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back to school essentials: college dorm must-haves!

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here's what you actually NEED for your college dorm! I lived on campus all of my 4 years @ UCLA and i've seen sooo many people overpack and stress out during move-in day. Here are the dorm essentials you're actually going to use. save this and use it...
Sections
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Organization

my go-tos for keeping my mess presentable and organized! save space and helps with clutter 

 
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these help save SO much space! you can use them to store snacks, laundry supplies, toiletries, or other essentials without taking up too much space
3 Tier Trolley
 
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if you wear makeup, I recommend a clear or acrylic organizer so you can easily see your makeup and organize it neatly instead of stuffing it in different makeup bags
Makeup Drawer Organizer
 
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don't forget your hangers! I forgot mine and it was so embarrassing to live out of my suitcase until I went to buy some lol
Plastic Hangers
 
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if you're going to be using the top bunk, having a little bedside organizer caddy makes it so much easier to have your essentials at hand than having to go up and down the stairs! you can hang a box of tissues, a book, a waterbottle, etc
Bedside Storage Bag

Bathroom (Communal)

if you're using communal showers or bathroom, these will help you save space and make each trip easier!

 
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if you're going to be using a communal bathroom with showers, a pair of flip flops is a MUST! don't forget them or you';; be walking across your dorm floor with wet feet
Plastic Flip Flops
 
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these make using communual showers so much easier and you'll be less likely to forget your important shower stuff! super easy to carry too!
Dorm Shower Caddy
 
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if you have long hair, these make it way easier to wrap your hair up without making a big mess in the shower!
Hair Towel Wrap
 
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stay comfy and covered when you’re walking to and from the shower or to unwind after a busy day!
Towel Bathrobe

Bathroom (En Suite)

 
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if you'll have a private bathroom, a hanging caddy makes it so much easier to store your shower essentials without making a big fuss!
Hanging Shower Caddy
 
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this is an absolute must-have! there's so many scents to choose from, I recommend getting a multi-pack so you can stock up and keep your space fresh!
Bathroom Air Freshener
 
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for drying your hands and keeping your bathroom clean!
Bath Towels
 
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keep one of these in your purse for accidental spills, these are a lifesaver!
Pen Stain Remover

Laundry

 
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tide pods make it so much easier to do laundry, just put your clothes in and pop a couple and you're good! no mess and super simple to use!
Tide Pods
 
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mesh bags like these are lifesavers for laundry! you won't lose your socks or undergarments anymore! these are a MUST HAVE!
Mesh Laundry Bag
 
Collapsible Laundry Caddy
 
Mini Sewing Kit
 
Lint Tape Roller

Bedding

 
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if you're someone who struggles to fall asleep or your roommate just won't turn off the lights, this sleeping mask is weighted so it helps you relax and block out ALL the light! definitely worth it!
Nodpod Sleep Mask
 
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i love these fuzzy throws! they are super comforting and help you feel super cozy!
Furry Throw Blanket
 
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my dorm mattress was rock hard so I super encourage you to get a mattress topper! these are easy to plop on top of your bed and don’t slip off! your back will thank you!
Best Twin Xl Mattress Topper For Dorm

For Your Desk

 
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this is a need for when your roommates go to bed early and you need to work on your desk! the wireless charging is a plus because you save space (and you won;t have many outlets anyway)
Desk Lamp With Wireless Charger
 
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there's many colors and designs to choose from but I recommend one with lots of slots so you can store all your essentials easily and have easy access to them
Desk Organizer
 
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your back will thank you!! seriously! i wish i had gotten one away earlier! invest in a nice cushiony one, trust me!
Lumbar Pillow for All-Day Working Comfort
 
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clear acrylic organizers like these help you stay organized and know where your stuff is! i had a couple of these at my desk and also used some inside my drawers because it was easier to stack them up!
Acrylic Drawer Organizer
 
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a physical desk calendar helped me stay organized! i know google calendar exists but this made it easier to organize my tasks and keep key dates in mind
Desk Calendar
 
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this makes it easier to have a mirror for your makeup (if you wear any) since you’ll probably just have the bathroom mirror
Desk Mirror

Decor

 
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I spent so much time printing out pictures to hang up on my wall and I forgot the push pins to actually hang them up! don't be like me and forget them!
Push Pins
 
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these are actually super cute and a nice option to have if your overhead light is too bright or if you want to feel cozy
Fairy Lights For Bedroom
 
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plug-ins are a good way to keep your area smelling good! these actually last a really long time and you don't need to worry about swapping them very often
Febreze: Plug In Air Fresheners
 
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a mini diffuser like this helps you save space and you can use it whenever you feel stressed and want to relax! my dorm didn't allow candles so a diffuser was my go to instead
Diffuser For Desk
 
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if your dorm doesn't have AC or if you're in the top bunk, a clip on fan like these can come in clutch! you can easily clip it to the side of your bed and stay cool
Clip On Fan

miscellaneous

 
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keep a mini first aid kit in your dorm just in case there’s an emergency!
Mini First Aid Kit
 
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a mini trash can can help you keep your space tidy and clean!
Small Trash Can With Lid
 
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you won’t have access to a lot of outlets so getting a power strip is a must for keeping your devices connected and charging!
Power Strip with Surge Protectors
 
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Value Pack 75 Ct
 
Pocket Umbrella