As a recent UCLA college graduate, here are some things I bought and used in my college dorm and apartment! This includes functional products and some decor that I personally used either in my 6 person suite dorm or my 3 person-1 bedroom apartment.
Sections
6
Bedroom
Kitchen
Bathroom
Decor
Stationary
Misc.
Bedroom
For my glasses and phone! Most used item in my room
Bedside Shelf for Bunk Bed & Top Bunk
This was a must for my super uncomfy mattress
Twin Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Cheap twin bed mattress
Twin Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
Super useful for storage and not too hard to build
3-Tier Heavy Duty Utility Rolling Cart
This has worked great for my large collection of fun hanging earrings
Rotating Earring Holder Organizer
Super useful for doing my makeup at my desk (without having to turn the room light on)
Makeup Mirror with LED Lights
a mini trashcan helps keep your space clean!
6 Liter / 1.6 Gallon Compact Step Trash Can
Great if you need extra closet space or a jacket rack
Rolling Clothes Rack
a fabric alternative to a bunk bed shelf attachment
Bedside Caddy Hanging Organizer for Bunk
Saved so much space in my closet and made it easier to hang bottoms!
Pants Hangers with Clips, 6-Tier Organizer
Kitchen
A good pair of oven mitts are so important! I like the silicone versions
KitchenAid Silicone Oven Mitt Set
Used this all the time for quick one-serving drinks/breakfasts
Magic Bullet Blender
Don't forget the Brita! The water quality is usually terrible
Brita Water Filter Pitcher
So great for meal prep
1 Cup Silicone Freezer Trays with Lid
To keep my utensils separate (drainage holes so they won't rust)
Silverware Caddy
For my matcha lattes and chai lattes
Mini Milk Frother Wand
very cheap dinner set (for take-out or making snacks in dorm)
20pc Plastic Dinnerware Set - Dishwasher & Microwave Safe
better than plastic for an apartment (fighting the microplastics)
12pc Stoneware Dinnerware Set - Microwave & Dishwasher Safe
so cute for making a little matcha latte, for those aesthetic food pics
Drinkware - Dishwasher-Safe, Cold Beverages
better than a fully plastic set, great for both baking and cooking
10pc Wood and Silicone Tool Set
really just need a basic set of knifes!
Farberware 3 Piece Chef Knife Set
so versatile and great for faster (or lazier) cooking
KitchenAid Utility Shears
Bathroom
A must for the dirty apartment/dorm showers (if you have a private one!)
Bathtub Mat Non Slip
Spacious, cheap, and mesh keeps it less gross
Mesh Shower Caddy Portable
Definitely need multiple towels & towel sizes
Antimicrobial Bath and Hand Towel Set
Helped so much with cleaning the bathroom
Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablets
Each roommate used one shelf!
Corner Shower Caddy
Added color to my tiny bathroom!
Sage Green Waffle Shower Curtain
Decor
I'm actually obsessed with this rug! The green is such a warm pop of color in the space
Washable Area Rug 5x7
For checking my outfits! The cheap one I had warped
Full Length Mirror Wall Mounted
Easy to build and perfect if you need storage and have an empty corner
5 Tier Corner Display Rack
Tape that won't damage the walls and is easily removable
Scotch Removable Poster Tape
I've had this poster up for 4 years!
The Sea at Satta Wall Poster
a cozy blanket for couch decor and cold nights
Knitted Lightweight Throw Blanket with Tassels
A plant is the perfect way to brighten up the space
Artificial Palm Plants Leaves
Stationary
Absolutely love Muji stationary!
Pens and Pencils | Japanese Stationery
My personal favorite free note app
CollaNote
For when I didn't want to bring my computer to class or to have handwritten notes
iPad Case with Keyboard
Misc.
Just helps so much! Could not live without these (I only used the lavender scent)
In Wash Scent Booster
House Slippers for the Dirty Hallways
Womens Slipper with Memory Foam
For when I was too lazy to go to the gym
Neoprene Dumbbell
Great snack and a fun way to meet friends (offered these to my hall a lot)
Jin Jin Fruit Jelly Filled Straws
Love this projector, esp if you don't want to get a TV, great for movie nights
Upgraded Mini Projector
an absolute must have if you aren't allowed to use candles
Scented Gel Beads
a must have to keep your space clean and organized