Getting set to pack up and head to college is super exciting. If you’re gearing up to do this, we’ve put together a list of miscellaneous things that’ll make your first year of college much easier: college must haves. Consider getting these items to survive your first years at college!
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30 College Must Haves
1. extra set of Bedsheets
Unexpected 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.”
- AmazonBasics Microfiber Sheet Set — Twin, Navy
- Mellani Microfiber Bed Sheet Set 3 Piece — Twin, White
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. At least one big microwaveable bowl
What 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!
- Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- TREBLAB Z2 Active Noise Cancelling T-Quiet Headphones
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
Many 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.
- mDesign Plastic Shower Caddy Storage Organizer Utility Tote
- Attmu Mesh Shower Caddy Portable for College Dorm Room Essentials with 8 Pockets
9. mini toolkit
A 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 TV cable
Cable hookup way too far from where you want your TV to be? Solution: extra-long TV cable. This college must have tops the list of things college students need in undergrad and into full-blown adulthood.
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.
- First Aid Only 298 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Emergency Kit
- Be Smart Get Prepared 110 Piece First Aid Kit
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.
- ViscoSoft 3 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper Twin XL
- EASELAND Twin XL Mattress Pad Pillow Top Mattress Cover Quilted – Deep Pocket
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. pile of 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) in addition to your planner
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
Your 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.
- Opard 30oz Sports Water Bottle with Leak Proof Flip Top Lid
- Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Straw Lid – Stainless Steel Reusable Water Bottle
21. Flipflops for the shower
Bathrooms and showers can be gross, but these flip-flops are a sanity (and foot fungus) saver!
22. Storage Options
Make 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.
- Foldable cube storage bins – 6 pack
- AmazonBasics 4 Cube Wire Storage
- Household Essentials 6 shelf hanging closet
23. Air Freshener Spray
Small space, big smells. Air fresheners are a major must have for any college space—never worry about bad smells ruining the atmosphere with one of these on hand.
- Citrus Magic Natural Odor-Eliminating Air Freshener (3 Count)
- Febreeze AIR Freshener Heavy Duty Crisp Clean (3 Count)
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
- BLACK+DECKER Compact Refrigerator Energy Star Single Door Mini Fridge with Freezer
- Upstreman Mini Fridge with Freezer, Single Door Mini Fridge
26. spare phone chargers and battery
Low 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.
- Energizer Combo AA and AAA Max Alkaline Batteries (24 Count Each)
- Rayovac AA Batteries & AAA Batteries Combo Pack, 30 AA and 24 AAA (54 Battery Count)
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
Laundry baskets make lugging your clothes back and forth from the laundry room so much easier. Pro tip: Get one that’s not see-through!
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.
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!