Starting college or returning to campus? You need these Amazon dorm essentials. Trust me, I've learned the hard way and walked into my room only armed with a comforter, a pillow, refuse sacks full of clothes, and a few string lights.
Don’t worry, I'm not gatekeeping guidance on what goods you'll need. You won’t have to face the same fate of frantically scooping up the last of the dorm decor that your fellow students didn't love either, because I've scrolled through Amazon to find the cutest dorm essentials that'll make your new place feel like home.
Boy, I wish I knew back then what I do now! Or at least had been given a few tips for living in a dorm. This was before college supply lists were even a thing online, so I was probably a little naive about the necessities. See my top picks below for everything you'll need.
12 Amazon dorm essentials I've found
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I'm specifically putting a spotlight on this e-retailer as I've found that (Prime member or not) there are constant discounts so you don't have to spend extortionate amounts on dormitory essentials. FYI, there's also a hub dedicated to campus-centered deals and picks curated by influencers. Oh, and to make things easier, I've organized this guide by room, so you can successfully kit out each space, ticking off each one as you go.
The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.
Amazon dorm essentials for your bedroom
Turn your new bedroom into the coziest space ever with these buys.
Price: $27.95
If there’s one thing you shouldn’t forget when heading to college, it’s sheets. Make sure to get a set with everything included, like this breathable bamboo choice. I’m so into the lavender shade, but there are 45 color and pattern options.
Price: $37.90
These hotel-style pillows will make a major difference in your room. Just because you’re living in dorms, doesn’t mean you can’t have a bit of luxury. This comes with two pillows, so you can either stack two on top of each other if you like extra neck support or keep one spare for your roomie. It’s also filled with a down alternative, so you won’t be sneezing in your sleep either.
Price: $81.99
Annoyed that your dorm doesn’t come with a nightstand? Bring a stylish one with you, like this pick. There’s plenty of storage included in this one, and it doubles as a charging station, so you won’t ever wake up with a dreaded dead phone battery. It’s pretty narrow, allowing you to slot it into your small space. Those gold accents are total perfection, too. It comes in two sizes and four colors.
Amazon dorm essentials for your desk
Get your study station ready from day one, so you aren’t cramming too hard for finals later on.
Price: Was $46.99, now $32.99
I’m a rose gold gal through and through, so I’m very much in love with this all-encompassing desk organizer. Whether you need to store papers, sticky notes, pens, or literally anything else, it has you covered. This way, you can keep everything neat and organized, which is one of the keys to a productive study sesh.
Price: $13.98
Whenever I’m in doubt about what to store something in, I always go for a storage cube. They are stackable, look good, and ultimately, are one of the best organizational products money can buy. You get four in this pack, so you can use them in other spaces, too, like your bedside and bathroom. It works out at about $2.80 per box, which is such a steal. Acrylic home decor is also very on-trend so you're ticking both boxes for style and functionality.
Price: Was $21.99, now $16.99
You’ll never lose your favorite pen again thanks to this pen holder, which has an amazing amount of room for all your pens, pencils, and highlighters. There’s also a small drawer at the bottom where you can put tape and clips. With over 2,000 ratings, shoppers love the performance and versatility of the caddy.
Amazon dorm essentials for your kitchen
You won’t miss mom or dad’s food when you’re cooking up a storm with these.
Price: Was $149.99, now $84.99
Trust me, it’s legit a nightmare trying to cook up a meal at college in the wrong pan. Save yourself the trouble with this sleek and smart pots and pans set that your roomie is going to want to snag. Last time we checked, it was Amazon’s #1 bestselling non-toxic cookware set, with shoppers rating its style and durability.
Price: Was $109.99 now $39.99
I know this is a bit of an investment, but you do get a lot for your money with this gorgeous dinnerware set. With plates, salad plates, soup bowls, and mugs, you’ll have everything you need to serve up in style. Customers like the color, sturdiness, and weight of this set.
Price: $24.99
Yes, kitchen gadgets aren’t the most thrilling things. Well, I also thought so until I laid eyes on these funky ones. I have the black version and can confirm that they work well and last forever. The different colors of this set will make it simple to spot which utensils you need for cooking and will prevent any cross-contamination as well.
Amazon dorm essentials for your bathroom
Keep squeaky clean in style with these sweet and useful buys.
Price: $15.99
I like that these dispensers are semi-clear, so you can see if you’re running out of soap easily. You get three in a pack, meaning that you can have one for your bathroom, one for your kitchen, and then a spare just in case.
Price: $18.99
Snuggly towels are the best towels and these are made with super soft microfiber velvet that dries quickly and doesn’t shed. There are 15 color options, so you can pick whichever matches your vibe. One shopper says these towels are, "Super soft, great for sensitive skin."
Price: $9.99
If you know you’re gonna have a shared bathroom, a shower caddy is a game-changing idea. Instead of frantically juggling bottles or accidentally forgetting your Olaplex (don’t do that!), you can keep all your shower essentials in one place with this caddy. It's easy to grab and has plenty of room.
Once you have all your dorm room essentials in hand, including some cute bedding buys, you'll be all set to move into your new room. Turn up armed with some clever dorm storage ideas so you'll know where to put everything for easy access on those busy weekday mornings.