The Essential College Dorm Room Checklist for 2025

Moving into a dorm for the first time is an exciting milestone, but it requires careful planning to ensure you have everything you need. To help you prepare, here’s a comprehensive checklist of essentials, along with links to the top-rated items in each category on Amazon:

Bedroom Essentials:

1. Twin XL bedding set – Bare Home Twin XL Sheet Set
2. Mattress pad or topper – Linenspa Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
3. Headboard Wedge Pillow – WOWMAX Large Headboard Pillow
4. Blankets or throws – Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Blanket
5. Bedside locker/table – Novogtaz Cache Metal Locker
6. Bedside lamp or desk lamp – Gooseneck Organizer Desk Lamp
7. Alarm clock or smartphone with alarm function – Digital Alarm Clock with USB Charger Port
8. Under-bed storage bins – Sterilite Underbed Storage Bin
9. Closet organizers – Simple Houseware Closet Organizer
10. Laundry basket or hamper – Simple Houseware Laundry Hamper
11. Over-the-door hooks – Over the Door Hooks
12. Fan or small portable air conditioner – Honeywell HT-900 TurboForce Air Circulator Fan

Study Supplies:

1. Laptop or desktop computer – Apple MacBook Air
2. Power strip with surge protection – GE 6 Outlet Surge Protector
3. Desk organizer or caddy – SimpleHouseware Mesh Desk Organizer
4. Notebooks, binders, and folders – Five Star Spiral Notebooks
5. Backpack or tote bag – AmazonBasics Laptop Backpack
6. Printer with ink cartridges and paper – HP DeskJet 2755 Wireless All-in-One Printer
7. Desk chair or cushion – AmazonBasics Classic Leather Office Chair
8. Calendar or planner – 2024-2025 Academic Planner

Kitchen and Dining Essentials:

1. Mini-fridge – BLACK+DECKER BCRK17B Compact Refrigerator
2. Microwave – Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Microwave Oven
3. Coffee maker or electric kettle – Coffee Maker
4. Microwave-safe food storage containers – AmazonBasics Glass Locking Food Storage Containers
5. Can opener and basic kitchen tools – Multifunction Can Opener
6. Snacks and non-perishable food items – Ultimate Snack Care Package
7. Water bottle or reusable drinkware – Contigo Autoseal Water Bottle

Personal Care and Hygiene Items:

1. Shower caddy or tote – Attmu Mesh Shower Caddy
2. Towels – AmazonBasics Quick-Dry Towel Set
3. Shower sandals or flip-flops – adidas Adilette Shower Slide Sandal
4. Toiletries – Dove Men+Care Complete Care Gift Set
5. Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss – Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush
6. Hairbrush or comb, hair dryer – Conair Double Ceramic Hair Dryer
7. Skincare products – CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
8. First aid kit – First Aid Only All-Purpose First Aid Kit

Miscellaneous Items:

1. Extension cords and extra electrical outlets – GE 6 Outlet Wall Plug Adapter
2. Command hooks or adhesive strips – Command Large Utility Hooks
3. Small toolkit – Cartman General Household Hand Tool Kit
4. Entertainment options – Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device
5. Decorative items – Umbra Hangit Photo Display
6. Umbrella or raincoat – SY COMPACT Travel Umbrella
7. Portable speaker or headphones – JBL Clip 3 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
8. Important documents – AmazonBasics Clear Sheet Protectors
9. Sunlight Lamp – Light Therapy Lamp, Sunlight Lamp 10000 Lux with Remote Control

This checklist covers most of the essentials that you’ll need for a smooth transition into dorm life. With these items in hand, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle your first semester and beyond. Did we miss something? Leave a comment and we’ll add to the list!