The Metamorphosis
This post is all about dorm room essentials for guys. We may earn a commission from links used in this post. Read our full disclosure for more info.
Moving in on campus this semester but not sure what to get? Tired of seeing all of these dorm room guides for girls? Well, here’s your solution for guys!
The truth is, guys need some attention on this topic too. Even if they don’t always go all out on their dorm rooms.
The great thing about these dorm essentials are that you can find them all on Amazon, and if you already signed up for your Amazon Prime Student trial you can get most of them within 2 days!
Here are the top dorm essentials for guys for this semester.
Dorm Room Essentials for Guys:
Bedding
1. Comforter Sets
Starting with the basics – you’re going to need a decent comforter for your bed. Amazon has plenty of great options you can choose from!
2. Sheets
Another dorm room essential – you’re definitely going to need 2/3 sets of sheets for your bed. Think about it this way – the more sheets you have the less laundry you have to do. I made the mistaking of being cheap and only getting set my freshman year and it was annoying having to wait for them to be washed before I could make my bed again.
3. Mattress Protector
Your bed has been used by hundreds and even thousands of other college students so you definitely want to get a mattress protector. SafeRest TwinXL Mattress Protector - Fitted Mattress Pad Cover - Bedding Essentials for College Dorm Room, New Home, First Apartment - Cotton Terry, Waterproof Mattress Cover Protector from Amazon is waterproof, hypoallergenic and protects against bacteria!
4. Pillows
This one is a no brainer – you’re definitely going to need some pillows for your bed. These are super comfortable and will make your slumber a lot more enjoyable. Trust me – getting cheaper pillows from Walmart aren’t worth it (speaking from experience!)
Related: 41 College Dorm Room Must-Haves for Freshman Year
5. Mattress Pad
Your dorm bed is going to be one of the most uncomfortable things you sleep on. It’s literally unbearable without a mattress pad.
I slept on mine without a mattress pad (because I was waiting for it to be delivered) and I literally got back pains. I would highly recommend getting one in advance so you have it from day one!
Decor
6. LED Lights
Let’s be real, guys aren’t really big on dorm room decor like girls are. But these LED lights will definitely take your room to the next level without being too much.
7. Tapestries
Want to fill in that empty wall space? A tapestry is definitely your go-to!
Organization / Storage
8. Command Strips
You more than likely can’t put nails/holes in your dorm room wall – that’s where these come in handy. Command strips are definitely a lifesaver when it comes to hanging things up! Plus, they’re easy to take down so they’re hassle-free!
9. Rolling Storage Carts
Need some extra storage for your snacks? Get a rolling storage cart.
10. Desk Organization
Let’s be real here, guys, you can get a little messy! But organizers like these will definitely help keep things in order.
Use it to store your stationery and a few notebooks for class so they’re easy to find and neatly stored.
Related: 30+ Dorm Room Storage Ideas to Maximize Your Space
11. Bed Shelf
Want to step things up a bit for your room? Get a bed shelf! These are sooo convenient for your lazy days. Now you don’t have to worry about getting up to move things around when you’re on your bed. Simply place it in your bed shelf and you’re done.
Clothing / Laundry / Shower
12. Laundry basket
Laundry baskets are a definite dorm room essential for guys. These options are super cool because they’re very spacious and easy to carry to the laundry room. The last two even help you separate your darks and lights so you just throw them in the washing machine and you’re done.
13. Space Saving Hangers
Taking a lot of clothes with you to campus? You’ll definitely need some space-saving hangers to store them all. TheDOIOWN Pants Clothes Hangers 5 Pieces Non Slip Space Saving Hangers Stainless Steel Clothes Hangers Closet Organizer for Pants Jeans Scarf(Upgrade Style) are great because they take up less room so you can hang more clothes up.
TheHOUSE DAY Black Magic Space Saving Hangers, Premium Smart Hanger Hooks, Sturdy Cascading Hangers with 5 Holes for Heavy Clothes, Closet Organizers and Storage, College Dorm Room Essentials 10 Pack helps store more clothes away vertically so you can use more space to hang up your clothes and the Ollnoos Velvet Clothes Hangers Non-Slip: Space-Saving Black Felt Hanger 30-Pack | Slim Ultra-Thin & Durable Clothing Hangers with 360° Swivel Hook for Coat Suit Shirthelps you hang up multiple pants at once so you don’t have to fold them.
14. Towels
The adjustable towel will be one of the best things you ever buy. You no longer have to worry about fixing your towel every 2 seconds when you’re walking around now; it just stays!
You’re also going to need some regular towels so it’s better to get them in set versus individually.
Related: 13 Essential Items Every College Student Needs to Get Through the Semester
15. Shower Caddy
If you have communal bathrooms (or just don’t want to keep your shower products in your shared bathroom) a shower caddy is a must-have!
Food/Eating
16. Kitchen Set
If you live in a college apartment or apartment styled dorm room, you’re definitely going to need a kitchen set.
17. Plastic Dishes
This is useful whether or not you have a kitchen. At some point in time, you’re going to buy food and will want to eat it in your room. Or maybe you have a microwave and mini-fridge for quick meals. You’re definitely going to need some dishes for your food.
Electronics / Appliances
18. Smart TV
This is an absolute must-have for guys! Whether you want to binge-watch your favorite Netflix shows or play video games all night, you definitely need a great TV for this.
19. Printer
Want to make your life 10x easier in college? Invest in a printer! Sure, you may have options to print on campus, but you have to go to campus.
There will be instances when you need to print something and use it immediately, or for an early morning class or event and you won’t have time to go to campus to print it. Rather than getting stressed out and struggling to find a printer, keep one handy in your room!
Related: 30 Must-Haves for the Best College Dorm Room
20. Mini Fridge
Keep your water, Gatorade, energy drinks, leftovers, and quick meals handy in your own minifridge!
21. Microwave
You’re going to need a microwave. You’ll order food one day or want to heat up a quick snack and having a microwave in your dorm room will make your life so much easier!
22. Vacuum
– Because cleaning is essential! Your floors/carpet is going to get dirty over time. Having a vacuum is a must-have!
23. Clip-on Lights
Love reading in bed? Get a clip-on light! This also comes in handy when you pretty much want to do anything in bed in your dorm room or at your desk without getting up to use your overhead light.
24. Extended Chargers
It’s no secret that Apple chargers are pretty useless with them being only 2cm long. Extended chargers are definitely a lifesaver because you don’t have to sit right in front of the plug to use your phone when it’s dead.
25. Surge Protector
You’re probably going to have a lot of electronics. Rather than struggling with the 1 or 2 outlets in your room, get a surge protector so you can plug in all your devices and use them safely.
Other
26. First-Aid Kit
Unfortunately, you’re definitely going to need a few bandaids at some point in college. I skipped out on this at first but ended up having to get one after I accidentally cut myself with a knife when I tried to convince myself that I can cook. Definitely came in handy!
27. Trash Can
A trash can is a definite must-have for your college dorm room. These are pretty basic but they get the job done!
Related: 10 Backpack Essentials Every College Student Must Have
28. Clip-on Fan
These are so convenient for those hot months during the spring/summer semesters!
This post showed you 28 dorm room essentials for guys. Like it? Share it!
