
Some reviewers comment that it’s not exceptionally cooling
Dorm mattresses are notoriously uncomfortable, so bringing a mattress topper like the Easeland Mattress Pad is smart. Its quilted top is made with 100% cooling cotton, while its fill is 100% polyester for easy care. Thousands of Amazon shoppers recommended it for its cloud-like comfort, and you’ll be glad to have it once you discover how soundly you sleep with it on your bed.
Amazon
Pros:
200 LED lights
66 feet long
Come with a remote control
Cons:
Some reviewers mention that the remote is prone to malfunctioning
It’s giving Tumblr, but that’s back in, right? Regardless, no dorm room would be complete without these Twinkle Star Fairy String Lights. They’re waterproof, have eight different twinkle modes to suit whatever vibe you’re trying to create, and they’re perfect for pinning photos.
Walmart
Pros:
Available in a 2, 4, and 8-piece set
Extra large and highly absorbent
700 GSM for high absorption
Cons:
Some reviewers find these towels to be too long
College doesn’t provide towels, unfortunately, so don’t forget to pack your own. The Jessy Home Oversized Bath Sheet Towels have 700 GSM, so they absorbent as can be, plus their large size is ideal if you find that you’ve forgotten your robe on the way to the showers. Available in a variety of colors, thousands of folks love them for their softness and durability, wash after wash.
Amazon
Pros:
4.5-star rating on Amazon
Holds up to 5 pounds
No drilling required
Cons:
Sold individually, the cost can rack up for those who want multiple shelves
To avoid putting a bunch of holes in your dorm room walls, we suggest going with these easy-to-install Command Picture Ledge shelves. They come with 10 adhesive pieces that are simple to apply and firmly keep the shelf in place. Note, they have a five-pound weight capacity, so save the textbooks for your desk or backpack.
Amazon
Pros:
100% cotton cover
Removable, machine-washable outer layer
Clumping resistant
Pillows are important (think about it — you use them for half of the day, aka half of your life in the long run). To make your bed area feel a bit more home-y, the Casper Sleep Original Pillow is what we recommend (and, truly a game-changer). With more than 10,000 gleaming reviews from satisfied sleepers — thanks to its innovative microfiber fill — we’re all about it.
Amazon
Pros:
Stackable
Clear windowed top provides easy visibility to container contents
Includes adhesive tabs for labeling
Cons:
Zipper quality could be better
Saving you space (and time, thanks to its clear design) are the NestNeatly SmartCube Under-Bed Storage Bags. They were one of the best investments we made for our dorm rooms — storage wise — because they allow you to store seasonal clothes that you may not be using at the moment.
Not to mention, when you realize how small dorm room closets actually are, you’ll thank us for this mention.
Amazon
Pros:
Design includes drain holes
Arch support and made with non-slip material
Cons:
Shower slipper runs small
We don’t need to give you our 30-second elevator pitch for why you need shower shoes. To help shield you from the plague that we call communal bathrooms, this $16 pair is breathable, comfortable, easy to clean and has drain holes included to allow extra water to seep out.
Amazon
Pros:
Available in more than a dozen colors
Anti-slip design
Machine-washable
Cons:
Some may find this robe too short
The Veseacky Women’s Bath Wrap Towel & Facial Headband is great for walking to and fro in the hallway (trust us, you’ll deem this one of your favorite essential). Not only does this two-seat set come in a variety of colors but it’s also easy to clean.
Best Laundry Bag: MCleanPin Collapsible Laundry Hamper
Amazon
Pros:
Foldable hamper
Two laundry bags are included, making it easy to separate clothes by color
Cons:
Some may find hamper on the smaller side
The MCleanPin Collapsible Laundry Hamper with 2 Washable Laundry Bags is the bundle you need, simply because of the freestanding and portable options it provides. Now, it’s just $25 and great for your dorm (and for all of your commuting needs, too).
Best Dorm Room Essential: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (3-Pack)
Amazon
Pros:
Removes spills while also destroying bacteria
Scented
Extra-large containers
Cons:
Those sensitive to chemicals may find the smell irratating
The Clorox Disinfecting Wipes aren’t just a college staple — they’re a life staple. This value-based three-pack is a No. 1 Amazon best-seller with nearly 90,000 extraordinary reviews, each container stores 75 wipes and they’ll help keep your dorm germ-free with its crisp, fresh lemon scent.
Amazon
Pros:
Comes in 7 colors
Accommodates different mattress and box spring heights
Provides a stylish room upgrade
Resistant to fading and odors
Cons:
May require an extra pair of hands to help assemble
Studying better and smarter starts with getting good sleep. Secure some ZZZs (and look cute while doing it) thanks to this modern, sleek headboard.
Society 6
Pros:
Dozens of playful prints to choose from, including scenery, fashion and animals
Many come pre-framed and ready to hang
Cons:
You may need to color-coordinate with a roommate to avoid clashing styles
Dress up your space with a variety of fun posters, prints and frames. The colorful designs are a certified pick-me-up when pasted over your desk during late-night study hours.
Amazon
Pros:
Supports up to 65 pounds
Strong zipper
Can hold clothing, shoes and more
Cons:
Can get heavy pretty fast; ask a parent for help carrying
Schlepping your entire wardrobe to a new state can be a pain. These 23-gallon moving bags made the moving process that much easier.
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