57+ Guy Dorm Room Essentials Every College Man Needs
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It’s about that time for the fun season of dorm room shopping!
Listen, I know moving into a dorm room can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience for everyone, but guys sometimes have it especially hard.
There’s lots of information for girl dorm rooms, but as a guy you’re probably wondering, what exactly do “I” need to bring for my dorm room?
When you’re going to college for the first time, it can be super stressful thinking about everything you need to get prepared for your new journey, especially if you’re not a guy into planning.
(I remember helping my guy friends do their college shopping and they had no idea where to shop, what to buy, or how to pack!)
Related: 29 Best Dorm Shopping Websites Every College Student Should Know
Well you’ve landed on the right place my friend. In this post, I’m giving you the top 57 essentials every college guy should have for their dorm room.
These are the must have items that will make your dorm room feel like home so you can have the best dorm experience possible.
And these make your transition to dorm life easier, so you can have a comfortable and stress-free living space that you’ll love!
(Because who wants to live in a room that they can’t stand…not me!)
Keep reading for the ultimate list of everything you need when moving into your dorm room!
Top Dorm Room Essentials for Guys
Bedding
When it comes to essentials, there are a few items that are absolute must-haves like bedding made for smaller beds. You want your bed to feel like home, so it’s a must to get some good quality bedding for your dorm beds.
💡Here’s a helpful tip: Most college beds are a size Twin Xtra Long (aka Twin XL), so that’s what size you should look for when buying bedding!
1. Sheets- Twin Xtra Long
Twin XL sheets are the standard sheets for dorm beds. When choosing sheets, go for at least a 300-thread count, so they won’t be super scratchy when you sleep.
✅Buying tip: Buy at least 2 pairs of sheets. That way you’ll always have a clean pair you can throw on your bed. You never know when you might need to change the sheets in the middle of the night.
2. Comforter- Twin Xtra Long
Comforters have two responsibilities, covering your sheets and keeping you comfy at night. If you’re into decorating your room, choose a comforter that goes with the vibe of your room. There are a lot of comforter designs that aren’t the basic solid color and will make your bed stand out!
✅Buying tip: If you go to school somewhere cold, get a thicker comforter that will keep you warm at night. If you’re in a warm area, get a thinner comforter or a quilt to keep you cool at night.
3. Mattress Topper- Twin XL
You need a mattress topper if you want to sleep peacefully at night. Dorm mattresses are not naturally comfortable…at all. A mattress pad will make sure your bed is like sleeping on a cloud and it’ll protect you from your mattress!
4. Pillows
Another bed staple is pillows. Yes, you’ll need to buy your own. I know you probably haven’t brought pillows before, but this is actually really fun to shop for! The most common types are soft, firm, or memory foam.
Head to Walmart and try out the different types of pillows and see what’s best for you!
Other places to buy pillows:
- Target
- Macy’s
- TJ Maxx
Related: 29 Best Dorm Shopping Websites
5. Bed Risers
I think everyone with a traditional dorm bed should have bed risers! These lift up your bed so you’ll have more room for storage underneath. You could easily fit something like these small storage bins under your bed.
If you have a lofted bed or another kind of setup, you probably should wait on buying bed risers until you get to actually see your bed.
6. Throw Blanket
Okay, so technically not essential, but I’m of the firm belief that everyone should have at least one throw blanket! Blankets are great if you don’t want to get under the covers but still want to be cozy.
Also, if you do any kind of movie nights or game nights in the dorm, you probably want to bring a blanket to throw on for a chill night!
Bathroom
Some of the most important items are your bathroom essentials! These items are necessary for any kind of shared bathroom in your dorm. Since these are all pretty standard, you can definitely buy these things before moving into your dorm room.
7. Shower Shoes
Shower shoes are the NUMBER 1 item that you must have in a dorm.
Have you ever showered in a guy’s shower? Yea, you don’t want your feet to touch the floor! That’s why you need shower shoes.
I suggest getting 2 pairs of flip-flops or slides to be your shower shoes for communal bathrooms exclusively.
8. Shower Caddy
In shared bathrooms, there isn’t room to hold the soaps, shampoo, and other toiletries you need in the bathroom. A shower caddy makes it easy to organize all your bathroom items in one easy-to-carry bag.
You can put stuff like your razors, toothpaste, soap, and lotion, all in the caddy and not have to juggle all 10 things in your hands.
9. Bath Towels and Washcloths
You will need at least a few sets of towels and washcloths for your dorm room. A lot of my male friends had 3 matching sets of towels and washcloths and that was the perfect amount for them!
10. Bath Robe
You should definitely get a robe for drying off after the shower! Depending on your dorm, the shower could be far away from your room and you’ll have to walk.
(And that walk to your room can get cold in just a towel!)
A robe is perfect because you can easily throw it on after your shower without rushing to get dressed!
11. Bath Mat
A bath mat is great for drying your feet off after taking off your shower shoes. You’ll want this so you don’t have to touch the bare floor before putting on your socks after getting out of the shower.
12. Shower Curtain
If you’re in a smaller shared bathroom (like one shared by just 4 roommates) or a college apartment, you need a shower curtain for your shower.
Before buying this, check in with your roommates to see if anyone’s brought a shower curtain already. You only need one that can last for the year.
Desk Essentials
No matter if you have a desk or not, you need these items to complete your school work! These are perfect for you to study in your room.
13. Flash Drive
A flash drive is a MUST HAVE! You should always have your computer files with you as a college student.
Flash drives are great to keep in your book bag for when you need them or if you use the shared computers on campus.
💡Here’s A Gem: Flash drives are often given out for free during orientation in addition to other college gear!
Related: How to Get Free Stuff In College (5 Easy Ways)
14. Headphones
You’ll definitely want a pair of headphones you can use every day! They’re great for listening to music around campus, watching YouTube, or if you just don’t want people to talk to you!
I suggest getting these pair of oversized headphones for watching tv and videos online. I love these because they fold down for easy storage and come with a carrying case so you can easily throw them in your bookbag on the go.
You can always do a pair of Airpods too!
15. Laptop
Getting a good computer is super important for college! Your major will have a large impact on which computer you should buy. If you’re doing basic papers and Google searching, a simple computer will do the trick.
If you plan on doing anything with video, modeling, photo editing, etc. you should definitely take time to do some research into the best computers for that type of work.
16. Laptop Bed Stand
Sometimes you won’t want to sit at your desk to work or go to the library (like during a late-night study sessions) so having a laptop bed stand is perfect! You can lie in bed and do work, watch tv, or listen to music.
17. Ethernet Cable
This is an ESSENTIAL! You will need an ethernet cable in your dorm room. An ethernet cable gives you direct access to the internet.
Campus wifi can be notoriously bad so you want to have the option to use this cable if you have work you have to do or if the wifi goes out.
18. Binder, Notebook, Loose Leaf Paper
These are some essential school supplies that you want to have for your classes. I loved using binders and paper for taking notes in most of my classes. 2 subject notebooks were awesome too if you don’t like binders and want to keep your classes organized.
19. Pens and Pencils
Pens and pencils are other school supply staples that you’ll need. I suggest buying these in bulk because you’ll end up losing so many before you know it.
20. Book Bag
You’re going to be walking from place to place a lot in college so you need a book bag to carry your stuff in. A lot of college students go for a Northface book bag! I had one in college I brought freshman year and it lasted me for 4 years!
21. Planner
A planner is a necessity! There are going to be a lot of things to remember in college (like deadlines, homework assignments, presentations, important dates, etc.) I was obsessed with my planner and couldn’t have survived college without it.
Related: 7 Best Tips to Ace Presentations in College
Organization and Laundry Essentials
Dorm rooms are small, so organization is key for maximizing your space! If you want a clean and organized room to fit more stuff, these are your organization and laundry essentials for your dorm room.
22. Clothes Organizer
These are perfect for creating more space in your closet. This one is great for storing all your t-shirts and jeans in your closet while still having room for clothes you want to hang up.
Related: How Many Clothes to Bring to College (Ultimate Guys Guide)
23. Shoe Rack
If you’re a sneaker lover, a shoe rack is a must-have in your dorm room closet to keep your shoes looking good for every event. I love this shoe rack because you can adjust the size to be bigger or smaller depending on your dorm room.
Related: 10 Best College Party Shoes For Guys and Girls
24. Rolling Laundry Basket
I highly suggest you get a rolling laundry basket to carry your clothes in. You’ll be doing your laundry in the dorm and probably will have to carry your hamper to the laundry room. A rolling laundry basket will make your life much easier on laundry day! (Especially if you went a little too long in between washes)
25. Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergent isn’t included in the dorm so make sure you buy your preferred laundry detergent on Amazon or at the grocery store.
Related: 23 Best Dorm Cleaning Supplies For College Students (Everything You Need)
26. Iron
On nice occasions, it’s always good to iron your clothes to get the wrinkles out. Go for an inexpensive iron like this one that will get the job done and won’t take up too much closet space.
27. Ironing Board
With an iron, you need an ironing board to best get the wrinkles out of your clothes. Get an ironing board made for dorm rooms because they save space and are much cheaper than a regular size board.
28. Clothes Hangers
Fabric hangers are my top choice for clothes hangers because your clothes stay put, don’t leave dents, and they won’t fall off the rack easily. If you want to take it up a notch, buy these fabric hangers and color coordinate!
Electronics
Of course, you need some electronics for your dorm room! You don’t have to go all out and buy every new electronic at the store, but there are some that definitely make your college experience better…and a little more fun!
Before you buy any electronics or appliances, check your residence hall guidelines to make sure you can bring them to college with you.
Related: Can You Have An Air Fryer In A Dorm? (Your Questions Answered)
29. Long Surge Protector
You should buy at least 1 surge protector for your dorm room for more outlet space. Your dorm room won’t have enough and they could be located in weird places making it hard to plug things in. Also, make sure you specially buy a surge protector since extension cords aren’t allowed in most dorms.
✅Buying Tip: Get a surge protector with USB ports so you can easily charge your phone without a charging block.
30. TV
I highly recommend this TV because it’s affordable and is the perfect size for dorm rooms! If you get a TV, talk to your roommate before buying one, since you only need 1 TV for your room. This could definitely be a purchase you split if you want to or a nice dorm room gift!
💡Here’s a Gem: Some colleges might already provide a TV, especially if you’re living in an apartment-style dorm, so double-check before purchasing.
All TV’s are not created equal! Check out this post to make sure you get one that’s best for dorm rooms.
Related: 5 Best TVs for Your Dorm Room
31. Streaming System
If you have a TV, get a streaming system too so you can watch all of your favorite shows! I love a Roku stick because it’s easy to use and you can take them with you on the go.
32. Fan
Dorm rooms can be super hot, especially in the summer, and if you don’t have AC. Get a good fan like this one that will keep you cool and won’t take up too much space in your room.
33. Gaming System
You’ll probably be spending a lot of time in your room and it can get boring. A gaming system like a (PS4 or Xbox) is great to play video games in your free time. Plus, not everyone brings one, so it could make you a ton of friends who want to come play!
Related: How To Be Popular In College
34. Handheld Vacuum
A handheld vacuum is great for cleaning up small messes in your room. I love this one because it’s cordless and gets the job done quickly.
35. Lamp
I hated the fluorescent lights in the dorm room, ugh! I suggest getting a small lamp for your room. This one is perfect for putting on your desk to do homework at night or when you just need a little bit of light.
36. Extra Long Phone Chargers
You need multiple phone chargers in college!! Trust me, one isn’t enough. The best option is to get a multipack of extra-long cords so you can keep one in your room and take the others with you to use anywhere on campus.
37. Portable Speaker
A portable speaker is great for getting ready, events, and parties. Just throw it in your book bag and you’ll always be ready to play your favorite playlist. Related: The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Parties In College
Related: 25 Best College Party Songs You Need On Your Playlist (+ Spotify Playlist)
38. Flashlight
You never know when the electricity may go out in your dorm room, so being prepared is super important. A flashlight is a great option to have in your room in case of an emergency and you find yourself with no power.
Kitchen
You probably don’t have a full-size kitchen for your freshman year, but you still need some kitchen essentials! Here’s a few things you need for eating and drinking in your dorm room:
39. Mini Fridge
A mini fridge is the top appliance you need in your dorm room! I loved having a mini fridge because it was so convenient to keep stuff I used on a daily basis like milk, drinks, or coffee creamer. It’s also great for storing leftovers!
40. Coffee Maker
Having a coffee maker in my dorm room is the best thing I did as a college freshman! You just can’t beat making coffee in your room before an early 8am class.
I suggest getting a small coffee maker that makes all types of coffee like a Keurig or a Nespresso!
Related: How To Survive 8am Classes in College
41. On The Go Utensils Set
I am in love with this utensil set. It’s super easy to put in your book bag and take with you on campus whenever you need to eat. I suggest buying 2 sets, so you can keep one in your book bag and the other in your dorm room.
42. Plastic Plate and Bowl Set
This simple set of plastic plates and bowls is perfect for college kids. You’ll be eating in your room a lot and needing to heat food up in the microwave, so this set is a great option to have in your dorm room.
43. Plastic Cups
Just like your eating utensils, a set of plastic cups is great to have for your room. I love these from Target. They are super easy to clean and are so cheap (only 50 cents)! Extra cups are great for when you have guests over too.
44. Reusable Water Bottle
You will definitely need a reusable water bottle! Most college buildings have water fountains to easily refill your water. Plus having a bottle like this saves you so much money and the environment from plastic water bottles.
45. Water Filter Pitcher
A lot of the time, the tap water on campus is nasty! So if you want fresh water, you need a water filter (like this). I suggest getting a pitcher that will fit in your small refrigerator, so you can have cold water without leaving your room.
46. Reusable Coffee Mug
With your coffee maker, also order a reusable coffee mug to carry your coffee with you. This one keeps your coffee hot for 8 hours, plenty of time to get you through your day! Also, depending on your campus, if you use a reusable mug to refill, you may get a discount on your coffee!
Miscellaneous
47.Air Freshener Plug-In
Keep your room smelling fresh with this air freshener. All you have to do is plug it into the wall and change the scent every 2 months!
You should also get a portable one to use when you’re in the dorm bathroom.
Related: How to Poop In College: Student’s Guide to Peaceful Pooping On Campus
48. Batteries
Batteries are a key part of your emergency bag! You just never know when you’ll need to use them, so having a pack on hand is super important.
Buying Tip: Most things that take batteries use either AA or AAA batteries, so those are the two packs you should get!
49. Cleaning Wipes
Every college student needs a bottle of Lysol wipes to clean their room. They are the best at cleaning up small messes and keeping your room tidy and fresh without trying too hard.
50. Ear Plugs
Residence halls can be noisy! Sometimes you might just want to tune out, and a good pair of ear plugs will help you do just that. These are also GREAT if your roommate snores and you don’t want to hear it.
51. Safe
A safe is a great option for storing your important documents and valuables in your dorm room. Go for a safe that will fit in small spaces, so you can easily store it. This one is small enough to be concealed in your dorm room, have enough room for your important things, and is fireproof!
52. Mini Toolbox
This mini toolbox is for great dorm rooms! You just never know when you may need to fix something broken in your room or you may want to build something. Having this on hand will make your life much easier!
53. First Aid Kit
Another thing to add to your emergency bag is a first aid kit. A simple one like this contains everything you need for injuries like cuts, scrapes, burns, etc.
54. Trash Can
This one is a no brainer, you need a trash can in your room. Opt for a small trash can you can put next to your bed or desk. If you want to get fancy, go for a color that matches your room decor. Don’t forget to get trash bags to put in the can too or you can reuse the plastic bags you get from the grocery store.
Decor
Dorm rooms can be so boring, so you can definitely spice your room up with your dorm decor! Whatever your style, you can incorporate items that will make your room feel like home! Check out some of the guy dorm room decor essentials:
55. Rug
A simple rug is great to have for your room. You don’t want to step on a cold floor every day (trust me). This rug is great for guy’s dorm room because it’s super easy to clean and goes with any color.
56. Dorm Flags
Dorm flags are perfect for adding some personality to your room! I love dorm flags because they are super affordable and come in tons of styles to fit your personality and vibe of your room.
Want to see more cool dorm flags? Click here to see the best dorm flags for guys.
Related: 33 Best Dorm Flags for College Students
57. Posters
A lot of college students also have posters on their walls too! They are great for wall art and showing off your personality (like these cool album covers) without spending a ton of money!
Before You Go
So there you have it! All of your dorm room essentials for guys in one place!
Everything you need to move-in to your dorm is included in this list and I hope it truly helps you have a great first year of college! But before you go, do you know everything you need to pack?
Read It: Ultimate guys guide for how many clothes to bring to college!
I hope this post is super helpful for you!
