'Deals & Steals for you and your home!

Open menu

  • Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2023 ABC News
  • Shop

14 college shopping list essentials that will make dorm life easier

PHOTO: A student works in his dorm room on the first day of the fall 2020 semester at the University of New Mexico, Aug. 17, 2020 in Albuquerque, N.M.
A student works in his dorm room on the first day of the fall 2020 semester at the University of New Mexico, Aug. 17, 2020 in Albuquerque, N.M.
Sam Wasson/Getty Images, FILE
ByCasey DelBasso
July 27, 2021, 4:04 am

Choosing what to bring to bring to college and getting packed to head to campus is always an undertaking.

MORE: Macy's back-to-school sale includes uniform essentials up to 50% off

A plan is essential to make them move less stressful and stay within your budget. Before college, back-to-school lists are typically filled with new clothes, pens, paper and backpacks, but at the collegiate level, you might need to commit to some larger purchases. Considerations might include noise-canceling headphones or a small personal mini-fridge for your dorm room. The investment in back-to-school shopping for new high school graduates is always more expensive.

MORE: Back-to-school supplies under $1 at Walmart

Before you buy or pack anything, be sure to check with your school and with your new roommate about what items will and will not be allowed. Most schools will send a list prior to moving in with all the details.

By exploring our essentials list, we have made it easier for you and your child to feel prepared as you plan for the next step in life. (Pro-tip: be the person who has a tool kit).

Sign up for our new "GMA" Shop newsletter to get the latest deals delivered to your inbox and discover more products to help you live your best life.

By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave Goodmorningamerica.com. These e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies than Goodmorningamerica.com. ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Organization

Walmart

The Happy Planner Painterly Pastels Stripes Classic 18 Month Planner

  • $17.82
  • Walmart

You've got big things ahead. This Classic size Happy Planner was designed with pastels watercolor designs. The laminated cover has a pastel rainbow with matching plastic discs.

Shop Now
Walmart

Sterilite Plastic 66 Qt. Ultra™ Storage Box Stadium Blue Set of 4

  • $57.46
  • Walmart

Sterilite's Ultra™ Latch Storage Box line is ideal for those customers who want the ability to quickly identify contents yet need a durable storage solution. The recessed lids allow same size storage boxes to stack neatly on top of each other to use vertical storage space efficiently.

Shop Now

Bath accessories

Bed Bath and Beyond

Women's XX-Large Heart AquaFlops Shower Shoes in Grey/Turquoise

  • $12.00

    Protect your toes in the ultimate summer style with the comfy look of AquaFlops' Shower Shoes. In a striking design, these slip-resistant flip flops feature durable drainage holes to aerate your feet; perfect for indoor showers or trips to the pool.

    Shop Now
    75% off
    Bed Bath and Beyond

    SALT™ Mesh Shower Tote

    • $2.49
    • $9.99
    • Bed Bath and Beyond

    The strong and sturdy design of the Mesh Shower Tote from SALT is a helpful hand for all of your shower and bath accessories. The rubbery, breathable mesh fabric dries quickly, and includes strong handles to support heavy items.

    Shop Now
    Bed Bath and Beyond

    Wild Sage™ Sadie Hooded Bath Robe

    • $30.00
    • Bed Bath and Beyond

    A relaxed fit robe in cozy flannel fleece with a coordinating sash belt.

    Shop Now

    Small appliances

    17% off
    Walmart

    Frigidaire 3.2 Cu ft Retro Dry Erase Compact Refrigerator

    • $130.74
    • $159.00
    • Walmart

    The Frigidaire Retro Eraser Board Refrigerator will give you the extra storage you need for all of your food and beverage needs. This 3.2 cu ft refrigerators black finish is sure to complement the room and fit any decor perfectly. It will fit nicely in a variety of spaces from dorm rooms to garages.

    Shop Now
    Walmart

    Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker, Oasis

    • $79.99
    • Walmart

    The Keurig K-Mini single serve coffee maker in Oasis features a sleek design with matte finish, and at less than 5 inches wide is the perfect size for any space or occasion.

    Shop Now

    Bedding

    Bed Bath and Beyond

    Nestwell™ Cotton Comfort Waterproof Twin XL Mattress Pad

    • $35.00
    • Bed Bath and Beyond

    This Mattress Pad provides a superb waterproof barrier, protecting your mattress from moisture. A felt liner with a laminate liner behind it, plus high-quality poly fill, backs up the soft cotton sateen exterior.

    Shop Now
    Walmart

    Becky Cameron Premium Ultra Soft Arrow Pattern 3 Piece Duvet Cover Set

    • $25.99
    • Walmart

    Enhance and improve your bedroom décor with the all new Becky Cameron double-brushed 3-Piece duvet cover set. Tailored for a perfect fit and made with the finest imported microfiber yarns for ultimate comfort. This luxury duvet cover set is expertly stitched for durability to last a lifetime and raises the bar for coziness and elegance. Includes two matching pillow shams to bring elegance to any bedroom!

    Shop Now
    Walmart

    Mainstays 36-Pair over-the-door Shoe Rack - GunMetal/Mesh

    • $19.88
    • Walmart

    While using that dead space behind your door, Mainstays Mesh & Metal OTD Shoe Rack holds up to 36 pairs of shoes on display to easily find what you are looking for.

    Shop Now

    Electronics

    86% off
    Walmart

    Eye-Caring 9 LED Clip-on Book Light for Reading in Bed ,Light with 5 Brightness

    • $11.99
    • $88.00
    • Walmart

    Clip-on light is for creating highly efficient and convenient products for users. Solving daily problems and making life more convenient. The light holder and its arm can be adjusted and set the perfect direction and light for your need.

    Shop Now
    Walmart

    Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones II

    • $249.00
    • Walmart

    Turn any space into an instant office or simply a place to unwind, listen to music, or make phone calls. Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones deliver everything you need to be productive: world-class noise cancellation, Bluetooth for quick wireless connectivity, and a dual-mic system to make or receive clear phone calls, even in loud environments. 

    Shop Now
    Bed Bath and Beyond

    Simply Essential ™ Bed Lift with Outlets and USB Ports

    • $30.00
    • Bed Bath and Beyond

    Raises a bed off of the floor by 8" for additional storage space. Designed with 2 USB ports and 2 electrical outlets

    Shop Now
    Walmart

    onn. Power Hub with 4 AC Outlets and 4 USB Ports

    • $19.88
    • Walmart

    Our Power Hub with four AC outlets and four USB ports gives you all the extra connections you'll need to get the most out of all your devices.

    Shop Now
    Up Next in Shop—

    Turn your home into a cozy fall haven with these decor items

    September 21, 2023

    Shop SKIMS' newest arrivals: Lace, cozy loungewear and more

    September 21, 2023

    Fall fragrances for women: From sweet to spicy and beyond

    September 21, 2023

    15 stylish clear bags to shop for concerts, football games and more

    September 21, 2023

    Up Next in Shop—

    Turn your home into a cozy fall haven with these decor items

    September 21, 2023

    Shop SKIMS' newest arrivals: Lace, cozy loungewear and more

    September 21, 2023

    Fall fragrances for women: From sweet to spicy and beyond

    September 21, 2023

    15 stylish clear bags to shop for concerts, football games and more

    September 21, 2023

    The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
    • Contests
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Do Not Sell My Info
    • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
    • Advertise with us
    • Your US State Privacy Rights
    • Interest-Based Ads
    • About Nielsen Measurement
    • Press
    • Feedback
    • ABC News
    • ABC
    • All Videos
    • All Topics
    • Sitemap

    © 2023 ABC News
    • Privacy Policy— 
    • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
    • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
    • Interest-Based Ads— 
    • Terms of Use— 
    • Do Not Sell My Info— 
    • Contact Us— 

    © 2023 ABC News