25 Dorm Room Essentials Every Freshman Needs in 2025

Moving into your first dorm can be exciting but also a little stressful. To help you get settled, I’ve compiled 25 essentials every freshman needs to make dorm life easier, more organized, and way more fun!

1. Mattress Topper

The first thing you'll notice in your dorm is that beds aren’t exactly like at home. They’re usually thin, stiff, and just not great. To make your bed softer, warmer, and actually comfortable, add a mattress topper.Trust me, it will completely change the game and you’ll thank yourself every single night.

2. Pillows

Pillows are a must. You’ll need at least one or two for sleeping, but having an extra for propping yourself up while studying or watching Netflix is a lifesaver. Plus, a few decorative cushions add a personal touch.

3. Cozy Blanket

There’s nothing better than curling up under a cozy blanket after a long day of classes. Pick one that feels soft and warm, it’ll make your dorm instantly more comfortable.

4. Your Teddy

Don’t forget your favourite teddy to help you feel cozy and settled. Uni life can get stressful and overwhelming, and having a little piece of home with you is very comforting.

5. Storage Bins

Dorm rooms are tiny. Dorm rooms are tiny, so storage bins are your best friend for clothes, snacks, or random items. You can place them under your bed to make your room feel bigger and more organised. You can put these under your bed, it will make your room feel bigger and less chaotic.

6. Laundry Basket

Believe me, having a laundry basket keeps your floor from becoming a second closet. Get one that’s easy to carry because, you’ll be lugging it down to the laundry room every week.

7. Closet Organiser/Shelf

Closet space in dorms is usually small. A hanging organizer or shelf system doubles your storage and makes it way easier to find things in a rush.

8. Trash Can

This one seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget it. A trash can is a must. Otherwise, you’ll end up with random piles of wrappers, receipts, and who knows what else.

9. Mini Fridge

Late-night snacks? Cold drinks? Leftover pizza? A mini fridge is the answer. Honestly, this is one of those things I didn't realise I needed until I had it—and now I wonder how I survived without it.

10. Airfryer

An air fryer is the ultimate dorm cooking hack. It’s great because food cooks quickly and cleanup is easy. To be fair I didn’t think I’d use mine much, but I swear it became my best friend very quickly.

11. Plates, Bowls, and Mugs

Paper plates are fine for the first week, but they get annoying (and expensive) fast. A couple of real plates, bowls, and mugs make meals feel a little more normal and less like camping.

12. Reusable Water Bottle

You’re going to be running around campus all day. Having a reusable water bottle saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and honestly just makes life easier. Pro tip: get one that keeps your drinks cold for hours, you’ll love it. ( You can also get a to-go mug to bring your coffee with you )

13. Rolly Cart

A rolling cart gives you flexible storage for snacks, toiletries, or school supplies. Plus, you can move it around depending on where you need space.

14. Bathrobe

When you’re walking down the hall to the shared bathroom, nothing feels better than throwing on a bathrobe. It’s also great for lounging around your room on lazy Sundays.

15. Shower Shoes

I cannot stress this enough: do not step into communal showers without flip-flops. It’s one of those unglamorous but absolutely essential dorm items.

16. First Aid Kit

From headaches to random colds, little things come up, and you’ll be so glad you packed a small first aid kit. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just the basics.

17. Toiletries

Sounds obvious, but stock up on shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and all your everyday items. Nothing’s worse than realising you’re out of deodorant five minutes before class!

18. Shower Caddy

Trust me, juggling shampoo, conditioner, soap, and your razor down the hall is not fun. A shower caddy makes life so much easier and keeps everything organised. Pro tip: get a plastic one with holes at the bottom otherwise it will get mouldy.

19. Steamer

Wrinkled clothes happen, especially when everything is stored into a tiny closet so get yourself a steamer. It is way easier (and smaller) than an iron and will save you more than once.

20. Vacuum

Dorm floors get dusty and dirty fast. A small vacuum is a lifesaver for keeping your space clean without spending hours sweeping.

21. Portable Speaker

This is such a great thing to have. I use mine all the time whether I'm getting ready for class, chilling after a long day, or having a small hangout with friends. And choose a small one that you can bring with you everywhere.

22. Any Kind of Lights

Dorm lighting is usually harsh and uninviting. String lights, LED strips, or even a nice desk lamp instantly transform your space into something cozy. Plus, even though you don't want to hear it, you will have late night study sessions, and your roommate won't want the main light on.

23. Photos and Posters

Adding personal touches to your room instantly makes it feel more like your space. These little details make a huge difference and are what turn a plain dorm into a place that actually feels like home.

24. Slippers

Cold floors, and just wanting to be comfy, slippers are a small item that makes a big difference.

25. Power Strip (a Long One)

Between your phone, laptop, lamp, and everything else, there will never be enough outlets. A power strip is non-negotiable. I highly recommend to get a long one so it actually reaches your bed or desk.

With these 25 essentials, your dorm will feel more like home and make your first year a little easier. Of course, everyone’s needs are different, so pick what works best for you. Most importantly, have fun and make your dorm your own space for the start of an unforgettable chapter!