We are a reader-supported site and receive compensation from purchases made through these links. See more about our Privacy and Affiliate policies here.
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 sales trends within our Grown and Flown community and curated the following list of dorm “nice to haves.” These are the items and brands that many parents have purchased for their off-to-college teens.
With the exception of the three Twin XL bedding items, everything on this essentials list can be used regardless of the size of the bed, type of dorm or college apartment your student will live in during their freshman year as well as the years to follow.
It is not too early to college shop, especially if you can take advantage of the Amazon Winter Sale where you can find up to 40% off (through January 11.)
Popular Dorm Items Your Teen Will Love
1. SureGuard Twin XL Mattress Encasement (Amazon)
To keep the dorm bed and mattress topper encased, use this waterproof barrier that’s hypoallergenic and blocks bedbugs, too.
2. Levoit Mini Air Purifier (Amazon)
Dorm rooms are dusty and this mini sized air purifier can help. If your teen has allergies to indoor pollutants and/or if they go to school where outdoor smoke and pollutants are an issue, this could be a big help in keeping the air they breathe in their dorm room cleaner. This is the #1 bestselling air purifier on Amazon and gets great reviews. It is one I’ve bought for our home, too.
3. J&J First Aid Kit – 160 pieces (Amazon)
Your teen needs a basic first aid kit, at a minimum. This one is filled with 160 pieces and they will be happy to have it when they need it. This is the #1 bestselling first aid kit on Amazon. Save 25% For additional things your teen should bring with them, take a look at this very long list of contents for a first aid kit that a pharmacist/mom created for her son.
4. Brita 6-Cup Water Pitcher (Amazon)
Keep water chilled in a mini fridge using a Brita water filter – this one holds six cups which is the right size for a dorm fridge. No more expensive and wasteful plastic water bottles! This is the #1 Bestseller in the Pitcher with Water Filters category on Amazon. Save 37%
5. Wondermax Door Stoppers (3-pack) (Amazon)
An inexpensive door stopper will help with move in AND with your teen getting to know their hall mates. Bring along the extras in case other families could use one. Save 20%
6. Belkin Surge Protector (Amazon)
There are loads of different surge protectors and this one by industry-leader Belkin, has some important features including 12 AC Outlets, 2 USB-A Ports, and 1 USB-C Port. The 6ft cable and help if outlets in the dorm are not conveniently placed.
7. ViscoSoft Memory Foam 3″ TXL Mattress Topper (Amazon)
ViscoSoft makes several different award-winning mattress toppers and this one is a very good one to help transform a brick-like dorm mattress into something much more comfortable. Save 25%
8. IKEA FRAKTA Bags (4 pack) (Amazon)
Having lightweight, foldable bags with zippers will be crucial for move-in and move-out. The FRAKTA bags by IKEA are legendary in the Grown and Flown community! Save 8%
9. Bukere Backpack Laundry Bag (Amazon)
What we love about this laundry bag is that it functions as a hamper (stands upright)and the straps make it convertible into a backpack for ease in carrying. Available in lots of different colors.
10. Anker Power Bank (Amazon)
The Anker Nano Power Bank features a built-in USB-C cable and 30W bi-directional fast charging, powering phones, tablets, and laptops while recharging itself quickly. Its 10,000mAh capacity delivers reliable, portable power in a compact design. Several different colors available. Save 13%
11. Apple Airtag (4 pack) (Amazon)
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. Save 34%
12. Glocusent Rechargeable Book Light (New Extendable) (Amazon)
This ingenious dimmable book light is rechargeable and has different light settings. This can be helpful if they are reading in bed and want to turn off the overhead light in the dorm room. Save 19%
13. Attmu Mesh Shower Caddy (Amazon)
Your teen’s bathroom is likely to be down the hall and shared space, making a shower caddy a necessity. Save 42%
14. Salistar Desk Lamp (Amazon)
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. Save 40%
15. Apollo 39-Piece Tool Kit (Amazon)
These 39 pieces in a lightweight, durable case will be a practical addition to their dorm supplies. This is something they can keep for years to come. Save 21%
16. Boncare 10 Second Oral Thermometer (Amazon)
In 10 seconds your student will know if they have a fever and how high it is. This is the #1 bestseller in the oral thermometer category on Amazon. Save 33%
17. Master Lock Portable Small Lock Box (Amazon)
Here’s a small lightweight safe for valuables in the dorm. Save 25%
18. Command Hooks and Strips (Amazon)
This package includes 14 Large, white Command Utility Hooks and 16 Large Command Strips; 1 hook holds up to 5 lbs. Will be a life saver for your student. Save 32%
19. Magnetic Paper Towel Holder – Seropy Store(Amazon)
Having a roll of paper towels at the ready will be convenient for cleaning up spills in your teen’s dorm. This magnetic base towel holder can adhere to a mini fridge or microwave. This has been a wildly-popular dorm item this year. Inexpensive and handy! Save 40%
20. Beckham Hotel Collection Down Alternative Bed Pillows – Set of 2 (Amazon)
Getting new pillows is a little bit of luxury and these are the #1 bestselling bed pillows on Amazon. Machine-washable and now, Save 25%
21. Apple AirPods Pro3 (Amazon)
I have the AirPod3 Pro 3 earbuds and love the sound quality and how easily I can also block out the sound around me. Your college student will want to have some way to cancel the sound of loud roommates and hall mates. These would be a wonderful gift. Save 12%
For a less expensive Apple option that offers active noise cancellation, take a look at the Apple AirPods 4 for $84.99 (save 34%)
22. Beautural Garment Steamer (Amazon)
A garment steamer is a much more practical device to pack for a college dorm than an iron and ironing board. Save 43%
23. Mellanni Twin XL Sheet Set (Amazon)
Lightweight, breathable microfiber sheets designed for year-round comfort, offering strong durability that resists stains, tears, and frequent washing. This 3-piece Twin XL set includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcase with an ultra-soft, temperature-regulating feel and deep pockets for a secure fit on mattresses up to 16″. Easy-care and quick-drying, the sheets resist shrinking, fading, wrinkling, and pilling. Lots of great colors.
24. MAQUITA Open When Envelopes For College Student (32 Pieces) (Amazon)
This one is for you to fill with notes, gift cards, cash, photos, etc. and leave as a treat for your student to “Open When…” You’ll both be happy you did this. Save 14%
25. 3 Inch Vinyl Coated S Hook– DINGEE Store (10 Hooks)(Amazon)
We think this is a genius idea – pack these S hooks to use in a closet to hang pants (as shown) or at the end of a dorm bed to hang a wet towel or jacket. This is the #1 bestseller in S Hooks on Amazon.
26. Folding Laundry Rack (Amazon)
My daughter likes to air dry her running and workout clothes (which is what she lives in) and this lightweight rack can make it easy to do so as it can be folded and stored flat. Save 34%
27. Bagsmart Toiletries Bag for Men (Amazon)
Your son might prefer to keep his toiletries in this type of shaving kit that will help him keep organized on trips to the communal bathroom. It is water resistant and has a dual zipper design making it easier to open the entire top versus a more narrow, single zipper opener. This would be convenient for him to use when he travels, too. Save 29%
Here’s where you can find a hanging BAGSMART toiletries bag for women $18.99 (Save 32%)
28. Comfort Spa Reading Pillow (Amazon)
This standard-size reading pillow provides cozy, personalized support for kids and adults while reading, watching TV, or gaming. Filled with moldable, shredded memory foam, it offers customizable comfort and includes a carry handle for easy portability. The pillow arrives compressed with no assembly required and can be spot cleaned for easy care. Save 5%
29. IRIS USA WOOZOO Air Circulator Fan
The WOOZOO air circulator delivers quiet cooling at just 30 dB, making it ideal for sleeping, studying, or relaxing. It features 65° oscillation with adjustable head angles for full-room airflow, a remote for easy control, a built-in timer, and a compact, lightweight design that fits neatly on desks or nightstands. Save 20% If you are looking for something less expensive, this WOOZOO fan has fewer features but is also compact and lightweight, perfect for a dorm and well-priced at $39.43 (save 12%)
30. LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk (Amazon)
This lap desk measures 21.1″ by 14.1″, fitting most laptops up to 15.6″ with extra space for accessories. It includes a mouse pad, built-in phone slot, and cushioned wrist rest for ergonomic support. The dual bolster cushion promotes comfort and airflow to keep your lap cool. Its durable, sleek black surface enhances air circulation to prevent laptop overheating. Lightweight with an integrated handle, it’s easy to carry for flexible use anywhere. This is the #1 bestseller in lap desks. Save 4%
Prices are accurate at time of publication.
Why You Should Trust Us
We are three moms who have raised 8 young adults and have been working on products lists for over 12 years now, making us experts. When selecting products we survey the Grown and Flown Parents Facebook group of nearly 300,000 parents of teens, tweens and young adults. We do opinion polls, surveys and ask open ended questions. We search for products that combine reasonable price with high quality and are recommended by our large following.
When your teen turns 18, there are some legal forms you will want to have in place. Don’t forget to add these legal forms to your list of what should be done before you head out for campus.
BTW, do you have the Grown and Flown Off-to-College Checklist? It Includes important financial, health and wellness, and legal things to check off your list before your teen leaves home. Download it here.
More Great Reading
Start here: Dorm Room Shopping: 50 Questions to Answer First (2025)
