The best college supplies and dorm room essentials
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Sending your kid off to college is nerve wracking. The best you can do is impart a few life lessons and outfit your kid's dorm room with all the essentials. We've rounded up everything your kid needs for their dorm room from bedding and decor to tech and school supplies.
Chances are your college kid hasn't lived on their own — ever. The thought of sending your kid off to fend for themselves against dirty laundry, piles of dishes, and the other inconveniences of adulthood probably sounds crazy to you, but they've got to learn somehow.
The college dorm is a good training ground for new adults, assuming they've got all the essentials. We've rounded up everything your college kid needs to have in their dorm room, including everything for their bed, bathroom, kitchen, and more.
Before we get into our picks, here are some tips from someone was a college freshman not so long ago:
- Know your dorm: How many roommates will you have? How much space is there? Do you even have a kitchen? Adjust accordingly.
- Talk to your roommates: If you talk to your roommate(s) before you shop, you can coordinate and figure out who's bringing what. My first roommates brought a mini fridge, a microwave, and a TV. All I brought was a suitcase and a duffle bag. It was a pretty good deal.
- Don't go overboard: Trust me, you don't need all those random things you think you'll need. The more stuff you buy, the more you have to carry back and forth for the next four years.
Living in a dorm is a crazy experience, but so long as you have the essentials, you'll be just fine. Read on to find our top picks for every dorm essential you can imagine. You can click on any category below to jump to a topic.
CLICK HERE: Bedroom | Bathroom | Kitchen | Small Appliances | Cleaning & Organization | Decor | Tech | School Supplies | Backpacks & Lunch Boxes | More Back to School Content
Bedroom: Sheets, Comforter, Pillow, Ear Plugs, Eye Mask
Sheets: The Twin XL Mellanni Microfiber Sheet Set feels soft, comes in lots of colors, and doesn't cost much.
The Mellanni Microfiber sheets are made from 100 percent polyester woven into an exceptionally fine thread to be super-soft, lightweight, and wrinkle and stain-resistant. These sheets are also resistant to dust mites and shouldn't shrink on you. You can choose from tons of different colors to suit your style. These are our top pick for budget sheets because they are soft, attractive, and well priced. We recommend you buy two sets so that you have something to put on your bed when laundry day arrives. If you want an upgrade, get these amazing all-cotton Brooklinen sheets.
Pros: Affordable, lots of color options, comes in Twin XL size
Cons: Not as breathable as cotton
Buy the Twin XL Mellanni Microfiber Sheet Set on Amazon for $29.70
Buy the Twin XL Luxe Sheet Collection on Brooklinen.com for $129.00
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Comforter: The LinenSpa All-Season Down Alternative comforter is cozy and affordable.
The LinenSpa All-Season Down Alternative comforter is our pick for the best affordable comforter because it is warm, comes in different colors, and doesn't cost as much as down-filled comforters. If you get the colorful versions, you won't even need a duvet cover, though you may want one because it'll be easier to clean. Check out our favorite duvet covers here.
Pros: Warm, comes in a few different colors, affordable
Cons: Not filled with down
Buy the LinenSpa All-Season Down Alternative comforter on Amazon for $26.99 and up
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Pillow: The Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow is great for any sleeping position.
The Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow is not cheap, but it is the very best pillow you can buy — period. It's our top pick for the best pillow overall because it's adjustable, suits all kinds of sleeping styles, and it's relatively affordable. The shredded memory foam is very comfortable, and you can remove some to make it less firm if you want. This pillow will last you way beyond college.
Pros: Incredibly comfortable, long lasting, adjustable
Cons: More expensive than budget pillows
Buy the Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow on Amazon for $49.99
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Mattress Pad: The Pinzon Hypoallergenic Overfilled Microplush Mattress Topper will turn that awful college bed into a plush mattress
College beds are horrible. If you don't put a mattress topper down, you'll never sleep. Luckily, you can get a great one that doesn't look like an egg carton for a reasonable price. The Pinzon Hypoallergenic Overfilled Microplush Mattress Topper is our top budget pick for a mattress topper because it adds softness and comfort to any mattress without breaking the bank.
Pros: Comfortable, softens mattresses, affordable
Cons: Not as soft as memory foam
Buy the Twin XL Pinzon Hypoallergenic Overfilled Microplush Mattress Topper on Amazon for $34.99
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Eyemask: The Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask will block out your roommate's light so you can sleep.
The Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask is among the things I should have bought for college. The eye mask will block out your roommate's light during their 2 a.m. study cramming session and it'll also block out other unwanted sights (co-ed dorms, am I right?). The Sweethome says this mask is as soft and effective as they come, and it's not too pricey.
Pros: Blocks out light well, comfortable, affordable
Cons: Not as cheap as some
Buy Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask on Amazon for $11.95 (originally $18.95)
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Ear Plugs: The Mack's Ear Care Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs block out noise so you can sleep.
Living with roommates is rough — especially when they want to party and you need to sleep. You'll want to scream in frustration at least once over the next four years, so save yourself and just buy these ear plugs. The Mack's Ear Care Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs come highly recommended.
Pros: Block out sound, comfortable, affordable
Cons: None
Buy Mack's Ear Care Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs on Amazon for $8.99 (originally $10.79)
Bathroom: Towel, Mirror, Shower Caddy, Makeup Organizer, Shower Shoes
Towels: The Fieldcrest Luxury Solid Bath Towel is soft, dries fast, and doesn't cost too much.
The Fieldcrest Luxury Solid Bath Towel is made from 100% micro-cotton that's Oeko-Tex certified to contain no harmful substances. It comes in a dozen different colors, and it's sure to dry you off fast. The cotton is soft and durable, too.
Pros: Soft, all cotton, dries fast, affordable
Cons: None
Buy the Fieldcrest Luxury Solid Bath Towels from Target for $12.99
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Shower Caddy: The InterDesign Orbz Shower Tote Holder and Organizer holds all your toiletries as you troop to the communal showers or shared bathroom.
The InterDesign Orbz Shower Tote Holder and Organizer keeps all your shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and so on in place so you can carry it along with you into the communal showers or shared bathroom. It's important to have one of these and to remove it from the shared bathroom (if you have one) when you're done each time so that you're never without your toothbrush in case your roommate stays in the shower for ten years.
Pros: Dividers keep products in place, nice handles, easy to carry, multiple sizes
Cons: A tad pricey
Buy the InterDesign Orbz - Shower Tote Holder and Organizer on Amazon for $10.49 (originally $14.99)
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Shower/House Shoes: The OOFOS OOriginal Unisex Thong Sandals are comfortable shower and house shoes.
The OOFOS OOriginal Unisex Thong Sandals are one of my favorite things. These Korean sandals are so soft and comfortable it feels like you're walking on a cloud. They're great as house shoes to give your feet support and they're even better shower shoes to protect your feet from fungus (ewwww). Sure, they're expensive, but they'll last for the whole four years and then some.
Pros: So comfortable, fun colors, dry fast, last long
Cons: Expensive
Buy OOFOS OOriginal Unisex Thong Sandals on Amazon for $44.95
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Makeup Organizer: The Jerrybox 360 Degree Rotation Adjustable Multi-Function Cosmetic Storage Box holds all your makeup.
Jerrybox makes our favorite makeup organizer. It's got tons of adjustable compartments for every cosmetic you own, it rotates so you can see it all, and it'll keep you in order. The Jerrybox isn't too expensive, either, and you can get it in black or white.
Pros: Organizes your makeup, lots of space, adjustable, rotates
Cons: Not portable
Buy the Jerrybox 360 Degree Rotation Adjustable Multi-Function Cosmetic Storage Box on Amazon for $20.99 (originally $39.99)
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Makeup Mirror: The Conair Oval Shaped Double-Sided Lighted Makeup Mirror will help you do your makeup in peace outside of the bathroom.
The Conair Oval Shaped Double-Sided Lighted Makeup Mirror makes it easy to walk out the door looking #flawless. It's not super expensive, it lights up your face to ensure you don't look orange, and it'll keep you out of the bathroom so your roommate doesn't complain about your hour-long makeup routine.
Pros: Lights up, looks good, affordable
Cons: Not a high-end one
Buy the Conair Oval Shaped Double-Sided Lighted Makeup Mirror on Amazon for $25.99 (originally $34.99)
Kitchen: Glasses, Flatware, Mugs, Dishes, Cookware
Dishes: The Corelle Livingware 12 Piece Dinnerware Set won't break and it looks classy.
The Corelle Livingware 12 Piece Dinnerware Set is just perfect for college kids. It's hard to break, it's affordable, and it should last beyond the four years it takes to finish your degree. You get four big dinner plates, four small plates, and four bowls in the set, so you can have a dinner with friends. The big plates measure 10-1/4 inches, the smaller ones measure 6-3/4 inches, and the bowls hold 18 ounces of liquid. The entire set is made from Corelle's break and chip resistant glass with a three-year replacement warranty. Corelle makes everything in America, too, which is neat.
Pros: Durable, affordable, 12-piece set serves four, three-year warranty
Cons: None
Buy the Corelle Livingware 12 Piece Dinnerware Set on Amazon for $30
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Glasses: The Libbey Diamond Swirl 12-Piece Glassware Set will have you drinking orange juice in style.
Libbey makes great glasses for drinking all kinds of beverages. These classic drinking glasses are perfect for everything from orange juice to soda. They're fairly light, comfortable to hold, and they look pretty. Just don't drop them or let your klutzy friend hold one during a party.
Pros: Beautiful glasses, 12 in a set, lightweight, 16 ounces
Cons: Fragile
Buy the Libbey Diamond Swirl 12-Piece Glassware Set, 16-Ounce, Clear, on Amazon for $19.94
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Mugs: The Unemployed Philosopher's Guild makes the kind of mugs that you'll be proud to bring to college.
Who wants a set of matching mugs in college? I certainly didn't. My collection was totally mismatched, so I always knew which mugs were mine. One of my first picks was a mug from the Unemployed Philosopher's Guild. I got the Shakespearean Insults one, in case you're curious. These snarky, intellectual mugs are perfect for college. You can even pick one that matches your major.
Pros: Hilarious mugs, novelty subjects, unique designs, well made
Cons: Pricey
Buy any mug by the Unemployed Philosopher's Guild on Amazon for $13.95 and up (price varies based on design)
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Travel Mug: The Contigo Autoseal West Loop won't spill and it keeps your coffee hot.
After that all nighter, you're going to need a vat of coffee. Take it with you in the Contigo Autoseal West Loop as you stumble to class. It's our favorite travel mug overall because it keeps drinks hot for hours and never spills. You can get it in tons of fun colors, too.
Pros: Keeps drinsk hot, never spills, easy to clean, many color choices
Cons: A bit pricey
Buy the Contigo Autoseal West Loop travel mug on Amazon for $15.03 and up (price varies by color)
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Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth keeps water ice cold for hours.
Staying hydrated is really important, so you need a great water bottle. The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth is our top water bottle pick overall, because it keeps drinks icy cold for hours, is easy to clean, and comes in tons of colors. You don't have to worry about breaking it, either.
Pros: Easy to clean, keeps drinks cold, comes in many colors
Cons: A bit pricey
Buy the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth water bottle for $39.95
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Flatware: The Threshold Jovita 20 Piece Flatware Set is simple and attractive.
Target's Threshold Jovita Flatware Set comes with 20 pieces, so you'll have forks, spoons, and knives for four people. It's a nice simple set that ought to last you for years. Each utensil is made out of stainless steel. Buyers say they're happy with the set, the pieces are comfortable to hold, and they're well priced.
Pros: 20 pieces, affordable, stainless steel, enough for four people
Cons: Not fancy, simple design
Buy the Threshold Jovita 20 Piece Flatware Set on Target for $19.00
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Cookware Set: The T-fal Simply Cook Nonstick C518SC Dishwasher Safe Cookware 12 Pc Set has everything you need to cook at home.
T-fal's cookware set comes with everything you need to prepare a meal. You get two pans, three pots, the corresponding lids, and some cooking utensils like a spatula, ladle, slotted spoon, and spoon. The pots and pans are non-stick and should last you at least the four years in college. Once you graduate and get a job, you can contemplate a fancier, high-quality set.
Pros: Comes with 12 pieces, has utensils, non-stick pots and pans, affordable
Cons: Not as high-end as pricier alternatives
Buy the T-fal Simply Cook Nonstick C518SC Dishwasher Safe Cookware 12 Pc Set at Target for $47.99 (originally $59.99)
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