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Freshman College Essentials You’ll Wish You Bought Sooner
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items Starting college can be overwhelming, so I’ve put together all the things I think are actually worth having as a freshman! From laptop and study essentials to things I keep in my everyday campus bag, these are the products that make long lecture days...
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Target
Walmart
Target
A hamper is fine for your room, but a lightweight laundry bag is much easier to actually carry to the laundry room. This one is only $5 and has two handles.
Mesh Laundry Bag Ivory - Brightroom™
Perfect for the random stuff that otherwise ends up all over your desk like snacks, chargers, toiletries, stationery and more. The wheels also make it easy to move around your tiny dorm.
3 Drawer Wide Cart White - Brightroom™: Plastic Storage Drawers, Utility Cart with Casters, Portable Universal Storage
One of those things you don't realize you need until you have nowhere to dry a hoodie, towel or delicate clothes. It folds away when you're not using it.
Over the Door Drying Rack Foldable and Extendable White - Brightroom™
Dorm rooms waste a ridiculous amount of space underneath the bed. Use this for spare bedding, winter clothes, shoes or anything you don't need every day.
Underbed Storage Bag - Brightroom™
These keep socks, bras and delicate clothes together instead of disappearing into the communal washing machine. The three sizes are useful for separating different items.
3pk Mesh Wash Bags White - Brightroom™: Lingerie & Garment Bags for Delicates, Polyester Laundry Sorting
You'll constantly need somewhere to hang your keys, bag, towel, headphones or jacket. They're especially useful when you're not allowed to drill into dorm walls.
Command 6pk Damage-Free Hanging Clear Medium Wire Toggle Hooks with Adhesive Strips for Christmas Lights and Holiday Decorations
Dorm rooms rarely have outlets exactly where you want them. A suitable surge-protected strip can turn one awkward outlet into a much more functional charging station.
Philips Surge Protector Power Strip with USB Ports, 6ft Braided Extension Cord, 2880 Joules, 10 Outlet Extender (Wide Spaced), 2 USB-A, Black
If your bathroom is shared, carrying your shampoo, skincare and other toiletries back and forth gets annoying very quickly. A caddy keeps everything together.
Veken 5-Piece Adhesive Shower Caddy Set, No-Drill Shower Organizer and Storage Shelves with Soap & Toothbrush Holders, Rust-Resistant, Black
You're eventually going to spill coffee, pasta sauce or something equally tragic on an outfit before class. Keeping one in your desk or backpack can save a favourite top.
Shout Wipe & Go Travel Stain Remover Wipes for Instant Fabric Stain Removal - 4ct
Walmart
It turns the completely unused space behind your door into storage for toiletries, accessories, snacks and other small things. Walmart specifically recommends over-the-door storage for dorms.
Organize It All Over the Door 6 Tier Basket Organizer
This is especially useful for shoes, socks, hair products and little accessories that otherwise eat up drawer space. The 35 pockets give you a surprising amount of extra storage.
35 Pocket Over the Door Organizer, Hanging Shoe Organizer for Dorm Room Essentials and Back to School, 76.38x26.38 in (White)
A good option if you want deeper shelves rather than tiny pockets. It can hold toiletries, snacks, cleaning supplies and other dorm clutter.
Over the Door Storage Organizer, 5 shelf Hanging Organizer with 5 Large Capacity Pockets, Anti Tilt 44 lb Load Behind Door Storage for Bedroom, Bathroom, Pantry, Nursery, Behind Door Storage
You don't need a full sewing box, but having needles, thread and a few basic supplies can rescue a loose button or tiny clothing problem without needing to find a shop.
Rongsi 128 Pcs Sewing Kit, Hand Sewing Kits with Scissors, Thimble, Thread, Tape Measure, Case Buttons & Tools, Sewing Kits for Adults
Especially useful when you're wearing dark clothes or have lots of sweaters and coats. Keep one beside your door so you can quickly clean up before class.
MR.SIGA Lint Rollers for Pet Hair Extra Sticky, 270 Sheets, Lint Remover for Clothing
Dorm closets are tiny, so these let you hang multiple tops vertically while using way less closet space. The 5-hole design can hold up to five pieces per hanger.
Aovky Space Saving Hangers for Clothes, 10 Pack Black Magic Hangers, 5 Holes Sturdy Plastic Hanging Closet Organizer and Storage, Shirt Hangers Space Saving, College Dorm Room Essentials