Whether you’re a freshman or returning student, this list will make living in the dorms a little easier.
Dorm Essentials
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The first day of college marks the start of a new chapter in your life, and if you plan to live on-campus, your living quarters are changing drastically. While exciting, you’ll no longer be sleeping on the same mattress and will have to carefully choose what music posters you plan to decorate your minimal wall space with. Whether you’re a freshman, undergraduate or even graduate student, there are some dorm room essentials that you need to make sure you have by your move-in date.
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Your dorm room will be more than just a place for you to sleep; it will act as a spot for hanging out with friends, studying and just lounging during your free time. That’s why it’s essential to create a space that’s both comfortable yet shows off your personality.
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Back-to-school deals are currently going on, with everything from comfortable pillows, laptops and bedding discounted for a budget-friendly cost. You can take advantage of discounts and promos that’ll help you stock up on all the dorm room essentials. That way, you can kick off your first day of college feeling prepared and comfortable.
Keep reading to discover where to find dorm room supplies.
What Are the Best Dorm Room Essentials?
To help you stock up on the best dorm room essentials for college, ShopBillboard did the digging and created a list of must-haves to shop below.
Amazon
mattress topper
LinenSpa Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Your university-provided mattress is not going to be hotel-grade, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it cozier. This mattress topper is a No. 1 best seller on Amazon for mattress toppers with more than 40,000 purchased this month, so far. The design comes with a 2-inch thickness for added cushioning as well as a gel material that’ll help relieve pressure and conform to your body’s curves.
Walmart
laundry bag
OUDXVEE College Laundry Bag
Make laundry day easier with this multipurpose laundry bag that can transform into a backpack. It comes with a roomy interior that can hold up to 45 liters of laundry and has a drawstring top to keep your clothes and bedding secure. Another notable feature is the pocket for storing your laundry detergent.
Amazon
bedside shelf
BedShelfie Bedside Shelf
Save space but keep your bedside must-haves close with this compact bedside table. The BedShelfie can snap onto your bed frame and features a flat surface with enough space to put your phone and tablet while the built-in cupholder lets you hold your nighttime glass of water.
Target
table lamp
Threshold Faux Marble Mini Table Lamp
Rather than accept the harsh florescent lighting of your dorm, this chic table lamp will provide a soft glow when you’re winding down for the night. It comes with a faux marble texture to add some style to your space and comes in three patterns to pick from.
Walmart
bedding set
Mainstays Reversible Bed in a Bag Comforter Set
For less than $50 you can get all the bedding you can possibly need. Walmart’s bed in a bag comes with a reversible comforter, pillowcases, a flat sheet and a fitted sheet to effortlessly give you a complete bed set.
Amazon
bed risers
Butizone Bed Risers
Make room for all of your belongings by adding some bed risers to your bed. There are three heights to pick from and as an added bonus, these come with built-in outlets and USB plugs giving you additional spots to plug in your electronics.
Urban Outfitters
bath mat
Tiger Bath Mat
Urban Outfitters’ tiger bath mat is ready be the statement piece of your bathroom. It comes in the shape of the animal and includes a soft and fluffy material that’ll swaddle your feet in comfort while absorbing water.
Target
storage cart
Brightroom Metal Utility Cart
Incorporating a storage cart is essential for storing your knick-knacks and toiletries without leaving your desk looking cluttered. Target’s version is made from a metal material and a three-tier design making it small-space friendly. The included wheel also make it easy for moving it from place to place.
Target
shower caddy
Room Essentials Mesh Shower Caddy
Rather than have your toiletries precariously stacked in your hands, this shower caddy will carry it all and more while leaving you with extra hand space. The mesh material is breathable and quick-drying while the perimeter features a variety of pockets for storing all your shower essentials.
Cozy Earth
towel set
Waffle Bath Towel Set
Dry off with these plush waffle towels that are crisp and absorbent. The set is 20% off and comes with a total of eight towels including four washcloths, two hand towels and two large towels.
Dormify
storage ottoman
Round Sherpa Storage Ottoman
Elevate your dorm room with this stylish ottoman that comes with secret storage. The exterior shows off a soft teddy material that’s available in a variety of colors paired with accents of gold. When you take the lid off, you’ll be met with empty space to put all your small belongings.
Amazon
Portable Fan
Honeywell QuietSet Personal Table Fan
Cool down with this portable fan that’s both compact and on sale for 69% off. You can customize the speed and temperature using the buttons on the front. Other features include the ability to put a timer on as well as make it oscillate.
Walmart
under bed storage
Under Bed Storage Bags (4-Pack)
These under bed storage bags will help keep your closet from overflowing. Made with fabric and clear plastic materials, the storage bags come in a 4-pack that you can fill with clothes, towels and jackets. The clear edges will allow you to see exactly what’s inside while the built-in handle means you can easily pull out the bag when you’re looking for that one sweater.
Target
mirror
Room Essentials Over the Door Mirror
Check out your OOTD before you head to class with the help of Target’s over the door mirror. The design comes in a range of frame colors to pick depending on your style preferences and includes two hooks to attach and hang over your door.
Quince
throw blanket
Cotton Fisherman Throw
Complete your bedspread with a soft throw blanket like this luxe one from Quince. The style comes with a cozy knit texture made from a cotton material that’s breathable yet will keep you comfortable on cooler days.
Walmart
hangars
Better Homes & Gardens Velvet Clothing Hangers (100-Pack)
Avoid having clothes fall onto the floor with this 100-pack of velvet hangars. The body comes with a soft velvety material that’ll help keep your tops, dresses and more apparel in place while the metal top can twist around to easily hang clothing in the direction you want.
The Container Store
shoe storage
Hanging Shoe Organizer (10-Slots)
Space is a luxury that not every dorm room is equipped with, which means you’ll need to get creative with your storage. This shoe organizer can be hung up in your closet and uses a fabric material that’s easy to fold and move to your liking. There are also 10 slots to store your shoes without leaving your space feeling cluttered.
For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best wearable blankets, vinyl record player accessories and spring break travel gear.
