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College dorm necessities

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After living in the freshman year dorms at Western Michigan University, here are some things I would recommend purchasing before you move in!
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Bed

Cannot forget to purchase comfortable bedding when preparing to move into the uncomfortable twin beds!

 
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You NEED a mattress topper if you are using the uncomfortable provided beds, this is a LIFE CHANGER!
Twin/Twin XL 5-Zone 1.25" Foam Mattress Topper
 
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I lofted my bed and this was a life saver, it is so convenient for your phone and water bottle!! There is no assembly required and it is super easy to set up!
Foldable Bed Shelf
 
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I love Target's bedding sets, so comfy and comes in many different colors! With this set you get 1 Comforter, 1 Flat Sheet, 1 Fitted Sheet, 4and 2 Pillowcases!
Bed-in-A-Bag Solid Color Comforter & Sheet Set Soft All Season Bedding, Twin
 
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Soft pillows for less than $4 per pillow!
Plush Pillow Standard/Queen SoftMachine Washable White

Living space

Items to have in your living space to make things easier!

 
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I lofted my bed and put this futon underneath, and it was perfect! If you plan on having friends over to hangout and sleepover, a futon is a great idea! Make sure to check the measurements before buying!!
71" Velvet Futon Couch Bed with Mattress Included
 
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A microwave is a must-have! It was so convenient for me when making little snacks or meals when it was too cold or late to go somewhere!
Kenmore 1.1 cu ft Microwave
 
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If your school doesn't provide mini fridges, I strongly recommend getting one that has a freezer! I used mine like crazy and always kept food in there!
Whirlpool 3.1 cu ft Mini Refrigerator Stainless Steel
 
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This is a STAPLE if you are getting a mini fridge and microwave!! It is so convenient and fits both items perfectly! Make sure to check measurements before purchasing!
Mini Fridge Shelf, Adjustable Height Metal Storage Stand with Wheels
 
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Having a TV in my room was so much fun! We were always watching movies or playing the switch with people!
Insignia™ - 24" Class F20 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV
 
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This is always forgotten about! Garbage cans are a must!!
11gal Slim Step Trash Can
 
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There are NO mirrors in the dorms, this is super convenient!!!
13.5" x 49.5" Framed Door Mirror White
 
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Perfect to place on right on your desk and use to get ready!
FUNTOUCH Trifold Portable Vanity Makeup Mirror

Storage

There's not a lot of storage or extra space to keep things when in a dorm room, here are some storage items I used and where I put them!

 
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These bins are perfect for going under beds or couches, the wheels make it easily accessible!
60qt Underbed Storage Bin with Latches
 
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Used this as a foot rest for my futon or a seat for others! It comes in many different colors and is super useful if you need some extra storage!
Single Dorm Storage Ottoman
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I put this dresser in my closet and it was the perfect hidden storage spot!
Modern 3 Drawer Dresser Black

Walls

Fun and helpful stuff to hang on the walls of your dorm!

 
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I loved having a cork board in my room for pictures of people from home that I missed! Also good for fliers you may get at school!
U Brands 23"x17" Cork Bulletin Board with Wood Frame
 
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Having a dry erase board was super helpful when when learning my class schedule or just writing down important things/assignments of the week!
U Brands 16"x20" Magnetic Dry Erase Board Aluminum Frame
 
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This looked super cute on my walls and was another good way to have pictures hung up!
Pompotops 20 Lights 3 Meters Transparent Photo Clip Bedroom Decoration

Closet

You have to make the most of the small closet space given to you, here is what I used!

 
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These were SO helpful for saving space in my closet!!
18 Pack Space Saving Plastic Hangers
 
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SOOOOO convenient for storing shoes! Lots of people forget that shoes are going to need to go somewhere and this is perfect!
Mainstays 10 Shelf Hanging Shoe Organizer