College Dorm Essentials 2025
- 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)

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

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)

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

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

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)

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

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

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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