12 College Dorm Room Essentials You Need For Your Freshman Year

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It’s dorm room time!

I bet you’re super excited to live in your dorm room, but a little stressed about what kind of things to bring to your dorm.

I was definitely panicking when I was getting ready to move into my dorm, and I searched through so many “dorm room essentials” lists there was no way I could forget anything.

Here’s 12 dorm room essentials you need for your freshman year!

College Dorm Room Essentials

1. A Good Backpack

A good backpack is an absolute necessity for every college dorm room.

Here’s my favorite trendy backpack. I love the yellow color, but make sure to shop around for the other colors and choose the best one for you!

2. Keurig

You will get so much use out of your keurig. It is so worth the investment, and you can move it to your new living space when you move out of your dorm!

To help save the planet, use compostable k-cups and be conscious of your plastic waste! I added my favorite compostable coffee below, and an airtight container to store them. This coffee is so good!

3. Airpods

Just jump on the airpods train. I promise you won’t regret it. I use mine every single day!

4. Essential Oil Diffuser

An essential oil diffuser is so great for your desk, and you’ll get a ton of use out of it!

This essential oil diffuser comes with the more popular essential oils. I have this one, and it’s wonderful!

5. Laptop Station

I noticed that I was constantly leaning over my desk when I worked on my laptop, and this started to hurt my back. I invested in this setup, and it was so worth it!

I have this option, which is a bit more spendy but totally worth the money:

Here’s a less spendy option, or one that will work with another brand of laptop:

{RELATED: 21 Bedding Ideas For Your College Dorm}

6. Apple Watch

Once I got an apple watch, I couldn’t believe I ever lived without one!

I switched from a fitbit to my apple watch, and my life seriously changed. I highly recommend getting one before heading to college! It’s wonderful when you don’t want to spend a ton of time on your phone.

7. Hydroflask

Seriously, invest in this water bottle. It is so wonderful! One time I was sick and kept tea in it, and it was hot for two days. Amazing!

8. Reusable Straws

Not only are you helping the environment, but you can make a fashion statement with your straws.

I personally have rose gold ones!

9. Ottoman

This provides extra seating, a step stool, and a place to store things!

If you have a bigger dorm room, get two! My favorites are listed below.

{RELATED: 10 Dorm Room Organization Ideas}

10. Foldable Bins

Even if you don’t want to get a cube organizer, it’s a great idea to at least get the bins that go with it!

I personally had a three tier cube organizer, but got 6 bins. I used the extra 3 to organize the top shelf of my closet.

11. Fleece Twin XL Sheets

Fleece sheets will change your life! I invested in some and I swear I was sleeping better.

If you have plain colored bedding, like white or gray, get sheets that match an accent color in your dorm room. Here’s some of my favorites!

12. Functional Laundry Basket

When picking a laundry basket, see how far you are away from the laundry room. If you’re far away, get one on wheels. Otherwise, get one that matches your dorm room theme if you don’t have to carry it very far.

Also, those tiny collapsable laundry baskets are super dumb and don’t work – trust me.

This post showed you 12 dorm room essentials for your freshman dorm!