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College Freshman Dorm Essentials

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Everything I would recommend college freshmen to have in their dorms as a current freshman!
 
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Definitely get an air purifier! I kept mine working almost every day and didn’t get sick once. Getting sick in college is no joke!
Portable Air Purifiers for Basement Bedroom & Living Room
 
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These can help you with extra storage space under your bed, but definitely check if the height of your dorm bed can be adjusted first! There’s no need to buy them if the bed had a height-adjusting mechanism.
Home It Adjustable Bed Risers - 3, 5, 8 Inch
 
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Extra storage and seating for guests! I’ve heard some people say they also use their ottomans to get up on their beds more easily, especially if they’re pretty high.
Ottomans & Storage Ottomans
 
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I love having a rolling cart next to my bed for makeup supplies, snacks, and other things I might need quick access to!
Storage & Utility Carts - Rolling Kitchen & Bath Carts
 
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The amount of outlets in your dorm will likely be limited, so make sure to get extension cords!
Extension Cords
 
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Most dorms don’t come with desk lamps, so getting one that either takes up little space or has USB and Type-C outlets would be the best option to clear up space on your desk.
Desk Lamp
 
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Even if you’re not on the top bunk, these things can save you from having to get up off your bed if you store your necessities in them!
Bedside Caddy
 
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Make sure to get a plastic one with holes! Mesh ones tend to get moldy super fast.
Plastic Shower Caddy
 
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You probably won’t have enough space to store all your shoes, so it’s best to get a shoe rack you can hang in your closet.
Hanging Shoe Organizers
 
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Especially if you’re going to school in a hot location, these will be a life saver. Since most dorm windows don’t open all the way, a fan is essential for cooling.
Woozoo 5-Speed Globe Fan
 
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Most schools don’t allow you to hang up things on your walls using nails, so command hooks are a lifesaver. You can hang up everything from your bags to your keys to photos using these.
Command hooks
 
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Great to keep track of everything that’s coming up! I would also recommend getting a small one that you can hang up on the outside of your dorm, it really helps with making friends (especially during welcome week).
Calendar Boards
 
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Great way to keep your accessories organized while also having them take up little space.
Jewelry Boxes
 
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A necessity. I would recommend the felt ones so your clothes don’t fall off easily.
Shop Amazon.com | Hangers
 
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You never know what might happen, so it’s a good idea to have a small first-aid kit. Better safe than sorry!
First Aid Kits
 
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A small mirror you can hang up on the wall or put on your desk is a lifesaver. Not only would the lighting to do your make up in be better, but a mirror would also be a lifesaver.
Desk Mirror With Light
 
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If you don’t have quick access to water, this is a must. You can fill it up from the communal water fountains and drink water whenever you want.
Brita
 
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Great in dealing with stains! Most people don’t talk about this, but it’s absolutely a necessity.
Tide To Go Pen Instant Stain Remover
 
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You can place them under your bed for extra storage.
Storage Bins
 
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Great for storing all your makeup products without taking up too much space.
Aveniee 3 Tier Rotating Makeup Organizer
 
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Helps save up space on your desk and keep your stationery organized.
Desk Organizer
 
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Can be used to store anything. I would bring at least 1 pack just to be safe.
Ziploc
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A small speaker can help you play music. If it’s an echo dot, you can also set alarms on it, which is a plus.
Echo Smart Speakers & Displays - Amazon
 
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Your room will get dusty, you’ll spill crumbs from your snacks on your bed… This vacuum will save your life.
Best Handheld Vacuums
 
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Especially for communal bathrooms, this is a necessity. You can wipe down any surface to get rid of the bacteria there.
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Value Pack
 
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Aside from the extension cords, definitely get one of these for your desk. You’ll need to plug in many things at once, and this’ll save your life.
Outlet Tower
 
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Make sure to get everything in Twin XL, as it is a standard in all dorms unless otherwise stated. This includes pillows, pillowcases, sheets, mattress protectors.
Dorm & College Bedding
 
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I recommend getting anything over 2 inches to be comfortable.
Mattress Topper
 
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I would recommend a Queen Size comforter if you don’t want to deal with a bedskirt. It’s also more comfortable when you’re sleeping.
Comforters & Comforter Sets - Quality & Affordable
 
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Can be used for both decoration and comfort.
Sofa & Throw Blankets
 
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This is crucial! Most people don’t talk about these, but they’ll save places such as the bottom of your bed and the inside of your closet from getting moldy.
DampRid
 
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A fridge is great for storing food, drinks, and so on. Make sure your mini fridge has a big freezer, though.
Upstreman 3.2 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer
 
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Most people prefer ambient lighting instead of the big light in their dorm.
Tsrarey Sunset Lamp Projector, 180° Rotation
 
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You can store your cardholder, keys, student ID, and more. This can prevent them from getting lost, which happens more often than you’d think.
Wristlets