When embarking on your much-anticipated move to college, hand-picking the best items you can snag before August will make the process ten times easier.
From duvet covers and twin XL sheets to mini fridges and those tried-and-true essentials (one word of advice: shower shoes), there’s a lot to organize into cardboard boxes before hitting campus.
That’s why the New York Post Shopping team researched for hours on end to provide the ultimate college packing list, filled with 60 essentials you don’t want to skip. (Related: Best back-to-school Amazon deals).
All of our picks are from Amazon (read: Amazon best-sellers) but, now that you’re a student, you’ll want to take full advantage of what the retailer has to offer, like a discounted Prime membership (which is half-off, BTW, thanks to Prime Student), sweet deals on audible and Amazon Music for hands-free listening and — to unwind after class —a discount on Prime Video to watch your favorite shows.
So, take a long, hard look at our guide to the best dorm essentials — organized by category to make your online shopping spree a breeze. If you’re moving into an apartment or a suite-style dorm, you’ll also want to check out our guide to the best Amazon kitchen items.
Click to jump to a category:
One of the most important dorm pick-me-ups is your trusty duvet cover. Bedsure’s Twin/Twin XL Duvet Cover comes in a wide assortment of colors to match your dream layout, while also racking up an impressive 52,000 rave reviews for its zipper closure, included pillow sham and lightweight, soft feel.
Please note that the comforter insert is sold separately.
Speaking of duvet inserts, Bedsure strikes again with its best-selling Twin Duvet Insert. For less than $30 right now, its 56,000 reviews nod to its ultra-softness, box-stitching design (that keeps its filling evenly distributed) and machine-washable exterior.
For more options, check out our guide to the best comforters.
You’ll want to pick up at least two of the Amazon Basics 4-Piece Bed Sheet Set, simply because each bundle is less than $15 and one of the top-rated items the retailer has to offer (461,000, and counting!)
Better yet, you can select from a range of bundle packages and colors — making this item one of the best bed sheets you can grab.
Though a splurge, the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Supreme Twin XL Topper is one of the dreamiest bedding upgrades you can buy for your dorm (trust us; once you purchase one, you’ll never go back). It’s the next best thing to a bed-in-a-box, thanks to its soft-knit and breathable performance cover and one-of-a-kind design.
For a more affordable option, check out the Bare Home Quilted Fitted Mattress Pad ($25).
To maintain the cleanliness of your dorm, shop the SafeRest Mattress Protector. It has garnered a whopping 260,000 praising reviews — and counting — because of its cotton terry waterproof design with stretchable pockets to protect every nook and cranny. Yes, please.
For more options, check out our guide to the best mattress protectors.
Pillows are important (think about it — you use them for half of the day, aka half of your life in the long run). To make your bed area feel a bit more home-y, the Casper Sleep Original Pillow is what we recommend (and, truly a game-changer). With more than 10,000 gleaming reviews from satisfied sleepers — thanks to its innovative microfiber fill — we’re all about it.
When we were in college, a fuzzy blanket was what got us through late nights studying in colder temps. The true meaning of ‘cozy,’ the Tuddrom Fuzzy Faux Fur Blanket is affordable, ultra-plush and available in a buffet of colors. What’s not to love?
Though not an essential for all, the Modway Lily Biscuit Tufted Twin Performance Velvet Headboard is an elevated dorm room item that’s perfect if you find yourself propping yourself up in bed. Other shades are available, too, and shoppers love that it’s easy to install (and adjustable!)
The Slendor Foldable Laptop Desk is one of the most practical dorm room buys you can add to your cart. When you want to relax from the comfort of your elevated dorm bed, this makeshift desk comes with all the stops: a spacious surface, USB charging ports, a tablet holder and a side storage tray to hold pencils, Post-Its or anything else.
Another bedding essential? The ComfortSpa Reading Pillow for Bed, without a doubt. It’s one of the most supportive pillows for when you want to sit up (either while studying or while watching a movie on your smart TV) and is a top-rated item that’s just $40 right now.
Saving you space (and time, thanks to its clear design) are the NestNeatly SmartCube Under-Bed Storage Bags. They were one of the best investments we made for our dorm rooms — storage wise — because they allow you to store seasonal clothes that you may not be using at the moment.
Not to mention, when you realize how small dorm room closets actually are, you’ll thank us for this mention.
A home safe isn’t a common dorm room item you’d initially place on your list, but one we wholeheartedly recommend. When living with a roommate or leaving your dorm for class, you want peace of mind that your valuables (extra cash, identification documents, expensive tech and the like) are safe and sound.
That said, the Honeywell Fire-Resistant Steel Security Safe Box features a digital lock for easy access and a wire to tie to the foot of your bed if stored underneath. This is the exact model we used, and we can’t recommend it enough.
While the traditional over-the-door shoe organizers are great and all, the Univivi Door Hanging Organizer takes storage a step further, thanks to its deep compartments. Whether storing your socks or extra dorm room essentials, this less-than-$25 option is one worth buying.
Another under-bed or floor-closet organizer we recommend are the Rubbermaid Cleverstore Clear Stackable Plastic Containers. This four-pack is the durable bundle you need (with nearly 13,000 positive reviews, may we add), all with latching clear lids that won’t let you down.
The SimpleHouseware Heavy Duty 3-Tier Metal Utility Rolling Cart is one of the most practical storage options you can grab. Not only is portable but it can fit you and your roommate’s shower caddies, cleaning products or — if you love Dunkin’ and Starbucks — can double as a coffee cart (side note: that’s what we did, and everyone kept coming to our rooms while we acted as baristas!)
The SEE SPRING Stackable Clear Shoe Storage Box is the perfect example of ‘buy now, thank us later). This 12-pack can be used for a variety of dorm products — aside from shoe storage — as each unit makes finding your essentials a breeze, thanks to its acrylic nature. For less than $40, it’s a steal.
What we love most about the MISSLO Dual-Sided Hanging Jewelry Organizer is its ability to come with small pockets (great for earrings and fine jewelry) and hooks (ideal for bracelets and larger statement necklaces). This $10 spend is one you’ll want to order this storage solution in advance.
For more options, check out our guide to the best jewelry organizers.
Don’t blink — just order the Vtopmart Clear Plastic Drawer Organizers on Amazon. This 25-pack is wonderful for your dresser or dorm room’s desk, thanks to their versatile charm. Store your pens and supplies or your hair products. Regardless, it’s the $20 unit that’ll keep your belongings tidy (as they should be).
The college dorm room organizing hack we hold near and dear is this exact item: the ZOBER 5-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer. This exceptional hanger is what we used to store our jeans and sweaters we didn’t want to hang up (goodbye, hanger strap indents). Above all else, it offers you more space.
For more options, check out our expert-backed guide to the best closet organizers (with tips from the one and only Marie Kondo).
An impressive 174,000 (and beyond) rave about the Amazon Basics Slim Velvet Nonslip Hangers. Naturally, we do too, because (1) we’re all about saving space and (2) we love when our wardrobe looks cohesive and more organized). Even better, you can choose how many hangers you’d like in your pack, depending on your budget.
During our time in college, we swore by the Loghot Bedside Storage Caddy. Now, you can grab a two-pack to have easy-reach access to your belongings — including your phone, e-reader, soothing hand cream and more. Hello, smart storage.
When studying, you may benefit from a desk lamp (especially for late-night studying when your roommate may be sleeping). But, how about an elevated pick?
The AXX LED Small Desk Lamp fits the bill, much ado to its slim design, storage compartments for office supplies and nifty stand to prop your tablet upward to double as a second screen while studying. The best part? It’s just $16.
One of the best investments we’ve made can be summed up in two words: Apple iPad. The 10th Gen edition is compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) — which you’ll want for note-taking — and it comes in a wealth of colors to choose from.
The Jerry & Maggie Desktop Organizer offers more storage for your small space, is ideal for stashing textbooks when they’re not in your backpack for class time and doubles as a safe haven for all of your miniature decor. Not to mention, it’s a purchase that’ll serve you well post-college.
We purchased a desk chair of our own for our freshman dorm and, let us tell you, it’s beyond worth it. The PUKAMI Cross-Legged Armless Office Chair is one of the most comfortable, too, allowing you to sit criss-cross-applesauce while studying or chit-chatting with friends.
If you don’t want to spring fora newly minted rolling chair, the 5 Star United Seat Cushion is your best bet. Offering you plush comfort for your bum, it’s the less-than-$25 upgrade that’ll have everyone asking you, ‘where’d you get that?‘
To help you save time at the library, the HP DeskJet Wireless Colorless All-in-One Printer will be your BFF. Not only is it one of the best printers we rounded up but you’ll also get not just three — but six! — months of free ink included with purchase. Talk about a bargain.
Your years-used notebook just got an upgrade. Now offered in a bulk pack, the Five Star Spiral Notebook is great for your fall semester (and possibly, your spring one, too). For less than $25, you’ll be taking notes to the max.
As you progress throughout college, an external hard drive will ensure all of your hard work and past assignments are safely stored. So naturally, we recommend the Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive. With more than 67,000 shoppers praising its storage, this sleek-profiled tech essential is yours for the taking.
If you don’t own a pair of Apple AirPods by now, you’re doing it wrong. As one of the best wireless earbuds, they’re great at noise-canceling, have a comfortable fit and last for hours on end without needing a charge.
The Zebra Pen Mildliner Double-Ended Highlighter Set is the 15-pack that we swear by. None of them bleed through, they each have an easily readable pastel color and are a surefire steal for just $9 right now.
We don’t need to give you our 30-second elevator pitch for why you need shower shoes. To help shield you from the plague that we call communal bathrooms, this $16 pair is breathable, comfortable, easy to clean and has drain holes included to allow extra water to seep out.
At just $10, grab the Attmu Mesh Portable Shower Caddy. With a spot for your shampoo, hair brush, loofah, body lotion and then some, it’s something you truly need. Plus, its mesh exterior allows extra water to seep through — just like your shower shoes.
The American Soft Linen Luxury 6-Piece Towel Set comes in a rainbow of colors (and when we say rainbow, we mean it!) With two full-sized bath towels and four smaller ones, the complete set boasts more than 51,000 reviews that collectively nod to their Turkish cotton make.
The Veseacky Women’s Bath Wrap Towel & Facial Headband is great for walking to and fro in the hallway (trust us, you’ll deem this one of your favorite essential). Not only does this two-seat set come in a variety of colors but it’s also easy to clean.
On a wonderful sale right now, the Nautica Men’s Cozy Soft Plush Shawl Collar Robe is a stellar pick to keep yourself nice and cozy while enjoying dorm life. It’s warm yet breathable — exactly what we look for in a robe.
The MCleanPin Collapsible Laundry Hamper with 2 Washable Laundry Bags is the bundle you need, simply because of the freestanding and portable options it provides. Now, it’s just $25 and great for your dorm (and for all of your commuting needs, too).
To stash into your storage caddy, this Soap Box Holder is a two-pack that’ll ensure your shower essentials are ultra-hygienic and easy to locate. For just $7, it’s a definite add-to-cart purchase.
Similarly, the TeaiEei Waterproof Soft Shaver Case fits most razor sizes and is a shielding container that’ll protect your hair-removing blade. For just $6, it’s another option we recommend adding to your cart in one maneuver.
As one of the easiest-to-use (and most affordable) electric toothbrushes, the Philips One by Sonicare Battery Toothbrush can seamlessly fit inside your shower caddy. We love it because its design has an included holder for your bristles so they don’t collect germs.
One of our most-used products is the AQUIS Towel Hair-Drying Tool. It fits snugly around your head and cuts your blow-dry time in half. Done, and done.
If you’re not air-drying your hair, check out our expert-backed guide to the best blow dryers we reviewed.
While doing laundry in your room after your shower, you’ll surely need the Amazon Basics Foldable Laundry Rack. With an impressive 56,000 rave reviews — and counting — it’s the space-saving option that will serve you and your now-clean clothes well.
The Clorox Disinfecting Wipes aren’t just a college staple — they’re a life staple. This value-based three-pack is a No. 1 Amazon best-seller with nearly 90,000 extraordinary reviews, each container stores 75 wipes and they’ll help keep your dorm germ-free with its crisp, fresh lemon scent.
Listen, we’re going to give it to you straight. While many mini fridges exist on the market, we highly recommend springing for an option that also has a freezer (think: late-night ice cream, frozen meals). For that reason, the Frigidaire 3.1 cu. ft. Stainless Steel 2-Door Mini Fridge and Freezer is a top pick — and one you’ll want to use within your post-college living quarters.
Be sure to check with your college or university for specific size and capacity requirements, if allowed to bring your own mini fridge.
What’s great about the COMFEE Countertop Microwave Oven is the fact that it’s fully clad with a ‘sound on/off’ button, perfect for being that considerate roommate (and a fellow dorm member your floor won’t detest). Plus, it’s less than $100 and backed by more than 12,000 reviews for its one-touch express cooking function and one-year limited warranty should anything go awry.
For more options, check out our expert-backed guide to the best microwaves.
Be sure to check with your college or university for specific size and capacity requirements, if allowed to bring your own microwave.
The Dyson Pure Cool TP01 Air Purifier and Fan is unmatched — as far as tower fans and air purifiers go— thanks to its multipurpose design that has impressive cooling properties that keep our rooms fresh and clean (seriously, it’s one of our favorite products ever). Not to mention, it comes with a remote for easy use.
The Tide PODS Laundry Detergent Soap Pods are every college student’s best friend (just pop in and go!) Keeping you fully stocked for 81 loads of laundry, they’re the less-than-$25 purchase to add to your cart immediately. Plus, its scent is unbelievably fresh.
For more options, check out our expert-backed guide to the best laundry detergent.
Typically, colleges and universities will not allow power strips, so surge protectors are the next best thing. Offering plenty of slots to charge your appliances and tech essentials, you can’t beat this less-than-$15 option from the Amazon Basics brand (that comes with a 6-ft cord, no less!)
To stay prepared, keep an all-in-one medical necessities pack inside your dorm’s walls. The First Aid Only 298-Piece All-Purpose First Aid Emergency Kit is one of the best first aid kits on Amazon, a No.1 best-seller with a soaring 70,000 applauding reviews — and then some. With adhesive fabric and plastic bandages, antibiotic ointments, antiseptic towelettes and more, you’ll be fully stocked.
This college dorm packing guide would be incomplete without a mention of command hooks and strips, the definition of ‘small but mighty.’ For less than $15, this bundle comes with seven white hooks and 12 command strips to hang wall art, photos and more.
One of the most commonly forgotten dorm room essentials is, without a doubt, curtains. The NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains come in a wealth of shades to match your dorm room’s aesthetic, carry with them more than 107,000 glistening reviews and are room-darkening to catch those much-needed college ZZZs for longer. Hallelujah.
Not everyone prefers to have a TV in their dorm (after all, Netflix, Hulu and the like are available to stream straight from your laptop). But, if you prefer to watch as you would at home, the Insignia 24″ F20 Series HD Smart TV is your best bet. Impressively, it’s less than $75 and, if you’re like us, you’ll place it on your desk hutch so you don’t have to mount it to your wall.
One of the best duffel bags we’ve gifted is the Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffel Bag — one with a timeless look with spacious storage. Now, it’s just $55 for that limited-time grab.
We own this Lighted Hollywood Makeup Mirror and, if you want to get ready in photo-ready glam, this less-than-$50 is what we recommend. Perfect to display atop your desk, it’ll be your life-saver that you use on the regular.
For more options, check out our guide to the best mirrors.
As mentioned, we created a coffee cart (thanks to rolly carts you can grab on Amazon). Sitting front and center was the Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine — the splurge worth making that, impressively, comes with a milk frother as a bonus. For barista-style brews you can sip and enjoy from the comfort of your college oasis, this one right here is the real deal.
For more options, check out our guide to the best Amazon coffee makers.
String lights are the epitome of what makes a college dorm a home, and the Twinkle Star 200 LED 66 ft. Copper Fairy String Lights are the crème de la crème on Amazon. With a remote control to turn them on or off, this $15 purchase is one you’ll thoroughly enjoy.
For an area rug that’s easy to clean (perhaps with a handheld vacuum), the Artistic Weavers Hapsburg Moroccan Shag Area Rug is an option that’s marshmallow-soft to walk on and one that matches a variety of dorm room themes. Even better, it’s less than $75.
The NeuType Over-the-Door Full-Length Mirror is that college dorm essential that’ll help you get ready seamlessly. Whether you mount it with command strips or hang it over your door, it’s also perfect for your Instagram story’s #ootd.
Add a modern touch to your dorm with the WulaWindy Digital Alarm Clock. It’s less than $25, has a built-in LED light that doubles as a night light and even offers USB charging and snoozing modes. Not to mention, it’s a practical purchase that just so happens to function as decor.
For more storage and magazine-style decor, the QsQueen Rustic Wood Floating Shelves are a three-pack that are easy to mount and wonderful for displaying your digital picture frames. Not to mention, they’re priced well at just $20.
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