since I’m done with dorm life, I thought I’d make a list for those of you who are soon to be moving in! here’s all you might need for the upcoming fall semester and back to school🍂🍁📚
Sections
5
bedding
tech
bathroom
stationery
decor + extras
bedding
I got this (twin XL) and I got another one for my apartment. It made my uncomfy dorm mattress feel like a cloud!
Lavender Mattress Topper
pick a theme and run with it! my roommate and I picked green and our dorm was super cute. we both got green bedding and bathroom supplies!
Twin Xl Quilt
get a few sets of sheets: you’ll be super busy joining orgs and meeting new friends that you’ll forget to do laundry!!
Twin Xl Sheets
GET. A. HEADBOARD!!! I can’t tell you how many times my pillows fell through the crack between my mattress and my wall. plus, it was super uncomfy. my roommate had one and I wish I got one!!!
Dorm Headboard
PILLOWS PILLOWS PILLOWS. If you want to feel at home, you need to make your space comfy. I did this with 4 pillows on my twin xl 🥰
Pillows
decor pillows! makes you feel at home to have some fun stuff.
Cute Pillows
get 2 of these and two normal pillowcases, or 4 of these! they are perfect for keeping your skin clear during this stressful, changing time!
Kitsch Silk Pillowcase
a mattress protector will stop all the creepy crawlies from getting into your mattress… and offer some extra stain protection!
Mattress Protectors
tech
if you have the money, I suggest buying a laptop and a tablet. if not, I 100% suggest a laptop over a tablet. it runs programs better in general and is just easier to navigate sometimes.
Macbook Air
for you stem freaks
Laptop Computers | Dell USA
the ipad air is a great choice for a light tablet to carry with you to class or study. I 100% suggest getting a keyboard or the apple pencil to go along with it.
Apple IPad Air
make sure you get the right apple pencil that is compatible with your ipad!
Apple Pencil
I thought I lost my apple pencil but it actually fell to the bottom of my bag… don’t be like me, get a holder for it when you’re not using it!
Apple Pencil Holder
these are my favorite headphones I’ve had. super chic, perfect for my walks across campus and essential for anyone doing schoolwork that requires audio. I wouldn’t suggest wearing them at night though— use different headphones that aren’t so visible.
Bluetooth Headphones & Wireless ...
if you’re not a over-the-ear headphone fan, or you just want a second option!
Airpods
most dorms get a desk, and I brought my monitor from home. it was so useful. I used it as a tv and for my schoolwork— which I needed it to edit videos, etc.
Monitors - Computers & Accessories: Electronics
I used one of these for my monitor to maximize my desk space!
Small Monitor Stand
I have this set in green and it’s so satisfying to use that it motivates me to do work sometimes! plus, ergonomics 🤓☝️
Cute Keyboard And Mouse
I brought my Apple TV to set up using my monitor! it was a bit tricky, but it was worth it!
Apple TV
speakers for your monitor, if you don’t have a roommate or for when you want to share a tv!
Speakers For Computer Monitor
this was a LIFE SAVER. especially when you can’t control your thermostat!!!
Clip On Bed Fan
necessary especially if you can’t control your thermostat or don’t have a bathroom fan (private bathroom)
Rotating Fan
bathroom
getting a small over-the-toilet storage unit would’ve been a smart decision for my roommate and I— if you have a private bathroom, I 100% recommend!
Over-the-Toilet Storage
I had two of these, one for my roommate and I to share in the bathroom and one for my desk! they were perfect.
Rolling Storage Cart
for yucky communal bathrooms!
Shower Shoes
this was perfect for sensory and practical purposes!
Non Slip Bath Mat
keeps the floor and your feet dry!
Bath Mat
one of these for near the sink is great for doing makeup, hair etc and standing for long periods of time.
Ergonomic Mat
full size toiletries are the way to go if you have a private bathroom— it lasts way longer!!!
Body Lotion Big Bottle
shampoo and conditioner. see my hair care routine for a detailed list of what I use!
Redken Hair Products
my signature scent
NATIVE Body Wash
get one of these if you have a communal bathroom, but ALSO if you share a private bathroom! it keeps your stuff organized and separate from your roomie’s!
Eudele Mesh Shower Caddy Portable for Dorm
stationery
get a desk organizer to maximize your desk space!
Desk Organizer
get a few notebooks just in case your profs want you to take handwritten notes. saves you a trip to the co-op! i love these decomposition notebooks.
Recycled Notebooks - Decomposition Book
some profs may require handwritten homework or notes in pencil
Mechanical Pencils / Pencils: Office Products
some profs may require you to write essays by hand or homework in pen
Pens
for color coding your notes
Colored Pens
these are my favorite
Zebra Pen Mildliner Double-Ended Highlighters
just a good thing to have in general
3-Pack 8" Heavy Duty Scissors, Sharp Blades
use my affiliate link to get your textbooks here!!
Amazon.com: Textbooks
I definitely needed a folder for handouts and other documents!
File Folders & Accessories
you think you won’t need one. you thought wrong.
Planner
decor + extras
gotta cover up those ugly dorm room walls/pipes/you name it
Tapestries / Home Décor Products
my roommate and I picked up a $10 lamp from the target near campus first week of school and I still have it in my apartment. cheap can be great!
Floor Lamps & Standing Lamps
you will need a desk lamp if you’re up late studying and your roommate is not!!!
Amazon Best Sellers: Best Desk Lamps
I brought my cheap victrola suitcase record player with me, and my roommate and I shared it. It was good to create a vibe for studying, unpacking, etc.
Suitcase Record Player
records for that player!!
Vinyl Record Store | Best Vinyl Records & LPs
get your picks!!
Vinyl Store: CDs & Vinyl
COMMAND HOOKS!!!!! you will need them. and you will never have enough.
Hooks For Dorm Room
the felt strips were great for hanging pictures and tapestries!
