34 Things Every Student Needs to Pack for College (2024)

While I admit I got a little obsessive helping my son shop for his first dorm room this year—I joined a Facebook parents group, forwarded him YouTube tours of his school’s dorm rooms and hit up friends with college-age kids for tips—experts say a well-appointed room contributes to a strong start in college.

“If you want to set your kid up for success at school, the dorm room is super important,” says Barbara Reich, a New York City–based professional organizer with college-age twins and author of “Secrets of an Organized Mom.” After all, she notes, it’s where a student will be sleeping, studying and escaping the stress of tests and papers.

Of course, those activities will be taking place in cramped quarters, “You’re often looking at 100 square feet,” notes Lauren Saltman, a professional organizer in Newfields, N.H., so she advises finding out what is supplied by the college. Will your student have a bureau? A shared closet? This information may be available on the school’s website or by calling the housing department.

The real goal is to set up a home base that’s functional and enjoyable to hang out in, stresses Jamie Vacca, a rising junior at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. “Maximize your space and fill it with happy colors,” she says. “Adjusting to school can be stressful, and your room should be a comfortable and pleasant space.”

Be fully prepared with these easy-to-transport, dorm-room essentials recommended by students, parents and experts.

Student-friendly laptop

A great laptop is crucial for succeeding in school. Thankfully buying a computer that can last for all four years of college (and beyond) costs less than you might think. Apple’s M2-powered 13-inch MacBook Air has more than enough power for most majors—art and computer science majors might consider the more muscular MacBook Pro—and regularly sells for less than $1,000. The 15-inch MacBook Air with an M3 chip is also a great option for those who value screen space.

Quick-drying bath towels

Since you’ll likely store your bath towels in your dorm room, choosing a quick-dry option is a must. This 100% cotton option from Hawkins New York made our list of the best bath towels. It comes in 11 fun colors and its lightweight waffle weave means that it won’t stay damp for long.

Cozy throw pillows

When you already have the sheets and duvet covered, consider adding a few fun throw pillows (like this Target option and this one from West Elm) to make a dorm room feel cozy. Whether you’re curling up for a movie night or lounging while doing the latest reading for class, extra pillows can make a Twin XL feel more like home.

Handheld vacuum

Dorm rooms get dusty, no matter what. Underbed storage is bound to get coated in dust bunnies, and those crevices between dorm furniture can get icky. A durable, handheld vac like this one from Black & Decker, which one of our Buy Side editors has used at home for years, can get rid of dust in small spaces and eliminate snack crumbs (to keep mice away).

A quality mattress topper

Of all the things I bought my son, this memory foam-and-graphite mattress topper was the winner. It added a full 3 inches of cushy support to his maybe-5-inch-thick university-supplied mattress. Parents may rest easier, too, knowing a student is set up to sleep well. (Looking for a less pricey option? The Lucid line has a 4-inch memory foam version.)

Bluetooth speaker

This portable Bluetooth speaker provides enough quality sound and long battery life for a dorm-room gathering without taking up too much shelf space (it’s about the size of a grapefruit). The Wonderboom 3 topped our list of the best portable Bluetooth speakers and it’s available in four colors from Amazon. (If you’re shopping on Amazon, don’t forget about Prime Student—a membership with a free, three-month trial, and then $9 per year, which gets you Prime Delivery, Prime Video, free Grubhub food delivery and more.

Plug-in air freshener

Dorm rooms can get stuffy. One of these plug-in air fresheners will keep a dorm room smelling good, and each scent refill lasts for over a month. Choose from dozens of different scents such as Vanilla Sunrise, Passion Papaya, Lavender, Apple Cider and Hawaiian Aloha (scent refills last 50 days).

Command hooks

Command hooks are easy to apply and remove, and you won’t get charged for drilling holes into the wall, notes one of our Buy Side editors, who used them in her dorm room for four years. These can hold up to 3 pounds so you can hang towels, jackets, purses or even not-too-heavy backpack.

Hanging shoe organizer

Want more floor space? Consider buying one of these vertical shoe organizers that you can hang up in a closet (making use of vertical space will come in handy if the dorm room is small).

Super slim hangers

A compact closet demands compact hangers. These Slimline hangers, a Saltman must-have, are covered in grippy velvet, so clothes are less likely to slip off and collect dust on the floor. At 50 hangers for less than $30, this is the easiest purchase on the list. They come in black, gray or ivory velvet with a gold or silver hook.

Aromatherapy diffuser

Takeout meals from the dining hall and dirty laundry sure can stink up a tiny dorm room. But with an aromatherapy diffuser, you can keep a dorm room smelling great and exude calm vibes. This one even has a built-in timer and automatic shut-off so it can be left on at bedtime.

A compact fan

Whether campus is in Florida or Alaska, a good oscillating fan makes a stuffy room more comfortable. The three-speed Vornado has a tilt head, and while it’s less than a foot high and wide, it moves air up to 75 feet. Bonus: It comes with a remote and timer for fine tuning the temp from a student’s command center (read: bed).

Closet expanders

Max out every inch of a cramped closet by investing in a closet expander. This one adds an extra hanging rod and even shelves to a bare-bones, one-rod closet. But even a very basic extender that turns a single rod into a double will significantly increase the available hanging space, Reich says.

A Covid-19 and flu kit

In the Covid era, it’s great to be prepared. I packed a bunch of OTC medical supplies into a travel makeup organizer, and it came in handy when my son caught Covid. Vacca’s parents sent her to school with a similar set up, and when she ended up catching Covid—twice—she was grateful to be “stocked up with supplies, including a pulse oximeter and thermometer and everything from essential oils to medications” to treat her mild symptoms, she says.

Bed risers with USB ports

To add under bed storage, you can’t beat bed risers, says Saltman. These ones elevate a bed by 7.25 inches, providing room for extra bins and luggage. These risers also provide two extra electrical outlets and two USB ports, as well as a built-in six-foot power cord. (One note: Some dorm beds are adjustable-height. Check before you buy risers.)

Removable wallpaper

To make a dorm room look less cookie-cutter, try peel-and-stick wallpaper. DIYing a statement wall by the bed is simple and can help define each student’s space. These wallpapers are easy on, easy off (sidestepping end-of-year damage fees) and come in a ton of fun choices, from oversized palm fronds to faux brick. Or opt for an easy-to-live-with pattern like this gingham, so there’s no danger of it feeling tired by winter break.

A laundry bag-backpack

We got a backpack laundry bag for my son, and it works on many fronts: It’s sturdy, roomy and easy to carry, thanks to straps that let you wear it on your back. Plus, unlike many laundry bags, it’s designed to stand fully upright, so it won’t collapse into a space-eating mess on a closet floor. This one even has an extra pocket for detergent.

An ottoman for seating and storage

This simple piece of furniture checks many boxes: Besides functioning as an extra place to stash stuff, it can be used as a nightstand or a step stool. This one made a big difference in Vacca’s dorm setup at the University of Wisconsin: “Not only did it serve as seating, but I could also keep my shoes in it,” she says.

Soft, wrinkle-free sheets

Reich loves these no-wrinkle Lands’ End sheets and sent sets with her son to Emory University and her daughter to Washington University. In 400 thread-count cotton sateen and available in twin XL (the size of most dorm beds), they look and feel more pricey than they are and don’t require careful laundering. Adding a monogram isn’t just a luxe touch, she notes: It’ll make it easier to identify their sheets in a shared laundry room.

A lit mirror

“Something that was surprisingly useful was my makeup mirror,” says Vacca. Also: “If you have a dark room, these bulbs can help to brighten it.” This vanity has nine LED bulbs, a detachable magnifying mirror and a 360-degree swivel to catch every angle before heading out the door. It also has adjustable brightness and three color lighting modes: warm, natural and white light.

A plush comforter

This down comforter from Brooklinen balances a lightweight feel with comfortable warmth, and can be used all year long in the dorms when you opt for the twin XL size. It has a 100% cotton sateen shell and is hypoallergenic. “Soft bedding is a must,” Vacca says. “College is full of late nights, and you will need a comfortable bed, both for studying and for sleeping.” Use the loops on each corner to attach to your duvet cover of choice—try one of these picks from our interior designer-approved list.

Fairy string lights

To signal a happy new home, this set of Changing Fairy String Lights is 33-feet long and comes with a remote control to change between 16 colors. Need calm vibes for studying? Set it to a deep blue or purple. Want to feel like you’re at a rave? Choose the Jump or Flash settings and watch a rainbow of colors light up your room. Stock up on Command Hooks to hang this—and everything else—on the walls without making dings you could get charged for later.

A cube organizer plus bins

Most dorm dressers fit basics (tees, sweats), but you may need extra shelving for other random stuff (socks, athletic clothes, hair ties, charging cables). This model is a favorite of Saltman’s because you can use it horizontally or vertically. It works well with fabric bins that tuck into each cubby and come in a slew of colors and patterns, from Ikat-inspired to classic stripes, to fit every décor.

A bedside caddy

The downside to lounging or studying in a loft bed is that all your key belongings are out of reach. A bedside pocket, like this one with pockets of various sizes, solves that. Tuck it between the mattress and bed frame and it keeps a phone, earbuds, retainer, pens, etc. in grabbing distance. This one also has a spot for an extension cord, and it comes in Charcoal Grey and White.

A hang-up shower caddy

Keep your shower essentials organized with this Mesh Shower Caddy, whose materials make it quick drying and lightweight. Store bigger items in the large central compartment and stash smaller items in its six external pockets.

A desk lamp with charger

Many dorm rooms have overhead lighting, but for desk lamps, it’s generally BYO. Surface space is precious, though, so consider a lamp that checks more than one box. This one—in white plus gold, black or silver—is equipped with a USB port and a storage catchall that can corral a fitness watch, earbuds and more.

Phone wallet and key holder

If the dorm building is still using old-fashioned metal keys for room access, it’ll be important to keep track of the key so there are no inconvenient lockouts. Keyper makes adhesive phone wallets with a pocket for a key—you can even choose to customize a Keyper with a specific school’s colors and logo, or you can upload a logo yourself by clicking “Design Your Own” if your school isn’t there already.

Wireless printer

A personal printer will be a lifesaver for those nights when a paper or lab report doesn’t get completed until after the library closes. Consider sharing it with a few other students and splitting the cost. Choosing a wireless printer means you don’t have to deal with finding an adapter that fits everyone’s computer. If you’d rather have a laser printer and not have to replace ink cartridges every time they run out, consider buying this one from Brother.

Instant camera

At a fall formal or spring fling, everyone else might be taking photos to capture the moment on their phones—but an instant camera will stand out as a memory maker when you watch the pics print before your eyes. The physical prints will make cute gifts for friends, too. This stylish Fujifilm instant camera comes in Clay White, Blossom Pink, Lilac Purple, Mint Green and Pastel Blue.

Handheld steamer

You may not have the room for an ironing board (or the time to iron), but sometimes as a student you need a starched shirt or crease-free dress for job interviews and social events. A handheld steamer, like this one that comes recommended on our list of the best wrinkle removers, is a smart buy because it’s easy to use and doesn’t take up much space.

—Additional reporting by Bellamy Richardson