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Going off to college is one of the most exciting, nerve-wracking, and exhilarating experiences of all. While there are a handful of unknowns ahead, one thing’s certain: You’ll need the best dorm room essentials to get you through each semester.
So to make your life easier (and to get you excited for what’s to come), we curated a list of stylish dorm room decor ideas (with plenty of suggestions from TikTok and customer reviews) that every college student needs to start the school year off right. Whether it’s your freshman year or you’re heading back to campus again, there's definitely a new item you can use to spruce up your small space.
Aside from coffee makers, printers, and mini-fridges, there are plenty of other uncommon dorm room essential items to add to your checklist. You'll need some comfy dorm room bedding (and a good mattress if you’re moving into an off-campus apartment) to make sure you get some much-needed rest. We also suggest adding a fan to your dorm shopping list, because most rooms don’t have an A.C. (unless it’s been recently renovated!). Storage containers will also come in handy to stow food, cleaning tools, chargers, and school supplies (we’ve also got a list of the best pens for you to try), including backpacks and totes. Not to mention, you'll need some less glamorous things like a laundry basket, power strip, trash can, and shower shoes.
The good thing is that you can snag these back-to-school basics for affordable prices at retailers like Target, Amazon, and Walmart. So, what are you waiting for? Take a look at everything you need to check off your college packing list now. Move-in day can’t come soon enough!
Our Top Picks
- Best dorm room essential from Amazon: Underbed Storage Container, $30
- Best dorm room essential from Walmart: Better Homes & Gardens Signature Soft 6 Piece Solid Towel Set, $38
- Best uncommon dorm room essential: Faux Fur Reading Pillow, $38
- Best dorm room essentials set: Mainstays 28-Piece Eco-Friendly Recycled Plastic Dinnerware Set, $30
- Best dorm room essential for food: Ziploc Endurables Container, $14
Dorm Living Essentials
There are a handful of living items that are crucial for college, so make sure to add them to your list ASAP. You'll need a laundry basket (go for one with wheels, so you don't have to carry it around) and tide-to-go pens for quick stain cleanups. Add you'll want to hang up your clean clothes right after, so get a stack of velvet hangers, which will help prevent your clothes from slipping off. You also can't go wrong with a handy dandy steamer, the Conair garment steamer will get rid of wrinkles in no time, which means you'll look like the presentable adult that you are.
The latest tech gear will also make your college life a whole lot easier. So invest in a good printer (it'll save you when you need to print out assignments, readings, or papers that must be handed in), an alarm clock, and a chic charging station (to charge your wireless earbuds, smartwatch, and cell phone all at once!).
While newer dorms have A.C., some don't have any, so we suggest snagging a desk fan to try to keep yourself cool during the summer.
Dorm Room Bed Essentials
A good night's sleep is imperative when it comes to waking up for that super early 8 AM lecture, so you'll want to use the softest mattress pad (we favor the Lucid memory foam pick) to help you fall asleep fast. Place one on top of your dorm bed and prepare to sleep soundly. You can also deck out your twin bed with a cute duvet set from Urban Outfitters, ultra-cozy Brooklinen sheets, and memory foam pillows to make your space feel like home.
Dorm Room Bathroom Essentials
Regardless of whether your dorm room has a shower in it or you have a communal bathroom, you're going to need a few items. Make sure to stock up on some Brooklinen super-plush bath towels, and cute shower shoes (make sure they have holes to drain the water, like the Doxila pick), and a warm robe (the modern waffle select is also lightweight).
If you want to add a bit more pizzazz to the bathroom, you can go for an elevated shower caddy, like the UUjoly pick below. It has a soft wooden handle and can carry quite a few products! You can also add a colorful bathmat to your favorite shower stall.
Dorm Room Storage Essentials
No matter how messy you might be, storage containers can help. They'll give everything a designated spot, which will help you stay organized in the long run. These under-bed storage containers are super compact and fit A TON. The StorageLAB set holds 60 liters ( which translates to more than 20 pieces of clothing). If you prefer a clear storage container, opt for the Underbex box from The Container Store. Each box has an easy-open, locking lid and come in cases of eight.
Need somewhere to store your shoes? We suggest going with a Whitmore hanging (you can easily attach it to the rod in a closet) or the Yamazaki standing shoe rack to make the most out of the limited space. And don't forget about your study space, keep all your school supplies and assignments organized with this box set and magazine file from IKEA. The little smiley faces are too cute!
Dorm Room Cleaning Essentials
Clean up all those chips you spilled on the floor and keep any dust or dirt at bay with this handy Black + Decker cordless duster vacuum. It works to remove hair, debris from carpets, furniture, and more. For bigger messes, we suggest going with the Bissell lightweight stick vacuum. It's designed to work on hard floors and carpet, and can be converted into a hand vacuum!
Dorm Decor Essentials
Make your dorm room your own with cute decorations like string lights from Amazon and a custom neon name sign from Etsy. Some dorm rooms also don't have mirrors, so opt for a slim over-the-door version or one that you can secure onto a wall (the adhesive tile mirror won't peel off any paint during the removal process). They won't take up any space, and you'll be able to do full-body 'fit checks whenever needed.
You will want to kick back and relax when you're not running from class to class. This inflatable glitter chair is excellent for both lounging and studying. Plus, it'll look cute in your room and give your friends extra space to sit. We also added a wooden aromatherapy diffuser becuase we know how stressful college life can be.
You'll also need a chair for your desk, and the armless swivel pick won't take up to much space. For a more plush feel, opt for the Milliard cozy chair, which features faux fur all over. A lamp for your desk is also necessary (it'll come in handy for those late-night study sessions!). And don't forget to add some art to the bare walls. We love the Lorien Stern tulip decals. You can place them anywhere you like to help brighten up your space. The Andy Blank gradient dot art print will also capture everyone's attention when entering your room!
Dorm Room Kitchen Essentials
You won't need to depend on the cafeteria when you have these cooking basics in your room. The reusable Hydro Flask water bottle and Nespresso coffee maker will be useful when you're running out the door to class. If you've got time to sip on your coffee while in your room, you'll love the Third Drawer Down mugs, the “I've Done Nothing” phrase hits hard for us.
Plus, you can store your favorite snacks like yogurts, ice creams, and other cold foods in this handy dandy Ziploc Endurables container. A set of portable utensils will save you from walking all the way to the dining hall to grab some plastic alternatives.
Whip up smoothies, dips, soups, and more in the easy-to-use Brandless Pro-Blender, or cook a simple homemade meal in the Instant Pot. If you've got access to a community kitchen, you can refill your water bottles using the Britta dispenser, which will help filter out toxic chemicals like lead, chlorine, and mercury.
School Supplies
You can count on some good ol' school supplies to get your studying done. Think academic planners (the Bando pick is too cute), office supplies kits (the Amazon set comes with 123 pieces!), and more. You can jot down notes, write down your manifestations, or set your goals on the Samsung Galaxy tablet and carry your laptop to class in the adorable puffer sleeve.
