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Stressing about what you need to bring to college? These are the freshman dorm essentials that are totally fool-proof for a great first year in your dorm room!
Being a freshman in college can be a really exciting but stressful time. It can be pretty overwhelming thinking about all the stuff you need to bring or not bring, how you’re going to make friends, where all your classes will be, and more.
Trust me, I’ve been there. But honestly, it’s not as stressful as it seems, especially when you are preparing yourself for what you’ll need for your first year living away from your parents.
Freshman year is so full of new people and experiences, and this guide is here to help you with all of that stressful stuff so that you can focus on having fun.
These are the top freshman dorm essentials that every freshman in college needs for a stress-free first year. If you want even more, check out the free college dorm checklist below with everything you will need at college to be worry-free and focused on enjoying the semester.
This post is all about freshman dorm essentials.
1. Shower Caddy
A shower caddy is one of the extremely important freshman dorm essentials because it’s the one of the things that you will use the most.
If you are going to be living in a dorm with a shared bathroom on each floor, then a shower caddy will come in handy.
2. Shower Shoes
Like a shower caddy, shower shoes are definitely a necessity when living in a dorm, especially if you’ll have to shower in a shared space.
Think of dorm bathrooms like guys’ locker rooms. You definitely need that extra layer of protection on your feet so that you don’t break out with the latest infection going around the floor. 😂
3. Mattress Topper
Some dorm mattresses are old and deflated, so you’re definitely going to need a mattress topper. It will literally save your life in college!
You’ll need to get enough sleep to keep up with all of the studying you’re going to do, so getting a mattress topper is one of the best freshman dorm essentials that you can invest in.
4. Coffee Maker
All my coffee girls out there, this one is for you! Bringing your coffee maker from home or buying a coffee maker specifically for your dorm room will be a LIFE. SAVER. Trust me.
Even if you’re not a coffee person, instant coffee makers like Keurigs can also make hot chocolate and tea. Perfect for those exam reviews and movie nights!
5. Can Opener
Okay, this one might seem random, but trust me, you’re going to need a can opener. If your dining hall closes throughout the day and after dinner time, you might get the munchies, lol.
The easiest and cheapest way to cook when living in the dorms is to buy canned food, like soup and ravioli. But to open the cans, you’ll need a can opener. Thank me later. 😉
6. Oven Mitts
If you have a community kitchen in your building, or even a kitchenette in your dorm room, then this is one of the best freshman dorm essentials that you can have!
Most of the time, shared kitchens don’t come with supplies like oven mitts, so if you’ll be doing a lot of late night brownie making, then get yourself a pair of mitts.
7. Under-bed Storage
We all know that storage in a dorm room is not so great, so getting under-bed storage for your extra clothes, shoes, and linens will really help make your room look more organized.
8. Desk Organizer
These are an absolute lifesaver for your desk and your sanity during college. I don’t know about you, but when a work area is messy, it is so hard to be productive.
A desk organizer is one of the top freshman dorm essentials that you can buy, and let me tell you, it’s totally worth it!
9. Closet Organizer
More organization coming your way! Closet organizers are amazing, especially if you have a tiny closet and a lot of clothes or shoes.
Instead of hanging all of your clothes in your closet, getting a vertical organizer can free up space so that you can make room for all of those college t-shirts you’ll be getting. 😉
10. Bed Risers
This is a neat little hack for your dorm bed if you want just a little more space underneath to throw storage bags, shoes, and suitcases.
These specific ones have chargers built in too, so you’ll never be without an outlet!
11. Water Bottle
Last but not least, a water bottle. I saved the best for last, because having a water bottle is the #1 best freshman dorm essential that you can buy for college.
If you don’t have a water bottle to take to all of your classes and late night study sessions, then you’ll seriously regret it. Plus, it’s always a good idea to stay hydrated!