21 Things You Actually Need For Your College Dorm Room

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When it comes to buying stuff for your college dorm room, I bought everything under the sun and more.

Even though I bought much more than I needed, there were some things that were totally worth the money.

Here’s 21 things you actually need in your college dorm room!

Dorm Items You Actually Need

1. Ottoman

Whether you’re able to loft your dorm bed or not, an ottoman is perfect for seating and extra storage.

If you have a bigger dorm room, get two!

2. Shower Caddy

Do not forget a shower caddy! One time I forgot mine at my house when I was visiting, and had to improvise with a target bag. Not ideal.

A mesh shower caddy is much better than a plastic one that collects water at the bottom. Trust me!

3. Hydroflask

I highly highly recommend this water bottle. I had different ones for a long time, and when I finally made the switch I was hooked.

When I was sick I kept tea in this, and it was hot for literally two days. Insane!

4. Cubed Organizer

These are inexpensive and so useful. I had a three cube one, but I really should have gotten six. Improvise these as a nightstand, too!

5. Throw Blanket

A throw blanket is essential, and this fur one if one of my favorites. Plus, it comes in tons of colors! Match your theme perfectly.

{RELATED: 35 Best Dorm Room Color Schemes}

6. Airpods

I realized within the first two days of college classes that I needed to jump on the airpod train.

Let me tell you, it is SO worth the money. They are so nice, and you look super cool walking to your classes with them.

7. Body Pillow

A body pillow is such a great investment, especially for a dorm bed. I use mine as a backrest for seating, and it’s wonderful!

8. Mattress Topper

A mattress topper is an absolute must have for a dorm room. Seriously, those beds are like rocks.

I personally had a four inch one, and it was so worth the investment! My dorm bed was so comfy, and I loved sleeping in it.

9. Muji Pens

Let me tell you, these pens changed my life. They’re super thin, yet strong and they seem so fancy when you use them.

I’ve never been able to switch to any other pens! I highly recommend at least trying these.

10. A Really Good Dry Shampoo

I can guarantee you won’t have time for a shower every day, and dry shampoo will save you.

Please shower, but when you don’t, use a really good dry shampoo to at least fake it.

Here’s my favorite dry shampoo:

{RELATED: 22 College Dorm Room Ideas for Lofted Beds}

11. Shower Shoes

Please, please, please do not put your bare feet on the shower floor. They are so gross. I have these shower shoes and they’re wonderful!

12. Multiple Phone Cords

Having multiple chargers is super useful, and I highly recommend these ones!

13. This Amazing Power Strip

I think you can see why you need this just by looking at it. Life changing!

14. Tons of Command Strips and Hooks

You’ll use these for essentially everything. Stock up if there’s a sale!

15. Fairy Lights

Whatever you use these for, they’re a great addition to your dorm room.

{RELATED: 21 Bedding Ideas For Your College Dorm}

16. Keurig

I used my keurig more than anything else in my dorm room. These are amazing and you’ll essentially find yourself living off coffee anyways.

Plus, these can move with you into your apartment or house or wherever you move when you’re done in the dorms.

17. Three Tier Rolling Cart

You probably see these all over pinterest (While we’re on the subject, follow my pinterest here.) and they’re so so so useful.

I love mine and use it in my house, currently!

18. Laptop Sleeve

My backpack didn’t have a laptop sleeve, so I had to have one separately. However, this proved to be super useful, because I used it as a temporary folder, too.

19. Fur Throw Pillows

These match every dorm room theme, and add a lot to dorm room decor.

20. Essential Oil Diffuser

I never really jumped on the essential oil train, but once I did, I was hooked.

I have this diffuser on my desk, and it’s amazing! Plus, it comes with oils.

21. Yeti Coffee Tumbler

Similar to my hydroflask, I jumped on the yeti train too. I was not disappointed! These are phenomenal.

My boyfriend got me rose gold reusable straws to use with it, too. Super cute, and saving the environment is even cuter.

This post showed you 21 dorm room essentials you actually need.