There’s a short list of a dozen must-have dorm essentials and then there’s a second tier of things your teen could find very helpful at college. It’s tempting to think there are many more essential purchases that your student absolutely needs but we want to help you think through and source a much shorter list.
We’ve looked at this summer’s sales trends within our Grown and Flown community and curated the following list of 20 essentials. These are the items and brands that many parents are buying right now for their off-to-college teens. We hope this will help you make your own list!
Dorm shopping: where to begin
First, try to answer these 50 questions about the specific dorm room and building your teen will live in. Next, look at these top 20 bestselling dorm essentials to see what would work for them. Then, take a break and wait until they move in to see what else they need to make their new space functional and comfortable.
Before move-in day, locate the closest Target, The Container Store, or other retailer in your teen’s college town; if you need to run out and buy a few extras, you’ll know exactly where to shop.
Some of these bestsellers are still showing discounted Amazon Prime Day pricing so act fast to take advantage of savings.
Note: We are a reader-supported site and may receive payment from purchases made through these links. Prices were accurate as of publication.
Top 20 dorm essentials
1. AllerEase mattress protector
To keep the dorm bed and mattress topper encased, use this waterproof barrier that also blocks 99% of allergens.
2. Levoit Mini Air Purifier
Dorm rooms are dusty and this mini sized air purifier can help. Top brand.
3. J&J First Aid Kit
Your teen needs a basic first aid kit, at a minimum. This one is filled with 160 pieces they will be happy to have when they need it.
4. Brita Metro water pitcher
Keep water in a mini fridge and this pitcher makes it even easier to know when it is time to change the filter.
5. Wundermax door stoppers (3-pack)
This inexpensive door stopper will help with move in AND with your teen getting to know their hall mates.
6. Belkin surge protector
There are loads of different surge protectors and this one has some important features including 12 AC Outlets, 2 USB-A Ports, and 1 USB-C Port, on a 6ft Cable.
7. ViscoSoft memory foam 3″ mattress topper
ViscoSoft makes several different mattress toppers and this one is a very good one for dorm rooms.
ViscoSoft Dusk mattress topper 2″
This is a lower-price mattress topper by ViscoSoft that has some important features that makes it another good pick.
8. Ticonn packing bags (6 pack)
Having lightweight, foldable bags with zippers will be crucial for move-in and move-out.
9. Bukere backpack laundry bag
What we love about this laundry bag is that it functions as a hamper (stand upright)and the straps make it convertible into a backpack for ease in carrying.
10. Anker Nano portable charger
Having a charged phone if the very best safety device your son or daughter can have at college. This compact device from top brand Anker easily slips in a backpack. Compatible with iPhone 14/14 Pro / 14 Plus, iPhone 13 and 12 Series
Here is the Anker Nano portable charger that is compatible with the iPhone 15 Series, Samsung S22/23 Series, iPad Pro/Air, AirPods, and More
11. Mellani Twin Xl sheets
Your teen will most likely need Twin XL sheets and these are well-priced and Good Housekeeping has given it top marks!
12. Apple Airtag (4 pack)
Apple AirTags has become incredibly popular and this is one way your teen can keep up with all their gym bag, backpack and move in bags.
13. Glocusent rechargeable book light
This ingenious dimmable book light is rechargeable and has different light settings.
14. Mesh shower caddy
Your teen’s bathroom is likely to be down the hall and shared space, making a shower caddy a necessity.
15. TrickleStar outlet surge protector
This surge protector is another highly-rated model. It has 12 outlets and 2 USB Type B Charging Ports and an 8-foot cord. Note – there are no USBC ports.
16. Salistar desk lamp
This is a well-priced compact desk lamp with a built-in phone charger and attached pencil cup. Dimmable (which is considerate to a roommate who might be trying to sleep) and has a flexible neck.
17. Linenspa backrest pillow
Sitting upright in a dorm bed to study or read is uncomfortable without something a little softer than the cinderblock walls. This pillow works well as a cushion.
18. Havianas shower shoes
Havianas makes dozens of different styles and colors of flip flops for men and women. Look for ones with non-skid bottoms.
19. Glamberg 8 piece towel set
Your teen can bring towels from home or you can buy new ones for them. Here is a well-priced 8-piece set. Multiple color options.
20. Bedside caddy
It is very convenient to have a bedside catch all for glasses, phone, book, water bottle….this one checks the boxes.
What’s NOT on the list are comforters since there are almost infinite choices and no one “bestseller.” We recommend Target and Pottery Barn Teen as great places to shop for comforters and other decor items.
Likewise, storage units are available in all shapes and sizes. If you have the dimensions of your teen’s dorm room and know how high the bed is lofted, you can optimize the under bed real estate with storage drawers and bins. We think The Container Store has some of the best options for storage.
How to save money dorm shopping
Target is offering verified students with a Target Circle account 20% off one qualified site wide purchase. Sign up here.
The Container Store is offering special promotions and information to college students if they text COLLEGE to 22822. Read more or sign up via email here.
Your teen can consider getting an Amazon Student Prime Membership with a free 6-month trial and then $7.49 a month after trial to receive exclusive benefits and discounts.
Why you should trust us
In addition to outfitting my own two children for dorm living, I co-founded Grown and Flown which has grown to be the largest site and community for parents of teens and college students. Join our Grown and Flown Parents Facebook Group (290,000 members) and/or our Dorm Ideas: Grown and Flown to be part of the conversation about all things college and dorm life.
