Dorm Room Essentials (College Dorm Ideas 2022)

The dorm beds at university may not be the most comfortable as the bed you have been used to sleeping on at home. Often the bed is a single XL twin bed and depending on the dorm, the beds have an option to be lofted.

Lofting a bed is where the mattress is lifted off the floor in a bunk bed style without the extra 'bunk' under the lofted bed. Often this is done with a loft kit or by raising the bed on the bed frame provided. By lofting the bed you have created more liveable floor space.

Mattress Topper For XL Bed

A mattress topper for your XL bed will help you sleep better at night, support your back and give you an overall more comfortable sleep experience. TIP: don't unpack the topper until you get to your door room. They spring open and are impossible to get back in the box. These and more essentials can be found on the Dorm Room Essentials Amazon List.

• First option - make sure the mattress topper is XL to fit the dorm bed and get a memory foam that is at least 3" in thickness. The one listed below is 4" in thickness and comes with a removable cover.
• The second option is a less expensive mattress topper option but still has a great cushion and will need a separate mattress cover to keep it in place. A fitted sheet can work in a pinch.
• The third option features copper-infused foam, a cooling cover and also features an anti-slip backing and adjustable straps to keep it in place on any bed.

Ladder Tape

Grab a roll of ladder tape to add nonslip to each of the rungs of the ladder. Often students are in their dorms in sock feet and getting into bed can be tricky with slippery feet.

Also, a tube of cushioning wrap could be used on either the rungs of the ladder or under the lofted bed along the frame to protect you from whacking your head on the metal. These and more essentials can be found on the Dorm Room Essentials Amazon List.

Loft Bed Shelf

At home, you may have a bedside table or nightstand but in college, you will need a bed shelf. Especially if you have a lofted bed. The loft shelf will connect to or slip over the headboard, frame or rail of the bed and give you a space to keep your phone, alarm, charger and anything else you may need in bed.

The Bed Shelfie is made from bamboo and I love that it has a lip to keep items from tumbling off the shelf and there are two options. One that will hold a 13" laptop and another that will hold a 15" laptop. Both will support 15 pounds!

Another Bed Shelf that is popular is the one with the cup holder. Keep that late from spilling during your late-night study sessions.

Or you may just want a bedside organizer caddy that hangs from the bed rails (be sure the rails are less than 2") These and more essentials can be found on the Dorm Room Essentials Amazon List.

XL Twin Sheets

The dorm beds are a twin but they are also an extra-long or, XL twin. Normal twin sheets will not fit on the dorm mattresses. Be sure they are XL. Take 2 sets because you know how bad at laundry you are.

Twin XL Microfiber Sheets with 14" Deep Pockets - with 44 colors to choose from you are sure to find a sheet set perfect for your dorm room. Fits most mattress sizes up to a 16 " mattress depth

Twin XL Hotel Luxury Bed Sheets (4 piece set) - Ultra Soft, Deep Pockets, Cooling & Breathable Sheets - No Wrinkles - Cozy.

Twin XL Luxury 1800 Thread Count Sheets - Deep Pockets - hydro-brushed fabric is ultra-soft, lightweight, and airy to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. These and more essentials can be found on the Dorm Room Essentials Amazon List.

Shower Caddy

A shower caddy will help you keep all your shower essentials in one place so you can just grab and go. Be sure your caddy has a way of draining after your shower so that mold and mildew doesn't collect in the bottom.

Plastic Shower Caddy Basket - this plastic caddy is large enough to hold full-size bath and body products. The center handle makes it easy to carry.

Mesh Shower Caddy Bag - made of tough and versatile mesh, equipped with a handle that can be used to hang the bathroom caddy on pegs or hooks. 8 outer compartments and a large one in the center to keep everything you need easily accessible

Plastic Shower Tote Small - The shower tote with handles has 9 different compartments. Holes at the bottom allow water to drain - perfect for communal bathrooms! These and more essentials can be found on the Dorm Room Essentials Amazon List.

Robe and Shower Shoes

You are not at home anymore! No more sprinting to the shower in your birthday suit. Have a robe or cover-up to keep your bits and pieces covered up when you hit the showers. Shower shoes are essential because there is funk in communal bathrooms and now one wants athletes' foot.

Quick Drying Non-Slip Shower Shoes - The uppers of these slippers are wide, easy to slide in and protect your feet. But if you have a thin foot you might consider getting a smaller size. The sole have non-slip bumps, that are good for preventing slipping, including in wet shower rooms.

Non-Slip Dorm Water Sandals - Quick drying so you can toss them in gym bags, lockers or suitcases when you travel. Comfortable, lightweight and textured surface so feet don't slip around.

Shower Sandal with Drainage Holes - Made of high quality EVA and cushioned footbed are breathable and comfortable for all-day play. Quite light-weight and odorless. These and more essentials can be found on the Dorm Room Essentials Amazon List.

Women Fleece Hooded Bathrobe - The bathrobe is soft and fluffy, which can be worn all day long; the bathrobe carries a classic design with a hood to give a trendy look to it.

Lightweight Robes for Women  - The luxurious all season versatile womens bathrobe features both inner and outer belt, with inner tie securely closing the robe and outer adjustable belt for a perfect fit.

Lightweight Waffle Knit Bath - These waffle short robes are smooth, breathable, highly absorbent, and double-stitched for durability. These robes employ a high-quality belt, so you can adjust for a perfect fit. These and more essentials can be found on the Dorm Room Essentials Amazon List.

Men's Waffle Shawl Robe - one of the top sellers on Amazon!

Lightweight Knit Bathrobe - The lightweight robe is made of 100% cotton fabric. The spa kimono is also suitable for wearing when bathing or swimming,it's soft and comfortable to the skin, lightweight and durable.

Adjustable Wrap Around Body Towel - The waist wrap is very comfortable and is between mid-thigh and knee-length, depending on how high you wear it. These and more essentials can be found on the Dorm Room Essentials Amazon List.

Closet Organization

Adjustable Closet Hanging Rod - The adjustable design provides flexibility for different scenarios without any tool. Notches in the vertical bar allow you to move the middle bar up and down as needed. The spring on the horizontal bar provides seven positions where you can decide on either 18'' minimum width or 30'' maximum width.

Retractable Collapsible Folding Hanging Rack - hang the hooks over the door, place the bar in the inserts on both sides, and adjust to your desired length. This is useful when trying to dry clothes. There's enough air circulation to ensure the wet clothes will hang properly.

Shelf Dividers - Keep sweaters, sweatshirts, stacks of jeans or bags from toppling over. 12-INCH DIVIDER HEIGHT and STANDARD SOLID SHELF UP TO ⅞" so check to see if these will be the right fit for the top shelf of your dorm closest.

Pants Hangers - store 5 pairs of pants on one hanger! Maximize to save your closet space and keep it clean and orderly. Strong and won't be easy to be out of shape! These and more essentials can be found on the Dorm Room Essentials Amazon List.

Drawer Dividers Organizer 5 Pack - this set of drawer dividers are ADJUSTABLE! No matter the width or length of your dorm dresser drawer, you will be able to divide it into sections, keeping everything neat and tidy.

Honeycomb Drawer Divider - I have a version of this in muy sock and underwear drawer. One pair of socks or undies per compartment and you can see at a glance how many fresh pairs you have!

Foldable Cloth Storage Box - If you are one that needs to see your favorite graphic tees at a glance these storage boxes are for you! Fold shirts and pants and arrange them on end for easy access.

Expandable Organization - not sure about the dimensions of the dresser drawer in the dorm? Get an expandable drawer organizer and customize it on move-in day! These and more essentials can be found on the Dorm Room Essentials Amazon List.

All-Purpose Medical Kit - will have you prepared for any potential emergency at home, in the office or on the go.

Condoms - even though MANY colleges and universities have condoms available for free, not every student is comfortable in taking them nor has the forethought to plan in advance. Always be prepared.

DIY Medicine Cabinet - Don't take the whole medicine cabinet to college! Portion out medication into smaller containers, being sure to label the dosage! These and more essentials can be found on the Dorm Room Essentials Amazon List.

Small Vacuum Cleaner - be the person on the floor with the vacuum! Everyone needs one but no one thinks to bring one.

Multi-Surface Sanitizing Wipes - if we learned nothing in the past few years it is that we need to sanitize our surroundings. Wipe down doorknobs, handles, and high-touch surfaces to keep sickness to a minimum.

Trash Can - make sure the trash can is a solid surface because in a pinch the trash can be used as a puke bucket. Also get a good size one, not one that is teeny tiny. They fill up fast!

Swiffer Dusters - you may think I am a bit crazy but a pack of Swiffer dusters is needed in a dorm room. From dusting the computer to the cobwebs in the corners you will be surprised how often you use one. These and more essentials can be found on the Dorm Room Essentials Amazon List.

Portable Chargers - this is a double pack because you know you will always forget to have one charged.

Power Strip Tower Surge Protector - Some dorm rooms only have one outlet. Can you imagine? Have a power strip that is a tower so you can save space, and you don’t need to worry about big plugs blocking the other outlets! Plus there are USB charging ports on this model.

Mini Projector - we all watch TV and movies on our phones or laptops but what about when you want to watch with friends? Mini projector is what you are needing. Project on the ceiling or on a blank wall or door for a watch party on the dorm hall.

Full Spectrum Sunlight Lamp - This light is a portable, UV free bright light therapy lamp and lamp alarm clock.  It includes a wireless charger, LED alarm clock, and USB port. These and more essentials can be found on the Dorm Room Essentials Amazon List.

X-Large Double Laundry Hamper - build-in two-section to separate dark and light clothes. Aluminum ring handle with soft grip: durable and easy to carry. Stands by itself.

Drying Rack Collapsible Space Saving - This large design will fold away to small dimensions for easy storage. Made of 100% Bamboo Wood, Durable Long-Lasting, and Won't Rust.

Laundry Detergent Sheets - Up to 100 loads, for those who do extra small to small loads you can use ½ a sheet for a full clean. Liquid-free detergent sheet (yeah for not lugging big jugs of detergent) to soften and reduce wrinkles and eliminate odors, stains, and dirt.

Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover, 3 Count - Works well on tomato juice, ketchup, BBQ sauce, grape juice, coffee, wine, tea, chocolate syrup, and more. No bleach. These and more essentials can be found on the Dorm Room Essentials Amazon List.