Figuring out what to bring to college for the first time can be tough! I've already been through this once with my oldest, so I have a much better idea of the things students actually use - not just the items that end up taking up space.
While there are plenty of things your student will need to pack, these are eight tried-and-true essentials that are well worth adding to the dorm room checklist.
- Portable fan – Dorm rooms can get surprisingly warm, and this oscillating WOOZOO fan manufactured by IRIS USA does a fantastic job cooling a small space. It's especially appreciated after long walks across campus on hot days.
- Desk lamp – Late-night study sessions are practically a college tradition. This LED desk lamp doubles as a clock and pen holder, and the adjustable brightness and color settings make it easy to create the perfect study environment.
- Air purifier – Shared living spaces can collect plenty of dust, allergens, and other airborne particles. A compact air purifier like this one I bought for my daughter helps keep the air fresher and can make a noticeable difference in a dorm room.
- Bedside caddy – Many students loft or raise their beds to create extra storage underneath. A caddy that attaches to the bed keeps essentials like a phone, charger, water bottle, glasses, and books within easy reach.
- General tool set – This is one of those items that's easy to overlook but incredibly useful. I'm grateful our church gave every graduating senior a basic tool set because I know my daughter will need hers to assemble furniture, adjust her bed height, hang decorations, and make small repairs in her dorm room. A good starter kit like this CARTMAN set typically includes precision screwdrivers, standard screwdrivers, pliers, scissors, a tape measure, and other handy tools that can save a trip to the hardware store.
- DampRid – Dorm closets can become humid, especially in warmer climates. A container of DampRid or either the DampRid hanging moisure absorbers can help absorb excess moisture and can help protect clothing, shoes, and other belongings from musty odors and mildew.
- Heated blanket – Roommate thermostat battles are real! A cozy heated blanket is an easy way to stay warm without changing the temperature for everyone else. It's one of those items students don't realize they need until they have it.
- Water filter pitcher – Most campuses have bottle refill stations, but having a Brita or similar filtered water pitcher in the room means fresh, cold water is always close by, and it saves countless trips down the hall.
- Handheld steamer – A bulky ironing board isn't practical in a dorm room. A handheld steamer stores easily and quickly removes wrinkles before class, presentations, or interviews. This one served my daughter for two years, and we still have it!
LUXURY ADD-ONS:
1. I received this super soft and weighty Evergrace Faux Fur Throw Blanket to review, and it's absolutely amazing! My daughter is taking this to add a bit of luxury and special comfort to her dorm. Read my review and see photos here.
2. This Fritaire glass air fryer is more compact than the one we have at home for our family, and it might be great for your child's dorm usage if he/she is planning on cooking. It even has a rotisserie! If your child's dorm doesn't have a stove in the kitchen, they might be allowed to use plug-in appliances like this one. My daughter loves to cook healthy recipes, and I know she'll get plenty use from this appliance. It has a self-cleaning function and is made with durable glass and free from BPA, Teflon, and PFAS.
3. This UVI self-sanitizing electric lunch box lets you enjoy your food almost anywhere. It heats food in 25 minutes or less, so my daughter can pack her meal before leaving for the day and warm it up later on campus—no microwave needed. It also keeps food warm for up to 2 hours, which is especially helpful on long days away from her dorm room. Since she's a planner who enjoys meal prepping, this is a practical way for her to have a hot, homemade meal whenever she's ready to eat.
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