Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Make this Dorm a Home!
35
items Moving out and into a new dorm or apartment can be so scary! One way I found to help reduce some of the dreaded homesickness we are all bound to feel was by making my dorm as cozy as possible! I was lucky enough to have an apartment-style dorm, so I ...
Sections
4
Bedroom
Bathroom
Kitchen
Cleaning Supplies and Miscellaneous!
Bedroom
This will be your zen space!
Okay, if there is anything I learned during my time at college it is that 1. dorm beds are horribly uncomfortable, and 2. they are horribly hot. So dont make the same mistake as I did at first and GET A MATTRESS TOPPER! Preferably a cooling one. I ha...
4 INCH MINIMUM Mattress topper
This fan is small but mighty! She Single-handedly saved me from heat-stroke multiple times throughout the summer months! It has 5 speeds, is relatively quiet, and a remote so, I didn't have to lean my lazy butt over to the edge of the bed to adjust i...
Woozoo Fan
As someone who is incapable of remembering due dates' this was a lifesaver and a grade saver! Tip: Write any major assignments' due dates a few days before they are ACTUALLY DUE. I was able to trick my brain multiple times into actually believing tha...
Dry Erase Calendar Board
SO SO helpful! I own wayyyy to many clothes and dorm storage is WAYYY to limited. The cubbies were perfect for bras/ underwear/ swimsuits & socks. Also they are removable so you can take some out and use the flat shelves for shoe or sweater stora...
Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer
I love having cotton sheets! These are so light and breathable for a sweaty sleeper like me! Also these fit Perfectly over my mattress even with the added height from my mattress topper!
100% Cotton Sheets
One of the best purchases I made for my bedroom, HANDS DOWN. For some reason, whoever designed dorm beds, conveniently placed the cross-beams at the exact same height as the outlets, making it impossible for your bed to sit flush against the wall wit...
Protector Flat Extension Cord
These storage bags made moving in and out so easy! I used them to move all of my clothes, and they hold so much more than they appear to! They also fold up really small for when you are not using them. I kept one out and stored it under my bed with l...
Underbed Storage Bag
I loved having these for extra things I couldn't find a place for. Super easy to throw stuff in and store under your bed quickly before room checks!
13" x 13" Fabric Bin
Bathroom
This makeup bag is perfect for everyday use. Surprisingly good quality considering the price. I love the little pouch it comes with inside for some of my smaller items. I don't own a ton of makeup so i did not feel like a big bag with 100 compartment...
Makeup Bag!
I'm putting this in the bathroom section because its makeup related, but I actually put it in my bedroom. I didn't get this until the end of my spring semester but I wish I had gotten it sooner. The lighting in my dorm (and pretty much every dorm eve...
Lighted Makeup Mirror
I would not consider this an absolute necessity. If your dorm has a shower, it will most likely come with a shower curtain. Butttt its one of those gross hospital style curtains that constantly look dirty and sad. So I do not regret buying this at al...
Floral Shower Curtain
Good to have, especially if you are in communal bathrooms. I wouldn't want other people's strange germs on my toothbrush. Also for good to have for weekend trips or overnights at your partner's place!
Toothbrush Cover Cap
The narrow ones were perfect utensil holders in my kitchen, and the others went in my bathroom and at my desk! So helpful for keeping things tidy in the drawers.
8pc Plastic Drawer Organizer Set
Hands down, the best straightener I've ever owned! I use this for both straightening and curling my hair, and I get compliments on my hair all the time! Doesn't tug or tear as it passes and leaves my hair feeling so smooth!
T3 SinglePass Smooth X Professional Flat Iron
Kitchen
Okay think about it. You buy this one time, and within 16 days, you will have made your money back in all the money you saved not buying starbucks! Girl Math! The price is unbeatable. It takes less than 5 minutes to make a cup. Once you get the hang ...
Espresso Machine: THIS THING SAVED MY LIFE
You dont need anything fancy. I love to cook and I have allergies so I cooked most of my own food rather than going to the dining hall so these definitely got use. I just prefer wood over plastic for cutting boards because of the plastic that flakes ...
Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen [Set of 3]
Pretty self-explanatory. You need a bowl. No more than 2 per person, I would recommend plastic, especially if you don't have a full kitchen. Also if you are living with roommates, and there is the risk of other people breaking your stuff. MAKE SURE Y...
Plastic Cereal Bowl - Room Essentials
Again, self-explanatory. Don't buy too many. It's not necessary.
Plastic Dinner Plate - Room Essentials
My roommates and I all ended up getting these. Just thought they were cute! We drank our coffee out of them every morning from the amazing beautiful espresso machine <3333
Monogram Mug Ivory
Good quality and affordable. I would recommend having at least 2 of the essentials (plates, bowls, cups, silverware)!
Silverware Set for 2
Call me crazy, I cannot stand drinking coffee out of anything metal, so my stanley cup was not gonna work when I was drinking coffee on the go. Super nice to have a to go cup for my coffee or other drinks when I was running late for class! (almost ev...
Glass Coffee Cup w/ Lid
You really won't need more than a few good knives. Please make sure they have covers though. We dont want to risk anyone cutting themselves while digging through drawers!
Kitchen Knife Set with Cover
I can't stand the sound of metal scratching my pots and pans, so silicone it is!
11-Piece Silicone Kitchen Utensil Set
I was shocked at how often I needed these! Also, having the magnet made them so easy to find and store on the refrigerator.
Chip Clips (with magnets)
Cleaning Supplies and Miscellaneous!
Please don't forget cleaning supplies. You will need them. The dorms are never clean at move-in, and you are bound to make some messes throughout the year. You don't have to get anything fancy with these, just the basics. I recommend getting a small ...
Don't forget this, please. Clean your toilet. Also don't spend too much, I just threw mine out at the end of the year because who wants to travel home with a dirty toilet brush in their car??
Toilet Brush and Holder
Perfect for mirrors, windows, your lighted desk mirror and sink handles!
Glass Cleaner - 32 fl oz - Dealworthy™
I love these more than detergent pods! Sometimes the plastic pac doesnt fully dissolve and ends up stuck on your clothes and is so hard to get off with laundry pods but I have never had that happen with these! Also much more biodegradable aka better ...
Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets
Basically, reusable dryer sheets! My clothes are noticeably softer when I use these, and they help stop any pilling on more delicate clothes! If you want a little scent, put a few drops of essential oils on them before tossing them in the dryer and y...
Wool Dryer Balls XL 6-Pack
I am a neat freak when it comes to the kitchen, so this was used every single day on our countertops and kitchen table. It also smells delish, so that was a plus!
Clorox Disinfecting All Purpose Cleaner
Self explanatory. I used this in both the toilet and the sink. I just think it gets a better clean!
Seventh Generation Mint Toilet Bowl Cleaner
I love Swedish dishcloths! They get such a good clean and last forever! I always kept one in my kitchen and one in my bathroom for surface wipe-downs. To wash them just throw them in the dishwasher or laundry with your other towels (but avoid the dry...
5 Pack Swedish Dishcloths
I prefer these for cleaning the shower/ sink. They are inexpensive and get a good clean without risk of scratching anything. Avoid those damage fees at all costs!
Heavy Duty Scouring Pads - 4ct
You will most likely be sharing a bathroom. Nobody wants to be touching another persons nasty germs when its their turn to clean, ew!
Medium Household Rubber Gloves with Cotton Liner
I love that this one has a hole at the end, so I was able to hang it on the back of my pantry door!
Broom with Dustpan
I don't like just the Swiffer for sweeping, but it gets the job done for mopping. When you are so limited on space, a bucket for a solid mop is not realistic.
Swiffer Sweeper 2-in-1 Dry + Wet Floor