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Best College Room Essentials that Saved Me
32
items Everything I bought for my college room that wasn't ugly AND I actually used it. Budget friendly plus a few splurges that are worth it.
Sections
5
Storage That Doesn't Suck
Cute but Comfy
I Swear This Made My Life Easier
Keeping It Clean (Kinda)
Tech + Tools I Used Every Day
Storage That Doesn't Suck
Looks like just a cute bench, but hides so much chaos inside. I used this to stash hoodies, spare sheets, snacks — you name it.
Folding Storage Ottoman Bench, 660 lb Load
You NEED a shoe rack. Not the super cheap one from Walmart or Target that holds two pairs of shoes per shelf and NOT the angled ones. You NEED a shoe rack with a bottom that caters to the rush of college and maximizes space. This middle-of-the-road r...
Budget-Friendly: 3-Tier Utility and Shoe Rack
This isn't your average college shoe rack. You'll keep her around for a long time. Plus, the top can hold bins for more storage. Absolutely worth the splurge -- I have three in my closet right now.
Splurge: 4 Tier Shoe Rack Black Metal with Natural Wood
Declutter your necessities like laundry items, but keep the space with a narrow storage cart. Use a bigger cart for other things instead!
3 Shelf Narrow Storage Cart White
Avoid the FOMO and get it -- everyone has one. These have so many uses: snack cart for when you're on the go, miscellaneous storage, books, makeup, the possibilities are endless.
3-Shelf Rolling Cart
College closets are never big enough. I slid this into mine and instantly had space for random things I didn’t want out in the open — hair tools, extra toiletries, snacks, you name it. It’s simple but super useful.
3 Drawer Wide Tower White
I stacked a few of these on top of my wire rack closet shelf and suddenly it looked 10x more organized. They hide the mess but still feel super clean and minimal. I kept random extras in mine.
Storage That Actually Looks Cute in Your Closet: IKEA KUGGIS Box with lid
Cute but Comfy
Perfect for adding a little extra vibe to your walls without damaging them.
Black Irregular Line Vinyl Wall Decals, 120 Stripes
You need this if your bed is pushed against the wall (hello dorm life). Soft, cozy, and made all the difference in making your setup feel a little less rigid and a lot more lounge-y and comfy.
Body Pillow White - Room Essentials™
Save your sleep and your back, but do it affordably.
Budget-Friendly: Mattress Topper Twin XL Pillow Top Quilted Mattress Pad
A splurge, but honestly, a game changer if your bed feels like a slab of concrete.
Splurge: Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper | Saatva
Another budget-friendly mattress topper option.
Lavender Infused 2 Inch Memory Foam Topper
Soft, breathable, basic and budget-friendly.
Budget-Friendly Lightweight Microfiber Duvet Set
You NEED at least one throw blanket, preferably several if you live somewhere that experiences all the seasons. You never know how insulation is at any college living until you're in the thick of it.
Better Homes & Gardens Cream Cotton-Blend Chunky Knit Throw
Add some personality to your bed. Trust me.
Sonoma Goods For Life Jacobean Decorative Floral Throw Pillow
More boho decorative pillow options that you'll actually want to keep after college.
Boho 18x18 Inch Striped Throw Pillow Covers Set of 2
The chair that came with my apartment looked fine, but sitting on it for more than 10 minutes? Absolutely not. If your room came with a hard wooden chair (or you’re using any basic chair for studying), you need a seat cushion. This one made a huge di...
Gripper Non-Slip Chair Cushion
I hesitated because it wasn’t the cheapest, but honestly? It made my space feel finished. Cozy, cute, and way more "me." If your room is feeling a little bland, you'll want a rug that makes it feel like a place you want to hang out in.
Worth the Splurge: Rug That Gave Room Personality
I Swear This Made My Life Easier
Yes. You need a full-body mirror. No, don't put it on the back of your door if you can help it.
Framed Full-Body Mirror Black
Your one-way trip to avoiding move-out fees.
Command Variety Pack, Picture Hanging Strips, Utility Hooks and Wire Hooks, 1 Kit
For all your poster needs. Always grab a value/variety pack.
Command Refill Strips, White, 8 Small, 4 Medium & 4 Large Value Pack
Get THIS instead of the over-the-door mirror. You'll maximize space and stay on track by keeping your go-to outerwear on your bedroom door.
Budget-Friendly: Over-The-Door Metal Hooks Hanger
Chances are you won't use the calendar you got. Leave yourself notes and reminders this way. It's much more convenient for college life.
Dry Eraser Board With Marker, Pins & Magnet
Keep one next to your door for all your go-to shoes.
Woven Storage Basket for Organizing
Perfect for towels, robes, jackets, outerwear, hats -- anything. Way more convenient than hanging it all up elsewhere. Give your go-to's the same home: on your way out.
Over The Door Hanger Hooks
Whether you’re working with a small space or just want more room for storage bins, these risers were the move.
Give Your Bed a Boost: 6-Inch Bed Risers
Cheap, easy to assemble and it'll hold everything you need at your bedside, from your lamp to late-night snacks.
No Tools, No Drama: The Perfect College Nightstand
This desk was perfect for college life. It’s inexpensive and honestly kind of flimsy, which made it feel low-stress — I didn’t worry about scratching or breaking it. The cubby helped me keep my desktop looking neat, and I loved being able to store te...
Cheap & Functional Desk for College Living
Keeping It Clean (Kinda)
You're going to want to hide the clutter under your bed. But do it affordably.
Cottingon Dorm Room Bed Skirt, White, Twin XL
Another size to hide the clutter under your bed.
Biscaynebay Queen Bed Skirt 15" Drop White
Tech + Tools I Used Every Day
Worried about your roommates? Just bite the bullet and get a small security camera to ease your anxiety.
Blink Mini 1080p Security Camera
Just plug it in and boom — entertainment sorted.
No Cable? No Problem: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K