🏠 Dorm Room Essentials Checklist
Everything You Actually Need (and What You Really Don’t)
Moving into your dorm for the first time? 🎓 Whether you’re heading across the country or just across town, packing can feel overwhelming. What do you bring? What’s overkill? And how do you avoid showing up with 14 coffee mugs and no sheets?
We’ve got you. This is your go-to dorm checklist—built from real student experiences, move-in disasters, and all the “I wish I had packed that” moments. Plus, grab our free downloadable checklist at the end!
✅ Daily Living Essentials
Let’s start with the basics: sleeping, showering, laundry—things you’ll do every day.
🛏 Bedding (Twin XL, always double-check!)
2 sets of sheets (Twin XL)
1-2 pillows
Mattress topper (💡 makes a big difference on those prison-grade dorm mattresses)
Blanket or comforter
🧼 Bath & Toiletries
Shower caddy (mesh is better than plastic—it dries fast)
Flip-flops (non-negotiable for shared showers)
Towels (2 large, 1 hand towel)
Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
Nail clippers, tweezers, razor
🧺 Laundry
Pop-up hamper or laundry bag
Detergent pods (less mess, easy to carry)
Dryer sheets or wool balls
Small stain remover pen
🧍♀️ “I forgot a towel my first week. Ended up using a t-shirt to dry off. Never again.” – Maya, UMass Amherst
💻 Study & Desk Setup
Yes, you’re here to learn—let’s make it productive.
Laptop + charger
Surge protector (🔥 Dorms usually have 2 outlets… for 6+ things)
Desk lamp (clip-on ones are great for saving space)
Notebooks, pens, highlighters
Sticky notes, index cards
Blue light glasses (optional but helpful for late-night study sessions)
Pro Tip: Noise-canceling headphones will save your life when your roommate’s on a Zoom call or blasting TikTok.
🍽️ Kitchen & Snacks Corner
Even if your dining hall is 🔥, you’ll want dorm snacks. Trust us.
Mini fridge & microwave (if allowed)
2 bowls, 2 plates, 2 sets of utensils
Travel mug, water bottle, and regular cup
Paper towels, dish soap & sponge
Non-perishable snacks: granola bars, ramen, popcorn, oatmeal packs
💡 Small storage bin = easy snack station that doesn’t look like a mess.
🧹 Cleaning & Organization
You’re living in a small box. Keep it clean-ish.
Disinfectant wipes
Mini vacuum or broom
Trash can & trash bags
Under-bed storage bins
Over-the-door hooks or Command hooks (💪 life-savers)
🧍♂️ “My roommate had a hand vacuum. We used it way more than expected—crumbs, dust, hair, you name it.” – Sean, Texas A&M
🧠 Wellness & Comfort
Make your dorm feel like your space.
White noise machine or earplugs
Mood lights or LED string lights
Photos from home, posters, cozy throw
Journal or planner
Mini first-aid kit (band-aids, pain reliever, allergy meds)
💡 Small things like string lights or your favorite pillow can make a dorm feel a lot more like home.
🛠️ Tools & Just-in-Case Items
You probably won’t need these daily… but when you do, you’ll be glad you brought them.
Small tool kit (screwdriver, scissors, duct tape)
Safety pins, sewing kit
Flashlight & batteries
Copies of ID, health insurance, school documents
🔁 Real Student Setups
🧍♀️ Emily (Ohio State):
“I brought my desk lamp, but no surge protector—ended up swapping devices in and out every day until I bought one.”
🧍♂️ Dante (Arizona State):
“Didn’t realize how much space under-bed storage gives you. Lifesaver for organizing clothes and snacks.”
🧾 FREE Downloads
📄 [Google Sheets Dorm Checklist (Editable)] – Check off items, adjust to your needs, and even estimate costs.
📄 [Dorm_Room_Essentials_Checklist] – Clean, simple, perfect for parents and shopping trips.
🔔 Before You Pack…
Double check your school’s list of approved/prohibited items.
Coordinate with your roommate to avoid duplicates (mini fridge? TV? rug?).
Remember, you can always buy small things after move-in!
