Dorm Room Essentials List Every Kid Needs

Last Updated on July 21, 2020 by Ellen Christian

These dorm room essentials are an absolute must. Wondering what your child needs for their dorm room? Start here before you shop.

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a dorm room with a bed and desk

Dorm Room Essentials

I know, it’s hard to believe that summer is almost over. It seems like only yesterday that I was looking forward to a break from the day to day rush of school. Unfortunately, the kids will be going back to school in just a few weeks and I’m trying to get all of the must-have dorm room essentials ready for back to school.  I want the school year to go as smoothly as possible so I try to make sure that we have everything that we need.

It’s hard to believe some days that my daughter is in college. I cannot believe that so much time has passed since she graduated high school. She’s actually a senior in college this year and will soon be graduating and moving to another college to work toward her Master’s degree in Theater. Since there aren’t a lot of theater jobs in our small Vermont town, I know that means she’ll be moving to a big city to find a job. Can I slow the time down just for a while?

a college girl sitting at a desk working on a laptop

List of dorm room essentials

Dorm rooms are generally fairly small so I know she needs to make the most of the room she has. You know that the bed, desk, and bookcase are going to take up most of the space in the room already. Here are a few other must-have dorm room essentials every college student should have:

  • Dorm sized refrigerator
  • One cup coffee pot
  • Small microwave
  • Bedding & towels
  • Desk lamp and organizational desk accessories
  • Charging station and speaker for smartphone
  • Handheld vacuum
  • Water filtration pitcher
  • First aid kit
  • Kleenex in these fun oval shaped containers with chevron designs

a girl sitting on a dorm bed looking out the window

Frequently asked questions

What is not allowed in dorm rooms?

For the most part, space heaters and air conditioners are not allowed in college dorm rooms. Check with your college for more items that may be banned.

Can you have a microwave in your dorm?

Most colleges allow a small personal sized microwave. Be aware of how much room there is when making your choice.

What is a good-sized TV for a dorm room?

Aim for 19″ to 32″. A lot will depend on what your roommate is bringing. So, check with them first.

These dorm room essentials are an absolute must. Wondering what your child needs for their dorm room? Start here before you shop.

Do dorm rooms have cable?

Most dorms offer a common area that has cable. But, most don’t offer cable in individual dorm rooms. So, you may want to consider whether you need one in your room.

These fun Kleenex Chevron designs are a limited Back to School edition with Walmart Supercenters. Kleenex Expressions oval box designs are in touch with your style and have the same 2-ply facial tissue you’ve come to trust. Kleenex Expressions Tissues are available in 64ct oval boxes. They are only available for a limited time so HURRY!

Walmart has all your dorm room essentials. They have comforters, lamps, towels…..And Kleenex Expressions Oval Facial Tissue! College students need to stay healthy by having Thick and Absorbent Kleenex Facial Tissues around. Selecting your #KleenexStyle can help change the look of your room, and make you and your guests feel extra special.

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14 thoughts on “Dorm Room Essentials List Every Kid Needs”

  1. I totally could have used a list like this way back when I went to college and was moving in to my dorm. The one thing I'd add here is that most colleges don't allow a coffee pot with a hot plate, so it needs to be something like a Nespresso machine.
    Reply
  2. Great list!   Kleenex are a must to have on hand in the dorm because germs are suddenly shared like you are in kindergarten!   A mini fridge and microwave was essential for us.  I learned to make a mean brownie in the microwave! 
    Reply
  3. You have some great options here. I was just in there today. They even have mini fridges which are great for college students.
    Reply
  4. I love the designs on these Kleenex tissues - very fun and definitely perfect for a dorm room. The one thing I loved having in my dorm was the mini fridge - it was so nice to have a place to store my food and not worry someone else might accidentally take it. First aid kit is a really important one too.
    Reply

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