Let’s be honest, people are going to try to sell you a lot of crap on here and call it a “must have.” Not me.
I was an RA and lived in student housing all four years, so I got a VERY good idea of what you do and don’t actually need in your college ...
Shared a bathroom with three other girls—this was a no-brainer.
Shower Caddy - Target
A must-have if you have to walk down the hall for the bathroom.
Shower Caddy - Target
This is still how I keep track of everything in my life.
Whiteboard Cork Board - Target
Why is the lighting so terrible in dorms?
Floor Lamps & Standing Lamps - Target
I used this at my desk when my roommate went to bed.
Bendable Lamps - Target
Because so much light came in through our windows, and sometimes you and your roommate are on different sleep schedules.
Sleeping Mask - Target
Keeping things organized was an essential.
Storage Bins & Boxes - Target
I still use one of these and probably always will.
Hanging Shoe Organizer - Target
If you’re allowed to have one, this was huge when I wasn’t on a meal plan.
Toasters - Target
Tea, coffee, oatmeal, ramen…this is one of the best things I own.
Electric Tea Kettles - Target
Because there are never enough outlets.
Surge Protectors - Target
My adorable Target hamper is still going strong a decade later.
Laundry Baskets & Organizers - Target
I swear by this stuff.
Oxiclean Max Force Gel Stain Remover Stick - 6.2 Fl Oz - Target
I’m pretty sure it’s magic.
Tide To Go Stain Remover Pen - 3ct/1.01 Fl Oz - Target
I only use All Free & Clear (mostly the liquid) because of my allergies.
All Mighty Pacs Free Clear Laundry Detergent Pacs - Target
A lot of college dorm/college apartment mattresses are extra long for some reason, so you’ll probably need new sheets.
Twin Xl Sheets Bedding - Target
I’m a comforter girl.
Twin : Comforters - Target
I’m not sure if they’ve fallen out of style, but we ALL had giant tapestries on our walls. These smaller alternatives are cute for less real estate!
Tapestries - Target
I’ve gone through hundreds of these—basically a non-negotiable in any dorm.
Command Strips - Target
I personally had the $10 Room Essentials full-length mirror hung up with heavy-duty command strips. Still do!
Room Essentials : Mirrors at Target | Stylish Decor for Every ...
Lots of my residents had these over-the-door mirrors!
Over The Door Mirror - Target
Every single person I know had these. 50 cents a piece!
Room Essentials Dinnerware - Target
The last thing I wanted to do as an RA was charge students for taking chunks of paint off the walls. Just buy the blue tape and the command strips.
Painter's Tape : Paint - Target
I hung so many things from these…my keys, towels, string lights, twine with photos attached by little clothespins, you name it. There are many of these throughout my current apartment.
Command : Wall Hooks & Hook Racks - Target
If you don’t have string lights, are you really even in a dorm room?
Indoor String Lights - Target
Getting my first set of towels that didn’t just belong to our house felt so adult.
