30+ “Must Haves” for Surviving College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 29, 2025

Preparing for college? You might be wondering what to bring. Check out our recommendations for the following must-have items:

  1. Extra Set of Bedsheets
  2. A Fan (or Four)
  3. Microwaveable Dishes
  4. Noise-Canceling Headphones
  5. Cleaning Wipes
  6. Coffeemaker
  7. Desk Lamps
  8. Shower Caddy
  9. Mini Toolkit
  10. School and Office Supplies
  11. Extra Long Phone Charger
  12. A Rug
  13. Trash Liners
  14. First Aid Kit
  15. Mattress Topper
  16. Hanging Strips and Hooks
  17. Pillows and Blankets
  18. Big Calendar (Desk or Wall)
  19. Backpack
  20. Reusable Water Bottle
  21. Flip Flops/Sandals for the Shower/Room
  22. Storage Options
  23. Air Freshener
  24. Ethernet Cable
  25. Mini Fridge
  26. Rain Jacket/Umbrella
  27. Flashlight and/or Booklight
  28. AA and AAA Batteries
  29. Lap Desk
  30. Laundry Basket

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30 College Must Haves

1. Extra Set of Bedsheets

"must haves" for surviving college -- amazonbasics microfiber sheet setUnexpected guests or mid-homework drink spills? An extra sheet set will save you from having to do late-night laundry making it top our list of “things college students need.”

2. A Fan…or 4

Dorms often lack temperature control, which means no furnace or AC control. But, cool air is a thing college students need—especially during warmer months. So, consider getting two fans, like a big oscillating one, and a clip-on for your bed or desk.

Bonus: they also double as white noise for focus!

3. Microwaveable Dishes

"must haves" for surviving college -- sweese porcelain fluted bowl setWhat you’ve heard is true—college kids may eat a lot of Ramen, soup, and microwave meals. You can always eat in the dining hall, but eating in your dorm room is convenient. So, one thing college students need is a large microwaveable bowl.

Bonus tip: make microwave macaroni and cheese, just sneak some dining hall milk!

4. Noise-Canceling Headphones

These are some of the best things to buy for college. They are a lifesaver if your dorm is noisy and you need to study. Invest in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones for library sessions, bus rides, or quiet moments. Use them for studying, de-stressing, working out, or jamming out!

5. Cleaning Wipes

Your college life may be busy. And your dorm is sure to collect dirt. Having cleaning wipes at your fingertips is non-negotiable. Keep dirt and germs away!

6. Coffeemaker

Not everything on campus is open when you want or as close by as you’d like. Being able to have coffee right from your room can be a huge help for early-morning classes or late-night study sessions. Trust us, this is a thing college students need.

7. Desk Lamps

Dorm rooms are notorious for having terrible lighting, either way too bright or not bright enough. We recommend getting a desk lamp for your room so you can see your half of the room at night without disturbing your roommate too much. This is one of the best things to buy for college—it’ll help you study well!

8. Shower Caddy

what to bring to college Attmu mesh shower caddyMany dorms have shared bathrooms, so you may not be able to leave your products in the shower. Put everything you need in a shower caddy for easy transport. Pro tip: if your dorm shower doesn’t have a shelf or hook nearby for your caddy, one of the things to buy for college is a hard-bottom caddy so you can set it on the floor without it getting waterlogged and soggy.

9. Mini Toolkit

Apollo tool set college necessitiesA quick way to make friends is to have a toolkit. We definitely recommend adding this to your list of things to buy for college. You never know when you’re going to need a screwdriver and that cute co-ed down the hall might need help assembling something.

10. Surplus of School and Office Supplies

Whatever school supplies you plan on using, make sure you have a surplus. School supplies are always on the list of things college students need. In a pinch, when you need something you’ll be thankful you don’t have to make a special trip out or wait for an Amazon order.

11. Extra-Long Phone Charger

Is the outlet too far from your bed or desk? Solution: extra-long phone charger. This will keep you from having to do awkward stretches or rearrange your room just to keep your phone close by.

12. Cozy, Colorful Rug

Dorm rooms aren’t very colorful. The floor can be drab and the walls may be neutral-painted concrete. So, one of the best things to buy for college is a rug that adds comfort and a homey feel. You’ll spend a lot of time in your dorm, so bring it to life with some color.

13. Trash Liners

You’ll be amazed how much trash you accumulate in a short amount of time. Having plenty on hand will help you haul your trash to the dumpsters or trash chutes—they’re one of the best things to buy for college.

14. First Aid Kit

 Accidents happen and it’s good to be prepared. A small first aid kit in your room can be your best friend when you have a small emergency.

15. Mattress Topper

Mattresses in dorm rooms aren’t very comfy and may have a plastic feel to them. Invest in a good-quality mattress topper to get better sleep—this is 100% one of the things college students need.

16. Command Hanging Strips and Hooks

The unsung heroes of dorm life! Hanging a mirror, check. Adding art to your walls, check. A place to hook your towel after a shower, check.

17. Pillows and Blankets

Making your dorm room feel like home is important. Add a bunch of pillows and a couple of blankets. That way, you’ll have a comfy space to sit on your bed, extra pillows to sit on the floor with, and blankets to keep warm and to share with guests.

18. Big Calendar (Desk or Wall)

You’re less likely to forget something important coming up if there is a big calendar on the wall. You could also fill it out with your roommate so you know where each other will be each day. A calendar to go along with your planner is a college must have.

19. Backpack

Mahi Leather BackpackYour backpack will go everywhere with you. So a good quality and comfortable backpack is a must have to last you all 4 years and save your back!

20. Reusable Water Bottle

A reusable water bottle = less trash and fewer cases of water bottles you’ll need to lug up and down the stairs to your dorm.

21. Flip Flops/Sandals for the Shower/Room

shower flip flopsBathrooms and showers can be gross, but these flip-flops are a sanity (and foot fungus) saver!

22. Storage Options

"must haves" for surviving -- amazonbasics 4 cube storage shelvesMake the most of your space with storage bins or cubes. Dorm rooms can be small and you’ll need a space to store snacks, school supplies, shoes, clothes, and all the extras.

23. Air Freshener Spray

Febreeze air freshenersSmall spaces can mean big smells. And because many dorms do not allow candles, air fresheners are a major must-have for any college space. You won’t have to worry about bad smells ruining the atmosphere with one of these on hand. Just make sure you and your roommate agree on the chosen scent.

24. Ethernet Cable

College essential: Ethernet cable. Dorm Wi-Fi can lag with everyone online. Plug in for faster, reliable internet—essential for homework and last-minute projects.

25. Mini Fridge

Midea mini fridgeDorm essentials: Mini fridge for cold items and a microwave for quick meals. Even without a full kitchen, you can keep snacks and drinks handy in your room.

26. Spare Battery Chargers

"must haves" for surviving -- portable charger battery packLow phone charge can sneak up on you. Carry a spare charger in your backpack. Plug in during library sessions or meals, ensuring a fully charged phone wherever you go!

27. Flashlight and/or Booklight

For mismatched sleep schedules with a roommate, grab a book light. This way, you can study in peace without disturbing their sleep with bright overhead lights.

28. AA and AAA batteries

Pretty self-explanatory. Calculator. Book light. Fan. Remotes. All of these things college students need require batteries. Keep batteries in your dorm or you may find yourself knocking on doors to ask for spares.

29. Lap Desk

Best invention ever: $11 lap desk with a cup holder. One of the best things to buy for college that lets your laptop breathe on a flat surface, not your lap!

30. Laundry Basket

"must haves" for surviving college -- dokehom laundry basketLaundry baskets make lugging your clothes back and forth from the laundry room so much easier. Pro tip: Get one that’s not see-through!

31. Rain Jacket/Umbrella

If you haven’t thought of this yet, now’s the time. When you live on campus, it’s usually just you and your two feet getting to class. A rain jacket or umbrella can save you from showing up to class soaked and miserable.

The list of things college students need has endless possibilities.

Looking to apply for scholarships to help offset the cost of college? Check out the Scholarship Search Tool to find scholarships you may be eligible for.

Looking for more tips on college life? Our articles for your burning questions.

By College Raptor Staff
Applying to college can be challenging, and so we at College Raptor feel it's our duty to make that process as easy, smooth, and rewarding as possible. We work hard to clarify dense material, dispel myths, uncover information, and help you learn what you need to know!

One thought on “30+ “Must Haves” for Surviving College”

  1. Jinger Ertel says:
    June 11, 2018 at 4:52 pm

    Mini fridge! Even if you just use it for drinks, you need one! Also under bed storage. You won’t have a lot of space if you share a room!

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