We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Home Organizing Our Ultimate 2024 College Packing List of 30+ Dorm Essentials Here are the items you won't want to forget. By Katie Holdefehr Katie Holdefehr Katie Holdefehr is the associate editorial director at Real Simple. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Leila Ferguson Leila Ferguson Leila Ferguson is the Editorial Intern at RealSimple.com. She currently studies Comparative Literature and French at Berkeley, University of California. Prior to joining Real Simple, she was a stylist and social media manager for J.Cricket, a Milan-based design company. She indulges in all kinds of home-making activities and is passionate about aesthetics, home decor, and food. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 25, 2024 Photo: Sharpie When you're going through your college packing list, checking and double-checking (and triple-checking) each item off the list, the sheer amount of stuff you'll need for the year ahead can be overwhelming. We get it. So to make packing for college as easy and organized as possible, we've rounded up exactly what you need on your dorm essentials list. From a quality mattress protector to a durable backpack and insulated cup (a must-have for 2024), we've covered all the bases. Throughout the checklist, we've noted when to stock up and buy extras (you can never have too many pens!), so you don't have to worry about running low on supplies in the middle of the semester. Once you check off every item on this college packing list, you can rest assured you're set for the school year. Phew! Pinterest's Top 5 Dorm Room Decor Trends of 2024 01 of 46 A Backpack Jansport $80 at Jansport.com In our opinion, the perfect backpack has to check at least three boxes: durable, lightweight, and able to fit every single book, power cord, water bottle, snack bar, and sweater we'll need during a long day of classes. The Inbound Backpack by Jansport checks all these boxes—and then some. This backpack's main body is made of 100% recycled materials and effortlessly holds a 15-inch laptop, a water bottle, and notebooks along with everything you may need after class. Plus, the mesh compartments make it easy to quickly grab your keys while the padded straps give your shoulders some much-needed support. 02 of 46 Notebooks Staples $7 at Staples You are going to need notebooks—lots of notebooks. Yes, even if your classes allow laptops! Research indicates that taking written notes (and reviewing them after class) can help student learning. If you want to lighten the load of supplies you carry to class, opt for a multi-subject notebook that you can use for all your classes in a day, then stock up on fresh notebooks to accommodate your copious note-taking. 03 of 46 Pens PILOT $5 at Amazon Not to get dramatic, but a good pen—one that glides smoothly across the page, won't bleed, and doesn't smear (attention, left-handed writers!)—is hard to come by. According to reviewers, these gel pens from Pilot are the writing implement you'll want on hand for all that furious note-taking. Again, it pays to order multiple packs of this essential. 04 of 46 Highlighters Pilot $8 at Amazon Not only can highlighters help you keep track of the most important points in a text, but for visual learners, they can be a secret study weapon. Highlight keywords and notes in the same color and the gorgeous pastel hue can help with your visual recall during test time. If you happen to make a mistake, no worries, because these highlighters are erasable! 05 of 46 Sticky Notes Post-it $7 at Post-it.com For reminders, notes to your roommate, page-savers in books you don't want to dog-ear, you're going to want a big stack of Post-it Notes. This pretty pack comes in five neon hues that guarantee you won't miss any important messages. 06 of 46 Scissors 3M/Scotch $6 at Amazon It can be tough to tell which desk supplies you'll actually use in college, but a good pair of scissors will always come in handy (even if it's just for opening up care packages). These Scotch scissors are super reliable and inexpensive. 07 of 46 Stapler and Tape Dispenser The Container Store $18 at The Container Store Also on the must-have desk supplies list: a stapler (for all those 25-page papers) and a tape dispenser. This matching duo will make your dorm room look coordinated, especially if you pick a hue that goes with your bedding. 08 of 46 Pencil Cup The Container Store $7 at The Container Store To corral all the pens, pencils, and scissors, you'll also want a durable desk cup. This Poppin container from The Container Store comes in five colors and has two compartments so you can sort writing implements on one side and scissors on the other. 09 of 46 Disinfecting Wipes Lysol $6 at Clorox.com The first step when you move into your dorm room? Wipe down the bed, desk, and high-touch surfaces with disinfecting wipes. Keep a container (or two) on hand for regular wipe-downs and quick cleaning sessions in case you start feeling sick. 10 of 46 Laundry Detergent Sheets Grove Co. $14 at Grove.co Make laundry as straightforward as possible with these all natural laundry detergent sheets that are free of dyes and plastics. Plus, the packaging is made from 100% recycled materials. 11 of 46 Laundry Bag Target $12 at Target Simplify laundry day with an easy drawstring laundry bag that's spacious enough to hold several weeks' worth of clothes (you know, just in case you procrastinate on chore time). The small mesh pockets let you carry your laundry sheets or delicates all in one place. 12 of 46 Mini Hand Sanitizer Bath and Body Works $9 at Bathandbodyworks.com In addition to a larger hand sanitizer pump in your dorm room, order a 5-pack of these fresh and minty mini hand sanitizers from Bath & Body Works. That way, you can de-germ anywhere on campus, whether you're at the dining hall, gym, or library. Trust us: College campuses are dirtier than you think. 13 of 46 Hand Sanitizer Holder Bath and Body Works $2 at Bathandbodyworks.com Mini hand sanitizers have a way of disappearing, so we recommend getting a holder. This way, you can secure your hand sanitizer to your backpack without remembering to bring it with you wherever you go. Plus, there's all kinds of cute colors to choose from. 14 of 46 Deodorant Dove $6 at Dove.com This is one essential you don't want to forget. This Dove deodorant not only works for up to 48 hours, it also has a soothing shea butter scent. Our advice is to order a few before the start of the school year so you won't have to worry about restocking. 15 of 46 Toothpaste Colgate $8 at Amazon Freshman year might mean more late-night snacking and junk food, but it doesn't have to mean more cavities or gum disease. This whitening toothpaste removes plaque, helping to prevent both cavities and gingivitis. 16 of 46 Toothbrush Colgate $10 at Amazon The manual toothbrush gets a major makeover. A spiral bristle design polishes each tooth and removes stains, while the built-in tongue and cheek cleaner ensures whole-mouth freshness. Plus, this pack of four will come in handy when your toothbrush falls on the decades-old carpeting. 17 of 46 Body Wash Dove $7 at Dove.com If you're going to be toting your toiletries to and from your dorm room to a shared bathroom, you might want to opt for body wash over bar soap. Do you have sensitive skin that's prone to irritation? This Dove body wash has a hypoallergenic formula that will keep sensitive skin happy. For those who are prone to dry, flaky skin, order Dove's deep moisture body wash instead. And if you're committed to making the dorm bathroom feel as spa-worthy as possible, reach for this relaxing body wash infused with lavender oil and chamomile. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let the scent transport you to the lavender fields of France. 18 of 46 Shampoo Dove $8 at Dove.com Don't just grab any shampoo off the shelf—look for a formula that's designed for your specific hair type. To keep wavy hair hydrated, get Dove's Love Your Waves shampoo. If you have textured, curly hair, stock up on Dove's Scalp Care shampoo. Your hair (and scalp) will thank you later. 19 of 46 Conditioner Dove $7 at Dove.com Don't stop at shampoo—make sure your conditioner is tailored to your hair type, too! This ultra-hydrating formula was designed for curly and coily hair. Have wavy hair that could benefit from a frizz-focused formula? Check out Dove's Love Your Waves conditioner. 20 of 46 Toner Charlotte Tilbury $55 at Charlottetilbury.com College is tiring and exciting all at once, the likes of which can take a toll on your skin. Between classes, extracurriculars, and hanging out with friends, time slips away, leaving your 7-step skincare routine in the dust. To simplify your life and keep your skin hydrated and glowy, try Charlotte Tilbury's new Glow Toner to keep your skin exfoliated and in check while you're out having fun. 21 of 46 Shower Caddy Dormify $19 at Dormify.com Communal dorm showers aren't exactly known for being spa-like, but this mesh blue shower caddy with a handle and a strap gets you just what you need. There's a whopping seven compartments to group toiletries, along with mesh coverings to ensure you're not lugging a water-logged caddy back to your dorm room. 22 of 46 Bath Towels Brooklinen Orig. $75 $64 at Brooklinen Fluffy and absorbent, Brooklinen bath towels have been a favorite among Real Simple editors for years. This set of two towels is currently on sale, and is ideal for dorm life: you will always have one clean towel to use, even if the other is in the wash. Choose from nine can't-go-wrong neutral hues. 23 of 46 Shower Cap Flexi $19 at Mykitsch.com This shower cap is great for anyone who wants to keep their hair dry while showering. It's satin-lined to ensure your hair won't get frizzy, plus it's designed to gently secure large volumes of hair in place. And it's cute! 24 of 46 Bathrobe Coyuchi $98 at Coyuchi.com Since your bathroom will likely be down the hall, save yourself from towel time by investing in a bathrobe. This one is 100% organic cotton, which makes for a soft and cozy material that's perfect for hanging around your room. Choose from several soothing colors like spruce green to lagoon blue. 25 of 46 Pillows Purple $69 at Purple If you're going to be sleeping a little bit less, you'll want the hours you do snooze to be as restful as possible. The right pillow can help. This one from Purple is soft, hypoallergenic, and helps regulate your body temperature for the best night's sleep. 26 of 46 Bed Sheets Brooklinen $119 at Brooklinen Look for a sheet set that covers all your basics: a fitted sheet, flat sheet (hello, top sheet fans!), and pillowcase. This set, made of 100% long staple cotton, covers all the bases. Plus, it comes in all different colors and patterns, so you can match it to your dorm decor. 27 of 46 Comforter Brooklinen $169 at Brooklinen Wish your twin XL mattress felt more like a king-size bed in a 5-star hotel suite? This comforter will help you pretend. It's hypoallergenic and vegan, so it will truly work for anyone. 28 of 46 Mattress Protector Sleep Number. $140 at Sleepnumber.com Whether your school requires it or not, a mattress protector is a must. Not only does this barrier protect you from dust and allergens, but it also protects your mattress from spills and stains. We call that a win-win. 29 of 46 Cordless Kettle Amazon Orig. $30 $24 at Amazon Whether your drink of choice is tea, hot chocolate, or instant coffee, a cordless kettle is a college essential you'll be thankful for every day. This sleek kettle boils water faster than a microwave, and the automatic shut-off makes it safer. 30 of 46 Water Bottle Yeti $25 at Yeti.com If TikTok teaches us anything, it's that a stylish water bottle is essential, and none are as tried and true as Yeti. Choose from a rainbow of gorgeous colors, including "Seafoam," a baby blue, and "Cosmic Lila," a vivid light purple. 31 of 46 Insulated Thermos Viva $50 at Shopviva.com Keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot, regardless of the temperature outside. Fill this insulated travel mug with a homemade chai latte or an iced coffee from the dining hall so you have something to sip during grueling lectures. 32 of 46 Bowls CB2 $8 at CB2 Yes, ramen from a packet is considered a well-balanced meal by college standards, and you're going to need a bowl from which to eat it! Again, order a minimum of two bowls so you and a friend can dine together. 33 of 46 Plates CB2 $10 at CB2 Even if you plan to do most of your eating at the dining hall, you'll want a plate for takeout dinners, late-night snacking, and in case anyone brings over birthday cake (hey, it's good to be prepared!). Order at least two: one for you and one for a roommate or friend. 34 of 46 Utensils CB2 $65 at CB2 This complete set of flatware from CB2—fork, small fork, knife, spoon, small spoon—is ideal for low-key dorm dining. 35 of 46 Food Storage Containers Rubbermaid $25 at Amazon From leftovers stashed in your mini fridge to trail mix you'll snack on during study breaks, you'll want a set of leakproof, airtight food containers. These crystal-clear containers look like glass (and let you check out how many cookies you have left), but they're actually plastic, so you don't have to worry about them shattering when dropped. 36 of 46 Bento Box W and P $25 at Wandp.com Class schedules can get a little crazy, and you don't want to be dining out constantly. What you need is a good old-fashioned bento box that will store your favorite snacks for nibbling during the day. This bento box is compact, so it won't take up your entire lunchbox, yet offers enough storage for an entire meal. 37 of 46 Resealable Storage Bags Ziploc Buy on Ziploc.com Whether you're storing leftover popcorn after movie night or stashing your toiletries for a weekend trip, you'll reach for these storage bags in particular again and again—Ziploc's Sandwich and Snack bags now feature their new EasyGuide texture along the zipper, which guides your fingers as you seal so you can rest assured the contents are secure. Thanks to this technology, foods will stay fresh for longer and leakage will be a thing of the past. Genius! 38 of 46 Storage Bins Container Store $22 at The Container Store This one is an organization must-have. Whether you're corralling your shoes, textbooks, or stationery, these durable and translucent bins have got you covered, and the organizing possibilities are endless with their many styles and sizes. 39 of 46 Hanger Set The Container Store $10 at The Container Store Staying organized in your dorm might prove to be a challenge, but with the right equipment, it's nothing you can't handle. These hangers, sold as a set of 10, are super high-quality and lined with velvet, so you won't have your clothes slipping off and disappearing into the depths of your tiny closet. 40 of 46 Steamer Cirrus $112 at Steamery.us Hectic college life can inevitably cause you to neglect your personal belongings. If you want to make sure that your clothes stay soft and wrinkle-free, invest in this sleek and portable steamer which refreshes your clothes while sanitizing. These steamers come with a hanging look for easy storage along with a heatproof steaming pad. 41 of 46 Surge Protector Belkin $18 at Belkin.com Best Gifts for College Students, From Cozy Slippers to Dorm-Friendly Gadgets Dorm rooms simply never have enough power outlets—especially if you have to share them with one or more roommates. To make sure you have all the outlets you'll need for your laptops, phone chargers, and printers, add six more outlets that have surge protection built right in. When plugged into one of these outlets, your laptop will be protected from power surges and lightning strikes, so it can safely weather any storm. 42 of 46 Earbuds Soundcore $60 at Soundcore.com Sure, you'll want a pair of earbuds for listening to music and watching movies on your laptop—but beyond that, you'll need reliable noise-cancelling earbuds to drown out your neighbor's jam band and all the distracting chatter at the library. These earbuds are so good, they're basically a college life hack. 43 of 46 Wireless Mouse Logitech $30 at Logitech.com A wireless mouse is infinitely more practical than a wired one. (No one in this decade wants to deal with a tangled cord flopping about!) This mouse is not only convenient but super sleek. 44 of 46 Laptop Bag Herschel $45 at Herschel.com When you're rushing from class to class, you don't want to worry about your laptop getting scratched up by pens and pencils in your bag, or worse, your water bottle coming undone and flooding the interior. Protect your computer with this Herschel laptop sleeve as a preventative step. 45 of 46 Carry-on Suitcase Away $275 at Awaytravel.com A suitcase won't just be valuable during move-in day, it's also an investment piece that will serve you through your college years (and beyond). From long weekends visiting home to spring break and study abroad, this sleek and durable carry-on suitcase will see you through it all. With a timeless design and classic colors, including black, white, and navy blue, this suitcase will never go out of style. 46 of 46 Large Tote Bag Jansport $55 at Jansport.com Jansport's Everyday Large Tote is a hardwearing carryall that can stand up to anything your next road trip—or four years of college—throws its way. The 100% recycled polyester main body fabric is 600 denier, meaning it's incredibly durable and virtually impossible to tear. Thanks to its generous size (19-inches long and 14-inches tall, to be exact), plus the hidden bottom compartment, you'll be able to stash loads of everyday essentials. And we can't help but call out the incredible price point! Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit