28 Most Popular Dorm Room Items (My College Savvy Readers’ Picks)
Looking for the most popular dorm room items you need for college? Here are the items that our readers keep buying again and again.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Learn more: Affiliate Disclaimer.
Are you heading off to college soon? You’re probably wondering what the most popular dorm room items are that you need to pack for college.
We’ve recommended a lot of dorm essentials over the years, but there are some items that our readers keep buying again and again. We’ve put together a list of the most popular dorm room items that you’ll need for your college dorm.
Most Popular Dorm Bed Essentials
1. Bedside Shelf For Dorm Bed
A bedside shelf is an absolute essential if you’re planning on lofting your bed. It clips to your bed frame so you have storage space without needing a bulky nightstand.
The original Bedshelfie brand is super popular and very aesthetically pleasing. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, My College Savvy readers really like this one from Amazon.
2. Mattress Topper
A mattress topper is an absolute must-have dorm item. Dorm mattresses are usually so hard and uncomfortable without one.
This one is my top pick and the most popular one that MCS readers buy. It’s super plush, has deep pockets, and helps to keep you cooler at night.
If you’re on a budget, this mattress topper is another great option. It’s not quite as plush, but it’s still WAY more comfortable than sleeping directly on top of your thin dorm mattress.
P.s. check out my post about how to make your dorm mattress feel like a luxurious hotel bed.
3. Clip-On Fan
Dorm rooms can get so stuffy, especially if they don’t have air conditioning. This little fan is so genius for dorm rooms because you can clip it onto your bed or desk for a little extra airflow.
4. Bed Risers
If you want some extra storage space without having to loft your bed, bed risers are perfect for you. These ones are great because they come with built-in outlets and USB ports.
5. Reading Pillow
I can’t tell you how many times I studied or watched Netflix in bed in college. Having a bed rest pillow will allow you to do these things more comfortably and without straining your back.
6. Microfiber Fleece Blanket
Looking for the most comfortable blanket on the planet? This microfiber fleece blanket is a dupe for the (super expensive) Barefoot Dreams blanket that everyone loves.
It’s so cozy and perfect for movie nights or late-night study sessions.
Most Popular Dorm Bathroom Items
7. Mesh Shower Caddy
A shower caddy is essential for carrying your shower supplies to and from the bathroom. I always recommend a mesh caddy rather than a plastic one so water doesn’t pool up in the bottom.
8. Shower Sandals
Trust me, you do not want to walk around your communal bathroom barefoot. These sandals have drainage holes in the bottoms so they’re perfect for wearing in the shower.
Most Popular Dorm Kitchen Items
9. Keurig Mini
Every caffeine addict needs their own coffee maker in their dorm room. The Keurig Mini is the perfect size to sit on top of your desk or mini fridge.
It also makes it super easy to make a single cup of coffee before heading off to class.
10. Mini Fridge Caddy
This mini fridge caddy drapes over your fridge to create more storage space. So genius!
11. Electric Hot Pot
This hot pot is perfect for cooking pasta, ramen noodles, soup, and other hot dishes in your dorm room.
12. Retro Mini Fridge
MCS readers are obsessed with this retro mini fridge with a separate freezer. It comes in a few different fun colors and it would look SO cute in a dorm room.
13. 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:
- This rapid egg cooker allows you to make scrambled eggs and omelettes in the microwave
- Eat a lot of veggies? This microwave veggie steamer allows you to safely cook veggies in your dorm
Most-Loved Dorm Decor
14. Fairy Lights
These fairy lights are a great way to add some extra light to your dorm room. They look super cute strung from your ceiling or draped around your windows.
They’re also super cheap, which is why they’re a MCS reader favorite!
15. Faux Vines
Faux vines are definitely one of the most popular dorm room items. They’re perfect for adding a little bit of greenery to your space. They’re also super affordable!
16. Collage Kits
Collage kits are a great way to cover a lot of wall space without spending a ton of money. They’re easy to hang, affordable, and you can match them to your decor aesthetic.
Popular Miscellaneous Dorm Items
17. Storage Ottoman
I can’t stress enough how important extra storage is in your dorm room. This ottoman doubles as a storage spot for blankets, books, snacks, etc. So perfect for dorm rooms!
18. Eureka Stick Vacuum Cleaner
This vacuum cleaner is powerful enough to clean up any spills you have, but slim enough to stash away in your closet when not in use.
I love that it has the option to turn into a handheld vacuum for harder-to-reach places.
19. Handheld Garment Steamer
There are a few occasions in college that require you to dress up – formals, job interviews, internships, etc. For those occasions it’s important to have a way to get wrinkles out of your clothes.
This garment steamer takes up practically no room and is so perfect for getting your clothes nice and wrinkle-free.
20. Laundry Bag Backpack
There’s nothing worse than having to haul a bulky laundry basket to and from the laundry room. This laundry bag functions as a backpack and even has pockets for your detergent.
21. Plastic Drawers
I swear by these plastic drawers for dorm rooms. Not only do they look nice, but they are also super functional. My favorite spot for them is underneath a lofted bed.
22. Locking Storage Box
One unfortunate reality about college life is that dorm theft is more prevalent than you may think. It’s always a good idea to have a locking storage box for your valuable items.
23. Command Hooks
Every single college student needs command hooks for their room. They’re so helpful for decorating and organizing without damaging your dorm walls.
24. First Aid Kit
It’s a good idea to have a first aid kit stashed somewhere in your dorm room. Yes, the front desk will probably have a bandaid.
But you probably don’t want to have to go all the way down there at midnight for a little paper cut. It’s always better to be prepared!
25. Power Strip With Long Cord
Most dorm buildings are pretty old, which means they’re seriously lacking outlets. A power strip will give you some extra outlet space and make it easier to plug in all of your electronics.
26. Tool Kit
A tool kit is one of those unexpected dorm essentials that you’ll actually use. Having tools around is so handy for assembling and fixing your furniture in your dorm room.
You can also take it with you to your college apartment when you move out of the dorms!
27. 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.
28. Utility Cart
These utility carts are SO handy for dorm rooms. Use them to store your school supplies, snacks, toiletries, etc. They fit really well under a raised dorm bed.
This post was all about the most popular dorm room items that My College Savvy readers love.
You may also like:
