15 Cheapest Dorm Room Essentials for University or College

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Starting university or college life is a massive deal!

It is exciting and thrilling to think of the new life ahead of you, but this might also make you feel a little nervous and wonder about all the things you will need to carry along with you on this journey.

As per the latest UK student statistics, 2.2 million new students will require accommodation by 2026.

Settling in at college or university can be challenging, but with the right companions in your dorm room, last-minute hassles can be avoided.

This guide will provide you with the ultimate list of affordable dorm essentials that are a must-have for all the students who are starting their new life at college or university, and obviously, we have made this list as pocket-friendly as possible.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this post was correct at publication, but may be subject to change. All the products in this list have been selected based on their necessity and value, and the examples provided serve as suggestions.

Top 15 Cheap Dorm Essentials for University or College

1. UK Power Adapter/Plug Converter

A UK power adapter is vital in any dorm essentials list for any international student arriving in the UK. Without it, you can’t charge your phone, laptop, or any device. Universal adapters work for multiple countries and often have USB ports—perfect for powering all your essentials right from your first day.

Example: Masterplug 13A 2‑Outlet USB Travel Adapter from Screwfix

2. UK SIM Card (Pay As You Go or Monthly Rolling)

Being connected from day one is crucial—whether it’s for navigation, bank OTPs, or staying in touch with family. Providers like giffgaff, Lebara, and EE offer flexible, affordable plans, international minutes, and fast data. You can order online, pick up at airports, or visit a high street shop.

Example: SIM only deals from Lebara

3. Earplugs or Noise-Cancelling Earmuffs

Dorms can be noisy at any hour. Earplugs or noise-cancelling earmuffs help you focus or sleep, even when flatmates or neighbours are loud. They’re small, inexpensive, and make a huge difference in study, relaxation, or getting quality sleep when you really need it.

Example: Deciboo earplugs, available on Amazon

4. Reusable Shopping Bag

A reusable shopping bag is an underrated dorm room essential for every student. UK supermarkets charge for single-use bags, so having a foldable, durable tote makes daily life easier. Use it for groceries, laundry, or quick errands—and do your bit for the environment at the same time.

Example: GÖRSNYGG (from IKEA)

5. New Bed Sheets

What’s the first thing that makes us fall in love with a hotel room? Those crisp, inviting bed sheets beckon us to dive straight into comfort and luxury! The same goes for a dorm room, which will be your home for the upcoming semesters. Investing in clean cotton bed sheets is one of the best and most economical ways to enhance your room’s look and feel. While there are various materials, cotton reigns supreme for its comfort. Opt for classic white to keep things neutral and chic, or go for vibrant colours to add a pop of personality to your room. With the right bed sheets, you’ll feel like sleeping in a five-star hotel every night!

Example: Wilko My Home Single Silver Polycotton Fitted Sheet

6. Stainless-Steel Water Bottle

Stay hydrated with a stainless-steel water bottle that matches your dorm room vibe. These bottles come in cool patterns and have insulated coatings to keep your drinks hot or cold for hours. Plus, you can choose from fun lid options like chug lids and straw lids. Hydration has never looked so good!

Example: The Sistema® 600ml Stainless Steel bottle

7. Stationery Set – Notebooks, Pens, Desk Supplies

A stationery set is essential for staying organised and on top of coursework. Notebooks, pens, and desk supplies ensure you’re ready for lectures, note-taking, and revision sessions. Having your own set saves last-minute runs to the shop and helps keep your desk neat for focused, productive study every day.

Example: STAEDTLER Back to School Essentials – Set of 4 from ASDA

8. Quick-Dry Towel

Quick-dry towels are ideal for student life. They’re lightweight, compact, and dry much faster than standard towels, making them perfect for busy schedules and small dorm spaces. Always have a clean, dry towel on hand—whether for showers, sports, or last-minute laundry days in your accommodation.

Example: Rainleaf Microfiber Towel, available on Amazon

9. Laundry Basket/Bags (Original)

You will surely need one or two of these because it will be a bothersome job for you to carry your clothes from your dorm room to your laundry room. These bags are easy to carry and are stylish too. They can hold a lot of your clothes and are an environmentally friendly option.

Example: Addis 40 L Slimline Laundry Basket from Argos

10. Desk Organiser/Drawer Set

A clutter-free desk is a must. A simple desk organiser is a must-have in your dorm essentials list to keep your stationery, chargers, and study materials tidy and within reach, even if your workspace is tiny. It helps prevent misplaced notes and distractions, making your study area more comfortable and productive.

Example: LENNART Drawer unit from IKEA

11. Small First Aid Kit

Small first aid kits are often overlooked, but they are a useful addition to your dorm essentials list. Keep one in your room for minor injuries, headaches, or everyday illnesses. It’s peace of mind in a box, meaning you’re always prepared for small accidents—no need to run out to a shop or wait for help.

Example: St John Ambulance Universal First Aid Kit Grab Bag

12. Basic Food Containers

Lockable food containers help you store snacks, leftovers, or lunch for campus. They prevent spills in your bag and keep your food safe from curious flatmates or pests. These simple boxes are a must for saving money and reducing food waste as a student.

Example: Sistema Mega Fold Up Lunch Bag

13. Extension Cord & Power Strip

These are some of the most underrated and cheap dorm room essentials, and they will prove to be very helpful for you once you get your hands on them. Your dorm room may or may not have a lot of plug points. You will have only two to three plug-points at max, and we assure you that you will need more than that. The extension cord and power strip are convenient because you can also put USB cords into them.

Example: Straame White 4-Gang UK Extension Lead from Tesco

14. Lockable Storage Box or Padlock

A lockable storage box or padlock keeps your valuables secure in shared living spaces. Store your passport, cash, electronics, and important documents. It’s a small investment for major peace of mind, especially if you don’t know your flatmates well in the first few months.

Example: Cathedral Products 12 Inch Black Lockable Security Box

15. Portable Phone Charger (Power Bank)

Never get caught with a dead phone on campus. A portable power bank lets you charge your phone wherever you are, whether in class, travelling, or out with friends. It’s reliable backup power for busy student days, and slim models slip easily into any bag.

Example: Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10K

Now you’re ready for Dorm Life

The above-mentioned items should be on the list of all the dorm essentials you should get to make it through college or university. They will make your busy student life a little more hassle-free and manageable. Make sure to add these top cheap dorm room essentials to your dorm essentials checklist before heading off.

If you want us to add a suggestion here based on your experience, please get in touch with us!

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Manuela WillboldChief of Marketing: As the Chief of Marketing at the digital marketing agency ClickDo Ltd I blog regularly about technology, education, lifestyle, business and many more topics.