We surveyed hundreds of college students and recent grads to put together the first-ever Dorm Therapy Awards for 2025. From the best coffee maker to the most comfortable mattress topper, these are the 11 must-have dorm products real students swear by to make living at college feel like home. (Check out our extended dorm shopping list, too, so you don’t miss a thing.)

The Shower Caddy: Your $5 Bathroom Game-ChangerOrganizing & Cleaning
It comes in such pretty colors!
Kaitlyn LuckoffNorthwestern University (Master's)
Jul 22, 2025
The Utility Cart: MVP of Dorm StorageOrganizing & Cleaning
You can use it for so many things!
Kaitlyn LuckoffNorthwestern University's Medill School of Journalism '25
Jul 23, 2025
The Laundry Backpack: Makes Carrying a LOT So Much EasierOrganizing & Cleaning
It doesn't take up too much space, either.
Kaitlyn LuckoffNorthwestern University (Master's)
Jul 23, 2025
The Vacuum: Perfect for Storing in Tight PlacesOrganizing & Cleaning
Make it easy to tackle your messes.
Kaitlyn LuckoffNorthwestern University (Master's)
Jul 23, 2025
The Comforter: “Airy” & “Easy to Wash”Dorm Decor
It comes in 21 colors!
Kaitlyn LuckoffNorthwestern University (Master's)
Jul 21, 2025
The Sheets: Come in 20+ Colors & Only $12Dorm Decor
The runner-up is also great.
Kaitlyn LuckoffNorthwestern University (Master's)
Jul 21, 2025
The Small Fan: Crucial for Dorms with No ACDorm Decor
Students say it will last for years.
Kaitlyn LuckoffNorthwestern University's Medill School of Journalism '25
Jul 24, 2025
The Mattress Topper: "Like Sleeping on a Cloud"Dorm Decor
Bedtime is about to be so cozy.
Kaitlyn LuckoffNorthwestern University (Master's)
Jul 22, 2025
The Mini Fridge: Has a Freezer, Drawers & Soda CubbiesDorm Decor
They all have a freezer!
Kaitlyn LuckoffNorthwestern University (Master's)
Jul 21, 2025
The Rug: Instant Cozy Vibes (with Anti-Slip Bottom)Dorm Decor
And give your space a pop of color.
Kaitlyn LuckoffNorthwestern University (Master's)
Jul 22, 2025
The Coffee Maker: Totally Upgrade Your MorningsFood & Recipes
It’s the perfect size and comes in so many colors.
Kaitlyn LuckoffNorthwestern University's Medill School of Journalism '25
Jul 24, 2025