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a guide to survive dorming
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items I'm a college sophomore about to be a junior and I've lived in the dorms for both years! These are some staples I have in my dorm room that I cannot live without. (NOT COMPLETED)
Sections
9
Bedding
desk
school supplies and electronics
decor
cleaning
random things you don't think of
Bedding
everything on my bed that makes it so cozy (i like my bed at my dorm more than home)
BEST blanket i ever bought. I wanted to change my aesthetic up this year for my dorm and this was an amazing purchase to do that. it's so soft and comfortable and keeps me SO warm during the winter months and I'm a Wisconsin college girly.
60x80 Ultra-Soft Fuzzy Faux Fur Twin Blanket
love these sheets a lot. they're super cute and comfy! literally so cute dont even get me started
3-Pcs Soft Fitted Sheet Sets Lovely Sheet Set 2 Pillowcase And 1 Mattress Protector 30cm Deep Modern Mattress Cover Bed Pad Pillow Cover for All Bed Sizes Twin Full Queen King Single Double Bedding Set — Shein
i have these in pink and its perfect for my bed. it fits the theme so perfectly!
2-3pcs 100% Polyester Plaid Bow Bedding Set (1 Fitted Sheet, 1/2 Pillowcases) | Shein US
bedding!
Solid Color Fitted Sheet - 1pc | Shein US
desk
everything desk wise or in my drawers!
best mirror ever bought. I've had this since the start of the freshman year and its PERFECT. it fits nicely on my desk without taking up a lot of space and the lights are wonderful. there's different light settings and you can make it dimmer or brigh...
Vanity Mirror with Lights, 3 Modes, 10X Magnification
Had since the beginning of freshman year and I've changed the filter only a couple times. this is a 100% NEED in the dorms. the air is not good in these buildings and the amount of times this has saved me from sickness is genuinely insane. Once I was...
AROEVE Air Purifier for Bedroom Home MK01
i love this holder. its super cute and its small enough to not take up much space on my desk. its great!
Mkono Macrame Makeup Brush Holder Boho Organizer
i LOVE this thing. I didn't have this freshman year, but this is such a good thing to add this year. it fits all my books nicely as well as figurines i have, legos, flowers, etc. It adds so much character to my room and I'm SO glad I got it.
REIBII Desk Hutch for Monitor Up to 27" with RGB Light, 6 Shelves, White
i bought this back when it was so popular on tiktok back in 2023. I STILL use it. they were not lying with how good it is. I don't use the fun attachments so much, but I do use the brush, the big wand, and the medium wand ALL the time.
Wavytalk 5-in-1 Curling Wand Set Rose Gold
i fit all my makeup brushes in here very nicely! its super cute and small but do beware it is ceramic so it will break on you if you drop it.
Honey Jar-Shaped Milk White Storage Container - Best Gifts | SHEIN US
this is where i put all my pencils, magnets, and all of that stuff. it fits tons of things on it and its super cute. it even spins!
1pc Desktop Student Dormitory Drawer Organizer Box, Pen Holder, Makeup Brush and Cosmetics Organizer, Creative Rotating Pen Cup
i literally use this all the time while im doing homework and stuff so i can listen to a podcast or something in the background
Desktop Adjustable Folding Rabbit-Shaped Tablet Stand - 1pc | Shein US
NEED. i use these and separate my makeup nicely in my drawer. for sure a need if you're messy like me.
Clear Plastic Drawer Organizer Set — 4 Sizes for Desk, Bedroom & Office Storage (Makeup, Jewelry, Gadgets)
school supplies and electronics
must haves to be an academic weapon!
this is a notebook i swear by. so many pages and i used literally the whole thing for one of my classes. This notebook has squared lines which is what i prefer for my science and math classes so its perfect!
SUNEE Spiral Notebook, 1-Subject, College Ruled, 8x10.5, 100 Sheets, Green
I got this mouse recently since I'm a new mac book user, and its great for my mac book! I love how easy it is to use, its quiet, and the sensitivity is great for what I need to do on it. It's a great purchase for a mac.
PEIBO Bluetooth Wireless Mouse for Laptop MacBook PC
this was my first big girl purchase i ever made by myself. I'm on a payment plan for around $40 a month which is so affordable for me as a college student. it works amazingly and so smooth. I love all the customization mac gives you, and it runs fast...
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13.6" M4 Chip 16GB 256GB Sky Blue
genuinely the best overhead headphones ever. I have two pairs and not because one stopped working, its because its THAT good. I have to charge these maybe once a week (since I use them SO much and sometimes sleep with them on too). If you're going to...
JLab JBuds Lux ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
this is not something you NEED but as a girl who loves to game and has horrible vision this is amazing for me. It's a perfect size and the quality is great.
KTC 24" FHD 1080P 100Hz VA Gaming Monitor
absolute NEED if you're writing notes on your iPad. I use this genuinely everyday. its perfect for writing, and it reminds me of a pencil. super easy to change the tip too!
Upgraded Replacement Tips for Apple Pencil (6 PCS)
to add onto the pencil tips, this is a need for notetaking on your iPad. genuinely it was so hard to write notes until I got this. It does feel like paper and my handwriting is 100% better using this.
MOBDIK 2 Pack Paperfeel Screen Protector for iPad 10.9"
I use this case still, not so much the keyboard since I have a mac. the keyboard is perfect for students who don't have money for both. the case protects my iPad so nicely, and believe me, I've dropped my iPad too many times to count. It's also super...
FINTIE Keyboard Case iPad Air 11-inch M3/M2
decor
everything i have in my room!
this has so many sized command strips and its great for the dorm. it doesn't leave behind any damages and i personally love the Velcro one, i feel like they hold so much better.
Command Variety Pack: 10 Pairs Strips, 6 Wire & 8 Utility Hooks
battery operated and super cute. it fits my beachy theme so well and they're even a timer! They're also really nice quality and if they fall they won't automatically break. INVEST!
Ocean Conch LED String Lights, 9.18ft, 10 LEDs
i feel like are you really a college student if you don't have vines in your dorm? I love these, just adds so much character to my room.
Fake Vines 12 Pack 84ft Artificial Ivy Garland
super bright and perfect for that ambient lighting. I HATE the big light and these are great for me.
JMEXSUSS 200 LED Warm White String Lights
ive had these lights since freshman year and they've held up well on me! It's battery operated and I've only changed the batteries out once. It's super nice, and is so much better than the big light!
Warm Light LED String Lights - 1.5M to 80M Round Ball Battery/String Lights for Garden, Outdoor, Christmas Decor, Camping, and Indoor Decoration
these are ADORABLE. i get complimented on these everytime someone comes in my room. they're around the size of a polaroid and it's such a cute touch to have all my friends and family in my room all over my fridge.
Colorful Magnetic Photo Frames Set (10 or 5) – 3-Inch Refrigerator Magnets for Photo Display, Fuji Film Compatibility, Home Office Decor, Valentine’s Day & Gift Ideas
i love getting posters on shein to be honest. they're cheap and super cute. I'll just list a couple of posters on here so you get the idea, and maybe it fits along with your aesthetic!
Contemporary Canvas Art Print - Summer Beach Poster, Cute Bikini Bowknot, Coastal Chic Wall Decor for Bedroom & Living Room (No Frame)
i bought this this year for my dorm and i have my mom, brother, and animals right next to my bed. it helps me when im homesick, and the framing is super cute
2-In-1 3-In-1 4-Inch Vintage Green Creative Hanging Wall Decor Photo Frames – Suitable for Living Room, Bedroom, Holiday Gifts, Birthday, Graduation
so cute. i love these hanging along with my lights. they're small but big enough to add a cutesy little touch
Pre-String Knitted Felt Ball Garland — 6.5ft Colored Decor for Mardi Gras, Easter, New Year, Valentine, Christmas, Home & Office
another cute poster!
Five More Minutes Print - Stay in Bed Pink Aesthetic Wall Art, Girly Dorm Room Decor, Homebody Poster (Unframed)
poster!
Vintage Sardines Canvas Art Print - Unframed Retro Italian Food Illustration for Kitchen & Dining Room Home Decor Gifts
unfortunately wouldnt let me add the photo of the poster here so just trust me and go look at it on the website!
Espresso Poster - Vintage Morning Coffee Wall Art for Kitchen, Living Room, Bedroom | Couple's Gift Canvas (Framed)
perfect to store kleenex in if you dont want the cardboard ones!
Creative Cream Tissue Holder - Table Decoration, Plastic Tissue Box for Living Room & Dining Table - Luxury Home Decor, Hotel & Gift Idea
i just love this little guy hes super cute
Balloon Dog Statue - Cute Handmade Animal Figurine for Living Room Desktop Decor
i love this thing because its plastic so if i accidentally drop it (which i have) it wont break on me! its super cute with my fake flowers too!
Ceramic-Look Plastic Vase – White, Unbreakable Tulip/Rose Flower Decor for Home & Living Room
super cute and pretty realistic fake tulips! I love it!
10 Pcs Artificial Tulips – Simple PU White Home Artificial Flowers for Decoration, Centerpiece & Outdoor Garden Decor | Shein
my second fake flowers!
3pcs Artificial Tulip, Fake Plants, Fall Decor - Room, Desk, Garden Decor, Room Decoration Stuff
please click on the website because this ALSO isnt the poster.
One-Piece Classic TV Show Poster Print – All Stories Ultimate Dictionary Page Home Decor Oil Painting Unframed
poster!
I Live in Books: Motivational English Phrases Poster - Modern Wall Art with Wooden Frame
cleaning
must have cleaning items
just invest in the big bulk bag. I haven't had to buy a new one yet at ALL. I have so many trash bags left. trust me, SAVE your money and buy the big bulk.
Amazon Basics 13 Gallon Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, Fresh Scent, 80 Count
this has saved me. I used blue bags last year and I'm telling you I almost died. This has saved me so many trips, it fits so much clothes. INVEST IN THIS.
Dalykate 115L Laundry Backpack Hamper
you're going to need this. you might think no i don't need this, but I promise even without a roommate I needed it. It just helped me have better days when my room smelled nice and you never know when something will stink in there, your fault or not!
Febreze Air Mist Air Freshener Spray, 8.8oz, 3 Count
you NEED a good all-purpose all-surface cleaner. this will save you so much hassle and buying 20 different products. this is a need and it smells nice!
MRS. MEYER'S Multi-Surface Cleaner, Fresh Cut Grass, 16oz
another thing to just buy in bulk. I've used maybe half of my first Clorox wipe box. you need these for surfaces. it's amazing
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Variety Pack, 75 Ct, 3 Pack
my windows in the dorm are HORRIBLY dirty. this helps me get into those hard to clean places and i swear ive pulled out mold from this
1pc-3pcs Detachable Window Track Brush and Glass Groove Cleaner for Windows, Sinks, Vents, Cabinets - Essential Home Cleaning Tool
need for mirrors, windows, screens, etc. my life saver every single month when I do a deep clean.
Windex Glass & Window Cleaner Spray, 23oz
don't do what i did and forget to buy these. you will have a water bottle and it will have a straw. you need to clean the straw. I had to borrow my best friends everyday because I didn't buy one. do yourself a favor and buy it.
Straw Brush Nylon Pipe Cleaner 8.2in Set 10
my dorm is up 14 floors and i kid you not my windows were not viewable until i used this.
Sprayway Glass Cleaner Foaming Aerosol 19oz, 2-Pack
again something that you need. you need to clean your dishes and this has a rough and squishy side. these work for literally anything and you don't have to replace them too often.
3-in-1 Temperature-Sensitive Heart Smiling Face Scrubbing Sponges | Double-Layer Non-Scratch Kitchen Cleaning Pad with Holder | Multi-Surface Safe Dish Scrubbers for Modern Kitchen Sink
random things you don't think of
you wouldn't think of this stuff but I promise you need it.
these are great chip clips and clips for anything you want to hang on your wall. these work for multiple things and you'd never even think of getting them but trust me, I use them all the time
Chip Clips PVC-Coated Steel, 16 Pack, 2 Inch
at my school and most universities you need your ID for everything. this is magnetic and it has an easy access divot in the back to slide your ID out of. it holds around 3-4 cards and it's genuinely so helpful so I don't need to take my wallet out to...
Magnetic RFID Leather Wallet for iPhone 17-12
as a woman, this is a need. you don't want to stuff pads and tampons in your bag and then have to dig for them. this is a perfect little case to store those in. it fits about 5-7 pads, and about the same amount of tampons. I also fit little one use w...
Minimalist Waterproof Sanitary Pads Storage Bag – Portable Large-Capacity Pouch for Pads, Panty Liners, and Tampons with Boho Vibes
this i have directly next to my fridge, i hang my towels off of it, and then my dishes are on top of it, with my brita, air purifier, and other cleaning stuff along with it. its small in width so it fits nicely in my room!
SONGMICS 3-Tier Bamboo Over-The-Toilet Storage Rack — Adjustable Shelf, Space-Saving Bathroom Organizer, Easy Assembly
you need a makeup or hair bag. this is the one that i use and i use it when i go out of town or anything like that. it makes for such easy storage
Cute Blue Bear Pattern Large-Capacity Multifunction Cosmetic Bag – Travel Makeup Pouch, Clutch with Zipper, Lipstick, Brush, Skincare, Phone, Coin Organizer, Back-to-School Wallet Pouch
kitchen / mini fridge + microwave
everything kitchen or microfridge!
I love these bad. so easy to clean, microwavable, and big enough for everything. it also comes with little boxes to put utensils in so you can bring those to class. they're amazing and have such cute colors!
28 Pc Wheat Straw Dinnerware Set, 4 Plates, Bowls, Cups
i used this as extra space for decor on the top and a place to store my snacks, dishes, etc. it's great and easily comes apart. it fits so much stuff in it!
Fabric Storage 4-Drawer Dresser Organizer
I used the little pouches on the side to store my utensils, the middle to store first aid, the bottom for coloring stuff, and the top is my nightstand that holds anything I need for bed. its so good.
danpinera 3-Tier Mobile Rolling Cart Pink
this is HUGE. I had the mother brita compared to my friends. It genuinely is so good and it fills up super fast. the filters arent that expensive to change either! it holds SO much water.
Waterdrop Water Filter Pitcher, 7-Cup, Pink
these are great for lunches when youre on the go all day. fits a sandwich and then some little snacks along with it. i totally recommend these when youre out of the dorm all day.
7-Pack Clear Lunch Snack Containers with Multicolor Lids – Bento Box with Dip Pot, Stackable, Portion-Controlled, Reusable for Snacks, Fruits, Lunchables, Picnics, Camping
more sponges!
5pcs Cleaning Sponge Blocks
closet
when i did research for my dorming adventures i found out that velvet hangers allow your closet to fit more clothes. When you're sharing a dorm room, you get limited closet space and I kid you not I hung up more than 50 items (hoodies, dresses, shirt...
10Pcs ABS Clothes Hanger – Minimalist Plain Hangers for Home (Shein)
these are perfect for purses and bags to hang up. i for sure suggest these if you go out a lot and have some mini bags!
5-Pack Purse Hanger Hook – Acrylic Bag Holder for Handbags, Purses, Totes & Backpacks | Closet Organizer & Storage
super great for the shoes to be on. works perfect under the racks
Stainless Steel Multi-Layer Shoes Storage Rack – Versatile Organizer for Living Room, Bathroom, Dorms | Shein
bathroom
I lived in a dorm room where it was suite style living throughout campus, so I shared a bathroom with about 5 girls including myself. I would still say even if you don't have communal showers to use these. The flooring on campus is dirty, and you rea...
Unisex Bathroom Slippers with Hollowed-out Water Leak Design for Indoor Shower - Summer Collection
i used these for q-tips, cotton pads, flossers, etc. they were a perfect size and fit a lot of material in there. I suggest these if you're trying to keep your stuff organized. this for sure helped me get organized when living in the dorms!
Cotton Swab Dispenser with Bamboo Lid — Transparent Plastic Storage Box for Cotton Swabs, Cotton Balls, Dental Floss | 1pc/4pcs/6pcs Medicine Organizer