Ultimate List of College Apartment Essentials Every Student Should Have

Looking for the ultimate list of college apartment essentials everyone should have? Here's a list of everything you'll need.

Every single college apartment move-in experience I’ve had has been exciting. Sure carrying a crap ton of stuff up the stairs isn’t fun, but it’s a new school year, you’re back with your friends, the world is basically your oyster.

This list of college apartment essentials goes into detail on everything you need when moving into a college apartment, from basic decor pieces to that emergency kit you’ll need when you least expect it - I’ve covered it all.

All of these miscellaneous items can add up, so if you have roommates I highly recommend splitting the costs or determining who’s going to buy what (I’d go with the latter).

And one more side note before you’re off to the races - if your college apartment is not furnished and you’re on a budget, Facebook Marketplace should be your best friend. You’ll be surprised what you can find.

This post is all about college apartment essentials.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Kitchen Essentials:

• Table & Chairs/ Barstools

• Pots & Pans

• Dishes & Bowls

• Mixing Bowls

• Cups & Mugs & Wine Glasses

• Toaster or Toaster Oven

• Paper Towels & Paper Towel Stand

• Trash Can

• Water Pitcher with Filter

• Curtains & Curtain Rod

• Shower Curtain Liner & Hooks

• Cleaning Supplies

• Shower Organizer

• Toilet Plunger & Brush

• Toilet Paper & Toilet Paper Stand

• Makeup & Makeup Case

• Tooth Brush/ Tooth Paste

• Small Trashcan

• Perfume

• Shampoo & Conditioner

• Downy Wrinkle Releaser

• Laundry Bags

• Dryer Sheets

• Trash Bags

• All-Purpose Cleaner

• Soap for Bathroom & Kitchen

Kitchen Essentials:

• Table & Chairs/ Barstools

Going to hit you with a harsh reality to start- bar chairs are hella expensive. I don’t understand it nor do I condone it, but it’s the truth. Here are the most affordable bar stools I could find- are they the cutest? No. But they’re simple and will do the job without being an eyesore.

• Pots & Pans

Buy on Our Place

Oh my gosh, please get the Always Pan. One of the best things to come out of 2020. I love the colors and it’s everything you could want in every pan. Will save you space and money!!

• Dishes & Bowls

When choosing dishes and bowls you can usually get the highest quality and the lowest price when they’re white so that’s always a safe choice!

• Mixing Bowls

These mixing bowls stack well together so you can save a lot of space!

• Cups & Mugs & Wine Glasses

• Cookie Sheets

Two cooking sheets should do the job- unless you’re a professional chef.

• Utensils

• Bottle Opener

Gold wine bottle openers are for the good days and the bad days.

• Can Opener

• Tupperware

• Measuring Cups

I have gold measuring cups and they’re my favorite. I love when I can add cute items to places you wouldn’t normally think to add them!

• Blender

If I’m being honest, I want a Vitamix. But they’re hella expensive and the Ninja is just as good and won’t break the bank.

• Mixer

• Keurig/ Teapot

• Toaster or Toaster Oven

My sophomore year my roommate brought a toaster oven with her for our kitchen, and I’ve never looked at toasters the same. Toaster ovens are one of the most amazing inventions ever and I would take it any day over a regular toaster.

• Microwave

• Oven Mitts

• Dish Towels

I used to have white dish towels and that was a mistake. When they stain they look horrible. It’s awful.

• Dish Drying Rack

If you don’t have a dishwasher (it’s okay I’ve been there too) then a nice dish rack is a college apartment essentials must-have.

• Cleaning Sponges

Love this handle cleaning sponge. You don’t have to get your hands all wet and gross.

• Paper Towels & Paper Towel Stand

• Trash Can

I mean, you’re going to need a trash can. I prefer going for a metal one, you can do the cheapest you can find. I think they look much better than expensive plastic ones!

• Water Pitcher with Filter

This is essential. Always.

• Ice Trays

I’ve never been an ice cube girl, but if you are these seem to be the best ones because you don’t have to smash them on the counter. They’re silicone at the bottom which makes it really easy to get out the ice cubes!