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Do you have your dorm room ready? Ready to pack up all of your clothes, toiletries, food, and more into a small space with only the essentials? If not, this blog will help you. We’ll talk about what types of furniture are necessary for any college student’s dorm room.
What should go on the floor or shelves in order to maximize storage space? And how to make sure that you can study well enough in this new environment!
No matter if you’re a freshman, senior, or graduate student heading off to college this fall, there are some essentials that can make your dorm room feel like a home away from home.
Whether it’s the perfect desk for studying or the right rug for lounging around on during study breaks, here are our favorite things you need in your dorm room.
Your dorm bedroom is probably going to be your home away from home for the next year or so, so it’s important to make sure that it has all of the essentials! Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Dorm Room Essentials
There are so many ways you can decorate using items from around the house or things that come with most college-housing contracts, like that built-in mini-fridge. After you have chosen what will be your bed, dresser, and furniture to sleep on or sit at for studying it’s time to decorate! Think about the colors that are going to make your dorm room feel cozy but also reflect who you are as an individual.
Use accents of color throughout your space – Throw pillows, area rugs, and pictures are a great way to add some color without going overboard. Plus, these items can be switched out whenever you get tired of the look!
Bring in personal items – A few pieces of your favorite art or photos of your family and friends will make your dorm feel like home. Just be sure not to bring too many items that might get in the way of studying!
Don’t forget about scent – Candles, reed diffusers and oil burners are a great way to add some extra character to your dorm. Just don’t use them all at once-the smell can be strong if you do it right!

Dorm Furniture
Desk – A desk is an essential piece of furniture for any college student. Not only do you need it to study, but you can also use it as a place to keep your laptop and other electronics when they’re not in use.
Chair – A comfortable chair is key for long hours studying or just taking a break. You don’t want to be sitting on the floor for hours at a time.
Shelf/Shelves – You can’t have too many shelves or bookshelves in your dorm room! Put up some of those plastic things that you get from Ikea and use them as extra shelving space. They’re pretty cheap and they look great when put together!
A great bed – A bed is essential for any dorm room. You need something comfortable to sleep on and if you have a roommate, it’s nice not to be sleeping directly next to them!
An amazing mattress – seriously, don’t buy a cheap mattress, you’ll thank us later! How to pick a great mattress? A mattress really is something you should try out before buying or buy one online that has a great return policy.
Storage – If you have enough closet space, that’s great. But if not, storing things under your bed or in the closet is always a good idea. You never know when you need to put something away and it doesn’t fit!
Lighting – The right lighting can really make any room feel special and cozy. Make sure you have a light that is bright enough to help you study, but also have some super cozy lights.
Window covering and curtains – Sometimes you want to study in peace and other times you just want to take a nap without the sun waking you up. Window coverings can help with that! Want to be able to sleep? Go for black-out curtains. Those are also amazing if your dorm room doesn’t have AC or it doesn’t work properly. It will help you keep the sun out.
Rug – A rug is not essential, but it’s really nice to have one in your dorm room. It makes the room feel more like home and it’s also really nice to have when you’re sitting on the floor.
Curtains – A set of curtains is always nice for dorms because they allow you some privacy while still letting in the light. It’s also really easy to find them with your college logo on them, which makes it feel more like home.
Door Mat – Cleanliness is an important part of any college experience. A doormat can help remind you to be clean and will also keep your dorm room looking nice and keep out a lot of dirt. But, don’t forget to clean it!
Bed frame – a bed frame is necessary unless you want your mattress laying directly on the ground. Go for a high bed frame so you can use the under-bed area for storage!
Dresser/Chest of drawers- A dresser or chest of drawers will give you, even more, storage space in your dorm room, which everyone needs! Plus they’re good for clothes, too.
Storage – Having some extra storage space in the form of shelves or drawers will help immensely with keeping everything organized. Many students like using plastic totes or other types of storage bins to help with this.
Rug – A rug is a great way to add some personality and comfort to your dorm room. Make sure it’s something that you won’t mind getting dirty though, since it will likely see a lot of foot traffic.
Storage Bins/Boxes – It’s always important to have storage space in a small area like a dorm room. Storage bins and boxes can help you keep your room neat and organized while also providing some extra seating when needed!

Dorm bedding essentials
If you’re looking for some dorm bedding essentials, here are a few things that will help make your room feel like home.
Lovely sheets! – If you have a bed frame, make sure it’s big enough to hold your mattress. You can get sheets in just about any pattern that you could possibly want! If you get really cold at night, go for a super comfy flannel.
Comforter – A comforter is an essential part of the dorm room experience for most students. It will help keep you warm at night and provide a nice blanket when you’re watching TV or studying.
A pillow – You can never have too many pillows in a dorm room! They come in handy for so many things, from propping yourself up while you study to using them as a body pillow when you need some extra comfort.
Mattress pad – A mattress pad is not essential, but it can be really helpful in keeping your mattress clean and free of allergens. It also makes the bed a bit more comfortable to sleep on!
Blanket – A blanket is always nice to have in case you get cold at night or want to use it as a cover while you’re studying. Plus, they come in so many different colors and patterns.
Stuffed animal – A stuffed animal can be a great way to bring some extra comfort into your room! They’re also a good way to remind you of home when it’s time for bedtime and long days at school.
Fuzzy blanket – Fuzzy blankets are often associated with dorms because they’re so convenient for long days at school or to just curl up and watch TV. If you want one, go for a bright color!
Weighted blanket – A weighted blanket is a newer trend in dorm bedding, and for good reason! They provide extra warmth and comfort while also helping you to relax. If you’re looking for something different, this might be the perfect choice for you!
Boyfriend pillow – A boyfriend pillow is a large pillow that has the shape of a man’s upper body. It typically has an arm on one side and a head on the other, making it perfect for cuddling up to while you watch TV or sleep. They come in many different sizes, so make sure to choose the right one for you!
College blanket – A college blanket is exactly what it sounds like: a super simple throw with your school’s logo on it. They’re a great way to help remind yourself of home and school pride!
Eye mask – Don’t have time to sleep? An eye mask will help you block out light and fall asleep faster! Eye masks are a must-have because your room is probably going to be very bright in the morning. They’re perfect if you like sleeping in on weekends or don’t want anyone waking up early before you do.
Memory pillow – A memory pillow is a great way to add some comfort to your dorm room. They’re filled with little beads that conform to the shape of your head and neck, providing extra support while you sleep. If you have trouble sleeping or tend to wake up with a sore neck, this might be a good choice for you!
Dorm bathroom essentials
The bathroom is an essential part of any dorm room. Whether you’re brushing your teeth or washing up, it’s important to have the right supplies on hand! The bathroom is a common room, most of the time, so you’ll want to keep your fav products in a super convenient shower caddy and use your own towels.
Hairbrush and hair ties – A hairbrush will help keep your locks looking great even if you can’t make it home for a haircut anytime soon. Hair ties are always a good idea since it’s always nice to have some on hand when your hair is being fussy. If you’re planning on straightening or curling often, consider getting an extra set of both for easy access!
Shower caddy – A shower caddy will make showering in the dorm easier by keeping everything organized and within arms’ reach. If you have a lot of stuff, consider getting one that has extra sections or pockets to keep it all in order! Opt for a mesh one that you can also throw in the wash: it will help prevent mould!
Hand towels – Having hand towels can be really helpful when your hands are wet and need drying off fast. They’re also good for wiping up spills on the floor if they happen while you’re rushing around in the bathroom.
A fluffy bathrobe – A bathrobe will be your go-to when you need to get out of the shower at night or in the morning in the communal bathrooms of your dorm.
Shower shoes – A lot of dorm bathrooms have tile floors, which can be really slippery when wet. Shower shoes will help you avoid any accidents and keep your feet warm and dry at the same time! Just buy a pair of cheap plastic flip-flops and you’ll be fine.
Toiletries bag – Having a toiletries bag is essential for storing all of your shower supplies in one place. You can also use it to store extra toilet paper, dryer sheets for the towel racks, and anything else that you need in a pinch.
Make-up storage – If you’re a make-up lover, it’s important to have a storage solution that will keep everything organized and easy to get to. Consider getting a clear acrylic organizer or even just a large makeup bag with multiple pockets. Also very cute: a glass and gold make-up organizer.
Travel hair curler and blow dryer – If you’re looking to bring your own hair styling tools, travel-sized versions are the way to go! It’ll keep everything easy to carry and won’t take up too much space in your luggage.
Hair towel – A hair towel is a large, super absorbent towel that you can use to dry your hair quickly. Having one will help you save time in the morning and avoid any accidents while walking around with wet hair. Microfibre or bamboo hair towels will help your hair dry SO much faster. Ideal for dorm bathrooms!
First aid kit – It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand, just in case! You can buy one at any pharmacy or make your own with supplies from the drugstore. Your kit should include bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain relief medication, and antihistamines.
Dorm closet essentials
A closet is an essential part of any dorm room, whether it’s a walk-in or not. In order to maximize your space and keep things tidy, here are some essentials you’ll want to have on hand! If your school has laundry facilities available, make sure that they’re doing so too! You don’t always need as many clothes as you think, so be selective when packing.
Hangers – You’ll definitely need hangers for all of your clothes! Make sure to get a variety of different types so that you can hang up shirts, pants, skirts and dresses easily. I love to use all the same velvet hangers: they are ideal because your clothes never slip off and make your wardrobe look super cohesive. Even though I live in an apartment now, I still use all of the hangers that I had in my dorm room: they make my closet look so neat and organized. I have an IKEA Pax walk-in closet and I swear by these hangers!
Space saving hangers – If you don’t have a lot of space in your closet, or if you’re just looking for a way to organize everything better, space saving hangers are the way to go! They allow you to hang multiple items on one hanger, which is perfect for skirts, scarves, tank tops and more.
Storage containers – Storage containers are a must-have for any closet because they help to keep things tidy and organized. If you’re looking for something to store your shoes or bulky sweaters in, consider getting a few different boxes that can be stacked on top of one another to keep everything off the floor!
Shoe rack – A shoe rack is always nice because it helps save space while keeping all of your shoes within reach. It’s also nice to have a place for your shoes that doesn’t involve the floor, especially if you live in a rainy area or it’s winter!
Hanging shoe organizer – A hanging shoe organizer is another great way to save space while keeping everything within reach. They’re easy to install into any closet and can accommodate up to six pairs of shoes!
Clothing steamer – Clothes steamer is a must-have in any dorm. It’ll help you get rid of wrinkles quickly, which can be especially nice if your school has a dress code that requires collared shirts and slacks! If you do have to iron clothes for class or work though, I recommend having an iron on hand as well: sometimes the steamers don’t get things completely wrinkle-free.
Dorm laundry bag – A dorm laundry bag is essential for keeping your dirty clothes separate from your clean ones. It also has a built in strap, which makes it easy to carry your laundry to and from the laundromat!
Jewelry box – A jewelry box is a must-have for any dorm room. You can put all of your precious pieces in there, and it’ll keep everything organized!
Linen storage – A linen storage bag will help you to stay tidy by keeping things off the floor where they could get dirty or wet. I love using this one because it has multiple pockets.
Wrinkle release spray – A wrinkle release spray is a lifesaver when you have to quickly get dressed for an event or presentation and don’t have time to iron your clothes!
Dorm decorations and accessories
Dorm decorations are a fun way to make your dorm room feel like home! Having the right supplies on hand will help you get creative and ensure that everything looks great.
If you’re looking for some fun and easy ways to decorate your dorm, these are my favorite ideas:
-Put up tapestries or posters on the walls to brighten up the space
-Hang string lights to create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere
-Bring in plants or flowers to make the room feel more alive. Don’t want to care for flowers or plants. Use fake plants or dried flowers.
-Use decorative baskets and containers to store all of your school supplies and other belongings
-Display photos or souvenirs from your favorite trips and actually print them out
-Take up some crafts and make your own DIY dorm decorations! There are a ton of great ideas online and you can create something that is completely unique to you and your personality.
You will need a lot of command hooks and poster putty! Use these to hang things up on your walls. Make sure that you have some paper handy for when the poster putty doesn’t work quite right!
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless! With a little bit of creativity, you can make your dorm room feel like home.
Best dorm tapestries and posters:
The best way to decorate a room is with tapestries! They’re really not that expensive and really help cover the blandness of your dorm room. Most of the time, you can’t paint your walls so here’s to the help of tapestries or cute posters to liven up your room and make it so much more ‘you’.
These are the ones that I purchased:
They make any blank wall look chic, elegant, and cozy. There’s really no wrong color or pattern selection when it comes to tapestries.
You can also use them as a bedspread or throw blanket.
They’re very versatile and definitely add some personality to any dorm room!
If you don’t want to spend money on tapestries, you could always go the route of posters or photos. Just make sure that they’re hung upright and aren’t too heavy to cause the paint on your wall to crack. Use some poster putty or double-sided tape to make sure that the posters stay in place.
The last thing you want is for your dorm room decor to fall off of the wall and cause damage!
I would avoid putting up anything that has words or phrases because they tend to make a dorm room look cluttered. Unless of course, you’re going for an artsy or messy vibe then go right ahead!
DORM KITCHEN ESSENTIALS:
What do you need for your dorm kitchen? There are a couple of appliances and handy kitchen tools you will need. These are the ones I couldn’t live without!
Mini fridge – A mini fridge is essential for keeping your food and drinks cold. It’s also great for storing any medications or supplements you might need!
Microwave – A microwave is a must-have in any dorm kitchen. They’re perfect for heating up leftovers, making popcorn, or just reheating coffee!
Coffee maker – Having a coffee maker in your dorm room is ideal because it’s easy to use and you can brew a fresh cup of joe whenever you’d like! Don’t want to be too wasteful? Opt for a cool Chemex!
Dorm food storage – It never hurts to have some extra pantry space when living in the dorms. This set comes with several containers, perfect for storing any snacks or leftovers that you might have!
Silicone baking mat – A silicone baking mat will make your dorm room feel like a home kitchen. Make cookies, grilled cheese or egg muffins in the comfort of your own bed!
Gold silverware set – A gold silverware set is a must have for any dorm kitchen. It’s perfect for when you have guests over or just want to feel fancy!
Mini Keurig – A mini Keurig is perfect for when you want a cup of coffee but don’t want to brew an entire pot. It’s also great for making hot chocolate or tea!
Hydroflask – A Hydroflask is the best way to keep your drinks cold. It’s perfect for when you’re going through security or waiting in line at the airport!
Collapsible water bottles – A collapsible water bottle will save space and allow you to stay hydrated throughout the day! I like this one because it has a handy carrying strap, making it easy to bring with you anywhere!
Reusable water bottles – Reusable water bottles are a great way to reduce waste and save money. They’re also better for the environment, which is always a plus!
Reusable cup – A reusable cup is a must have for any coffee lover. It’s eco-friendly and helps keep your drinks warm all day long!
To-Go mug – A to-go mug is perfect for on-the-go coffee drinkers. It’s insulated and keeps your coffee warm all morning long!
Water filter – A water filter is essential for any dorm kitchen. It’s great if you don’t have access to city or home water and it removes all of the impurities from your tap!
Electric kettle – A electric kettle is perfect for when you just want a cup of tea, hot chocolate or even some instant noodles. They’re also very compact which makes them perfect for dorm living!
These are just a few of the essentials you need in your dorm kitchen. With these items, you’ll be able to cook up some delicious meals and snacks or grab a delicious homemade coffee (gotta pinch those pennies somehow) in your to-go mug!
Best dorm storage solutions
Storage is key, not only in dorms but also if you live in a studio appartment. Having some extra room to store all of your stuff is ideal, but which storage solutions are actually good for you and your dorm room?
Storage ottoman – A storage ottoman is the perfect way to store all of your blankets, pillows and other bedding. It’s also a great place to put your feet up after a long day!
Underbed storage – Underbed storage is a great way to store any extra clothes or school supplies you might have. It’s also a great way to keep your room clean and organized!
Closet storage – If you’re short on closet space, closet storage is the perfect solution. It comes in several different shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs!
Shoe rack – A shoe rack is the best way to organize your shoes. It keeps them off of the floor and makes finding the pair you’re looking for a breeze!
Storage cubes – Storage cubes are perfect for storing any extra clothes or supplies you might have. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs!
Wall hooks – Wall hooks are perfect for hanging coats and backpacks. They’re also a great way to organize your dorm room and keep it looking fresh!
Chest of drawers – A chest of drawers is the perfect solution for storing any extra clothes or supplies you might have. It’s also a great place to keep your school uniform!
Over the door shoe organizer – Over the door organizers are an easy way to store shoes, toiletries and other knickknacks that would normally clutter up your dorm room.
How to organize your dorm room
Inside your closets, chest of drawers… use the Konmari folding method! You will see what is in your closet in the blink of an eye and since everything has its own place in your room, you won’t lose your stuff.
Store your clothes by type: all of your pants together, all of your skirts together, etc. This will help you get ready in the morning because you can just grab a pile of clothes and go!
Hang up as much as you can to save on drawer and closet space. Not everything needs to be folded and put away!
Use shoe racks, over-the-door organizers, and wall hooks to declutter your desk and floor.
Invest in some good quality storage solutions. They will last you for years and make your life a lot easier!
Dorm cleaning essentials
Very important but often overlooked: dorm cleaning essentials. What do you need to be able to clean your dorm room?
Dusting cloths – Dusting isn’t something that’s always on top of our minds, but it can make a big difference! Make sure you have some dusting cloths handy so those cobwebs don’t get the best of ya.
Clean towels – Cleaning your dorm room can be a dirty job, but at least you’ll have clean towels to help!
All-purpose cleaner – An all-purpose cleaner is perfect for cleaning surfaces in your dorm room. It’s also great for getting rid of those pesky fingerprints!
Window cleaner – A good window cleaner is essential for keeping your windows sparkling!
Carpet cleaner – If you have a carpet in your dorm room, you’ll definitely want to invest in a good carpet cleaner!
Clorox compostable cleaning wipes – These wipes are perfect for cleaning surfaces in your dorm room without leaving any harmful chemicals behind.
Cordless vacuum – A cordless vacuum is perfect for dorm rooms! It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, and it doesn’t require any cords or batteries. Plus, it’s great for quickly sucking up all the dirt and dust that accumulates on your floor! I have the Dyson V11 and love it! It’s really powerful and has a ton of features, such as a digital display that shows you how much battery life is left.
Swiffer – If you’re short on time and don’t want to spend hours mopping your floor, a Swiffer can make the job much easier. It’s great for getting rid of all that dust and dirt!
Dusting mitts – Dusting with just cloth will take longer than using an actual duster like this one. Plus these are easy to store and take up almost no space at all.
Humidifier – A humidifier is perfect for keeping the air in your dorm room nice and moist. This is especially important during the winter months when the air tends to be a lot drier!
Lint roller – A good lint roller is essential for getting all those pesky hairs off of your clothes and furniture. Trust me, you don’t want them there.
If you don’t want to have too many bottles of cleaner in your dorm room (hey, that’s some prime storage real estate, am I right?), you could also opt for these zero-waste solutions:
Natural cleaners
Baking soda – Baking soda is a great all-purpose cleaner! It’s perfect for getting rid of grease and dirt, and it’s also nontoxic!
White vinegar – White vinegar is another great all-purpose cleaner. It’s perfect for removing tough stains and smells, and it’s also environmentally friendly!
Lemon juice – Lemon juice is a great cleaner and deodorizer. It’s perfect for getting rid of tough stains, and it also smells great!
Don’t want to use those natural cleaners? These are some of my zero waste cleaners I like to use almost every day. It’s so handy because they don’t take up too much room and clean very well.
Zero waste cleaning supplies
- Re-usable paper towels (bamboo): great for cleaning and drying, biodegradable
- Microfiber cloths: great for dusting or wiping windows. Also work well at absorbing spillages of water when washing dishes etc. (microfibre is the same as what some clothing is made from). They are machine washable and can be used over and over again if you take care of them
- Eco-friendly dishwashing liquid: I like to use a biodegradable dishwashing liquid as it cuts through grease and dirt well, but doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals. You can also make your own! Really want to go zero waste with this one? Opt for a dishwashing soap block. I have used these myself and love them!
- All-purpose spray cleaner: this is great for general cleaning jobs, such as windows, mirrors,… Don’t want to buy a plastic bottle every time? You can use a fizzing tablet you just throw into an empty spray bottle.
How to keep your dorm room clean
The best way to keep your dorm room clean is by establishing a cleaning routine and sticking to it!
Every week, take some time to declutter your room and organize everything into its proper place. This will help keep your room looking neat and tidy!
Every month, give your room a good deep clean. This includes vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning all of your surfaces.
Once a semester, give your carpets and windows a good scrubbing!
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to keep your dorm room clean and organized all year long!
Best college tech essentials:
Dorm rooms can be tight on space, so it’s important to choose wisely when selecting your college tech essentials. Here are some of my top picks:
Laptop – A laptop is a must-have for any college student! It’s perfect for doing homework, surfing the web, and watching movies. I have a Macbook Pro 16 inch and OMG I love it! The speakers are insane and are of amazing quality. Like, movie theatre quality. Since you’ll be working on your Macbook so much, you’ll want to invest in a really good one. I would really advise you to shop for the latest one. A bigger screen might be a pain to take with you but is great to edit photos, movies if you’re a Youtuber or want to watch Youtube or some Netflix. I have not regretted buying my big Macbook Pro for a second!
Bluetooth speaker – A Bluetooth speaker is a must-have for any college student! It’s perfect for streaming music, listening to lectures, and studying. I have the JBL Xtreme and it’s amazing! The sound quality is fantastic, and it’s really loud! It’s also water-resistant, which comes in handy if you’re ever caught in a rainstorm.
Earphones/headphones – Earphones are essential if you want to share your earbuds with a friend or roommate, but they’re also useful for blocking out background noise while studying! I have the Bose QC20i and love them so much that I literally sleep in them every night (I’m serious!). They’re really comfortable and the sound quality is amazing! If you’re looking for headphones that will last, I would highly recommend investing in a pair of Bose headphones.
Storage for electronics – If you’re like most people these days, you probably don’t leave home without a cell phone and/or laptop. Organizing all of your electronics in one spot will help keep everything safe and make it easy to charge them up when necessary.
Desk lamp with wireless charger – A desk lamp is essential for studying in your dorm room! I love my desk lamp so much that I even got the exact same one for home. Don’t have a smartphone you can charge with a wireless charger? Opt for a desk lamp with a USB charger instead.
Portable battery charger – A portable battery charger is a must-have for any college student! It’s perfect for charging your phone and laptop on the go (especially in those long lecture halls). My favorite brand of chargers is Anker, because they are very durable, portable, and have a very long battery life.
USB drive – A USB flash drive is essential for storing all of your college documents! Always make a backup of your files, always! Your computer will probably come with one already installed in it (mine did), but you can also get them separately if that’s the case. If you’re looking to save money by not having to buy a USB flash drive, you can always use an external hard drive.
Cute smartphone and laptop covers – A fun way to add personality to your dorm room is by using cute smartphone and laptop covers! I’m a huge fan of the marble trend, so I used a marble phone case and laptop skin. They’re really affordable and can be found at most retailers.
Phone wallet – A phone wallet is perfect for storing your IDs, credit cards, and cash! I use my iPhone case as a wallet when going to bars/clubs or festivals so that it’s less likely for me to lose my purse.
Smart water bottle – Don’t drink enough water during the day? A smart water bottle will help you stay hydrated throughout the day! You can connect them with an app on your smartphone and refill it with water from any sink (or even faucet) and bottle your own water from the tap!
Fitness tracker – A fitness tracker is essential for tracking your daily activity, how many steps you take each day, how long you sleep, and how much water you drink. Fitbit is the most popular brand, but I personally use an Apple Watch!
Extra long charger – Most dorm rooms come with a mini fridge, which is great, but the plugs are usually really close to the ground. This can be a huge pain when trying to plug in your laptop or phone charger. An extra long charger will save you from having to crouch down every time you want to charge your devices!
Airpods – If you’re a music lover, then I’m sure you’ve heard of Airpods. They’re the latest and greatest in headphones, and they’re perfect for college students! The sound quality is amazing, they’re really lightweight and comfortable to wear, and they have up to five hours of battery life!
iPad – If you’re an avid reader (like me), then having an iPad is a must! I love reading on my iPad because it’s so much easier to hold than a book, and the battery life lasts forever. You can also use your e-reader as long as it has Amazon Kindle app installed on it.
Audible – If you’re not an avid reader, but would still like to listen to books, then Audible is a great option! It’s an app where you can listen to audiobooks for free with a monthly subscription. They have a huge selection of books and the best part is that you can download them and listen to them offline. Great for when you’re driving back home or traveling. Or you know, just want to use your spare time productively!
A Wake-up light – This is a new addition to my dorm room, but I’m so excited about it! It’s basically a lamp that gradually increases in brightness over a period of 30 minutes, simulating the natural sunrise. This is perfect for people who have trouble waking up in the morning (like me) because it’s more gradual and doesn’t shock your body awake like an alarm would.
College study essentials
Now, what will you need to bring with you to study?
Desk – Having a desk is key to studying. It’s where you’ll do your homework, plan out all of your assignments for the week/month, study with friends and family (if they live in another state), etc. If there isn’t one available in your dorm room or if it doesn’t look very good, then I recommend buying an inexpensive desk from IKEA or Target.
Chair – A comfortable chair is a must when you’re studying for long periods of time! You don’t want to be sitting in an uncomfortable chair that’s going to make your back and neck hurt. Pro tip: add a nice and fluffy throw blanket over your chair and a good pillow. That will help you get comfortable.
Lamp – A desk lamp is essential for late-night study sessions when the sun has already set! The light will help you see more clearly.
Headphones – Headphones are essential for when your roommate is studying, sleeping, or just trying to have a little “me time.” You don’t want to disturb them by having the TV on in the background.. so grab some good headphones and listen to music quietly with no distractions!
Color-changing lamp – I always keep a desk lamp with multiple color options on when I’m studying. It helps me relax and get into the “study mode” so that it’s easier for me to focus on my work. If you’re not studying, you can use the changing colors to set a cute aesthetic and ambiance in your dorm room.
Healthy snacks – If you’re going to be studying late at night or early in the morning, then having healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, or granola bars will keep you from getting grumpy and hungry. They’ll also help boost your energy levels so that you can focus longer on studying!
Sharpies – Sharpies are great for labeling your things and decorating! They’re also useful if you ever want to add any last minute touches or edits on a project.
A little printer – One of my favorite things about college is that I can easily print anything in the library or at one of the many printers available on campus. If you want to save some money, having a little printer will help. You don’t have to queue anymore and print whenever you like.
Flash cards – Flash cards are a great tool to memorize things! I love using them for all of my classes and it’s easy, especially if you have your class schedule printed out on one side and the definitions/terms written on the other.
Tape – Tape is very useful when you’re trying to organize papers or just stick something onto an existing surface. I always have some tape with me in my backpack and it’s come in handy many times!
Binder clips – Binder clips are also great for organizing papers as well as keeping cords together. If you’re like me and have a lot of chargers/cords, then using binder clips to keep them all together is a great time saver.
Ear plugs – Ear plugs are essential if you really need to focus or just want to zone out. Sometimes the loudest people in the library can be really distracting and having some ear plugs will help you drown out all of the noise.
Whiteboard – A whiteboard is a great way to keep track of your daily/weekly schedule, due to its large size. You can also use it for brainstorming ideas or just writing down random thoughts. Or use it to help you study for your exams or use it to make a vision board.
Relaxing room spray – I always have some relaxing room spray with me in my dorm room. It helps calm me down if I’m feeling stressed or anxious and it also smells really good!
Salt lamp – A salt lamp is great for setting a calming ambiance in your dorm room. I like using mine when I’m feeling stressed out from school or just want to relax after a long day of work.
Wall grids – Wall grids are perfect for hanging up your photos, artwork, or any other decorations. It’s an easy way to add some personality and style to your dorm room without having to use nails or screws!
A fan – A fan is essential during the hot summer months! Not only will it help keep you cool, but it’ll also help circulate the air in your room.
Candles – Candles are great for when you want to set an intimate and relaxing mood in your dorm room. I love using candles during my downtime, especially if I’m studying or just watching a movie! I started studying with a candle burning next to me and I can’t seem to be able to study without it. Opt for a cute candle with a nice smell. Can’t burn candles in your dorm room? There are super cute LED candles!
A calendar – A calendar is essential whether you’re at home or away from home because it’ll help keep track of all the deadlines and assignments that you have. Plus, it’s a great way to keep track of your daily/weekly schedule!
An essential oil diffuser – An essential oil diffuser is another great way to set the mood and calm down after a stressful day of school or work. It’s also helpful when you’re sick and need some aromatherapy to help feel better!
Notebooks – A lot of people like to take notes on their laptops, but I prefer using notebooks. I find that it’s easier for me to write down everything and then go back and transfer the information to my laptop later on. Plus, it’s really nice to be able to flip through your old notebooks and look at all of your notes from different classes.
Pastel markers – Pastel markers are great for highlighting your textbooks and notes. It’s less harsh for your eyes.
Binders – Binders are essential if you like being organized. I always have one with me when I’m taking notes from my classes because it’s easier to have everything in one place. You can also use them for storing any paperwork or important documents.
Blue light blockers – Blue light blockers are great for when you need to stay up late or get a lot of work done. I like using them because they help reduce eye strain and damage from too much screen time!
Keeper – A keeper is basically just a fancy name for an expandable folder. It’s handy if you want to organize your notes into different sections.
Sticky notes – Sticky notes are perfect for leaving yourself reminders or writing down any information you need to remember. They’re easy and simple!
Packing list for college
Packing for college can be daunting, but don’t worry, we got you covered! In this article, we have given a lot of the essentials you need for your dorm room. From packing to studying, we have everything you need to know!
Here’s an amazing packing list you can download for free!
Packing Tips for college
Now that you know what you need for your dorm room, it’s time to start packing! Here are a few tips to make sure everything goes smoothly:
-Pack heavier items on the bottom of your suitcase and lighter items on top of the heavier ones.
-Don’t forget to have a plan for what you’re going to do with all your stuff after move in day!
-As a general guideline, you should pack about three outfits for each day of the week.
-Make sure your clothes are folded neatly and placed in plastic bags or bins! Keep them as organized as possible to reduce wrinkles on move-in day.
-Don’t forget to bring a vacuum cleaner with you! It’s easy to clean your dorm room, so start early and make sure it looks good for move-in day.
If you’re looking for some more packing tips or want help deciding what you need, try this article out!
I hope you guys enjoyed this post and found it helpful! Let me know if you have any questions or anything I missed in the comments below. Also: What are your dorm essentials? Please share them with us in the comments section as well, we would love to hear from y’all! 🙂