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New To College? If You Don’t Have ’Em Already, Grab These 30 Dorm Room Must-Haves

You want to start off on the right foot, so you’ll definitely want this bed side shelf that can clip onto your Twin XL bunk bed.

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by Lily Burrill BuzzFeed Contributor

I am a contributing writer and former BuzzFeed Shopping fellow and I love writing about the latest fashion trends, the cutest home decor, and what beauty products are actually worth adding to your makeup bag.

1. A Brita water dispenser because let’s be real, blowing your fun money on packs of plastic water bottles? Hard pass. Getting one of these early in the year is a total game-changer. It filters out contaminants from your dorm’s tap water, making it taste way better and actually drinkable. 

www.amazon.com

This comes with one filter to start off, but you'll need to grab more filters eventually because it's recommended to replace the filter every two months. Plus, Brita's filters have been certified by the Water Quality Association, so you know you're getting the best of the best when it comes to water filters. 

Promising review: "Originally bought this for my college dorm when my roommate suggested we get one. I loved it for that year and continued to use it now that I live in an apartment. I hope to use this pitcher for as long as I can! Its size is ideal for one or two people (not so much a family). Refilling is easy and you need to buy a new filter every couple of months but that is expected. Great buy." —Morgan

Get it from Amazon for $28.33+ (available in three colors).

2. A gel-infused memory foam mattress topper since the cardboard-like mattress the school gives you really puts the board in room and board. This cooling topper will add a plush layer of comfort — basically, it's your best shot at recreating the cozy, cloud-like feel of your bed back at home. 

Amazon

Promising review: "Additional comfort for the not-so-comfortable mattresses in college dorm rooms. For a good night's sleep, add this to your list for college essentials." —Jeremy

Get the Twin XL size from Amazon for $19.98 (available in six other sizes and five styles).

3. And, a set of internet-famous Mellanni sheets if you wanna make sure you have some really good "bed chem" for the year. These are super soft and are made from moisture-wicking microfiber fabric for all you hot sleepers. Just take a look at the 250,000 5-star reviews if you need more convincing. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Moving back to college for the fall semester, I knew I wanted to upgrade from my jersey knit sheets I had the prior year. These sheets were everything I could have asked for and more! I legitimately look forward to slipping into bed each night with these bad boys around my mattress and memory foam pad in between. Very smooth, soft, and good integrity! Cooling feeling as I first pull them over me and keep me warm through the night. Fit beautifully without any problem on Twin XL mattress. Have washed them four times now and no signs of pilling or fiber tearing. Would definitely buy again for another bed!" —Amazon Customer

Get a set of Twin XL sheets from Amazon for $36.97 (available in sizes twin–California king, plus sheet sets with deep pockets for taller mattresses and 45 colors and patterns).

4. And a set of Beckham Hotel pillows since you're probably gonna buy new pillows for college and you may as well get the best of the best. These fluffy, yet supportive, pillows will have you excited to go to bed every night, even if you are living in a 60-year-old dorm rather than a 5-star hotel. Plus, they're machine washable! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These are seriously the most comfortable pillows I’ve ever slept with, feels like I am sleeping on a cloud! I purchased them for home and loved them so much I purchased them again for my dorm at school because I just couldn’t live without them! I’ve had them for years and they have stayed the same since the day I got them. I couldn’t recommend something more!" —Nathan Forbes

Get a set of two standard-sized pillows from Amazon for $59.99 (available in two other sizes and a memory foam style).

5. The iconic BedShelfie in case you get stuck with the top bunk or have a lofted bed and want to keep your necessities close by without having to jump out of bed to get them. This easily attaches onto your bed frame, can hold up to 35 pounds, and even comes with an attachment to hold a water bottle! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "For the price, this little shelf is very sturdy and useful. Since I've been in college, I have used this shelf every single night for my phone, drinks, crochet projects, and more. If you want enough room for a laptop, I'd recommend getting a larger size." —Madison D

Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in two colors and two styles).

6. A durable mesh shower caddy — just because you're sharing a communal bathroom doesn't mean that you've gotta let up on your everything shower routine. It's got plenty of pockets for all your hygiene necessities, and the mesh ensures excess water won't cause any mold or mildew. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Collegeessential. This is a core college send-off shopping list item. It is well constructed and organized. And it is big. I mean, if you filled every pocket, you'd have 95% of what you need on a trip to the bathroom in a dorm, and it is so big that filling it can make it heavy. My daughter said it is great, but for nighttime wash up, she needs only a few things, and so might want a smaller version. But this one does what it is supposed to and it does it well." —progo

Get it from Amazon for $8.54+ (available in 11 colors).

7. A backrest pillow that'll become quite the essential since it will keep you comfy and sitting upright while you study, eat, or just hang out with your friends. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "We bought this for my daughter heading off to college, and she loves it! It is soft and comfy, and is perfect for her dorm bed." —Jennifer H.

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in two sizes and nine colors).

8. And lap desk for anyone who needs to study but wants to be comfortable while doing so. The built-in mousepad, phone holder, and ledge for your laptop makes this 10x better than having your computer lay directly on your lap. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Perfect for your college student, especially dorm life. It’s comfortable and keeps the laptop's heat off their laps while they lie in bed doing their assignments. Easy to use, perfect size to have a mouse, and not too heavy!" —Ashley Trayal

Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available with or without a wrist rest and nine colors/prints).

9. And, a pair of slide-on shower shoes because 🚨 news flash 🚨 that communal bathroom you're sharing with a bajillion other people is not the place to be going barefoot. These feel like you'll be walking on clouds and wearing them protects you from accidentally stepping on the ball of someone else's hair that's left in the shower. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought these foam slides as shower shoes for college, and I absolutely love them! They’re incredibly comfortable and lightweight, making them perfect for wearing in the shower or around the dorm. The foam material provides a cushioned feel, and the design is simple but stylish. After much wear, they’ve held up amazingly well—no signs of wear or tear, even after daily use. They dry quickly and are easy to clean, which makes them super convenient. The fit is great, and the slides stay secure on my feet without any slipping. These foam slides have been a fantastic investment for college life, and I highly recommend them if you’re looking for durable, comfortable, and affordable shower shoes!" —Ellie Stuart

Get it from Amazon for $20.35+ (available in women's sizes 4—16 and 11 colors).

10. Plus, a pair of fuzzy slippers with a memory foam footbed and slip-on design so you can have at least one thing to look forward to as you slip out of bed for your 8 a.m. class or when you're dead tired after a long day of classes. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Absolutely love these fuzzy wuzzy slippers! Not only are they very cute and a little bit glam, they are really comfortable with memory foam soles. I bought my first pair in cream and loved them so much that I bought another pair for myself and three pairs for my mom, sister, and niece, who all loved them, too! They're great for inside and out, and I appreciate them keeping my feet warm when I take my dogs out in our yard. Great price, good looking, and washing machine-friendly on a cold, delicates wash. Can't recommend them enough!" —Amazon Customer

"I love them. I wear mine around my dorm, and they are so comfy. Might get another color for when I am home. I got the gray, they are so pretty." —Briana Durbin

Get it from Amazon for $16.98+ (available in sizes 5–13 and 21 colors).

11. A huge backpack laundry bag that's spacious enough for all your dirty clothes every week (or two if you're a serial procrastinator). And when the dreaded laundry day comes, you can throw it over your shoulders and mosey on down to the laundry room, making your dorm mates think, "Wow, I should've gotten THAT instead!" 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I brought this laundry bag for my friend's daughter. She is a college student. It is so convenient to be able to carry this like a backpack and leave your hands free. Since there's no way to stabilize folded clothes, just throw everything from the dryer directly in there. The wide and comfortable shoulder straps distribute the weight on her back it almost felt lighter because of the weight distribution. Highly recommend it!" —yanqing

Get from Amazon for $16.99 (available in 12 colors).

12. Or a collapsible laundry basket which can be store in tight spaces like in the small gap between your closet and the wall or under your bed when its not being used. Many reviewers love how convenient this is and say it's quite sturdy. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "As a college student, having things that don't take up a lot of space in my dorm is essential. And this laundry basket does just that. It fits nearly anywhere I stick it, and when the time comes, it's super easy to use and is plenty to big enough to account for my entire load of laundry. Truly a lifesaver." —Justin V.

Get it from Amazon for $35.70+ (available in 23 colors). 

13. A desktop bookshelf and storage hutch that will practically double the space you can use to store all your school necessities, trinkets, and pictures of you and your hometown besties. Staying organized in college is a must-have and being that your desk takes up like half of your dorm, it's only right that this area stays organized.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Excellent dorm room shelf! Easy to assemble and fits perfectly on top of the desk that was in the room. Great value compared to other similar items. You won’t be disappointed." —Leslie Jennings

"I went to a university where there were no drawers or compartments on our dorm desks!This fit perfectly and provided me with so much storage!" —Eliza

Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in three sizes and two colors).

14. A Dreo oscillating tower fan since housing, albeit expensive, does not come with the air conditioning you loved back at home. It's got six speeds and cools up to 30 feet of space making it super useful even when it's tucked in the corner of your tiny dorm room.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "As a college student with limited options and a room that offers little ventilation, I find that this guy has been a great addition to my home. It is easy to set up, and it comes with a remote with batteries already in it! I honestly can’t really tell the difference between the modes, but it is not too loud. In fact, it’s a great source of white noise and it doesn’t bother me and I am a light sleeper. The remote is easy to use and it’s very convenient than handling the fan." —Lucy

Get it from Amazon for $89.94. 

15. A 50-pack of velvet hangers so it can feel like your closet is your own lil' boutique instead of a cramped storage space when you’re choosing your perfect OOTD. These are super thin, so they take up less space than your collection of random mismatched hangers, and the grippy material prevents clothes from constantly slipping off. 

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I wanted to organize my closet, and after reading reviews about this hanger, I decided to get some. They really save space compared to my old thick plastic hangers. It is a little harder to get the clothes on the hanger, but they will not slip off the hanger. I was so pleased with them that I ordered my daughter some for her closet. Many of the other ones I saw said the felt material rubbed off...but not with this product; that was the first thing I looked for when I opened the package. Very nice product, and I would recommend them." —Linda A. Byers

"These are fantastic for small closets and dorms. Highly recommend." —Simple Shopper

Get it from Amazon for $31.99+ (available in 13 colors and also available in a 30-pack).

16. Two zippered fabric storage bags for anyone going to college where the school year can have completely different climates depending on the time of the year. So when the Spring finally rolls around, you'll have space to store all your out-of-season heavy knits and puffer jackets. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My daughter’s going to college in a few weeks, so I bought these for her dorm room. I’ll be buying more considering I ended up taking and using them for myself! Good quality and great to store extra bedding." —Sandra Pearl

Get them from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in four colors and multipacks).

17. A pack of space-saving hangers that'll come in real handy when you realize that you went a little wild at the university bookstore and got a ton of extra swag. These fit nine hangers in one and free up a bunch of space in your closet since they organize all your going-out tops, jeans, and other clothes vertically rather than horizontally. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Overall, I'd say these are a good purchase. Magic space saving hangers with nine holes that can hang nine pieces of clothes at once. They save a lot of space in my closet by organizing clothes at slightly different heights, which also makes it easier to find clothes. What's more is that the different colors help me classify my clothing. This closet organizer comes in packs of six, which is great for the cost. Good stuff for my dorm room essentials." —Wenwei

Get a six-pack from Amazon for $11.99 (also available in multiple pack sizes). 

18. A set of seven Command hooks perfect for hanging up your most used items like your keys, fave hoodies, or tote bags. These are easy to apply, but most importantly, easy to remove without damaging the walls. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "How can you go wrong with Command hooks? Living in a rental or a dorm shouldn’t get in the way of being organized. The large hooks are the right size for winter jackets, bathrobes, and hoodies. Even if you can put a nail in your wall, Command hooks allow flexibility, as this package has extra sticky strips — if you don’t like where you put the hook, just peel it off and replace it." —1277529

Get them from Amazon for $12.99.

19. A clip-on lamp if you find yourself participating a late-night study sesh, but don't want to subject your roomies to the overhead light. This can clip onto the side of desks, tables, and bed frames, AND lets you choose from warm or cool light depending on your mood. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "Dorm life must-have! Small but sturdy light with options and flexibility! Impressed with the quality of the clip...attached securely to bed rail. Small size doesn't take up space but still puts out good amount of light. Bendable neck will be handy along with bonus of being able to choose four lighting options: white or soft as well as a low and high setting in both, accessible by a switch located on the cord a short distance from the clip." —Lori B.

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three colors).

20. A handy power strip since your dorm or apartment probably doesn't come with a whole lot of outlets and your chargers, lamps, fans, and other tech accessories need some place to be plugged in. It's equipped with two USB and USB-C ports for extra convenience and even has overload surge protection — safety first! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This surge protector does absolute wonders for any tech set up, especially with limited outlets. The option of USB or normal plugs is really nice, and it allows so many things to be plugged in, which is really convenient. I don't worry about the durability of the cord like I do with many other electronics, due to its braided feature, which allows flexibility and protection. This did wonders in my college dorm, as I had access to only one outlet. This is a great power strip." —Sarah

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in six lengths and in three colors). 

21. A compact mini Keurig so you can enjoy a cup of joe or hot tea before hitting the dining hall, in case your morning routine could be described as "But first, coffee." It won't take up a lot of space, but will be a total lifesaver for any early mornings. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

If you want convenient coffee but don't want to create more plastic waste with disposable K-cups, try thisreusable K-cup for brewing regular ground coffee.

Promising review: "This Keurig was the perfect size for my son's dorm room. Great for making coffee, tea, or just hot water for some ramen noodles. I've been a Keurig owner since they first launched and never had any complaints. Take care of the unit, and it will last a long time." —Mark P

Get it from Amazon for $78+ (available in five colors).

22. A three-tier rolling cart, perfect for storing books, school supplies, and any other miscellaneous things you collect throughout the school year. It's slim enough to store next to your desk and can roll around easily for any spontaneous room rearrangements. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I got this product to use in my dorm room in college, and I love it! It is not too big for the space, and it fits everything perfectly. It was super easy to assemble, and it is easy to move around when I need to rearrange things. Definitely recommend, especially for college use!" —Olivia Conk

Get it from Amazon for $34.77+ (available in four colors). 

23. An LED mirror so you can get ready without having to wake up your roommates who don't have class until 11 a.m. (lucky them 🥲). It comes with three magnification levels and even has a little tray near the base to hold some of your most-used products. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I use this product for my skincare and makeup or to do my hair. It’s the perfect size to sit on my desk and live there without taking up all the space. I’m a college student so I find this really easy to use and then close it up when I’m done. I love how easy it is and I love that you can either charge it or use batteries. I choose to charge it because I find it easier for me." —Jessy

Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in six colors). 

24. A handy-dandy desk organizer that'll keep all your important files, school supplies, and trinkets organized to a T. School can already be overwhelming enough — you don't need more clutter and mess in your life.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I put it together today for my desk to keep everything clean and it was sooo easy to put together. It took less than 10 minutes and is nice and sturdy. It is a nice metal and I would definitely say you should get this if you want to organize your work or college space." —Anonymous

Get it from Amazon for $19.79+ (available in 11 colors).

25. And, a makeup organizer so you can have all your fave GRWM products at your convenience and in one compact place. It's got six different compartments and will beautifully display your beauty products, which is much neater than just keeping them in your messy makeup bag. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I have this in my dorm for storing makeup/medicine/etc. It works great! It is small yet sturdy, and the slots can hold plenty of stuff. It seems to be a high quality product even though it was not too expensive." —Tori Pollak

Get it from Amazon for $15.99. 

26. A stackable three-tier shoe rack because it's quite comedic how little the closets are in a dorm room. This gives you some extra space for all your sneakers, flip flops, gym shoes, dress shoes — you name it! 

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Had this shipped to my son’s dorm to organize his MANY SHOES. He said it was easy to put together and appreciated that he could keep his shoes neatly in one spot. Fits in his dorm closet. Happy with this purchase." —AbbyV

"I used this in my closet in my dorm; it was SO much better than having all my shoes laid out. This saved so much room and took me probably 15 minutes, tops, to assemble. Nice looking, pieces came wrapped in plastic. Everything was as it should have been. Definitely recommend!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $28.97 (available in three styles and four colors).

27. A small, but mighty mini air purifier to get rid of any contaminants and funky smells that may have been sitting in your dorm room the summer before you moved in. It's got an auto-shutoff capability and is super quiet so it won't disturb your shut-eye every night. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought this air purifier for my dorm room. I could very quickly tell a difference in air quality based on the improvement of my quality of sleep. For the price, this is also a very good deal and I would recommend to other college students. It covered the perfect amount of space for a dorm room." —Miles w

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in two colors). 

28. A laptop stand so you can work on your computer at eye level and avoid slouching in your already uncomfortable desk chair. Your neck and shoulders will thank you.

www.amazon.com

And if you're gonna get this, you're probably gonna want to get a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse duo since your laptop will be acting as a monitor when it's lifted on this. 

Promising review: "I am a college student, I got this product for my desk and love it! Not only does it give me more room on my desk, it also helps my neck; rather than stare down for hours, I can look straight, which really does make a huge difference. This product also holds my laptop very securely. It is a very well-made holder." —Jillian

Get it from Amazon for $17.49+ (available in nine colors and packs of two). 

29. A monthly calendar whiteboard that allows you to see all your classes, extra curriculars, and plans for the month so you'll never forget any important dates. You got a busy schedule now, so you gotta stay organized! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Loved this for my freshman year of college dorm room! I can clearly write out my whole schedule and stay on top of work. The markers and magnets work great. Easy to hang with Command hooks." —Wyn

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three sizes and three colors).

30. A hanging closet organizer — perfect for storing everything from T-shirts, jeans, and pretty much anything else you are too lazy to put on a hanger. It simply hangs on the closet rod and it even has extra pockets on the side for smaller things like socks and underwear. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Bought this for our daughter who's in college. Poor kid didn't have a dresser and being in another state made it hard to get one as she'd have to get rid of it in eight months. The hanging shelves fit perfectly in her closet. Sturdy, with extra pockets on the side. She loves it. When it comes time to leave the dorm, it folds into a small square she can fit into her suitcase." —Elaine M. Edelson

Get it from Amazon for $14.97+ (available in two sizes and eight colors). 

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