41 Dorm Room Essentials That'll Totally Level Up Your College Experience
Contents include items you didn't even know you needed.
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If you're reading this, there's a solid chance you're about to head to college for the first time ever. And honestly? I'm so seriously jealous of the friends you're about to meet, the experiences you're about to have, and memories you're about to make! The tiny dorm room with the twin XL bed, the fluorescent lights in the communal bathroom, and the crappy A/C (if you even have A/C at all) might not be ideal but they're all part of the college experience. And armed with the right packing list, you'll be able to turn your shoebox room into something that feels like home.
When I moved into Room 1007 (aka my freshman year dorm) many years ago, my strategy for overcoming the concrete walls and linoleum floors was two-fold: maximize storage space and increase ~the vibes~. I've pulled together a list of essentials that'll de-drab-ify your dorm, from practical things like a mini-fridge to hold all your Diet Cokes, a cushy mattress pad for less squeaky sleep, and a shower caddy to transport all your hair products to fun items like a cute, washable rug and posters for your wall.
SHOP EVEN MORE GIFT IDEAS HERE
Basically, this is everything you'll want to shop before you pack up the car and head for school. Good luck!!
She’ll feel like the coolest girl in her dorm in this patterned Djerf Avenue robe. It’s cozy enough for a comfy study sesh and still practical for a trip to the communal showers.
A good tote is a college essential—point blank, period. You’ll use it nonstop for class, trips to the dining hall, groceries, the list goes on. The best part? This personalized version basically doubles as dorm decor, whether you hang it on a door hook or sling it across your desk chair.
No room for a nightstand? No problem. This wood shelf slides right over the side of your bed frame and has enough room for your laptop, a built-in cup holder, two USB ports for easy charging, and even a slot for your phone or tablet.
You know you're gonna be storing all the snacks and drinks you can get your hands on. Put 'em in this spacious mini-fridge that can hold a lot of half-eaten sandwiches and Snack Packs. Plus, it has an adorable retro design that won't cramp your style.
If you don’t have a caffeine addiction yet, chances are you will by the end of first semester. This retro machine makes it super easy to have access to a warm cup at all times—and saves you money on buying coffee in the long run.
Trust me when I say you'll be spending a LOT of time sitting in your bed that probably won't have a headboard, and resting your back against the wall just isn't it. I had one of these in college and got some serious mileage out of it.
Add a little warmth and color to your otherwise sad dorm walls with a cute set of posters. If you feel like putting on your HGTV hat and leveling up, you could even frame them all and turn it into a gallery wall!
Conceal all your dirty laundry with this chic hamper lid that can even turn your basket into a side table.
Clean out your powder-covered makeup bag and trade it in for this gorgeous rotating cosmetics/skincare organizer. It'll hold all of your products and look so cute on your desk. You could even use it to organize your perfumes or jewelry!
If there was ever a time to buy a pack of new towels, heading off to college is it. This plush set is exactly what you need to make your dorm experience so much more luxurious—whether you have an en-suite bathroom or you’re roughing it in the communal showers.
Speakers are great (when used at a chill volume, ppl!) for playing music while studying or getting ready for a GNO. This waterproof pick from JBL comes in a ton of different colors, like this darling baby pink.
PSA: Shower shoes are a must if you're going to be dealing with communal bathrooms. These cloud pillow slides get the job done, and they double as pool/beach shoes once school is no longer in sesh.
Why get boring, basic white hangers when you can get chic velvet ones equipped with better grip?? They're designed to handle up to 18 pounds, meaning they can handle your heavy winter coats with ease.
Dorm beds? Yeah, they're definitely not the comfiest things in the world. For an easy fix to make yours feel more plush, place a foam topper between the mattress and the fitted sheet.
Typically, you won't be allowed to light candles in your dorm room. Fire hazard and all! Instead, use this candle warmer to fill the room with a cozy ambiance and the scent of your choice, sans flame.
Utility hooks are arguably some of the most useful things to have handy in a dorm room, and Command hooks are a popular option since they require zero nails to install. Use them to hang lights, handbags, towels, kitchenware, and more.
Not that you need laundry detergent by fragrance brand DedCool, but it'll make your clothes smell so nice, and it'll look much nicer on your shelf than a gigantic plastic jug of neon detergent!
Waking up for class after a short night's sleep or an afternoon nap won't be that hard when you have this beautiful (and super modern!) alarm clock at your bedside. It also plays white noise and brown noise, to drown out the sound of someone blasting music down the hall at three in the morning.
Lugging your laundry down to the communal washing machines can be a real pain, which is why this wheeled basket is perfect for college and beyond. The lid will keep any less-than-lovely odors contained.
Believe me, you're gonna need a toolbox handy. Just trust. This set comes with everything from measuring tape and pliers to a wrench and adjustable screwdriver for hanging pictures, setting up furniture, and everything in between.
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