Moving into your dorm room for freshman year is an exciting step toward independence, but it can also feel overwhelming.

From tiny dorm spaces to shared bathrooms, adjusting to this new lifestyle requires some essentials you might not even think of until you’re knee-deep in duct tape and missing a screwdriver.

That’s why this guide is here to lay out all the must-haves you’ll need to survive (and thrive) in your dorm.

This isn’t just a packing list; it’s a detailed survival kit curated specifically for first-year college students.

These 27 items are lifesavers (literally and figuratively) that cover your dorm room essentials, health needs, and everything you don’t want to leave behind.

1. Medicine

Dorm air filtration systems are notorious for spreading germs. From colds to late-night headaches, good health is key to college success, so pack:

• Mucinex for colds and congestion
• Advil for headaches and aches
• Emergen-C to boost immunity at the first sign of sickness

You don’t want to run out when you need it most!

2. Tool Kit

You never know when you’ll need a hammer or screwdriver in a dorm room. A small, all-purpose tool kit is useful for assembling furniture, tightening screws, or opening tricky packages.

Bonus? You’ll use it again in future apartments.

3. Tide To-Go Pen

Accidental spills happen, but don’t sweat it. A Tide To-Go Pen can save your favorite shirt before heading to class. Keep one in your dorm, your tote, and your bathroom kit for quick stain fixes.

4. Command Hooks and Extra Strips

Dorm prohibition on nails means Command hooks will be your decorating and storage heroes. Use them to hang wall art, organize bags, or even create DIY coat racks. Stock up on various sizes and plenty of extra adhesive strips.

5. Portable Charger

Since dorm life often means running from classes to library sessions and late-night outings, a portable charger ensures your phone stays alive when you need it most. Look for one with USB-C compatibility for fast charging.

6. Tape

You’ll need tape for all sorts of reasons—from sealing envelopes to patching broken items. Stock up on:

• Scotch tape for day-to-day tasks
• Duct tape for heavy-duty fixes
• Packing tape for mailing packages

7. Scissors

The number of times you’ll need scissors will surprise you—from opening packages to cutting loose threads. Invest in a good pair to keep handy.

8. Chapstick or Lip Balm

Dorms can get dry in colder months, and you’ll want to keep chapped lips at bay. A multi-pack of chapstick ensures you’re covered wherever you are.

9. Feminine Hygiene Products

Always keep tampons, pads, or other preferred items within reach. Emergencies can happen, and having a backup pack relieves unnecessary stress.

10. Nail Polish Remover

Whether correcting a manicure or cleaning residue, a nail polish remover in a push-down bottle is a spill-free essential that will come in handy.

11. Nail Clippers and Files

Broken nails can be bothersome, but a nail clipper and file can fix them instantly. Small, portable sets work great in your dorm emergency kit.

12. First Aid Supplies

Cuts and scrapes are inevitable, so stock up on:

• Band-Aids in various sizes
• Neosporin for quick wound care
• Hydrocolloid bandages for blisters (they work wonders on pimples, too!)

13. Bobby Pins and Hair Ties

No surprises here! Bobby pins and elastics are tiny items that seem to vanish when you need them most. Keep lots of backups in your vanity drawer.

14. Sewing Kit and Safety Pins

For last-minute wardrobe fixes, a sewing kit and safety pins can save the day. Perfect for a popped button or a strap that won’t stay in place.

15. Lint Roller

Keep your clothes looking tidy and hair-free with a lint roller. Retractable versions are great for travel and less messy than standard sticky tape rollers.

16. Batteries

Many dorm appliances like remotes, calculators, and portable lights need batteries. Make sure to have an ample supply of both AA and AAA sizes.

17. Sleep Mask and Ear Plugs

When your roommate burns the midnight oil or you’re dealing with bright light leaks, a sleep mask and earplugs can preserve your rest and sanity.

18. Mini Deodorant

Having a mini deodorant handy is perfect for on-the-go days or unexpected long nights. Keep one in your gym bag or purse for quick freshening up.

19. Clorox Wipes

Germs are everywhere, and Clorox wipes make quick work of cleaning desks, doorknobs, and shared bathroom surfaces. They also work great for spills.

20. Wrinkle Release Spray

Forget irons in dorms; this spray takes care of wrinkled clothes in minutes. A must-have for dorm life where steaming isn’t practical.

21. Thermometer

Feeling under the weather? A simple oral thermometer can help you figure out whether it’s just mild fatigue or something more serious.

22. Super Glue

From small fixes like shoes to broken dorm decor, super glue is a handy item to have on-hand for immediate repairs.

23. Cough Drops

Prevent a nagging cough from taking over your study sessions with throat-saving cough drops. Keep them close, especially during flu season.

24. Tissues

Mini tissue packs come in clutch for late nights, runny noses, or emotional calls home. Keep a box by your bed and travel-sized packs in your bag.

25. Dry Shampoo

On busy mornings, dry shampoo is your lifesaver, giving hair a refresh when you don’t have time to wash it. Invest in a full-size bottle for your dorm and mini versions for your backpack.

26. Hand Sanitizer

You’ll want multiple bottles of hand sanitizer to stay healthy while keeping germs at bay, especially when you can’t get to the bathroom to wash up.

27. Earplug Pack

Essential for light sleepers, earplugs drown out the noisy late-night conversations and shared-wall disturbances to ensure restful sleep.

A Final Tip for Success

There’s more to dorm life than just surviving—with a little preparation, you can truly thrive. Bookmark this guide, pack smart, and look forward to an amazing college experience!

Whether you’re settling into a packed dorm or a quieter hall, having these 27 essentials within arm’s reach will make all the difference.