Why You Can Trust CNET 29 Dorm Room Essentials Available on Amazon Now
We've made shopping for your dorm room easy with this list of essential items from Amazon.
There's so much to think about when it comes to heading to college, especially when you're also going to be navigating dorm life. Not only do you have classes and classmates on your mind, but you also have to figure out how to condense your life into a tiny dorm room. Luckily, when it comes to the necessary items (like a laundry hamper and shower caddy) and the creature comforts (a washable rug and a way to display your favorite photos, for instance), Amazon has you covered in most every department.
Along with including the items you'll want and need in your dorm room, the great thing about this list is that most all the products cost less than $100 -- save for one gigantic throw blanket that's worth the splurge. You won't have to spend all of your hard-earned summer money on these essentials, thanks to their budget-friendly price tags. Also, the majority of the products are available with quick Amazon Prime shipping, so even if you're ordering at the last minute, they should arrive by the time move-in day rolls around. (If you don't have a Prime subscription, now might be the time to sign up for a free trial.)
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Storage is tough to come by in a dorm room setting, so this three-tiered storage cart is a great way to make the most of a little extra space. It may even fit underneath a dorm desk. The fact that it rolls is a big perk too. The possibilities are endless when it comes to what you can to store in it -- think clothing, toiletries, cleaning supplies, text books or even plants if that's your style.
Being away from home (especially for the first time) can be a big adjustment. Filling your dorm room with photos of your loved ones is a great way to feel connected to your family and friends and also decorate your dorm room. This hanging display is easy to put up, holds 24 photos total (between two strands) and will go well with any other decor you choose for your space. It's also easy to swap out pictures on the little clips so you can update the photos as you make new memories.
Dorm rooms often come equipped with a trash can, but it's usually the plastic variety without a lid. Chances are it'll start stinking a few months into the school year -- especially if you throw away food. That's where this mDesign metal trash can comes in handy. The sleek trash can is perfect for a dorm room setting due to its compact size, durable construction and lid that has a step pedal for hands-free opening. It may not be the most glamorous dorm room purchase, but you'll be happy to have it.
If you're a night owl but don't want to have to turn on bright overhead lights or disturb a roommate at night, then this clip-on light may be just the thing you need. It can clip onto your headboard or desk and provide enough light for any late-night studying or social media scrolling. It's battery-operated, so it doesn't come with any pesky cords either.
Chances are you'll be doing a lot of studying in your dorm room, and a reading pillow can make your time spent on schoolwork much more comfortable. Ditch the old office chair in favor of using this faux fur pillow on your bed -- or the couch or floor, for that matter. It's light enough that you could lug it anywhere. Plus, your back and neck will appreciate all the support. This faux fur reading pillow also comes in over 15 colors, so you can choose the one that best fits your dorm decor.
This AirPods Pro alternative will help students avoid the daily dorm racket with active noise cancellation technology. Bonus: A pair of JBL Live Pro 2 earbuds boasts a budget-friendly price at about $100 less the AirPods Pro. Read CNET's guide to the best noise-canceling true wireless earbuds for 2024 for more info on our picks.
The shower caddy is a small but mighty addition to the dorm room shopping list. Students can stock it with their favorite products and haul it to and fro. (OK, just to the bathroom and back.) This one has plenty of room for shampoo, lotion and other toiletries. Bonus: Color combos include teal and orange, navy and mustard, or the more subdued solid apricot or gray.
An inconvenient fact about dorm beds: they are generally twin XL size, which means normal twin sheets won't fit. This cotton-blend set conforms to dorm sizing, and as an added bonus, it comes in a trendy cow print. Other prints, including plain gray and blue butterfly, are also available. The three-piece set includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcase.
A pair of shower sandals is a staple of dorm living. This Reef pair goes above and beyond -- they've got traction to prevent slipping and they're nice enough to wear outside the bathroom. Quality construction means your Water Court sandals will last beyond dorm life. Available in black, olive, pink and white on Amazon.
The Amazon Echo Dot is a helpful addition to any dorm room. Students can ask Amazon's smart assistant Alexa about the weather, create shopping lists, set alarms for class and more. The Echo Dot also boasts a quality speaker and connects to smart devices.
Even a 2x3-foot rug can work wonders in a dorm room, both for decor and comfort. Ruggable's fun rainbow prints liven up even drab spaces. And even better, Ruggable rugs are stain- and water-resistant and can be washed in any laundry facility. Spills? No problem. Peel the top layer from the rug pad and just toss it in the wash.
Spare future roommates from stumbling on your dirty socks. A clothes hamper is a must-buy when it comes to dorm living because everyone needs to collect their laundry. This one is great because it comes with two removable bags -- genius for rotating out laundry loads. The handles and lid are helpful, too.
This set from Amazon Basics contains everything needed to make up a dorm bed. Comforter, sheets, sham and pillowcase, conveniently sized in Twin XL. The coral medallion print is particularly nice, but if that's not your style, there are 10 additional colors. Bonus: The set is Made in Green by Oeko-Tex, which means it meets environmental standards.
A tiny fridge is incredibly convenient to have on hand. College students will love keeping beverages, food and skincare cool in their own fridge. This one from Uber Appliance has a removable shelf and holds up to six cans or four bottles of water. It comes in red, silver, blue, white or black.
This blanket has room for everyone. Big Blanket Co. makes huge blankets (100 square feet of blanket) so the whole crew can cozy up for movie night or picnics in the quad. Whatever the occasion, your college newbie will be ready for friends. Bonus: Despite its size, you can still toss this blanket in a standard washing machine.
Blueair makes a dorm-size air filter that removes 99.97% of harmful particles, and the carbon filter helps trap nasty odors like smelly socks and stale pizza -- a smart dorm room purchase. This Blue Pure 511 covers rooms up to 432 square feet (other models also available), filtering out smells, smoke, pollen, allergens and other irritants. It even has an indicator light that shows air quality status.
Even if you have to raise your bed, maximizing dorm room space with under-bed storage is a great idea. This set of drawers makes perfect use of that empty space. Each molded plastic drawer has a lid and slides out of the metal frame for convenient access.
Dorm mattresses are unbearably uncomfortable, and this mattress topper is exactly what dorm dwellers need to transform a sleeping experience. Two inches of memory foam add extra cushioning and provide pressure relief. Plus, cooling gel beads help regulate body temperature at night.
Be sure to buy a Twin XL since that's the standard size mattress for most dorm rooms and residence halls.
College students need plenty of rest, which means a comfortable pillow (or two) is a must. Not only are these JollyVogue pillows budget-friendly, but they're also incredibly fluffy, soft and supportive. A bonus is that they're machine-washable too. CNET's Dawnthea Price Lisco says, "After months of using these pillows, they've retained their fluffy shape and are still comfortable and comforting. I can't recommend these pillows enough."
Most dorm rooms are have a limited amount of space for studying. While it's great to be able to work from your desk, sometimes that can get old pretty quickly. Buying a laptop desk allows you to work from anywhere in your dorm.
Getting ready for a night out and need to see the whole fit? Having a full-length mirror eliminates the struggle that comes along with not having a bathroom of your own. A full-length mirror that hangs over your door is the best, most convenient way to test out different outfits and get ready for a night out.
Space is tight in most dorm rooms, and a night stand is a luxury only few are given. A storage caddy that hangs on the side of your bed allows you to use your laptop, read and snack before bed without the inconvenience of getting up and putting everything away. Now you can do it all without ever leaving your bed.
Outlets can be a scarcity in dorm rooms and there's nothing worse than not keeping your phone nearby while it's charging. Speaking from personal experience, having to sit near the nearest outlet while your phone is charging, rather than comfortably scrolling in bed, is awful. Long phone chargers fix the obstacles that lofted dorm beds and limited outlets raise.
Whether your roommate snores or your neighbors are late-night partiers, dorm life is loud. So if you don't want to spend the night tossing and turning, a white noise machine can make all the difference in the world. The Homedics Sound Spa is our top pick for the best white noise machine overall -- and for good reason: It's inexpensive, portable and it plays six calming nature and sleep sounds.
Most dorms don't have AC, which means they can get uncomfortably stuffy in the fall and spring. The solution? Vornado fans, which have a reputation for being powerful and reliable. This stylish table fan is small enough to stow away but big enough to circulate all the air in your room. Bonus points for the neat vintage vibe.
Dorm rooms are notoriously narrow, which is why vertical storage is so important. This affordable desktop organizer will maximize your space and help keep your desk neat and tidy. It's easy to assemble, and it can be set up in varying shapes and lengths, in case you'd rather use it on a dresser or countertop. It comes in both black and white.
Pendleton's towels are known for their quality -- this one will outlast the college years and beyond. This 100% cotton towel is a generous 30x58-inch size and meets Made in Green by Oeko-Tex environmental standards. Plus, it just looks cool. Don't let your roommate steal it! Coordinating sizes are also available.
When you're locked in your dorm studying (or coming back from a night out) there's nothing better than a refreshing glass of water. Avoid drinking unfiltered potentially contaminated tap water by using a Brita. Simply fill your Brita with sink water and either put it in your fridge or leave it out on your desk and you're set.
The most important thing to do when setting up your dorm is to be sure you're making the most of an often small space. A desk vanity mirror was a lifesaver for me when I was living in my college dorm. A small vanity mirror is perfect for doing your makeup or hair without having to use a bathroom mirror.