As students prepare to embark on their journey into dorm life, the right essentials can make all the difference in creating a comfortable and functional living space. From hotel-worthy bedding to innovative organization solutions, our roundup of must-have items is designed to help students maximize their limited square footage. Whether they’re a first-year student or returning for another semester, these essential products will ensure they have everything needed to thrive in the dorm.
ComfyDown RoyalRest Comforter ($179.99 for Twin XL, Amazon)
This luxurious comforter has 750+ European goose down fill and a 400-thread-count cotton cover that helps keep even your most discerning student cool and comfortable.
The special construction ensures that the filling remains in place, meaning the comforter will continue to feel like new well after school is over.
The comforter is available in the standard dorm size of Twin XL, but I like the idea of a Queen size. The larger size can help conceal items stored under the bed, and the comforter will transition well into their next living space.
Evergrace Home Luxe Cotton TENCEL™ Duvet Cover Set ($79.99, Amazon)
The ComfyDown comforter mentioned previously can be used without a cover, but a cover is easier to launder in the dorm washing machines. This Tencel cotton blend duvet cover set is so soft and silky that your student might not want to get out of bed!
The set comes with a duvet for a comforter and two pillow shams. Available in six colors. Also consider a mattress pad, as dorm mattresses are notoriously uncomfortable. Check out my guide from last year for two mattress pad options and plenty of other useful items!
Totes Slides ($25, Totes.com)
A dorm shower shoe is a college must. Things get funky in those shared bathrooms, and shower shoes can help prevent direct access to the funk.
These slides are available in basic colors in both men’s and women’s sizes They are sturdy, supportive, and comfortable, featuring Everywear technology, which makes them 70 percent lighter than vulcanized rubber and waterproof and punctureproof. They are also ideal for padding around the dorm or on campus.
Coway Airmega 50 ($79.99, CowayMega.com)
Air purifiers help prevent the spread of germs in tight spaces and clean the air of fine particles, such as pet dander and mold. It has a 3-stage filtration system, purifying 250 feet in 30 minutes and 500 feet in 60 minutes.
Ideal for small spaces, this latest air purifier model from Coway is the brand’s most compact and affordable. Standing at just 12.7”, it fits easily on desktops, shelves, or bedside tables, and it has a nightlight feature. The filter lasts a full school year (8 months) and is easy to replace.
CordaRoy’s Plush Corduroy Bean Bag ($299 and up, Amazon)
Perfect for dorm room common areas or small apartments, this bean bag chair easily converts into a bed for visitors.
The bean bags, made in the US and backed by a lifetime guarantee, are filled with the brand’s signature CertiPUR-US Certified Foam, which contains no harmful materials. There are several cover options available, and the covers are machine washable.
Eve Energy ($39.95, $75 for 2, Amazon)
With kids on their own for the first time, you might worry about them remembering important things, such as whether they’ve turned off the flat iron or coffee maker.
This clever smart plug connects with an app, allowing users to turn these appliances off right from their phone. They can even create schedules to switch it off and on, which is helpful not only for safety but also for energy consumption. The Energy also works with smart home platforms, like Apple Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Google Home.
Command Folding Clothes Hanger ($15.98, Amazon)
From mini adhesive hooks to hanging caddies, Command offers a wide range of clever items for temporary living.
I really like this Folding Clothes Hanger that attaches to any door and holds up to five hangers and 7.5 pounds of clothing. So convenient for coats and jackets!
Brabantia Manual Chopper ($41.95, Brabantia.com)
For quick food prep, this handy little chopper makes short work of chopping items like nuts, carrots, onions, and more, thanks to its three rotating stainless steel blades. There’s also a whisking disk for whipping cream, beating eggs, and making sauces.
The manual chopper requires no power source; simply pull the ring to chop or whisk. Sustainably crafted to reduce environmental impact.
GoodCook Pro Tool Set ($34.97, Walmart)
If they have a kitchenette, they need tools!
This 20-piece set has everything they need to prep and cook most things, including tongs, a whisk, a ladle, a slotted spoon, and measuring spoons/cups.
Additionally, the set includes a storage container, ensuring everything has its designated place.
Ello Duraglass Color Lock 20pc Mixed Meal Prep Food Storage Containers ($56.99, Amazon)
These glass food storage containers will help your student keep foods fresh and keep their shared fridge organized. With recent safety issues about food storage in plastic in the news, you can rest assured that foods are being stored safely.
The containers come in a variety of sizes with color-coordinated, snap-on lids that stack efficiently, are leak-proof and airtight, which means no spills and odor resistance. When you see them IRL, you may want a set for yourself.
Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12-Cup Programmable Drip Hot and Iced Coffee Maker & Single-Serve Coffee Machine ($79, Amazon)
This coffee maker is perfect for dorms and apartments because it offers the options to brew a single cup or a full pot, and users can choose from regular, bold, iced, and hot options.
The maker, which features a patent-pending technology that allows it to extract rich flavor at optimal water temperatures, is also programmable for up to 24 hours. It will keep coffee warm for up to 4 hours and shut off automatically.
Dropps Odor & Stain Biobased Power Laundry Detergent Pods, 32-count ($16, Amazon)
Successful dorm life is all about convenience, and I love these handy laundry pods that contain all the ingredients needed to fight stains, sweat, and odors in your student’s laundry. They work really well and are safe for all machines!
The pods are premeasured, so there is no guesswork, and the formula is Certified Biobased, with 58 percent of ingredients derived from renewable resources. Available in four scent options, including an unscented option.
CHI SteamPress 3-in-1 Handheld Garment Steamer and Iron ($74.26, Walmart)
Students who like to look sharp will love the convenience of this fast-heating 2-in-1 handheld gadget that works like a flat iron to tackle tough wrinkles and press pleats and hems with titanium-infused ceramic soleplates. For a quick refresh, they can use the steam feature to soften dimples and wrinkles. There is also a Dry Press feature for delicates.
