These Are Some Great Dorm Essentials for Girls Going to College

When you’re getting ready to head to college, bringing all of the dorm room essentials for girls is a must. That way, you’ll be comfortable in your room, increasing the odds that your time at school will be enjoyable. If you aren’t sure what to bring, here are some dorm room essentials for girls that should be on your list.

Academics and Study

What you’ll need for your academics and studying can vary depending on the classes you take, so some students may need different supplies than others. However, here’s a look at some of the most commonly used items.

Laptop
Computer Lock
Backpack / Book Bag
Notebooks
Pens
Pencils
Highlighters
Lined Paper
Graph Paper
Graphing Calculator
Stapler
Notecards
Scantrons (if required)
Scissors
Ruler
Protractor
Day Planner

Storage Options

While a dorm room may come with a closet and dresser, they don’t usually have storage solutions beyond that. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to fill this gap with the items below.

Bed Risers
Storage Bins
Hangers
Over-the-Door Hooks
Drawer Dividers
Personal Safe

Bathroom Essentials

When it comes to bathroom supplies (aside from toiletries, which are covered later), you really only need to handle a few basics. Here’s what you’ll want to pack.

Toiletry Caddie
Flip Flops / Shower Shoes
Body Towels (2)
Face Towels (2)

Bedding Upgrades

Most dorm rooms come with a bed, so you don’t have to worry about buying a frame. However, the rest may be up to you. If you want to be able to sleep comfortably, here are some dorm essentials for girls who want to be able to get a good night’s rest.

Pillows (2)
Sheet Sets (2)
Comforter
Throw Blanket
Cooling Mattress Pad
Fan
Mattress (if not provided)

Food and Drink

Being able to prepare snacks, drinks, or small meals in your dorm room can make a big difference. You may remain more comfortable or might be able to avoid disrupting a study session to head out for some grub.

If you want to make sure your food and drink needs are handled, here are some items to bring.

Mini Fridge
Microwave (if permitted)
Mini Keurig or Other Pod-System Coffee Pot (if permitted)
Filtered Water Pitcher
Reusable Storage Containers / Bags
Plates (2)
Bowls (2)
Drinking Glass
Mug
Refillable Water Bottle

It’s important to note that each school may have different restrictions when it comes to small appliances. Before you pack any of them, review the dorm rules to make sure the items are allowed.

Laundry and Cleaning

Being able to clean your clothes and room is essential. Here is a quick list of what you might want to pack to ensure you can keep everything nice and fresh.

Laundry Basket / Bag / Hamper
Detergent
Handheld Clothes Steamer
All-Purpose Cleaner
Sponges
Duster
Disinfecting Wipes
Broom
Dust Pan
Compact Vacuum
Trash Can

Electronics

There are some electronic items beyond a laptop that can be wise additions to your dorm room checklist. If you aren’t sure what to bring, here’s a good starting list.

Alarm Clock
Surge Protectors
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Spare Chargers
USB Drive
Backup External Hard Drive
Extension Cord (if permitted)

In some cases, having a television, gaming console, or similar items may be a good idea, too. However, only go this route if the dorm room has enough space. Otherwise, rely on your laptop and smartphone for entertainment.

Safety Items

While some dorms may provide students with safety items, others may not. If you need to bring your own supplies, here are a few basics that are worth packing.

Flashlight
Rechargeable Batteries
First Aid Kit
Safety Whistle

Personal Items

When it comes to clothes, toiletries, and other similar items, what qualifies as dorm room essentials for girls varies. However, the best approach is to keep things somewhat limited.

When you choose clothing, focus on what you’ll need between trips home. Then, flip out items in your wardrobe during each visit, allowing you to keep your clothing seasonally appropriate.

As for toiletries, that may depend largely on your storage abilities. While basics like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and toothpaste might be must-haves, other items may be more optional. That all depends on what you need to be comfortable.

If you’re considering packing décor items, it’s best to bring only a few pieces during your first trip to the dorm. That way, you can figure out what will actually fit in the space before you bring in more knickknacks or art.

Can you think of any other dorm essentials for girls that college students should get? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Tamila McDonald

Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.