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Level Up Your Dorm Room: Essentials Every College Student Needs
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items Starting a new school year is exciting, and especially so for starting a new year of college. Living in the dorms is an experience, sometimes a good one, and sometimes a not so good one. While you might not be able to control every aspect of what might make or break your dorm living experience, here are some items that can help tip it towards a positive one.
This mini waffle maker was a game changer for me in college! I didn't always have time (or enough meal swipes) to go to the dining hall for breakfast, and this allowed me to have a filling and nutritious breakfast. I'm not 100% certain if it meets fire code requirements, but doesn't matter; this is small enough to hide away. Pair this with the kodiak waffle mix on this list, and you will be able to have a great breakfast every day in college!
Dash Mini Waffle Maker
This is my favorite pancake/waffle mix in general, but especially so when I was in college. It tastes great and is high in protein. But the best part about it is that you only need water to add to the mix! Perfect for a college student, even if you don't have a mini fridge or something to house eggs and milk. Pair this with the min waffle maker also on this list, and you will be able to have a delicious breakfast every morning before class.
Kodiak Protein-Packed Flapjack & Waffle Mix Buttermilk - 20oz
If you have to walk yourself to the dorm bathrooms to shower, you're gonna need one of these. The shoulder strap will make it easy to carry, and the mesh will ensure it will dry out and not get gross. It has a ton of pockets so you can carry everything you need for your shower
Mesh Shower Caddy for Dorm Printed Pink - Room Essentials™
A mini fridge is a game changer to be honest, and you can't go wrong with this one. It has several shelves, and a little mini freezer. Perfect size for a dorm room! And it is on sale (as of 8/31)!
**SALE** Whirlpool 4.3 cu ft Mini Refrigerator Stainless Steel WH43S1E: Compact Dorm Fridge, Energy Star, Reversible Door, 2 Shelves
My college roommate had this mini fridge for our dorm room, and I loved it. I love the separate freezer section. We got so much use out of this one, highly recommend. And it is on sale (as of 8/31)!
**SALE** Whirlpool 3.1 cu ft Mini Refrigerator Stainless Steel WH31S1E: Energy Star Certified Dorm Fridge, Reversible Door, 2 Shelves
A cutie little baby fridge! If you really have no space in your dorm room, this is a good option. It could sit on your desk or in your closet or something. Doesn't hold tons, but enough for up to 6 cans. Could probably fit like leftovers and a soda can or two.
Kenmore 6 can Mini Refrigerator: Countertop Tiny Fridge for Skincare & Makeup, 40°F Cooling, Black, 0.14 cu ft Capacity
I have this cart currently, and I love it. I use it for storing books. This would have been perfect to have in college for storing school supplies or snacks or any other little odds or ends. Could also work as a night stand.
3 Tier Metal Utility Cart White - Brightroom™: Rolling Storage Trolley with Wheels, Powder-Coated Steel, 31.3" Height
An underrated college must have! You never know when a random project might come up, and this is perfect to have on hand. It has all the tool basics, and it's in pink!
Apollo Tools 135pc Household Tool Kit DT0773N1 Pink: Women's Tool Set with Chrome-Plated Hardware & Carrying Case
A first aid kit is a must have in college. College health centers are known for not being the best, and if you don't have a car, this is great to have on hand until you can go seek more advanced care. Safety first!
Band-Aid First Aid Kit - 160ct
If you're in college, you're bound to get sick. You can't let illness stop you though, and having some over the counter cold and flu meds on hand will help immensely. Good to stock up before you actually get sick.
Vicks DayQuil & NyQuil Severe Cold & Flu Medicine Liquicaps - 24ct
When cold season comes around, you're gonna want to be prepared. Cough drops are always good to have on hand. I like the honey and lemon flavor over cherry.
Ricola Max Cough Drops - Honey Lemon - 34ct
If you are prone to sinus infections like me, this is good to have on hand. Mucinex helps with loosening up any phlegm and can help clear up your airways. Good to have until you can go seek medical attention.
Mucinex DM Max Strength 12 Hour Cough Medicine - Tablets - 28ct
Dorm room closets are TINY, and you need to maximize space in any way you can. These hangers will help save space so you can bring all the outfits you want to college. So pack that cute you outfit, you have the space now!
Space Saving Hangers, 10PCS Magic Hangers, 5 Holes Sturdy Plastic Clothes Closet Organizers and Storage, Space Saver Organization, College Dorm Room Essentials (Black) - Walmart.com
These hanging shelves are great, I use them even after college. They actually fit a lot, and don't take up a lot of space. I've had mine for years and they've held up really well.
6 Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer Tan - Brightroom™
I have one of these currently post college, and I love it so much! If you have a lot of leggings, this saves so much space, especially in college where they don't give you a lot of storage. The shelves are actually pretty big, and I can fit two pairs of leggings in their sometimes. You could use this for other clothing items too, like t-shirts or something.
Foldable Leggings Organizer Clothes Portable Closets Roll Holder with 24-Compartment Storage Hanger for Leggings, Shirts, and Jeans (Grey) - Walmart.com
An ottoman is a great college room addition. I used mine to hold shoes or text books. It was great to have around because in addition to holding some of my stuff, it was an extra seat when people came over.
Collapsible Dorm Single Storage Ottoman Black - Room Essentials™: Upholstered, Textured Fabric, Wood Frame, Storage Lid
If you're in college, you're going to be drinking lots of coffee/tea. Since you're on the go, you need a good coffee cup. I personally love owala, and I love their coffee mugs since they're leak proof.
Owala 20oz SmoothSip Slider Coffee Tumbler
As a college student on the go, you're gonna need something a good water bottle to take with you. I love owala water bottles, they keep your water cold for hours and they're leak proof. And they have the cutest colors!
Owala 32oz FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Even if you have a dining hall meal plan in college, it never hurts to have some dinnerware on hand. These are microwave and dishwasher safe. Perfect for a college dorm!
16pc Plastic Dishware Set Gray - Room Essentials™: Dinnerware, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe, Service for 4
This little portable silverware kit has everything! All the normal utensils, plus a little knife to cut up fruits or other stuff. And it all comes in a handy little case.
Hecef Portable Travel Cutlery Set, 9 Pcs Black Titanium Plating Reusable Stainless Steel Flatware