Top 10 Most Forgotten Dorm Room Items

With the end of July upon us and August coming in hot, many graduates are preparing to move into their college dorms! To help you out, I thought I’d share the top 10 most forgotten dorm room items! While many of these things are more practical, and maybe not that exciting, you’ll be so happy to have them in your dorm room. Whether you are a recent graduate, a returning college student, or entering your final year of high school (shout out to the class of 2023!)  you will want to save this post and refer back to it for your big college move! Whether your move is next month or next year, it will be here before you know it!

Top 10 Most forgotten dorm room items

01. First Aid Kit: For Those Little Emergencies

The first item is one of those practical items I mentioned that might not sound very glamorous, but trust me, you will thank me later! Even if it is just a little paper cut, you’ll be happy to have easy access to band-aids! 

First aid kit- a common forgotten item in dorm rooms

02. Extra Batteries: For Remotes, Fans, Speakers, Etc.

In a dorm room, a lot of items take batteries. To make life easier, stock up on a few extra of the main size used in your items. You can also buy battery assortment packs like the one linked above that includes the most used AA and AAA batteries.

Extra batteries are a must in dorm rooms

03. Umbrella: For Those Rainy Treks Across Campus

Many college campuses are quite large and you will find yourself walking a lot in between classes, to get food, and go back to your dorm. An umbrella is something you definitely need and don’t want to be caught without on those dreary, rainy days. 

This compact umbrella is easy to carry and store in a purse or backpack!

If you want something cute and stylish, try this clear, bubble umbrella!

umbrella for rainy days on campus

04. Water Filter: So Dorm Water Can Taste Like Home Water

Number four, again, might not be that exciting, but it makes a huge difference! Filtered water tastes different! This practical item will make everyday life more enjoyable and help keep you hydrated. 

Water Pitcher with Filter

Faucet Filter  

Top 10 Most forgotten dorm room items- no. 4 water filter

05. Small Safe: To Lock Up Your Wallet, Extra Cash, And Valuables

This is for added security and protection. You can be more at ease knowing your valuables are locked up. You never want to come home to something missing from your dorm, especially something valuable! 

Basic safe (with various size options)

small safe in dorm room to keep valuable safe

06. Sleep Mask: For Your Sanity With A Night Owl Roommate

You might be thinking, “I’ll take my chances”, but for just a few dollars you can ensure a peaceful night's sleep. Even if your roommate isn’t a night owl, you will sleep better when all the light is filtered out! Plus, in college there are those inevitable college all-nighters filled with test cramming and/or paper writing. A sleep mask will block all the light and allow you to sleep. (AirPods/headphones always come in handy, but particularly if your roommate is loud, too!)

don't forget your sleep mask in dorm room

07. Diffuser: For “That” Dorm Smell When You Can’t Use Candles

Most dorm rooms don’t allow candles for obvious reasons. A diffuser is a life saver when you need to get rid of whatever funky smell is lurking in your dorm room and there is scent for everyone!

using a diffuser to get rid of dorm room smells

08. Full Length Mirror: For That Final Check Out The Door

This is a fun item that I think many readers can totally get on board with! Everyone needs a full length mirror to make sure they are good to go before heading out! 

Over the door hanging full length mirror

full length mirror is a must have for your dorm room

09. Thermometer: So You Know When It’s Time To Stay Home Or Call The Doc

At some point during the year, you will probably get sick! Having a thermometer on hand is ideal for knowing when to stay home and when it’s time to go to the doctor!  Thermometers come in various styles, so there is one to fit every budget and preference! 

Forehead Thermometer 

Infrared Non-Contact Thermometer

Top 10 Most forgotten dorm room items

10. Tool Kit: For Those Random Fixes

I think this might be the most useful item! Many won’t believe how much they end up using their tool kit around their dorm room! 

Tool kit: on the Top 10 Most forgotten dorm room items

As you get ready to start this exciting new school year and adventure, you want to be prepared for any situation, especially when you are living away from home! Whether you are 1 hour or 12 hours from home, having these 10 items on hand can save you a lot of time and stress!  

What are your thoughts about these top 10 most forgotten dorm room items? Can you think of something else that should be on this list? Have we forgotten anything? Moms of recent grads and college bound friends, I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on anything you’d suggest adding to this list!

If you are interested in learning more about my senior photography please contact me today to start a conversation!

Class of 2023: To learn more about Booking Your Senior Portrait Session with AGP, read my recent blog here!