Heading off to college in the fall? No idea what to take with you? We’ve got you covered! Here are some dorm essentials we recommend everyone pack up with them in their suitcase.

Microwave

Investing in a microwave might just be the most significant thing on this list, from the foods and meals you can heat up fast to be able to eat while doing college work instead of taking a time-consuming trip to the dining hall. Click here for an affordable $64.99 microwave oven with sound on/off, ECO mode and easy one-touch buttons.

Coffee Maker

This is for the people that need coffee to survive their morning classes or to finish that paper due. When you are in college, a coffee maker can be a good investment to stay awake and save money instead of going to your local starbucks. Click here for the $29.99 Black Decker 12-cup programmable coffeemaker.

Laptop Backpack

If you don’t already have one, investing in a book bag that can help secure your laptop from the dorm to class just makes life easier. Click here to check out a $31.99 Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port, colors options include black, gray and rose pink.

Plastic Drawers

It’s important to save as much space as you can and with these plastic drawers, you can store lots of important things safely. Click here for the $37 HOMZ Plastic 4 Drawer Medium Cart, Black Frame with Smoke Tint Drawers, casters included.

Under-bed storage and Bed Risers

If your bed isn’t already raised, investing in bed risers can allow you to store things under your bed to save space. The average bed for a college dorm is a twin XL, which is the same size as a normal twin in width just longer to accommodate taller students. Click here for the $29.99 Bee Neat Heavy Duty Bed Risers set of 4.

Microwavable Dish Set

Now that you’re on your own, buying microwavable dinners may become a common occasion. Don’t make the mistake of cooking your ramen in the plastic though! Click here for the $14.99 Creative-Ware 13 piece dorm apartment plastic dish set.

Alarm Clock

Having an alarm clock on top of setting an alarm clock on your phone can make you more responsible and have a higher chance of not missing your classes after those long nights studying. Click here for the $19.99 digital alarm clock, with wooden electronic LED time display, three different alarm settings, humidity and temperature detection, wood-made electric clock. 

Water filters

Having easy access to good water right from your dorm room helps save money on plastic water bottles and tastes much better than tap water. Click here for the $69.97 pH Recharge Alkaline Water Filter or visit your local Publix/Costco and pick up a Brita filter.

Planner

Planning out your days with a calendar or planner now that you are on your own will be more crucial than ever before. To keep on top of all your commitments, make sure to write everything you need down. Click here for the $5.99 2021 Planner weekly & monthly planner, with monthly tabs, smooth faux leather & flexible cover with white paper and wire bound. 

Desk Organizer

Having your desk and utilities organized will help out in the long run for getting your work done and staying productive. Click here for the $24.97 Simple House ware mesh desk organizer with a sliding drawer, double tray and five upright sections. 

Shower and Bathing Supplies 

Now that you are on your own you will also probably have to buy your shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Most dorms have large bathrooms for each hall that include toilets, sinks, mirrors and showers, so don’t forget to bring your own towel! Click here for the $24.99 Senses Textured Rice Weave six piece bathroom towel set, all cotton.

Laundry Basket

If this is your first time doing laundry on your own now, owning a hamper will be necessary. Don’t forget to also pick up some detergent to wash your clothes and hangers to put them up with. Click here for the $15.99 DOKEHOM Large Laundry Basket, Collapsible Fabric laundry hamper, fold-able clothes bag and folding washing bin.

Fan

Owning a fan in your room on those hot nights or just to feel a nice breeze just makes the space feel homier, especially in the Florida heat. Click here for the $15.99 Honeywell HT-900 Turbo-force Air Circulator.

Trashcan

It’s a smart idea to invest in a small trash to keep in your dorm. Instead of using a random plastic bag or running down the hall to the trash chute, you can keep everything clean and neat. Click here for the $8.99 HMQCI Small Trash Can Round Plastic Wastebasket, Garbage Container Bin. Colors include black, white, gray, coffee, and apricot.

Handheld Vacuum

A handheld vacuum is a must to keep your room clean and organized. Click here for the $29.99 Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, BOLWEO Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner, Strong Suction High Power Hand Vacuum, Lightweight Dry Wet Amphibious Vehicle Cleaner.

Travel Mugs

Owning a water bottle or travel mug can be convenient for traveling from classes and having access to a quick and refreshing drink. In addition, it’s better for the environment than constantly throwing out plastic water bottles. Click here for the $14.72 Contigo 72952 Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug.

TV Wall Mount

Having a wall mount for your TV can be beneficial because it saves space rather than taking up a desk. Click here for the $29.33 Full Motion TV Monitor Wall Mount Bracket Articulating Arms Swivels Tilts Extension Rotation for Most 13-42 Inch LED LCD Flat Curved Screen TVs. However, make sure this TV wall mount will fit your specific model. More mounts can be found on Amazon.

Noise-Canceling Headphones/Earbuds

If you don’t already own some, these are a useful investment if it is late at night and you don’t want to disturb your roommate or for studying in the library. Click here for the $69.99 COWIN E7 PRO Active Noise Cancelling Headphones Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone/Deep Bass Wireless Headphones Over Ear 30 hours of playtime. Colors options for these headphones are black, blue, green, pink, purple, red and white.

Power Strips

Being in a college dorm room now, odds are you might not have enough outlets for you and your roommate to share. Investing in a power strip will make sure you never have to worry about not having enough charging ports. Click here for the $16.49 Amazon Basics 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip with 2 USB Ports.

Bedding

Make your college bed the best it can be. Get a comforter, sheets, and pillows to make your bed yours. Click here for the $109 OCM 16-Piece Starter Pack Twin XL Bedding, Mattress Pad, Comforter, Sheets, Towels, and in 33 different sets. Or, visit Amazon or Target to find a set that fits more of your style.

Desk Lamp/Book Lights

On those late study nights or finishing up work, investing in a good desk lamp needs to be a priority. Click here for the $29.99 LED Desk Lamp, Adjustable Metal Swing Arm Desk Lamp with Clamp, three color modes, ten brightness levels, and with memory function.

A Comfortable Chair

Although colleges provide chairs, the chairs are often wooden and hard like the ones in the library. Having a good and comfortable chair can make a big difference in focusing and feeling relaxed. Click here for the $39.49 YAHEETECH Office Chairs Ergonomic Computer Chair Mid Back Mesh Desk Chair Lumbar Support Modern Executive Adjustable Rolling Swivel Chair.

Wall Hangers

Hangers can help you save space and keep your room more organized by keeping your jackets, book bag, car keys, key chains and lanyards. Click here for the $27.99 Coat Rack Hooks Wall Mounted 22.44 in Pack of 2 Solid Wood Large Rail with 5 Metal Hangers.