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college supplies you'll ACTUALLY need.

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A simple list of items you'll need for college if you're living in a double. Freshmen-friendly! Mostly from amazon!
Sections
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essentials

Miscellaneous items you'll need everyday dorming in college!

 
Emily Celestia profile picture
This is the snack cart I used as a freshmen and will be using into my sophomore year. It fits perfectly under my NOT LOFTED bed and hold everything I need. It's extremely sturdy. I got the grey color!
3 Tier Heavy Duty White Metal Rolling Cart
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
If you have larger products I recommend this shower caddy! It holds a ton and is easily washable. I got the grey color!
JiatuA Plastic Storage Basket with Handle
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
I recommend target towel sets because they're high-quality and very affordable. You'll need PLENTY of towels in college.
4pk Antimicrobial Assorted Bath and Hand Towel Set
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Since the overhead light SUCKS I would recommend getting a lamp for the main light in the room. It's much better, especially if you're prone to headaches.
Coucrek LED Floor Lamp with White Shade
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
This is the ottoman I got for my dorm, and even though it is a little pricey… it is amazing quality. It hasn't broken for me, even after standing on it. It's very thick and comfortable for extra seating as well. I got it in grey. Holds a ton of stuff...
SONGMICS Round Storage Ottoman, 17.7 Dia.
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
This laundry hamper is so easy to use. The bag comes out, so you can carry it (has handles) or roll the whole thing to do laundry. I got it in grey. Very sturdy.
Goodpick Laundry Basket with Wheels ...
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Getting small storage bins are amazing for extra clothing or items that you don't want out or thrown in your closet.
216 cu in Mini Fabric Utility Storage Bin - 2pk - Brightroom
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
These are optional, but milk crates are great for cleaning supplies. I kept them on the top of my closet for extra storage.
Durable Plastic Milk Crates for Storage
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
You could get a woozo fan, but this one is cheaper and works just as well. Kept me cool when my dorm room had no air for weeks (yes, that can happen)!
DREO 12 Inch Bedroom Fan, 70ft Airflow, 25db Quiet
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
This nightstand was great for my double. It's not too big and has 4 drawers for storage. It is pricey, but I recommend one this size!
Yoobure LED Narrow Nightstand w/ Charging
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Instead of the long power strips, these work perfectly because it fits multiple types of cords and isn't going to take up a ton of space. You're going to NEED extra outlets in the dorm for chargers, lamps, etc.
BEVA Power Strip with USB, 5ft Extension
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
The best tape for putting up decorations. I had concrete walls for my freshmen year dorm and this tape held up the whole year, and was easy to pull off.
Midsea Double Sided Tape Heavy Duty 240"
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Getting liner for your drawers is a MUST. It's a cheap way to prevent old stains/crap from touching your clothes or whatever you put in the drawers. They can be gross!
Con-Tact Brand Grip Prints Non-Adhesive Shelf Liner- White (18"x 4
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
These hooks are perfect for hanging stuff in the dorm. I used it for decorations and my calendar. They don't stand out, either.
Command Damage Free Medium Hook, 2 lb, Clear, 6/Pack ...
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
A small umbrella is very important if you're in ANY area where it rains a lot. Please get one for when you're walking to class!
SIEPASA Windproof Travel Compact Umbrella ...

closet

If you have the standard wood closet, these items will save you.

 
Emily Celestia profile picture
This is a great AFFORDABLE mirror for your dorm. I put mine onto my closet door with tape and it worked amazing. My roommate and I shared it.
13.5"x49.5" Framed Door Mirror - Room Essentials
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Getting flocked hangers is a lifesaver for the dorm. You don't want your clothes slipping all of the time. Also, get a LIGHT color or else the flock will transfer onto your clothes.
White - Brightroom™: Velvet Clothes Hangers for Sweaters, Dresses ...
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Optional! Your closet won't come with a light, and if you don't use the overhead light, it can get dark. I recommend these for extra visibility.
Tap Light 6 Pack Portable LED Touch Night

bed

The bed might be the grossest part of the dorm. Here are some items to make it your own and comfortable for you!

 
Emily Celestia profile picture
You WILL need a mattress topper. The dorm beds are so uncomfortable and GROSS. This one was good for me.
Niagara Sleep Cloud-Like Queen Mattress Topper
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Obviously, you need some good sheets. I recommend these because they're affordable and comfortable. I got them in grey.
Amazon Basics Lightweight Breathable Microfiber 3-Piece
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Two pillows for your best is enough, but you can also get decorative ones of course. Get some that are fluffy, and comfortable for you.
Piwaal Luxury Hotel Sleeping Pillows 2 Pack
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
This is the comforter I'm getting for my sophomore year. It's reversible which is good incase you get sick of things easily. It's easier than getting 2 different comforters.
Seward Park Twin XL Light Purple Comforter
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
A good throw blanket is perfect for the winter. Also, it looks cute for decorating. This one is big and very soft! I got it in grey.
BEDELITE 3D Ribbed Jacquard Fleece Throw

clothing

A few clothing pieces you'll need walking around campus. DON'T learn the hard way. Mostly for East Coast.
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Get some good winter gloves. Walking to class gets COLD. You will need and want some.
Vgogfly Winter Knit Warm Full Finger Gloves
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Good sneakers is a MUST on campus. I love these shoes, I will be wearing them all four years. They are so comfortable and work well in different conditions. I got them in black and white.
adidas Campus 00s Shoes - Black | Free Shipping with adiClub
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
This jacket was perfect for the rough winters. I wore it every single day in the winter over my outfits. It is thick and very comfortable. Any thick jacket will do, this is just the one I got.
Faux Fur-Lined All-Weather Puffer Jacket
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Any pair of snow boots is good if you’re somewhere that is snows in the winter! These worked great for me.
Women's Ice Maiden II Winter Boot - Columbia Sportswear
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Good socks is a must. You will wear so many pairs. These are great because they’re affordable and come in black and white.
Irisbear Womens Crew Socks Athletic Lightweight
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Some basic tank tops will be great for warmer days around campus. I wore old navy ones a lot, and they're very affordable. Great quality, too!
Women T-shirts Tank Tops
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Jeans are great for casual wear, I wore a ton around campus. I recommend miss me, wallflower, true religion, and harper & ivy for bootcut style.
Women's Flare Jeans Collection
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Good zip-ups are amazing. They are good for any outfit, and are perfect for when it's cold in the morning and hot later on… or at night after a party. Basically, just a good basic to have.
Cropped Zip Up Hoodie
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
You're going to want to wear comfortable clothing a LOT. Matching sets are perfect for when you don't want to plan out a crazy outfit, but still want to look cute.
SUUKSESS Women 2 Piece Knit Cropped Hoodie

desk

You're desk is where you'll do most of your studying, make it yours.

 
Emily Celestia profile picture
If you have a wooden desk chair, please get a cushion or you're never going to want to sit in it. They can get so uncomfortable.
BUYUE Thickened 2.5" Woven Fabric Dining Chair
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Vanity mirrors are a must if you do makeup often. The lighting in the morning might suck, especially if you're up before your roommate.
Kotdning Lighted Vanity Mirror with Lights
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
These organizers are amazing for storage in your desk. They also keep things separated for easy access.
Drawer Organizers: Home & Kitchen
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
A small table tamp might work really well for you, especially if you want to do homework or study late. It can get dark.
Wowag Small Cordless Table Lamp, 5000mAh
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Jewelry organizers are amazing if you have a lot of different pieces. I kept most of mine in containers to keep them organized.
Jewelry Box Modern Storage Solutions

school supplies

As someone who hates a heavy backpack/bag, here are some items you'll NEED in college for classes.

 
Emily Celestia profile picture
I LOVE these notebooks! They are less than $2 and are so much better than the 5-star ones. The paper is thick and doesn't rip as easily.
Pen+Gear Poly 1-Subject College Ruled Notebook
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
These folders are so great, they hold everything and don’t split easily. They’re also only $0.25 which is crazy! Grab as many as you need.
2 Pockets Paper Folder - Dealworthy™ : Target
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
I highly recommend these sharpie pens! They don’t smudge and they last a long time. Amazing for notes. These or BIC pens are great.
Sharpie 4pk S-Gel Pens Black Ink 0.7mm Medium Tip Green Barrel
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Definitely get some pencils. You’ll need them for tests!
BIC Xtra-Sparkle #2 Mechanical Pencils w/Erasers
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
You might not think you’ll need it, but you will! Scotch tape is a must.
Scotch Magic Tape Refillable Dispenser 3/4"
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Pretty self explanatory. You will need scissors for so many things. Just bring some.
8" Home and Office Scissors - up&up™: Stainless Steel, Black, Adult ...
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
If you didn’t use one in high school, GET A TI-84 calculator!! You need it for any math class in college.
TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator

cleaning supplies

Dorms can get GROSS. You will need stuff to clean it.

 
Emily Celestia profile picture
As soon as you get to the dorm. WIPE EVERYTHING down. These work great for it!
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes, Lemon & Lime Blossom Scent , 35 Count
 
Emily Celestia profile picture
Obviously you don’t need 3, but make sure to have Lysol! People get sick a lot in college and this helps to prevent that freshmen sickness that everyone gets.
Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Crisp Linen 19 oz., 3 pk.
 
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You won’t believe how many random things you spill in the dorm! Paper towels are great for cleaning things up fast.
Bounty Select-A-Size Paper Towels, White, 2 Double Rolls
 
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Keeping the dorm smelling good is essential! Sometimes random smells can fill the room, make sure to have something on hand to make it smell good.
Febreze Air Mist Odor-Fighting Air Freshener