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College Dorm Essentials 2025

  • Writer: Louise Telland
    Louise Telland
  • Jun 8
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jun 13

Moving into your first college dorm this fall? Here's a detailed and categorised list of all the essentials for 2025.


Before starting this list, I want to highlight that all schools are different, especially when it comes to policies, room sizes, and what is included in your dorm rent. Therefore, make sure to check with your college's accommodation provider what is included fall semester 2025 and apply this list accordingly. The things listed below are essential but can sometimes be split with your roommate, so contact them and make a plan on who's buying what.


Starting off strong with sleep, you'll have to pack the following:

  • Comfortable bed (as big as possible, depending on room size)

  • Mattress

  • Mattress topper

  • Mattress protector

  • Bed sheets x 2

  • Duvet (I recommend using a duvet instead of a comforter as it's easier to wash in a communal washing room)

  • Duvet cover x 2

  • Pillows x 2

  • Pillowcases x 4

  • (Your favourite stuffed animal)

  • (Cute throw blanket)

Bright college dorm bedroom with a white desk, chair, and bed; blue and patterned pillows. Art on walls, plants, and a sign reads "Hope is the thing." Coastal aesthetic.

The second most important thing when studying and constantly hanging out with friends is hygiene. Here is everything you need regarding the bathroom and toiletries:

  • Portable shower caddy (only if you have communal bathrooms)

  • Plastic shower shoes(only if you have communal bathrooms)

  • Towels x 3

  • Hand/face towels x 3

  • Bathrobe

  • Shampoo

  • Conditioner

  • Body wash

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Floss

  • Mouthwash

  • Hairbrush

  • Razor

  • Shaving cream

  • Deoderant

  • Tweezer

  • Nail clipper

  • Nail file

  • Skincare

  • Toilet paper (if not provided)

  • First-aid kit

Wooden toothbrushes with assorted bristles in a dark cup on a burlap cloth, with a green plant in the background, creating a natural vibe. Everything you need to pack.

We all need clothes, and it's a fine line between just right and way too much clothing. The list below is a good way to start your semester. Don't forget to take season and location into consideration.

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • Pyjamas

  • Workout clothes

  • Your favourite everyday clothes that you always end up wearing

  • Formal outfit (there are lots of formal events at the start of the semester)

  • Swimsuits

  • Weather-appropriate gear (jacket, coat, boots, gloves, hat, depending on where you're moving)

  • Comfortable slides/flip-flops

  • Everyday sneakers

  • Dress shoes

  • (Modest and non-modest heels)

  • Hangers

  • Portable and lightweight hamper

  • Laundry detergent (some schools provide this)

  • (Lint roller)

Group of friends at an outdoor party, taking a selfie. String lights and trees in the background, food and drinks on the table, festive mood.

Next up are room essentials. Everything that will make your room feel like a home and a place where you'll actually want to spend time. Most things on this list are things you can share with your roommate.

  • Curtains

  • Rug

  • Desk lamp

  • Soft lights for the room

  • Wall decor

  • Fan of some sort since lots of dorms don't have AC

  • Removable hooks

  • Under-bed storage

  • Closet organiser if needed

  • Big trash can with a lid

  • Small tool kit

  • Vaccuum

  • Wet wipes/cleaning wipes

Woman in a white shirt hangs a framed picture on a gray wall. Frames with text are around. Green plant and lamp on a wooden shelf. Neutral mood.

All depending on your dorm (as per usual), kitchen supplies vary from dorm to dormitory, but here are things you'll want to make sure you have access to, whether it be through the common kitchen or in your dorm.

  • Fridge (a mini if you have your own)

  • Microwave

  • Kettle

  • Coffee machine

  • Porcelain

  • Utensils

  • Water bottle

  • Dish soap

  • Dish sponge

  • Can opener

  • Dry/room temperature food storage

  • Paper towels/tissues

Hands wash a blue, soapy plate with a brush by a kitchen sink. White tiles and plants decorate the counter; a wicker basket nearby.

In our modern world, there are certain tech things we won't survive without, and here's a list:

  • Phone

  • Phone charger

  • Headphones

  • Headphone charger

  • Speaker

  • Speaker charger

  • Extension cords

  • Alarm clock

  • (TV)

  • (Ethernet cable)

Gray over-ear headphones hang against a white background. No visible text. The scene is minimalist and modern.

Moving away from home also means being responsible for your documents. Important documents you have to bring:

  • Student ID

  • Passport/other ID

  • Driver's license

  • Bank cards

  • Emergency contact list

A person holds a passport near a brown leather bag on a gray floor. Brown shoes are visible. The setting suggests travel.

Miscellaneous things that'll probably come in use:

  • Umbrella

  • Flashlight

  • Mini sewing kit

  • Safety pins

  • Calendar/planner

  • Lockbox/safe

  • Earplugs

  • Sleep mask

  • Card games

  • Books

  • Bicycle + lock

  • Ottoman

  • Bed risers

Woman sleeping peacefully in bed with a light blue sleep mask. White bedding and soft lighting create a calm, restful mood.

Check out this post for what you need to bring to college to ace your academics.

Thank you for reading College Dorm Essentials 2025. I hope this list can help someone taking on the giant project of moving to a college dorm this fall. Don't forget that this post is printable!


/uniq.



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