Last Updated on April 23, 2024 by Jessica Reid
Dorm Essentials For Guys
If you’re an incoming freshman moving into the dorms and you’re not sure what you need to bring, this post is for you. This dorm essential list for guys includes every single thing you need to live comfortably in your dorm. Let’s jump in!
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1. Microwave
College students who live in the dorm often have cold takeout or leftovers from the cafeteria that need to be warmed up (unless you don’t mind eating them cold). A microwave is great to have in a dorm. Many microwaves are compact, efficient, and affordable!
2. Mini Refrigerator
Keeping food fresh and drinks cool is important when living in a dorm. Investing in a mini-fridge with a freezer will save you time and money from running to the store when you need something to eat or drink.
3. Water Filter Pitcher
Bottled water is expensive, so having a water filter pitcher in your dorm will provide clean, fresh water and allows you to save money.
4. Kettle
Some folks prefer to drink regular or herbal tea, hot chocolate, Milo, or Horlicks while studying in their dorm. Therefore, having a kettle in your dorm is great!
5. Twin XL Sheets
Dorm beds are size XL so you’ll need some XL sheets to dress your bed. I highly recommend getting white bed sheets because unless you have a ton of white clothes and aren’t on a tight budget, you’ll never feel good about spending money washing a few white items. Your white sheets will give you a full load so you never feel guilty about it and you’ll get to wear your white clothes again.
6. Earphones/Airpods
Whether you want to zone out or listen to music while studying, earphones or Airpods should be on your dorm essentials list.
7. Batteries
“If I had gotten a nickel each time I’ve run out of batteries, I’d be rich!”
8. Laptop & Charger
Your laptop will become your new best friend, and you will be together most of the time. Make sure you pack it and charger before you leave home!
9. Portable Speaker
When you’re itching to jam out to music and it’s safe to do so without annoying your dorm roommate/neighbors, you can jam out with this portable Bluetooth speaker. You can take it anywhere you want which I love.
10. Nightstand
You need something to place all your study snacks and coffee on! Try to get a nightstand with a drawer and a door for additional storage space.
11. Bed Lamp
A bed lamp is essential for when you want to study or read a book late at night without disturbing your dorm mate.
12. Space Saving Hangers
Dorm closets are more like coat closets for studio apartments (that small) so space-saving hangers are an ESSENTIAL dorm protect. It will help you fit a lot more clothes in your closet.
13. Storage Bins
Another essential dorm product that you need to combat your limited closet space is these storage bin containers. You can store all the winter clothes there until you’re ready to use them.
14. Air Purifier
To be honest, the dorms can smell pretty funky sometimes, especially if you’re sharing your dorm with one or more other guys. This air purifier can purify the air again and reduce the strong smells.
15. Hand Vacuum Cleaner
Your dorm room can get really dirty and dusty fast, especially if you invite friends over to your dorm room and a regular vacuum cleaner might take up some much-needed space. With a handheld vacuum, you can vacuum the floor, mattress, and all those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
16. Desk Fan
There is nothing worse than studying in a hot dorm during those hot summer months. As such, a desk fan is a must-have for your dorm!
17. Water Bottle
It is crucial to stay hydrated at all times. Having a water bottle when you are on the move is essential.
18. Air Fryer
Another dorm room essential for guys is an air fryer, especially if you don’t know how to cook. The air fryer makes it so easy to cook a ton of different things including chicken, veggies, potatoes, and fun finger food.
19. Safe
Having a small safe is essential to keep all your valuables safe such as your money, bank cards, ID card, expensive watches, petty cash, etc.
20. Hamper
A hamper is essential for keeping all your dirty clothes together until it is time to do your laundry.
21. Bathroom Mat Set
These rugs are perfect for any dorm bathroom because it absorbs water really well and will keep your feet dry.
22. Mattress Pad
Dorm Mattresses are known for being tough and hard so in order to ensure a good night’s rest, make sure you invest in a mattress pad.
23. First Aid Kit
I found this one to be one of the most important things to have when going to college. There are plenty of activities and sports where you could get hurt, and you will have to take care of cuts and other minor injuries with a first aid kit.
24. Swiffer
The next dorm room essential for guys is the Swiffer. Dorm floors can get dirty fast so having a lightweight mop that you can hide behind your dorm door or closet and whip out when you need it is a lifesaver!
25. Dorm Wall Art for Guys
Dorm walls tend to make a dorm feel like a dungeon. Make your dorm room more inviting by putting up some posters with quotes that will encourage and inspire you, like these NIKE quote posters.
26. Extension Chord
Dorms are known for having enough outlets and sometimes, are placed in weird places, which makes it tough to connect all your electronics.
This extension will make it so much easier to charge up your devices without the hassle of stretching underneath or behind your desk or bed for the socket.
27. Lots & Lots Of Snacks!
Whether you have a sweet tooth and indulge in a bit of chocolate now and then or enjoy devouring a pack of salty potato chips, snacks should be on your ‘dorm essential for guys’ list!
28) Rug
The floors in the dorm can get insanely cold at night so having an area rug can keep feet from touching the ground too much and catching a cold.
29) Full Length Hanging Mirror
Having a full-body mirror in your dorm is a must-have for guys. Whether you’re perfecting your look for class or making sure you’re on point before a night out, a full-length mirror will help you make sure you look ready to go.
I highly recommend going with a hanging mirror so hang on your door and not take up any precious real estate on the floor.
30) Febreeze
Having a Febreze in your dorm is an absolute lifesaver for guys. It’s not just about keeping things smelling fresh (although that’s a major plus), but it’s also about tackling those unexpected funky odors that pop up when you least expect them. Whether it’s post-workout sweat or lingering food smells from last night’s meal, a quick spritz of Febreze will have your space smelling better in no time.
31) Light Therapy Lamp
A light therapy lamp is a dorm room essential for guys, especially if you will be attending college up north wear the winters are long. The lamp will give you a much need dose of sunshine and boost your energy and mood during those late-night study sessions or early-morning classes.
This post was about all the dorm essentials for guys.
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Learn more about Jessica, you’re go-to-girlfriend for college advice. Feel free to email her if you have a question or just want to say hello.
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