Moving into your dorm room soon? Don’t forget to pack these dorm bathroom essentials that every college freshman needs!
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When you’re packing for college, it can be easy to get caught up in the fun stuff like decorations and clothes.
But it’s so important to make sure you have all of the less-fun essentials, like bathroom supplies.
Whether you’re stuck with a communal bathroom or you have your own private bathroom in your dorm, you’re going to need these dorm bathroom essentials.
Essential Items For Communal Bathrooms
1. Mesh Shower Caddy
Shower caddies are absolutely essential for transporting your shower products to and from the dorm bathroom.
I liked having a mesh shower caddy because it allowed for better drainage than the plastic ones. The plastic shower caddies tend to hold water in the bottom, which then gets all over your room when you bring it back.
Try to find one with a hook or handles so you can hang it on the shower door instead of having to put it on the floor.
2. Toiletries Case
Keep all of your toiletries organized and in one place with a toiletries case.
This one from Amazon is super cute, fits so much stuff inside, and can be hung on the door! So perfect for keeping your dorm bathroom counters clear while you’re getting ready.
3. Shower Shoes
Trust me, you do not want to be walking around barefoot in a communal bathroom.
Honestly, even if you have a private bathroom in your dorm room you should be using shower shoes. There can be all kinds of nasty stuff on the floor of the shower.
I highly recommend getting shower shoes with drainage holes. That way the water doesn’t pool up in the bottom of your shoes.
4. Towel Set
Towels are an obvious dorm bathroom essential. This set from Amazon is great because it comes in a ton of cute colors and it’s very affordable.
The amount of towels you bring will depend on your showering and laundry habits.
But I recommend bringing at least two sets of towels so you can switch them out while you’re doing laundry.
5. Towel Wrap or Bathrobe
You’re going to be walking to and from the dorm bathroom every time you shower.
A towel wrap helps you make sure your towel won’t be slipping down while you’re walking back to your room. It also frees up your hands so you can carry your shower caddy and toiletries.
If you have a private bathroom, I still recommend bringing a bathrobe!
Hanging out in a bathrobe after you shower can be so relaxing. Plus, you’ll be less likely to have any post-shower wardrobe malfunctions in front of your roommate.
6. Makeup Organization
Whether you do your makeup in the communal bathroom or in your dorm room, having some sort of makeup organization will make your life so much easier.
I really recommend getting an organized portable makeup case.
This will make it so much easier to get ready in a friend’s dorm room or bring your makeup home with you on the weekends.
7. Toothbrush Organizer
You’ll either be storing your toothbrush in a shared bathroom or carrying it back and forth. Either way, you’ll want to get something to protect it from germs and bacteria.
This travel toothbrush organizer is big enough to store you toothbrush and toothpaste and it keeps all of the nasty stuff out.
8. Hair Tool Mat
This silicone mat is such a genius products! You can set your hot tools on it while you’re styling your hair so you don’t damage any surfaces.
It also turns into a storage sleeve so you can throw your straightener or curling iron into it for a weekend trip or getting ready in a friends room.
9. Anti-Fog Shower Mirror
Want to get in and out of the communal bathrooms quickly?
A shower mirror is perfect for dorm bathrooms because it helps you shave, brush your teeth, and remove your makeup in the shower.
You can keep it in your shower caddy so you have it with you every time you shower.
Essentials For Private Dorm Bathrooms
10. Bath Mat
A bath mat is an absolute must-have for a dorm bathroom. You don’t want your floor getting wet and slippery after you get out of the shower.
Plus, there are so many cute ones out there that you can match to your decor style!
11. Wastebasket
I think a wastebasket is pretty self explanatory for a dorm bathroom.
I definitely recommend getting one with a lid to keep your room from getting smelly.
12. Shower Shelves
I definitely recommend getting some suction cup shower shelves for your dorm bathroom.
They stick really well to shower tiles and can be used for holding your shampoo, body wash, and other shower items.
If you’re sharing a shower with roommates you’ll probably each want to have your own shelf.
13. Shower Curtain And Rings
If your dorm bathroom has a standard shower, you’ll probably need to provide your own shower curtain and curtain rings.
Get a cute shower curtain that matches your personality and decor style.
Just be sure to check with your university housing before you buy this. My dorm shower had a door instead of a curtain rod so we had no need for a shower curtain.
14. Toilet Paper
If you have a private bathroom in your dorm room, you’ll probably be responsible for restocking your own toilet paper.
Make sure you have enough to get you through the semester! There’s nothing worse than running out of toilet paper when you really need it.
15. Bathroom Cleaner
No one likes cleaning a bathroom, but unfortunately it’s a chore that has to be done. Make it easier on yourself by keeping some good bathroom cleaner on hand.
I use this bathroom cleaner in my apartment and it’s the best.
I just spray it on all the surfaces of my bathroom, leave it for a few minutes, and go back in with a wet sponge to wipe everything down.
16. Plunger And Toilet Brush
Some not-so-fun essentials for dorm bathroom are plungers and toilet brushes.
Plungers are pretty self-explanatory. And toilet brushes are essential for keeping your toilet clean.
To be honest, regular toilet brushes seriously gross me out. I love these disposable toilet brush heads because you don’t have to worry about any bacteria building up on them.
17. Waterproof Speaker
If you like to listen to music in the shower, you definitely need to pack a waterproof speaker for your dorm bathroom.
It will also come in handy for taking to beach days or pool parties while you’re in college!
18. Vanity Organizer
There’s nothing worse than a super messy bathroom counter area.
I loved keeping all of my skincare, makeup, and perfume organized in a cute vanity holder like this one.
These are the top dorm bathroom essentials that you need to add to your college packing list.
Looking for more dorm ideas?
- 21 Dorm Cleaning Supplies Every College Student Needs
- 50 Dorm Room Essentials For Guys (FREE Printable Packing List)
- 15 College Life Hacks That Will Make Your Life So Much Easier
