Packing for your college dorm room is a lot of work. Here are the top unexpected things to bring to college that you must know as a college freshman.
There are some dorm room essentials that you can name immediately. But there are several unexpected things to bring to college that most people forget! I know for sure that I forgot to bring cleaning supplies for my dorm…I thought they were going to just be there. I was more concerned about my laptop and backpack than cleaning, lol.
Here are the most unexpected things to bring to college.
29 Unexpected Things To Bring To College That You Need To Know About
1. Umbrellas (More than 1)
I learned the hard way, both during my freshman year and the summer between sophomore and junior year, to always have an umbrella with me, no matter what. Rain will happen randomly. The last thing you want is your expensive laptop getting wet (because it happened to me).
- 🌂[Travel Umbrella Medium Size]: 12 ribs make it a so strong big umbrella, 1.1 lb lightweight & opens with a 46” arc canopy which is a large umbrella for 2 people, but it takes up a small space after collapse, very nice folding umbrella for women and men
- 🌂[High Visible Umbrella for Rain] : With highly reflective stripes around edge, this adults umbrella is perfect for anyone wishing to stay seen, making you highly visible from the back and front, when you’re out walking on those dark rain & winter nights
2. First Aid Kit & Medicine
I got sick so many times during my freshman year. It’s a known thing that freshmen get sick a few times during their first semester. Also, bring your medicine that you take regularly and cold medicine just in case you get sick.
- Comprehensive Home and Car Emergency Kit: Includes adhesive fabric and plastic bandages, antibiotic ointments, BZK antiseptic towelettes, burn cream packets, gauze roll and pads, wound closures, cold pack, and other first aid items; HSA/FSA eligible
- Easy Access: An ideal workplace and home first aid kit, this complete basic first aid kit comes in a soft-sided zippered case, featuring 2 separate layers with individual compartments and clear plastic pockets, so first aid supplies are easy to locate
3. Mattress cover
So I thought, “The mattress in my dorm room is going to be clean.” *side eye* They are not clean; instead, they are hard and gross.
Get a mattress cover. Don’t put your sheets on the mattress until you have a mattress cover.
- QUILTED SURFACE: This quilted mattress pad locks filling evenly in place. It wards off clumping for consistent, long-lasting use
- DOWN ALTERNATIVE FILLING: Its down alternative filling delivers soft, fluffy breathability. It protects your mattress and suits year-round use
4. Brita Water Filter
Do you know how much water costs on campus? Then half of the water fountain machines are not going to work. Keep a small water filter (I have this exact one) in your mini fridge and save money.
- The slim, BPA-free Metro water pitcher with filter holds 6 cups of water, enough to fill 2 24-ounce reusable water bottles
- Get great-tasting water without the waste; by switching to Brita, you can save money and replace 1,800 single-use plastic water bottles a year
Related: A First Apartment Grocery List To Help Stock Your Kitchen
5. Extension Cord
Outlets in dorms are placed in odd spots, and you’ll need to plug so many things. I recommend having either an extension cord or a surge protector to help you out, like this cool one from Amazon.
- 14 in 1 Flat Power Strip: This surge protector power strip could turn 1 socket into 11 AC outlets and 3 USB ports, can charge 14 devices simultaneously without blocking, keep your desktop organized; You can use it in any indoor place such as home, office and dorm room
6. Bed Rest Pillow
One of the best things I bought for college was a best rest pillow. I used it more than I expected in my dorm. I have this exact one from At Home, and I love it.
7. Shower Slippers
This is one of the top unexpected things to bring to college that I didn’t know about at all until I stayed on campus for a summer camp-type thing. They recommended flip-flops, and I was like, “why? My feet are going to hurt walking in those on campus?” But they meant shower shoes like this because showers in dorms are not the most hygienic. They are full of germs, and people’s feet are gross.
- 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭: Built with High-Elastic EVA midsole for shock absorption and comfort cushioning
- 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐃𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠: Drain holes design accelerate the water to drain out and dry quickly
8. Pepper Spray
Safety is important on campus! It’s better to have pepper spray because campuses can not stop anyone from just entering. Have pepper spray in your backpack or on your keychain for your protection. But remember to take it off at airports or certain venues because they do not allow pepper spray inside.
- TRUST THE PROFESSIONALS: SABRE is the #1 Pepper Spray brand trusted by police and consumers worldwide, including New York PD, Chicago PD, and U.S. Marshals; Made in the USA
9. Clear Bag
You’re bound to go to a campus event and will need to have a clear bag for stadiums, arenas, and other venues. This was an unexpected item I didn’t know about until I saw my roommate with one before going to a sporting event.
- [ Perfect Size of Sturdy Small Clear Bag ] KETIEE clear purse measures L-7.67″, H-6.1″, W-2.75″, fully meets the requirements of stadium, concerts and sports events. It is big enough for you to put phone, wallet, cosmetics keys, cash, cards, ticket in it etc.
10. Noise-Cancelling Headphones/AirPods
Sometimes you do not want to hear Starbucks’ playlist or what the group of students next to you is talking about when you have two exams the next day to study for. Get some noise-canceling headphones or AirPods. Just do it.
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
11. Laptop Sleeve Case
I know that’s probably obvious to bring a laptop case, but I didn’t have one. Now that I look back, having a laptop sleeve to protect my laptop case from cracking would have been nice. This brand is one of my favorites when ordering cases and screen protectors for my laptop:
- Dimension of the large laptop sleeve is 13.66 x 10.08 inch (L x W); dimension of the small accessory case is 7.68 x 4.72 x 1.77 inch (L x W).
12. Tide Pens
Stains are so hard to get out of clothes, and most of the time, you don’t have time to wash them immediately. Tide Pens are my top unexpected things to bring to college since they’re super useful.
13. Clothing Steamer
This one may seem more on the optional side, but you have no idea how wrinkly some clothes become after sitting in the basket. I recommend having a clothing steamer just in case your shirt is extremely wrinkly and needs to get unwrinkled.
- [Easy to Use] This 700W steamer generates gentle, long-lasting steam and has a 9- foot power cord, so you’ll never have to worry about operating it remotely and you can iron clothes from a distance.
- [Portable] This garment steamer is portable and lightweight, making it an ideal companion. This steamer is compact enough to fit in any suitcase or carry-on luggage.
14. Lint Roller
Another thing that I didn’t know was going to come in handy was my lint rollers. I didn’t have any pets in my dorm because I couldn’t bring my cat. But lint from washing stayed on my clothes.
15. Antibacterial Soap
It’s nice to have antibacterial soap in your dorm room to prevent germs from spreading. My favorite soap is Softsoap. I still use it to this day in my apartment.
16. Slippers
I do not recommend walking barefoot in a dorm room or building. Sure, floors can be swept and mopped, but so many people have walked on them. I recommend having a pair of slippers to walk around in.
Related: The Ultimate College Clothes Packing List | What Clothes To Bring To College
23. Humidifier/Air Purifier
Okay, one of the most unexpected things to bring to college for me was a humidifier. My dorm room was so stuffy because we couldn’t open the windows. It was also a small space with two people living in there and no ceiling fan. So I bought a small humidifier from Amazon, and it helped out. I recommend having one, especially if you get stuffy a lot.
24. Food storage containers
One of the best things I bought for my dorm room was food storage containers. They came later, but still one of my top recommended unexpected things to bring to college.
You may think, “Oh, I’ll walk to the dining hall.” But the dining hall is closed early on weekends or at midnight. Also, I snuck food containers into my dining hall to eat later on. (I’m paying all that money for a meal plan…I’m taking the food back to my dorm. Also, some days, the food was too good not to take seconds.)
- Easy Find Vented Lids: Snap onto the container base and same-sized lids, keeping cabinets organized
- Versatile Usage: Great for meal prep, leftovers, and cabinet storage
25. Actual School Supplies
This probably isn’t unexpected, but I didn’t have any folders and had to go to a local Walgreens the weekend before classes with my friends and roommate. We barely had anything to write with. So don’t forget to pack school supplies.
Related: The ONLY College School Supply List You Need
26. Door Shoe Holder
The next unexpected thing to bring to college leans more on the college hack side. Buy a shoe organizer like this that goes on your closet door so you can place hygiene items or snacks in there. You don’t have much space in your dorm, so this hack will be helpful. Or you could simply tuck your shoes in there and other accessories.
- AWARD WINNING: Winner of the 2026 Good Housekeeping Cleaning Awards recognizing excellence and innovation in home organization
- HOLDS MORE WEIGHT: Gorilla Grip over the door shoe organizer supports up to 40 pounds, made with durable non-woven fabric and reinforced stitching, tough and rip resistant design built to last as your hanging organizer
27. Swiffer Mop
If your dorm room has floors, I recommend getting a Swiffer Mop. I had one and used it to clean.
- Starter Kit includes 1 Sweeper, 14 Dry Sweeping Cloths, 5 Wet Mopping Cloths
28. Disinfectant Wipes
Another unexpected thing to bring to college is a package of disinfectant wipes. You’ll have to wipe a lot of surfaces throughout the semester. It also made cleaning up messes less of a hassle and easier.
29. Can Opener
The final unexpected thing to bring to college is a can opener. There are different kinds now, so you can get a manual one or an electric one, like the one linked below, if it fits your budget. But this is one of the top things I wish I had brought to college, since most cans of food that fit my budget needed to be opened with a can opener.
- Effortless Can Opening: Hand Free operation for seniors, arthritis sufferers, and everyone who wants convenience. Open cans with simple one-touch ease
- Smooth & Safe Edges: Our blade cuts along the side of the can, leaving smooth edges and no sharp parts – perfect for safer kitchens
- User-Friendly Design: Ergonomic and easy to hold. Ideal for those with limited hand strength with arthritis
That’s it for this blog post, all about unexpected things to bring to college and things I wish I had brought to college.
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