50 Dorm Room Essentials For Guys (FREE Printable Packing List)
Heading off to college soon? Here are 50 dorm room essentials for guys that you won’t want to forget to pack! Plus, we’ve included a FREE printable packing list.
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Putting together your dorm room packing list can be super stressful!
You don’t want to go overboard on dorm items, but you also don’t want to forget anything.
Most guys have never lived on their own before college, so they’re not sure what they need to pack for their dorm room. And a lot of dorm packing lists out there are geared more towards college girls.
So to help you out, we’ve put together this list of college essentials for guys that will make your dorm room shopping trip so much easier!
PDF Printable College Packing List For Guys
Want a free PDF college packing list for guys to take with you to the store? Get our free printable list of dorm room essentials for guys!
Dorm Room Bedding Essentials For Guys
Your bed is one of the most important spaces in your dorm room. It’s where you’ll likely spend the majority of your time!
Whether you’re sleeping, studying, or watching movies in bed, here are the essential items you’ll need to make it super comfy:
1. Twin XL Comforter
Dorm room beds are almost always Twin XL sized, so it’s important to have a super comfortable comforter that fits your bed.
This Twin XL comforter is super affordable and perfect for college guys who want to keep their decor neutral!
2. Twin XL Sheets
You’re also going to need sheets for your Twin XL bed. I recommend getting ones with deeper pockets so that they fit over your bed and mattress topper without sliding off.
These sheets from Amazon are affordable and really high quality.
3. Pillows
Pillows are another obvious dorm room essential for guys. I recommend getting the same amount of pillows that you usually sleep with at home.
If you love having a ton of pillows, you won’t be able to get a good night sleep with just one.
4. Mattress Topper
This mattress topper is one of the top selling dorm room essentials for guys that we recommend here.
It has insanely good reviews and it seriously makes your dorm mattress feel like a hotel bed. Trust me, this is an underrated dorm room essential that you’ll be glad you brought.
5. 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 an essential dorm room item for guys.
It’ll make studying and hanging out in your bed so much more comfortable and less straining on your neck and back.
6. Bedside Table
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.
Dorm Room Storage Essentials For Guys
Dorm rooms are tiny and storage space is limited. Guys will need to get creative when deciding where to store their things.
These storage essentials will help guys maximize their storage space in their dorm rooms.
7. Closet Organizers
Dorm closets are usually pretty small, but there are some genius ways to optimize your closet space.
These space-saving hangers are so useful for cramped closets. They allow you to fit way more clothing in your close than you would with regular hangers.
I also really like these hanging storage shelves for dorm closets. They’re perfect for items like pants, t-shirts, shoes, and hats.
8. Storage Ottoman
A storage ottoman is one of the best dorm room essentials for guys 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 always put my extra blankets in there when they weren’t in use.
9. Storage Drawers
Storage in dorm rooms is often pretty limited, so most students will have some storage units under their bed for things like snacks, school supplies, and extra clothes.
I really like these plastic drawers for underneath a raised dorm bed. They look nice, are pretty affordable, and they hold a ton of stuff.
10. Under Bed Storage Bins
One of the best ways to increase your dorm storage space is utilizing the space underneath your bed.
If you’re not planning on lofting your bed, I highly recommend these storage bins on wheels.
They have dual-hinge lids so you don’t have to pull them fully out in order to access the contents inside.
These would be the perfect size for storing extra textbooks, off-season clothing, and shoes or accessories.
11. Thin Velvet Hangers
You’ll definitely want to get a good set of clothing hangers for your dorm room closet. And the best option for small spaces is definitely slim velvet hangers.
They take up less space so you can fit more clothes in your cramped dorm closet. Plus, the velvet creates friction so your clothes won’t fall off of them as easily.
12. Dorm Desk Hutch
When you’re low on space in a dorm room, the best option is to go vertical!
Utilize the space above your desk by getting one of these super handy desk hutches.
These look really nice and give you 5 extra shelves for storing things like books, snacks, and miscellaneous items.
Kitchen Essentials For Guys Dorm Rooms
Even if you’re on a meal plan, you’ll eat plenty of meals and snacks in your dorm room. Here are the essential kitchen items that boys need for their dorms.
13. Mini Fridge
A mini fridge is an absolute necessity for college guys.
Even if you think you’ll eat all of your meals in the dining hall, it’s still nice to have a fridge for snacks and drinks in your dorm room.
This mini fridge is my top pick for dorm rooms because it looks really nice, has plenty of space, and includes a small freezer section.
Want more mini fridge options? We have a full post on the best mini fridges with freezers for dorm rooms.
14. Microwave
Even if you plan on using your meal plan a ton, you’ll still want a way to cook food in your dorm.
Whether you’re cooking up ramen, popcorn, or a dorm room mug meal, microwaves are the cheapest and fastest way to make food in a dorm room.
Just check your dorm policies before you shop – some dorm buildings provide communal microwaves on each floor!
15. Coffee Maker
If you drink coffee, you definitely need a coffee maker in your dorm. Coffee shop trips get so expensive and they can be inconvenient when you’re running late to class.
The K-Mini Keurig is our top recommendation for dorm room coffee makers.
It’s small enough to fit on a desk or dresser and it brews up a single cup of coffee really quickly.
Just make sure you stock up on K-Cups before the semester starts!
16. Mini Fridge Caddy
How genius is this mini fridge caddy for a dorm room?
It’s perfect storage for your utensils or snacks without taking up any extra room. This is one of my favorite dorm room essentials for guys and girls.
17. Dish Set
If you are planning on preparing any food for yourself, having a dish set on-hand is essential.
This dinnerware set is easy to clean, microwave-safe, and doesn’t take up a ton of space. Make sure you also get a cheap set of cutlery!
18. Water Filter Pitcher
Sometimes tap water just doesn’t cut it. Rather than being wasteful and buying plastic water bottles all the time, just use a water filter pitcher!
You just fill it up with water and it filters out all of the chemicals, particles, and bad tastes that can show up in tap water.
19. Ziploc Bags
The uses for Ziploc bags are absolutely endless. Having them on-hand in your dorm room will be incredibly handy!
Use these Ziploc bags to store food, supplies, or any miscellaneous items.
Dorm Bathroom Essentials For Guys
Whether you have your own bathroom or will be sharing a communal one, there are some essential items that you’ll need.
20. Shower Caddy
A shower caddy makes it really easy to carry your things from your dorm room to the shower.
I recommend getting a mesh caddy rather than a plastic one because it’ll dry much quicker and won’t bring water back to your dorm room.
21. Towels
Towels are obviously an essential for any college student. We recommend having at least two sets of towels for your dorm so you always have a fresh set.
This set of towels from Amazon is perfect for college guys. It comes with two of each size towel, which is the perfect amount to have in your dorm.
They’re also super plush and durable so they’ll last you all through college!
22. Toiletries
Don’t forget to bring all of the toiletries that you use at home. These could include:
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Body wash
- Face soap
- Toothpaste & floss
- Deodorant
- Contact solution
- Razors & shaving cream
- Sunscreen
23. Shower Shoes
If you’re living in the dorms, you absolutely NEED shower shoes. Seriously, it’s non-negotiable.
Communal bathrooms are disgusting and you don’t want to be walking around barefoot in them.
Make sure to get shower shoes with drainage holes so you don’t track water back to your dorm room.
24. Shower Mirror For Shaving
This anti-fog mirror isn’t exactly “essential” but we think it’s really handy for college guys to have!
Communal bathrooms can get crowded so it’s nice to be able to get your shaving done in the shower.
This mirror won’t fog up in the shower, so you can be sure you get a clean shave every time.
25. Hanging Toiletries Kit
When you’re brushing your teeth or getting ready for the day you’ll want to have your toiletries accessible.
A hanging toiletries kit will keep your counter clear and your bathroom items clean. Plus it’s really easy to carry back and forth to the communal bathrooms.
Tech Essentials For College Guys
These days, most college kids rely on technology for studying, doing their assignments, and kicking back after a long day of classes.
Here are the top electronics that college guys will want to pack for college:
26. Laptop
If you don’t already own a laptop, we highly recommend getting one for college.
Laptops are so useful for classes, studying, and just general leisure. You’ll use your laptop for multiple hours every single day in college.
I had a MacBook Air in college and it lasted me for years! It was lightweight and easy to carry around in my backpack, but still had plenty of power to it.
If you want a more budget-friendly option, the Aspire 3 from Acer has incredible ratings and is way more affordable than the MacBook.
27. Headphones
If you are trying to study in the library or a noisy coffee shop, a good pair of headphones are essential!
I used my headphones all the time in college. They help maintain focus and block out external noise while I was studying and working on assignments.
These noise cancelling headphones are perfect for walking to class, studying in louder environments, or working out.
28. Portable Speaker
A good portable speaker is a must-have for college. You’ll use it for college parties, beach days, playing outdoor sports, etc.
JBL is one of the best brands when it comes to speakers. The quality is insanely good but they’re not too expensive. And this one is even waterproof!
29. TV
Who doesn’t love kicking back to watch Netflix or play video games after a stressful day of class and studying? Having a TV in your dorm room is definitely essential for most guys.
This TV is a great size for dorm rooms and is incredibly affordable! Plus, it’s a smart TV which means you can use it to watch Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, etc.
Just make sure you and your roommate coordinate who will bring the TV! You definitely don’t need two TVs in a tiny space.
30. Extra Long Charging Cords
Extra long charging cables will ensure that you can always reach your chargers, even if your outlets are far away from your bed or desk.
These 6-foot lightning cables would be perfect for charging your phone in your dorm room or when you’re out and about.
31. Power Strip With USB Ports
Most dorm rooms were built forever ago and are seriously lacking when it comes to outlets.
Power strips are an affordable way to add additional outlet space to your dorm room.
I recommend getting one with USB and USB-C ports so you can easily charge all your different devices.
Dorm Cleaning Essentials For Guys
Things get dirty fast in a small space like a dorm room! That’s why it’s so important to pack some cleaning supplies.
These are the absolute essentials, but we have a full list of dorm room cleaning supplies if you need to do a deeper clean.
32. Small 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.
33. Laundry Hamper
This laundry hamper backpack is absolutely genius for college guys.
It allows you to carry your laundry on your back, which is really handy for going up and down the stairs in your dorm building.
The backpack also has external pockets for carrying your laundry detergent and dryer sheets.
34. Cleaning Wipes
If I had to pick just one cleaning product that is a dorm room essential, I would pick disinfectant wipes.
Wipes are a quick, effortless way to keep your dorm room clean. Just wipe down any hard surfaces a couple times a week.
35. Trash Can And Scented Trash Bags
Your dorm floor may have a place to put trash, but you don’t want to have to leave your room every time you throw something away.
Keeping a small trash bin in the corner of your room will help keep your space tidy.
And using scented trash bags will help neutralize any gross smells that come from your trash can!
36. Bathroom Cleaner
If your dorm room has its own bathroom, you’ll probably be responsible for cleaning it.
Bathroom cleaner is essential to have on-hand so your bathroom doesn’t get gross.
For a quick cleaning, I really like these wipes. They can be used on showers, toilets, and sinks and are flushable.
When it’s time to more of a deep clean, you’ll want a toilet brush, bathroom cleaner spray, and some gloves.
Dorm Decor Essentials For Guys
Your dorm room is going to be your home for the next year of your life. It should be a space that you like hanging out in!
Make your room feel more like home with these dorm decor items:
37. LED Light Strips
LED Light strips are a classic dorm decoration for college guys.
You can stick them pretty much anywhere in your dorm room – along the ceiling, under your bed, around your TV, etc.
38. Desk Lamp
You’ll be spending a lot of time studying at your desk – sometimes even in the middle of the night – so a good desk lamp is essential.
This lamp is super cool for dorm rooms because it has a built-in pen holder, USB charging ports, and multiple brightness options.
39. Blackout Curtains
Not only do blackout curtains keep your dorm room dark when you’re trying to sleep, but they actually help keep heat from transferring through the window!
That means your room will be cooler in the summer and warmer in winter.
Just make sure you get curtain rod brackets that don’t require any drilling. We have a whole post that goes over how to hang curtains in a dorm room without causing damage.
40. Throw Pillows Or Blankets
Throw pillows and blankets are a great way to make your futon or bed look nicer and feel more comfortable.
They also come in handy as extra bedding if you have a friend sleep over.
Just don’t go overboard – too many pillows and blankets can make a small space feel cluttered.
41. Tapestries
Tapestries are one of the most popular dorm decorations for guys and girls rooms. You can find tapestries that fit pretty much any design style.
I love tapestries as dorm decor because they’re cheap, cover a lot of space on the wall, and are easy to hang without damaging your walls.
42. Solo Cup String Lights
These solo cup string lights are the perfect dorm decoration for college guys.
They’re cheap, easy to hang up, and are perfectly on-theme for a college dorm. Plus they’re battery operated so you don’t have to worry about taking up an outlet!
Miscellaneous College Essentials For Guys
43. Futon
Having friends from your home town visit you is one of the most fun parts of being in the dorms. So, having a futon for a guest can be incredibly handy!
This faux leather futon is sleek, and a great size for any dorm room. It would fit perfectly under a lofted bed.
44. First Aid Kit
First aid kits are essential for any living space. While it may seem unnecessary to have this in your dorm room, trust me, you will not regret having it when the need for it comes.
My mom really pushed for me to have one in my room in college, and I actually used it a few times!
This first aid kit is affordable and the perfect size for a dorm room.
45. Basic Tool Kit
Another unexpected dorm essential for guys is a tool kit. Pretty much all dorm furniture comes unassembled, so you’re going to need some tools for move-in day.
They also come in handy for repairing things throughout the semester. You never know when your futon is going to have a screw loose!
46. Reusable Water Bottle
We recommend that every college student have a reusable water bottle for bringing to class. It’s way cheaper and more sustainable than buying plastic water bottles all the time.
You can fill them up with a Brita filter in your dorm room or just grab water from your dorm’s water fountain in the morning.
47. 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]
48. School Supplies
School supplies are, of course, an essential for college.
We recommend stocking up on notebooks, folders, pens/pencils, and any other item that you may use during your school week.
[RELATED: 23 College Backpack Essentials: Must-Have Items For Students]
49. Safe Or Lock Box
Dorm theft is more common than you may think. Smaller valuable items like phones, credit cards, and laptops are common targets for thieves.
Make sure you have some type of safe in your dorm room for storing all of your valuables.
The Vaultz Lock Box is a really affordable safe option for dorm rooms, but we have a full post with the best lock boxes for dorm rooms if you want more options.
50. Command Hooks
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!
These are the top dorm essentials that college guys need to add to their packing list.
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