This post is all about college dorm bathroom essentials that every freshman needs.
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When you’re packing for college, it can be easy to get caught up in the fun stuff like decorations and clothes. But it’s so important to make sure you have all of the less-fun essentials, like bathroom supplies.
Whether you’re stuck with a communal bathroom or you have your own private bath in your dorm, you’re going to need these dorm bathroom essentials.
Essentials For Communal Dorm Bathrooms
1. Mesh Shower Caddy
Shower caddies are absolutely essential for transporting your shower products to and from the dorm bathroom. You’ll use them to store items like shampoo, soap, loofahs, a hairbrush, etc.
I liked having a mesh shower caddy because it allowed for better drainage than the plastic ones. The plastic shower caddies tend to hold water in the bottom which then gets all over your room when you bring it back.
Try to find one with a hook or handles so you can hang it on the shower door instead of having to put it on the floor. This one is super affordable and checks all the boxes!
2. Toiletries Case
A toiletries case is another essentials for dorm bathrooms. You don’t want to walk all the way to the bathroom just to realize you for got your toothbrush. Keep everything organized and in one place with a toiletries case.
I like the ones that fold up for college dorm life because you can stuff so many items in there and it’s easy to transport. Hanging toiletries cases are also great for dorms and traveling because you can hang them on the door or by the sink while you’re getting ready.
This one from Amazon is super cute, can fit so much stuff inside, and can be hung on the door! For guys, I recommend a larger dopp kit. This one looks super sleek and it can be hung on the door for easy access to everything inside.
In case you’re wondering if you need a toiletries case AND a shower caddy, I would say yes! You only need bring your shower items like shampoo and body wash to the bathroom when you’re actually taking a shower. You don’t want to have to haul big bottles of shampoo to the bathroom every time you brush your teeth.
3. Shower Shoes
Trust me, you do not want to be walking around barefoot in a communal bathroom. You have no idea who or what was in there before you and how long it’s been since they cleaned the floors.
Honestly, even if you have a private bathroom in your dorm room you should be using shower shoes. There can be call kinds of bacteria and nasty stuff on the floor of the shower.
I highly recommend getting shower shoes with drainage holes. That way the water doesn’t pool up in the bottom of your shoes.
4. Towel Set
Towels are an obvious dorm bathroom essential. This set from Amazon is great because it comes in a ton of cute colors and it’s very affordable. It comes with a large bath towel, a hand towel, and a washcloth.
The amount of towels you bring will depend on your showering and laundry habits. I brought 3 sets of towels to college and I felt like it was the perfect amount. Bring at least two sets of towels so you can switch them out once or twice per week.
I liked having towels in different colors so I could always remember which towels were clean and which ones needed to be washed.
5. Towel Wrap or Bathrobe
If you have communal bathrooms, you’re going to be walking down the hall to and from the dorm bathroom every time you shower.
A towel wrap helps you make sure your towel won’t be slipping down while you’re walking back to your room. It also frees up your hands so you can carry your shower caddy and toiletries.
If you have a private bathroom, I still recommend bringing a bathrobe! Hanging out in a bathrobe after you shower can be so relaxing. Plus, you can throw it over your pajamas if your dorm gets cold at night. I seriously wear my bathrobe every night because I get cold and I don’t want to walk around in a blanket lol.
6. Makeup Organization
Whether you do your makeup in the communal bathroom or in your dorm room, having some sort of makeup organization will make your life so much easier.
I really recommend getting an organized portable makeup case. This will make it so much easier to haul it to your friend’s room on game day or home with you on the weekends. This marbled makeup case from amazon is SO cute, affordable, and big enough to fit all of your makeup!
7. Toothbrush Organizer
You’ll either be storing your toothbrush in a shared bathroom or carrying it back and forth. Either way, you’ll want to get something to protect it from germs and bacteria.
This travel toothbrush organizer is big enough to store you toothbrush and toothpaste and it keeps all of the nasty stuff out.
8. Storage Basket
This storage basket is the perfect size to keep all of your hair accessories like blow dryers, curling irons, straighteners, brushes, etc.
Store it on top of your dresser or on a shelf in your closet for easy access. This makes it super easy to grab everything and take it to the bathroom or a friend’s room if you’re getting ready together.
9. Portable Steam-Proof Shower Mirror
The last thing you want to do is spend a ton of time in a communal bathroom. I’m all about efficiency and this steam-proof shower mirror will help you get more done while you shower.
A shower mirror is so handy for dorm bathrooms because it helps you shave, brush your teeth, remove all your makeup, etc. while you’re showering.
You can keep it in your shower caddy so you have it with you every time you shower.
Essentials For Private Dorm Bathrooms
10. Bath Mat
A bath mat is an absolute essential for a dorm bathroom. You don’t want your floor getting wet and slippery after you get out of the shower.
I love picking a decor theme and choosing a bath mat that goes along with it. This peachy clean bath mat from Amazon would be perfect with girly or artsy dorm bathroom decor.
11. Wastebasket
I think a wastebasket is pretty self explanatory for a dorm bathroom. I definitely recommend getting one with a lid so it doesn’t stink up your bathroom.
12. Adhesive Shower Shelves
I always recommend getting some adhesive shower shelves for your dorm bathroom. They stick really well to shower tiles and can be used for holding your shampoo, body wash, and other shower items.
If you’re sharing a shower with roommates, you’ll probably want to each have your own shelves for your shower items.
13. Shower Curtain And Rings
If your dorm bathroom has a standard shower, you’ll probably need to provide your own shower curtain and curtain rings. Get a cute shower curtain that matches your personality and decor style.
Just be sure to check with your university housing before you buy this. My dorm shower had a door instead of a curtain rod so we had no need for a shower curtain.
14. Toilet Paper
If you have a private bathroom in your dorm room, you’ll probably be responsible for restocking your own toilet paper.
Make sure you have enough to get you through the semester! There’s nothing worse than running out of toilet paper when you really need it.
15. Bathroom Cleaner
No one likes cleaning a bathroom, but unfortunately it’s a chore that has to be done. Make it easier on yourself by keeping some good bathroom cleaner on hand.
I use this bathroom cleaner in my apartment and it’s the best. I just spray it on all the surfaces of my bathroom, leave it for a few minutes, and go back in with a wet sponge to wipe everything down. It easily gets rid of all the soap scum and bathroom nastiness.
16. Plunger And Toilet Brush
Some not-so-fun essentials for dorm bathroom are plungers and toilet brushes. Trust me, it’s SO embarrassing to have to borrow a plunger from someone else in your dorm. You’ll want to have your own in your bathroom.
Toilet brushes are also essential for cleaning your toilet. To be honest, regular toilet brushes seriously gross me out. That’s why I love these disposable toilet wands. You can throw them away after using them so you don’t have to worry about any smells or bacteria coming from your toilet brush.
17. Waterproof Speaker
If you like to listen to music in the shower, you definitely need to pack a waterproof speaker for your dorm bathroom. It will also come in handy for taking to beach days or pool parties while you’re in college!
18. Hamper
A hamper is a total college dorm essential, and the bathroom is a great place to store it if you have the space for it. You can just throw your dirty clothes right in your hamper after you shower.
This hamper from Amazon is perfect for dorm rooms because it comes with removable laundry bags that you can take down to the laundry room.
19. Vanity Organizer
There’s nothing worse than a super messy bathroom vanity area. I loved keeping all of my dorm bathroom essentials organized in a cute vanity holder like this one.
20. Toothbrush Holder
A toothbrush holder is definitely one of the top dorm bathroom essentials. You’ll need somewhere to put your toothbrush and toothpaste in your bathroom. A toothbrush holder keeps your toothbrush clean and dry when you’re not using it.
21. Hand Soap
Every bathroom needs some good hand soap! I love this soap from Method because the bottle looks pretty, it smells amazing, and you can find it pretty much everywhere.
This post was all about dorm bathroom essentials that will make your freshman year so much easier.
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