Here’s Everything a Student Needs For Their Dorm Room

The key to on-campus living is maximizing space while creating a personalized vibe. These items for decor, storage, laundry and the bathroom should be on every student’s packing list.

Bathroom

Necessary bathroom accessories change based on whether the setup is dorm-style, which involves using a shower located down the hall and sharing it with many other students, or a single or shared bathroom that is accessible from the dorm room.

General

Bath towels, hand towels and face towels

For dorm-style bathroom

• Portable shower caddy
• Robe
• Slides for shower

For private or semi- private bathroom

• Air freshener
• Basket or under-sink organizer
• Small garbage can
• Cleaning supplies (students are typically responsible for cleaning private and semi-
  private bathrooms)

Bed

Dorm rooms are tiny, which means most of the space is taken up by the bed. It’s worthwhile to make it a cozy den in a student’s home away from home.

• Two sets of sheets and pillowcases (most dorm mattresses are size Twin XL, but families should confirm with their school)
• Pillow (or several!)
• Comforter and  extra blankets
• Mattress topper (dorm room mattresses are notoriously thin)
• Back rest or body pillow, for sitting up in bed
• Lapdesk
• Bedside shelf that attaches to the bed (if there isn’t room for a night stand)
• Eye mask 
• Ear plugs

Laundry

When preparing their laundry list, students should keep in mind that machines are often several floors away -- baskets and detergents that are easy to lug around are key.

• Laundry basket and/or bag
• Detergent and stain remover
• Collapsible drying rack
• Mini steamer (instead of an iron)

Desk

A well-stocked workspace encourages good study habits.

• Chair (a desk and chair are standards issue, but some students bring a more comfortable chair)
• Desk organizer and pen holder
• LED desk lamp 
• Dry-erase board or chalkboard for to-do lists and messages 
• Computer monitor 
• Keyboard and mouse

Storage

Smart use of space is essential in tiny living quarters.

• Basket or drawers for under the bed 
• Over-the-door organizer 
• Rolling storage cart
• Shoe rack 
• Small bins and baskets for snacks and clutter 
• Collapable hangers (to save space in the closet)

Decor

Students will feel good returning from class to a room that’s thoughtfully decorated

• Rug
• Pictures from home
• Corkboard and thumb tacks (to put up photos and keepsakes) 
• Fairy lights or LED lights 
• Door mirror

Cleaning supplies

Students are responsible for keeping their dorm rooms clean. Tip: having these items on hand on move-in day allows for a quick wipe-down before unpacking.

• Disinfectant wipes 
• Handheld vacuum 
• Broom and dust pan 
• Trash bags

Snacks and meal prep

Kitchen needs depend on whether a residence is apartment-style, with a full kitchen, or dorm-style, where meals are eaten in a dining hall. Students should check with their school to find out which appliances are allowed, if any.

General

• Mini fridge (many universities offer rentals)
• Glasses and mugs 
• Travel coffee cup 
• Walter filter pitcher 
• Bottle opener 
• Chip clips 
• Reusable containers

If allowed

• Kettle 
• Coffee maker/french press 
• Microwave 
• Toaster

General

Having these items on hand keeps the day-to-day running smoothly and comfortably.

• Alarm clock 
• Power bar (for charging speaker, phone, laptop, etc.)
• Speaker 
• Portable charger/battery pack 
• Hand sanitizer (to clean hands if washroom is down the hall) 
• Small hand tool set 
• Sewing kit 
• Dehumidifier or humidifier, depending on the student’s needs
• Air purifier 
• Step stool to reach storage

This story appears in the 2025 edition of the Ultimate Guide to Canadian Universities. You can buy the issue for $19.99 here or on newsstands.