If you are about to move into the dorms or are creating a Christmas list to stock up for essentials for next fall, here are some recommendations/things I wish I had that made my freshman dorm life easier!
Sections
6
helpful lists & videos
organization
clothing
bedding & comfort
tech/accessories
misc. / other
helpful lists & videos
read up on this article if you have time!
College Dorm Must-Have Essentials - Darling Darleen | A Lifestyle Design Blog
read these so you don't miss anything!
Ultimate College Packing List: Essentials for Dorm Life...
In case I missed anything here's a checklist!
Dorm room essentials checklist, first year of college packing list, freshman dorm checklist, college packing list for her dorm room
I watched sooo many of these types of videos to help prepare!
ULTIMATE COLLEGE PACKING LIST 📦 (essentials guide for freshman year dorm + what to bring)
Another really good list of things, and I just really love this creator and you should def subscribe!!
DORM ESSENTIALS! 🌱 everything you should bring to college + dorm q+a!
organization
I literally had two of these, one for my snacks and one for the bathroom haha. Super convenient!
3-Tier Rolling Cart with Wheels
You are NOT allowed to damage the walls with nails, so these are a must if you want to decorate. I liked the Velcro-ish ones the best for hanging art and stuff!
Command Variety Pack
Its important to keep your study area organized to stay focused, esp if you are a design major like I was and have a lot of large projects!
Multi-Functional Dorm Room Organizer
I had something like these under my lofted bed, you can never have enough storage in my opinion!
70Qt Stackable Closet Organizer Bins 3 Pack
Perfect for shoes or random thinks that don't have a good space to store!
Heavy Duty Over The Door Organizer 5 Tiers
Heard of a lot of people using these as stools to get on their lofted beds, also is a good place to hide stuff you aren't supposed to have (wink wink)
Storage Ottoman Cube
Vertical storage is great! Using this looks nicer than just stacking everything on top of each other haha
Mini Fridge and Microwave Stand
I used one of these as a bed side table since they are higher than normal nightstands, you can also get bins for storage to have handy next to your bed!
3-Cube Bookshelf
Cute for a bookshelf and/or closet, you never realize how much you need to store until you are out of space to put things!
Storage Cubes
clothing
I had a backpack hamper and I was so jealous of the kids who had these, It just seemed to much easier than carrying a huge heavy bag filled with clothes!
Sterilite Ultra Wheeled Laundry Hamper with Lid
I neverrrr had enough room for my clothes so these were great!
Pants Hangers with Clips
Great space savers if you have a small closet or need to share! The different colors are nice to help organize for different occasions or seasons!
Closet Organizers and Storage
You probably wont have access to an iron and steamers don't really work imo, this is really convenient if you have to dress nice for something.
Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray
bedding & comfort
Those plastic beds are sooo uncomfy I had like two of these and it felt like sleeping on a cloud!
Memory Foam Mattress Topper
I would suggest getting a size larger than Twin XL so the bedding can drape over your bed to hide the storage mess that will definitely be under there!
Super Soft 100% Washed Microfiber Pink Duvet Cover
You need a cheap rug that will def be thrown out at the end of the year, dorm floors are hard and nasty!
Shag Area Rugs for Bedroom Living Room
tech/accessories
they usually only allow surge protectors in dorms! you also don't have a lot of outlets so getting an extender is a life saver!
Anker Power Strip Surge Protector
Nice for watching movies/doing HW in bed!
Adjustable Portable Foldable Bed Table for Laptop
You usually aren't allowed to light candles in your dorm so a warmer is a nice option if you still want some good scents!
Candle Warmer Lamp with Timer Dimmer
Also good alternative to lighting candles, I liked my color changing one for some fun ambiance!
Essential Oil Diffuser
misc. / other
Rather be safe than sorry!
BAND-AID Travel Ready Portable First Aid Kit
All the different outlets attached are super convenient, plus the overhead lighting is harshhhh you need some soft accent lighting to relax
Bedside Table Lamp - 3 Way Dimmable Touch, USB C & AC Outlet
I wish I had curtains in my dorm!! They are definitely a must and this set requires no drilling!
Curtain Rods No Drilling for Windows 32 to 45 Inch
Its great to have some place to sit that isn't your bed or desk
