College Dorm Checklist: Essentials for Comfy Campus Life

It’s early August and, soon, you’re going to be heading back to college. But, you might still be figuring out what to pack for your dorm room. Don’t let this be overwhelming! Whether it’s your freshman year or you’re a returning student, our college dorm checklist will help you be prepared and feel less stressed.

In our guide, we’ll provide you with a dorm room checklist you’ll want to use, highlighting some popular products that students love. We’ll also cover some tips for how to pack for college and even offer a downloadable checklist you can keep on hand.

Why do you need a dorm room checklist?

It matters. Why? Because your college dorm is going to be your home away from home. So, it needs to include all your essentials to ensure you’re prepared throughout the entire school year.

Plus, space in a dorm is pretty limited. You want to back the items that matter, and keep the clutter back at home (or in a self-storage unit). Having a dorm room checklist will help you prioritize what you really need versus what looks cute on TikTok - but in actuality, collects dust.

College Dorm Essentials: By Room

Bedroom: Sleep & Storage

Your twin XL bed is going to be the centerpiece of your dorm. You want it to be comfortable, functional, and stylish.

Make sure that you’re packing:

• Twin XL Bedding Set: Most college beds are twin XL. To save money, look for a complete set that includes pillowcases, like this Amazon Basics 5-piece Bedding Set that’s affordable, comfortable, and available in multiple colors

• Mattress Topper: Dorm beds are known for being uncomfortable. Invest in a game-changing memory foam topper or Stay Chill Mattress Pad

• Under-Bed Storage Bins: Since space is limited, maximize it with under-bed storage. Sterlite Wheeled Latching Storage Totes are perfect to roll under your bed and keep seasonal clothing, extra linens, and lesser-used items

If you’re going all out to showcase your bed on Insta, we’re swooning over everything from the Pottery Barn Teen x LoveShackFancy collab. It’s a bit of a splurge, but it would be great for both home and your dorm.

Photo Credit: Pottery Barn Teen

Bath & Toiletries

Shared bathrooms mean you’re going to have to keep your toiletries and towels in your dorm room. So, stay organized and pack strategically.

• Shower Caddy: A mesh version, like the Attmu Portable Shower Caddy, allows for quick drainage and easy transport

• Flip Flops: Shower shoes are a must for shared bathrooms! You won’t want to go barefoot

• Bath Towels: Microfiber towel sets are the way to go. They dry quickly, which is a plus in dorm rooms that aren’t well-ventilated

You’ll also want to shop for all your basic bathroom essentials, including:

• Shampoo & conditioner

• Washcloths

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss

• Bathrobe

• Other bathroom and hygiene products, including lotion, a hair dryer, a first aid kit, and other everyday medications for headaches and stomach issues

Kitchen & Snacks

Even with a meal plan, you won’t be completely covered. Make sure you’re equipped for quick bites or extra meals.

• Mini Fridge: We love this Insignia 2.5 Cu. Ft. Mini Fridge. Compact with a 4.7 rating

• Single-Serve Coffee Maker: Stay awake during cram sessions or after a long night out. The Keurig K-Mini is sleek and convenient (and Costco has excellent deals on k-cups!)

• Microwave-Safe Bowls & Plates

• Inexpensive Cooking Utensils & Flatware

Photo Credit: @dormify

Tech & School Supplies

You’re going to need more than just your laptop and textbooks. In order to conquer your coursework, consider purchasing:

• Extension Cord with USB Ports: A surge protector power strip will help you save space and power multiple devices

• Noise-Canceling Headphones: Block out distractions

• Phone Chargers: Yes, plural. We recommend having multiple chargers just in case.

• Other school supplies, including pens, highlighters, and index cards. Buying these ahead of time on Amazon will save you money. Trust us from experience: on-campus bookstores aren’t cheap

Cleaning & Laundry

You’ll be doing your cleaning and laundry now, so we recommend picking up:

• Pop-Up Hamper or Laundry Basket: A pop-up hamper is lightweight and collapsible, but you may want a laundry basket to lug your clothes to the laundry room

• Laundry Detergent Pods, Fabric Softener, & Dryer Sheets

• Disinfecting Wipes & Basic Cleaning Supplies
  

Photo Credit: @sullivanandphenix

Decor & Comfort

Our favorite part. You want your space to look and feel like you - not just a sterile box. You want to embody a fashionable dorm aesthetic. Some things to add to your list?

• Command Hooks & Strips to hang lights, posters, art, and other items

• Desk Lamp: We love options that have USB ports - 2-in-1 functionality! Pottery Barn Teen’s best-selling Taylor Wireless Charging Task Lamp features a USB port and a wireless charging pad on its base.

• Throw Blanket & Pillows, like these cuties from Urban Outfitters

• Multi-Tier Utility Cart: Mobile and compact

• Small Fan: Perfect for dorm rooms without air conditioning

Download Your College Dorm Checklist

Looking for a quick reference? Save our free college dorm checklist and check off items as you pack! 

Our checklist breaks down items by category, making it a great tool to use as your shopping list. We’ll make sure you’re ready to get to the residence halls.

How to Pack for College: Move-In Day Tips

Now that you’ve decided on the things to bring to college, here are a few tips for how to pack for college - without the chaos:

• Label all of your boxes

• Use bedding & towels to wrap fragile items (skip buying pricy packing supplies)

• Don’t overpack, as you may accumulate more as the semester goes on

• Use storage bins you’ll reuse versus cardboard moving boxes you’ll recycle

Photo Credit: @mkdeckerdesigns

Don’t Forget About Storage Between Semesters

Now that you have your college dorm checklist, consider the importance of self-storage. Dorm rooms can get crowded quickly. And, you don’t live there year-round. So, you’ll most likely need extra space during summer or winter break. That’s where Storage Star comes in.

Our clean, secure, and affordable self-storage units make it easy to store your college essentials during breaks, when studying abroad, or during an off-campus internship. 

When you’re ready to clear the clutter, you can find a Storage Star location near your campus. Quickly rent your storage unit online. And our month-to-month leases are flexible, so you’re not locked into any long-term commitments. 

College life is so much easier when you’re organized, so let Storage Star help you stay that way.