21 Must-Have Amazon Dorm Essentials For College Students

Looking for the best dorm items you can buy on Amazon? Here is our ultimate list of Amazon dorm essentials that you need for college.

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When I was moving into my dorm, I spent SO much time searching the internet for random items I would need.

I wasted so much time and money on things that I didn’t really end up needing.

Luckily, Amazon has just about everything you’ll need for your dorm room in one place. And most of them have free 2-day shipping options!

To make things easier for you, I’ve put together a list of my top dorm essentials you can find on Amazon.

COLLEGE SAVVY TIP: If you’re a college student, you can get 6 months of Amazon Prime completely free! I used Amazon Prime ALL THE TIME in college, especially when I lived in a dorm.

Top-Rated Amazon Dorm Essentials

1. Storage Ottoman

A storage ottoman is one of the best Amazon dorm essentials because it serves so many purposes.

It can be extra seating for when friends visit, a footrest for your futon, and an extra storage spot (so important).

I loved putting my extra blankets in there when they weren’t in use.

2. Bedside Shelf

A bedside shelf or table is absolutely crucial in your dorm room. You need a place to keep your phone, water, headphones, etc. while you sleep.

If you’re planning on lofting your bed, I highly recommend getting a good bedside shelf that’s made for dorm rooms.

If you’re just using bed risers, they make extra tall bedside tables for dorms which are so useful!

3. Long Cord Power Strip

This is one of my top Amazon dorm recommendations. There’s nothing worse than getting your dorm all set up and realizing all of your outlets are blocked by your furniture.

That’s why an extra long cord power strip is essential to have in a dorm room.

I love this one from Amazon because it has USB and USB-C ports as well as standard plugs.

4. Mesh Shower Caddy

If your dorm has communal bathrooms, a shower caddy is an absolute must have Amazon dorm item.

You’re going to be carrying your shower items to and from the bathroom every day so make sure you get something big enough for all of your products.

Make sure you get a mesh shower caddy rather than a plastic one! The mesh ones let the water drain out so you don’t bring a puddle of water back into your dorm room.

[RELATED: 20 Things NOT To Bring To College (How To Avoid Overpacking)]

5. Command Hooks And Strips

Medium Command Hooks, 7 Pack
$13.28 ($1.90 / Count)
Buy Now
03/01/2024 06:59 pm GMT
Adhesive Command Strips, 36 Pack
$10.99 ($0.31 / Count)
Buy Now
03/01/2024 06:48 pm GMT

Because you can’t drill any holes into your walls, command hooks are an absolute essential dorm item. You’ll use them for hanging string lights, decor, etc.

If you’re planning on hanging pictures or posters, grab some command strips too. You won’t regret stocking up on these!

6. Mini Fridge Caddy

How genius is this mini fridge caddy? It’s the perfect way to keep your kitchen items organized in your dorm room.

It has tons of pockets for storing your utensils, snacks, and tableware. Plus, it doesn’t take up any extra space in your room!

This is definitely one of my favorite Amazon dorm essentials.

7. Shower Shoes

Trust me, you do not want to be walking a communal bathroom with bare feet. Save yourself from athlete’s foot and get a cheap pair of shower shoes.

These shower shoes have holes in the bottom so the water drains out which is perfect for dorm bathrooms.

Such an essential dorm bathroom item from Amazon.

8. Over The Door Mirror / Jewelry Organizer

I am absolutely obsessed with this 2-in-1 jewelry organizer and full length mirror.

A full length mirror is definitely a must-have in a college dorm because you don’t want to have to go down the hall the the bathroom every time you’re getting ready.

This mirror opens up and has TONS of storage space for jewelry, makeup, and other small accessories.

You can hang this over your door so it takes up practically no space in your dorm!

9. Mini Keurig

When you’re running late to class or pulling an all-nighter, you can’t always get to the cafeteria to grab a cup of coffee.

Having a compact coffee maker in your dorm room lets you make a cup of coffee anytime.

The mini Keurig is perfect for dorm rooms because it doesn’t take up much space and it’s super easy to use. Just don’t forget to stock up on K-Cups before the semester starts!

10. Bed Risers With Outlets

If you’re not planning on lofting your bed, make sure you get some bed risers so that you can maximize storage space under your bed.

Dorms are so tiny so you need all of the storage you can get!

I love this set from Amazon because they have outlets built in so you don’t have to worry about blocking the wall outlets with your bed.

11. Clip On Fan

Most dorms don’t allow you to adjust the temperature in your dorm room, which means they can get super stuffy.

This fan clips onto your bed or desk and will keep you cool and comfy all night.

[RELATED: How To Cool Down A Dorm Room With No Air Conditioning]

12. Mattress Topper

If I can convince you to get one item for your dorm room, let it be this mattress topper! This single item made the biggest difference in how I slept in college.

Most dorms come with mattresses that are thin, hard, and super uncomfortable.

If you value your sleep, I highly recommend buying a plush mattress topper to make your bed more comfortable.

Make sure to get one that’s machine washable so it’s easier to keep clean and fresh.

[RELATED: How to Make Your Dorm Bed More Comfortable (On A Budget)]

13. Towel Wrap

A towel wrap is a necessary dorm essential for the ladies.

This is one of those items that you will be using every single day if you have a communal bathroom in your dorm.

This saves you from having your towel slip down on your way back to your dorm room or from having to get dressed in the wet shower room.

14. Laundry Hamper

Hauling your laundry from your dorm room to the laundry room can be a huge pain.

The most convenient laundry baskets for dorm rooms are ones that roll or turn into a bag for easy transport.

Collapsible Laundry Hamper With Two Compartments
$21.99 ($0.00 / Fl Oz)
Buy Now
02/21/2024 06:32 am GMT

I love this dorm room laundry basket because it has handles for carrying, and there are two bags so you can separate lights and darks.

15. Microwave Pasta Cooker

If you’re living in a dorm, you may not have access to a stove all the time. Being able to cook pasta and other basic meals in your microwave is a game changer.

This microwave pasta cooker makes it super easy and fast to cook regular pasta in the microwave.

Doing lots of microwave cooking? Here are some other cool gadgets to try:

16. Bed Rest Pillow

Your bed is probably going to be the place where you spend the most time in your dorm room. That’s why a bed rest pillow is one of my top Amazon college essentials.

It’ll make studying and hanging out in your bed so much more comfortable and less straining on your neck and back.

17. First Aid Kit

The front desk of your dorm building probably has a few spare bandaids. But do you really want to be waiting for the elevator with a giant paper cut at 2am?

Trust me, keeping a small first aid kit in your dorm room will be so useful.

[RELATED: 25 Unexpected Things To Bring To College You’ll Actually Use]

18. Cleaning Wipes

Dorms can get nasty fast. Which is why it’s essential that you’re stocked up on practical cleaning supplies.

If I had to pick just one cleaning product that is a dorm room essential, I would pick disinfectant wipes.

Multi Purpose Cleaning Wipes, Pack of 3
$16.08 ($0.08 / Count)
Buy Now
03/01/2024 06:48 pm GMT

Wipes are a quick, effortless way to keep your dorm room clean. Just wipe down any hard surfaces a couple times a week.

19. Dehumidifier Bags

There’s nothing worse than a musty-smelling dorm room.

These dehumidifier bags hang up in your closet and absorb excess moisture from the air, keeping your dorm room smelling fresh.

Everyone who tries them is always shocked how well they work!

While we’re on the topic of ways to keep your dorm room fresh, I highly recommend getting a pack of these shoe odor absorbers.

12 Pack Charcoal Shoe Deodorizer Bags
$13.99 ($0.55 / Ounce)
Buy Now
02/25/2024 11:04 pm GMT

They work insanely well at keeping your shoes from getting smelly. I keep these in my closet and gym bag at all times!

20. Compact Vacuum

Your dorm building may have a vacuum that you can rent out but usually it’s a million years old and a giant pain to haul it up to your room.

Having a compact vacuum cleaner in your dorm room saves you a ton of time and sanity. This one is super affordable and works really well.

21. Metal Utility Cart

These utility carts are SO handy for dorm rooms. Use them to store your school supplies, snacks, toiletries, etc.

They also fit really well under a raised dorm bed.

These were our top picks for Amazon dorm essentials that every freshman needs for their room.

If you’re a college student, don’t forget to sign up for a 6 month free trial of Amazon Prime! You’ll get free super fast shipping on so many good dorm products.

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