The Best Dorm Room Essentials for Heading Back to College

The Away Everywhere Tote really can go anywhere. It has a water-resistant nylon body that looks great and withstands daily life, and inside, there's a padded 16-inch laptop sleeve, multiple slip pockets, and a key clip. There's an exterior zip pocket, plus the whole thing zips shut. It's also available in lots of cute colors. We wish it had a dedicated water bottle slot, but it's still a great, well-rounded bag that will look good on the way to and from class.

For more options, check our guide to the Best Tote Bags.

Dorm rooms can get very stinky very quickly. But you probably aren't allowed to have candles burning due to the fire hazard. Meet this miniature diffuser. It's our favorite essential oil diffuser for small spaces. The Pura app has scheduling, scent strength, and automatic vial detection, and you can also change the color of the light and rotate the direction of the plug. One vial of scent lasted our tester several months. If you want your room to smell good but you don't want to get in trouble for an open flame, this is worth checking out.

There's a very good chance that you'll need at least one power strip for your dorm, especially if you're sharing outlets and extension cords with multiple people. I really like this option from Anker. It has 3 AC outlets, two USB-A outlets, and one USB-C outlet. You can plug your phone charger in directly without needing to hunt down a wall plug. The 5-foot cord should be able to reach wherever you need it to, though there's also a 10-foot option if you need more length. This little cube is capable of fast-charging compatible smartphones at 20 watts, and it has no trouble charging multiple devices at once. I've kept one next to my bed for years. Note that this isn't a surge protector, so if you need one for some reason, check this option out.

Skip the mattress pad and get this instead. Depending on the size of your dorm bed, you might need a twin or a twin XL. (Or maybe you're lucky and have a bigger bed.) This mattress topper is our favorite for dorms, and it comes in whatever size you'll need. It's a whopping 4 inches thick, so it'll make your bed extra-comfortable. It's also cooling and antimicrobial thanks to its copper-infused memory foam construction and GlacioTex cooling covers. It's dense and deep, and you won't feel like you're sleeping on a folding table.

Don’t forget the bedding! Bring a sheet set, throw blanket, and extra pillowcases.

Depending on your college dorm, you might have access to a bigger refrigerator. This mini fridge is perfectly personal-size. It holds just six cans, so you can stash your seltzer water, yogurt, or other snacks—or, if we're being real, your industrial supply of energy drinks. It also works well as a skin care fridge. It even doubles as a warmer, if you're interested in that for some reason. It's quiet, it's small, and it comes in lots of fun colors. It isn't magnetic, but you can always decorate it with stickers.

Covid-19 is not yet a distant memory, and college, unfortunately, offers a lot of opportunities for germs to fly. It's a good idea to keep a box of disposable face masks available. Hopefully, you're already vaccinated for Covid-19, but not everyone in your class will be up to date on their shots, and masks can help with general cold and flu illnesses too. Keep masks handy for classes and other situations where there are crowds, especially if you yourself are feeling sick. Check out our guide to N95 masks for more options.

Tired of always needing to buy a new notebook? Rocketbook's notebooks use special paper that feels like a super-thin whiteboard, and come with an erasable Pilot Frixion gel pen and microfiber cloth that lets you wipe the page clean (after getting said microfiber cloth wet) when you're done using it. Rocketbook makes a variety of notebooks and styles, but WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell recommends the Fusion Plus since you get a nice variety of page styles that range from your classic monthly and weekly pages to project management layouts for those pesky team projects.

Rocketbook also has an app designed to keep everything organized. The app can also easily send things off to Google Drive, Slack, Trello, OneNote, and a handful of other options. There are a handful of icons on the bottom of each page you can mark so that once you scan a page into the app, it'll recognize what to do with the information. You can customize the commands in the app of where to send everything based on the icon (class notes saved into a Google Drive folder, for example, while project lists are emailed to your computer). —Brenda Stolyar

If you're easily distracted, owning a pair of noise-canceling headphones at school can make you more productive. The Sony WH-1000XM6 have a terrible name, but they're an excellent pair of cans. They're comfortable, stylish, and foldable, with an included carrying case and on-board touch controls. They also have top-notch noise cancelation so you'll be able to stay locked in while studying, plus fantastic sound quality. You'll never listen to Charli XCX the same way again.

This 2025 M4 Apple MacBook Air is the best MacBook for most people. The display is nice, with a 60-Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness. It has a long-lasting battery, going 13 hours in our tests, and it has a solid webcam too. Most importantly, the performance is there. It's fast and efficient, handling multiple windows full of multiple Google Chrome tabs with ease. All in all, it's a well-rounded option for students that should last you for years to come.

Our MacBook Buying Guide has additional recommendations for more affordable and more powerful options.

The Asus Zenbook A14 OLED is our favorite Windows laptop for college students. It's super lightweight while remaining durable, and it's downright affordable to boot. The Snapdragon X Plus chip inside ensures good performance and a battery that will last you all day long. It's best used for tasks like doing homework or browsing the web—it'll struggle with gaming or video editing.

The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is a solid Chromebook if you use a lot of Google services. It has a slick 2-in-1 design that can swap between laptop mode and touchscreen mode, and it's powerful enough to keep up with your numerous browser windows chock full of tabs.

If you’re the type who likes taking notes with an external keyboard and mouse, it can be annoying to have to carry your accessories from class to class. But Logitech’s Casa Pop-Up Desk is an excellent solution for this specific issue. It comes with a keyboard and trackpad that fit neatly in a compact case that also doubles as a laptop stand (it holds your laptop in place using magnets). It’s pricey, but it’s a great choice if you constantly work at the library or on the go in between classes. —Brenda Stolyar

A portable monitor is a great way to get more screen real estate when you don't have access to your desktop monitor—like at a coffee shop, the library, or even on the go. This one from Mobile Pixels is one of our favorites.

It attaches to the laptop screen using magnets, so you'll have to be comfortable with sticking and leaving adhesive magnets on the back of your laptop. But it's easy to install using the included assembly instructions. When you want to use it, simply slide it out to reveal a 13-inch display and connect the USB-C cable. It does add some thickness and bulk to your machine, but you can remove it when it's not in use. —Brenda Stolyar

This USB hub has all the ports your laptop doesn't: USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, plus card readers. It's also powerful enough to support newer laptops that require a bit more oomph. It can support an external display, too. It's got everything you need. Read our Best Hubs and Docks guide for other picks.

There are dozens and dozens of cheap mice you can pair with your laptop, but the Logitech MX Master 3S is excellent for people sharing a room. Mouse clicks can sound annoying when someone is trying to study, and this is one of the quietest mice we've ever tried. The left and right mouse buttons are practically silent. You also get dual scroll wheels, which is really handy if you have to scroll horizontally through a bunch of spreadsheets for class. It's expensive, but your roommates will thank you.

★ An ergonomic option: The Logitech Lift ($80) is a great option for those who suffer from some wrist pain, because it automatically lifts your palm away from the desk—preventing your nerves from getting pinched. There's also a Mac version that allows you to program buttons on the mouse to trigger Mac-specific apps and features like Do Not Disturb, Mission Control, Safari, and Final Cut Pro.

Standing all day isn't a viable (or healthy) alternative to sitting all day, but a standing desk lets you switch things up and is generally more versatile than a normal desk. WIRED editor Julian Chokkattu really likes the Branch Duo because it's compact (there's a larger size as well), and it takes mere minutes to put together. The laminated medium-density fiberboard (MDF) paired with the powder-coated steel frame makes it feel sturdy and durable too.

There are two height presets and a collision detection feature to stop the desk if someone is underneath it, and you can add cable management and storage options to reduce clutter. The motor isn't as quiet as the Branch Standing Desk ($749), but it's not egregiously loud. —Brenda Stolyar

Your dorm probably comes with a chair, and if that's the case, you don't have to spend money on another. But if you want something better, or maybe you're living in your own apartment or house near the school, this one is our top pick in our Best Office Chairs guide. You can make a ton of adjustments, it's comfy, and it draws heat away with the mesh back. —Brenda Stolyar

This is our favorite budget electric kettle. The exterior stays cool so you won't burn yourself (making it an excellent option for those with roommates around), plus it has automatic shutoff, a “keep warm” mode, and four presets (along with plus and minus buttons that allow you to set a specific temperature manually). The touch-activated display also only appears when the kettle is used, so it's unobtrusive and easily blends in with the rest of your appliances on your countertop. And just look at how cute it is!

Since you'll be spending a lot of time in your dorm, we suggest investing in an air purifier to ensure you're always breathing clean air. We know space is limited, which is why we like the Coway Airmega 50. It can sit on a desk or a table, taking up the same space as a roll of paper towels, and the built-in sensor triggers both auto mode and the air quality indicator light. It's quiet, too.

The Owala Freesip Twist is our favorite reusable water bottle. It takes the classic Owala FreeSip design and adds a twist cap, which prevents you from having to deal with the sometimes-janky lid on the original version. It's also lightweight and insulated.

Looking for a different design? We have many more recommendations for reusable water bottles and travel mugs with all sorts of different styles and capacities.

The JBL Flip 7 strikes the perfect balance of mobility and sound. It's water-resistant, durable, and pleasing to the eye, and there's a built-in carry strap too. Most importantly, it sounds great, with enough punch to do your playlist justice. The battery goes up to 14 hours on a single charge, or 16 if you opt to use “Boost Mode.”

We have more recommendations in our Bluetooth Speaker Buying Guide.

The Fitbit Charge 6 remains the best fitness tracker. It's perfect for most people, with a solid balance of features, attactiveness, and ease of use. It's also compatible with both Android and iOS phones. Many of its best features are still locked behind its $10/month Fitbit Premium subscription, but you can still get use out of it without one. It'll track steps, sleep, skin temperature, heart rate, and more with the help of the companion app—all in one affordable package.

Dorm buildings aren't always easy to sleep in, so a good pair of earplugs can help you tune out your roommate's snoring or the party next door. The Loop Quiet plugs are our favorite for sleeping. They're made entirely of silicone and block out more noise than you'd think. Since they sit flush with your head, lying on them isn't uncomfortable. You can wash them with warm water every morning. Each pack includes four sizes of ear tips. Read our Best Earplugs guide for other picks. —Brenda Stolyar

If you don't want to lug your full-size laptop everywhere, the iPad makes a compelling alternative for both homework and hangout time. The iPad (A16) is our favorite for most people. Workflow improvements in the last few versions of iPadOS make it possible to get some real work done. Videos, ebooks, and games look incredible on the crisp, nonreflective screen, and the crazy fast A16 Bionic chip inside means it's up for just about any task—though you should note that it isn't compatible with Apple Intelligence. It works with the first-generation Apple Pencil, the USB-C Apple Pencil, the Smart Folio, and the Magic Keyboard Folio.

Check our list of the Best iPad Accessories for additional fun gadgets.

College should be fun. But campuses and the towns they reside in can't guarantee safety. Add in alcohol and walking to and from parties, and you could be putting yourself in harm's way. We've reviewed a few personal safety apps and products, and the Noonlight app (available on iOS and Android) is the easiest way to stay safe. The basic version is free.

Just open the app and hold the onscreen button while you're walking or otherwise feel uneasy. When you're safe, release your finger and enter your PIN within 10 seconds. If you're not safe, don't enter your PIN. Once the timer runs out, Noonlight will attempt to contact you and will send help to your GPS location immediately.—Brenda Stolyar

Pins leave holes in your posters (and walls), tape rips the paint off, and sticky goop leaves oily marks. That's why we really like these 3M Command Strips. They're strong enough to hold a poster or even a framed picture (use four or six for bigger items), and they peel right off when you move out. Simply follow the instructions for easy removal. 3M makes clips and different types of hooks, too, for whatever you need to hang. —Brenda Stolyar

One of the singular characteristics of dorm life is how the boundaries between outside and inside start to blur. Does it count as going out if you visit a friend’s room? How about if you have to run to the cafeteria? Or down two flights of stairs to the mail room? Allbirds’ loungers are easy to slip on and off. They’re made of washable merino wool that minimizes odor, and they're so soft that you can wear them without socks. —Brenda Stolyar

Find more recommendations in our guide to the Best Slippers.

The problem with most of our favorite air fryers is that they're all too big for a dorm room. But this little one from Dash should do the trick, and it takes up very little space. At just 2.6 quarts, it's best for single servings and smaller portions. But the basket and removable nonstick base are dishwasher safe, and the presets include a custom setting so you can easily get back to your favorite mode.

Depending on the size of your campus, a bike can make life easier, especially on those mornings when you're rushing from bed to class. College kids don't need to spend thousands on a fancy-pants bike, and we recommend checking out Facebook Marketplace for a used cruiser.

If you do want to invest in an ebike, this is our favorite budget option. The traditional frame and pedaling both help the bike feel natural, and its 86 Nm of torque is powerful enough for even the steepest of hills. The battery life isn't great, but if you're just going around the neighborhood, this'll do the trick. It goes up to 28 miles per hour, the LCD display is easy to read, and it has hydraulic disc brakes in case you need to stop in a hurry. Read more and get additional recommendations in our Electric Bike Buying Guide.

If you're not a fan of bike riding, it might be worth considering an electric scooter instead. We have several picks here, but our favorite for most people is the Apollo Go. It strikes a good balance between its weight, speed, and range. At 46 pounds, it isn't too heavy, and it folds down for easier storage. Riding is smooth and powerful, and you can customize your preferred top speed and braking power using the app. Additional bells and whistles include great turn signals, LED lighting, a headlight, a dot display, and, yes, a literal bell.

First-aid kits are absolutely college dorm essentials. There are lots of options from Welly that are bright and easy to find, but go with whatever supplements what you already have (or what you might need). Make sure to bring a stash of Band-Aids and over-the-counter pain relief, plus some cold and flu medicine. I also recommend Tums, Pepto-Bismol, cough drops, and Narcan. It's better to be safe than sickly, texting your RA asking them if they have a thermometer.

Light pollution can really mess with your sleep. If you've got your own room (or amenable roommates), we highly recommend these blackout curtains. They have three hanging options and are machine washable. More importantly, they efficiently block out even the brightest of light, be it the sun or the streetlights.

This sound machine is compact and offers classic fan noise as well as different-colored noise. There may be nights where you're homesick or where you accidentally study-chugged too many energy drinks and your mind is racing. This little machine can help you get some quality shut-eye.

For people with really dry skin and a constant stuffy nose, we've found that putting this little humidifier on our nightstand has actually helped. Dorm rooms are notoriously dry and drafty. A small humidifier like this one can help you breathe easier. There's even a nightlight, plus a place to add essential oils if you want to scent the air.