College Dorm Room Essentials for Freshman Year, According to Upperclassmen Who Know Best

Dorm beds can feel stiff, so add more comfort to your Twin/Twin XL bed with this gel foam mattress topper. 

A mattress pad goes over your mattress and mattress topper for protection and an extra layer of softness.

Check out this floral comforter set for your dorm room. It's available in Twin and Twin XL sizes, and it's made from super soft 100% polyester microfiber.

If you're looking for a neutral color to stay on theme, this beige comforter set is both comfortable and stylish.

Microfiber sheets are the best choice for a dorm bed, as they provide quality comfort and are easy to wash.

Satin pillowcases protect skin and hair from damage that comes along with traditional pillowcases.

With over 228,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, these plush bounce-back pillows are designed to keep you cool at night and are an affordable dorm room essential.

A dorm bed with a headboard is the ultimate upgrade (if your residence life allows it, of course). Pro tip: Use zip ties to secure the headboard at the perfect height.

For the hot or stressed sleepers, add this cooling blanket to your college packing list to keep you comfortable all night while also feeling like your being hugged.

It doesn't get much softer than the Barefoot Dreams blankets. One reviewer even said, "I have never loved a blanket more in my life."

These are a holy grail for transporting your belongings on move-in day, especially if you have five flights of stairs to climb and no elevator (like I did).

Fit these foldable fabric organizers under your dorm bed or in your closet.

Maximize closet space with these clothes hangers that can hold up to 10 clothing items.

An absolute essential: Every college dorm uses at least a handful of Command Strips and Command Hooks to hang jackets, towels and more.

Have your go-to items right in reach of your bed with this multi-pocketed caddy.

Store shoes, clothes, blankets, towels and more under your bed with easy accessibility.

Keep your dorm closet in tip-top shape with this flexible hanging shoe closet organizer that's not just for shoes.

This compact rolling cart is an ideal dorm room essential. Move it effortlessly to any corner that suits your needs and make the most of its petite size. Use it to store a diverse range of miscellaneous items such as food, haircare products and skincare essentials.

One of my favorite dorm room ideas: A storage ottoman that effortlessly stores shoes and other items while also providing extra seating space. Plus, you can place it near your bed to use as a stool.

Storage Hack: Combine this shelving unit with cube storage bins for a cute way to maximize your under-bed storage space.

A mini trash can can be stored easily. If you choose a cute color, they will blend right in with dorm decor.

Stay hydrated during your busy days with this cult-favorite water bottle.

In a dorm, you only need basic kitchen supplies. Keep them all in one place with this over-the-fridge caddy from Amazon.

Feel at ease with clean water available at all times. This Brita pitcher with a water filter can fit in even smaller sized fridges.

As a college freshman, invest in a wrap towel for trips back and forth from the communal bathroom. 

I prefer a plastic shower caddy over a mesh shower caddy because they're easy to keep clean and have less chance of growing mold.

Shower shoes are a girl's (and guy's) best friend in college dorms.

Everyone needs a cute and cozy robe for after the shower and lounging at in the dorm in style.

Dorm overhead lighting will not do you justice when putting on makeup, so invest in a larger makeup mirror with lights.

This trending beauty product from Revlon is an affordable alternative for a college student, compared to the Dyson Air Wrap drying brush.

For days when you don't have time to wash your hair, dry shampoo is a life saver.

When choosing how you're going to store your laundry, upright hampers are the right move, and this one has wheels for extra accessibility.

Dorm rooms get a little too stuffy and hot sometimes, so place this near your bed or desk to cool you down during the school year.

Lie in bed while doing work or watching movies with this lap desk.

Handheld vacuums are the way to go as a college freshman, and this model from Black + Decker is great at picking up dirt, dust and other debris.

A good pair of slippers is a necessity while walking around the dorm. Here's a cute pair my roommate loved.

There are definitely not enough outlets in dorms, so be sure to add one or two of these power strips to your college packing list.

Keep the air in your room clean with an air purifier.

A steamer is a great alternative to your traditional clothing iron. This will come in handy when you have an interview or need to smooth out a formal dress.