This site contains affiliate links, please read our disclosure for more information. The content on this website was created with the help of AI.
Small appliances.
Small appliances are essential for dorm life. You’ll want to pick up a mini fridge, coffee maker, microwave and iron. Luckily for you, we have some great options for any budget!
- Mini Fridges: The best thing about mini fridges is that they can be taken with you when moving out of the dorms and into an apartment or house later on. Definitely worth buying this if you think it might come in handy down the road!
- Coffee Makers: These work great as long as you keep them clean so there aren’t any moldy smells coming from them…which can happen with some machines but not ours 😉
- Microwaves: We carry both countertop models (for under $25) and compact ones that sit on top of your desk ($30). Both are great options depending on what type of cooking space you have available to use.. If cooking isn’t really something that interests then these might not be necessary since most college cafeterias offer microwaves where students can heat up their food without having to buy one themselves especially if money is tight.”
Bedding.
Dorm beds are notoriously uncomfortable. You want to make sure that you’re comfortable in your bed, but also that you can do so without spending your entire budget on a mattress pad (or two). If you have friends who are going with you and there’s space in their car, ask them to bring some of your home bedding along! Pillows help too—try not to forget these.
Desk supplies.
- Desk lamp:
You’ll need a desk lamp to make your dorm room feel like home. A good option is the AmazonBasics LED Desk Lamp ($18), which has an adjustable neck and arm so you can position it exactly how you want it, and even comes with two types of bulbs—a soft white one for reading and a daylight for working on projects. *Cork board or whiteboard:
- To keep track of all your upcoming assignments, pin them up on either a cork board or a whiteboard. We suggest this Peel & Stick Cork Board ($11). If you’re crafty (or have friends who are), try making one out of wood instead! *Pens/pencils/erasers:
No matter what kind of pen you prefer writing with (this guy prefers gel pens), don’t forget these essentials when packing! You’ll need at least one highlighter per subject if they’re not provided by your school as well. Be sure to throw in some pencils too—some professors require them for exams! You may also want an eraser just in case 😊 *Post-it notes: *Use post-it notes throughout the year to keep track of important dates or tasks without having everything written down on your calendar! They’re also great for putting reminders next to each other without looking cluttered 😊 *Stapler:*Most professors will tell you not to staple anything during class because it bothers their ears when zipping around their desks… but we know there will be times where its necessary! This paper stapler ($20) isn’t too loud compared with others we’ve tried so far — plus it has been able to staple through multiple sheets at once no problem! If none of those apply then maybe consider getting an electric model instead since they tend do things faster than manual models.”
Space-saving storage.
Space-saving storage options are almost as important as a bed and desk in a dorm room. If you don’t have enough space for all of your belongings, it can be really frustrating to live in a small space. Fortunately, there are several ways to make the most of your storage space and still have some extra room for other items.
- Plastic bins are great for storing clothing that isn’t currently in season; they’ll help keep things organized and out of sight until they’re needed again.
- Under-bed storage boxes can also be useful if you want more space but don’t want to pay extra rent on an additional closet or lofted beds with drawers built into them (which often cost more than the rest of their beds!). These types of products typically come with wheels so that they can easily be moved around when needed – just make sure there’s enough floor space around them to roll them back out!
Toiletries and cosmetics.
It’s important to have the basics for taking care of your body when you’re in a dorm room. If you want to be able to brush your teeth, wash your face, or do anything else that involves cleaning up or moisturizing, then there are some things you should know about.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste: This is pretty self-explanatory. You will need these things if you want a clean mouth. If it sounds weird but fun for someone else to brush their teeth for you, give them some foam in the form of a toothpaste jet pack!
- Shampoo and conditioner: Also known as shower gel/body wash—these are what helps keep your hair healthy and shiny. They can also help keep bad odors under control at night while sleeping (if they don’t bring back any memories).
- Soap/hand sanitizer: These help get rid of unwanted dirtiness on hands after using the restroom facilities at school (or anywhere really). It’s important not only because germs spread faster than we think they do; they also make us sick with flu-like symptoms like abdominal cramps and feverishness, causing us not just discomfort but social embarrassment too! You don’t want that happening during finals week when all we need is some rest before hitting those books again tomorrow morning!
Shower caddies and bins.
- Shower caddies are containers that can be hung on showerheads or shower rods, which keep all of your soaps and shampoos in one place. They’re also helpful for holding toiletries like razors, toothbrushes, and cotton swabs.
- Bins are baskets with lids that you can use to store towels on your bathroom floor or under the sink (or outside of it). Smaller versions are great for storing toilet paper rolls as well!
Personal decor items.
Personal decor items are the essential accessories that make a dorm room feel like home. They’re the little touches that can turn an otherwise boring space into a colorful, creative environment.
- A poster or two from your favorite band
- A small plant (especially if you’re living in a dorm with no windows)
- Postcards from people you love
- Pictures of friends and family members who aren’t able to visit often enough
These items will help make dorm life easier and more comfortable
- Yoga mat
- White noise machine
- Mattress pad (optional)
