These college apartment essentials are exactly what you cannot forget.

college apartment essentials

Moving into a college apartment can be scary especially when you don’t know what to pack but this guide will show you all the essentials.

If you’re moving in with roommates, make sure to split the living room essentials to save you some money, or send this to them so you both are on the same page.

College Apartment Bedroom Essentials


1. Get A Cheap Headboard

Do not spend thousands on a headboard.

I found this cheap one on Amazon for $110 with thousands of 5-star reviews saying how much they love it!

college apartment bedroom

2. A Reliable Comforter

If you lived in the dorm rooms last year, you are going to need a new comforter.

This one on Amazon is currently 40% off and has over 100,000 reviews. You can buy it in any color and have it shipped straight to your apartment.

college apartment bedroom

Free Apartment Checklist

Make the move easier with our new apartment checklist that hundreds are already using!

3. Hanging Wall Storage

I recently visited my friend in college and she had these hanging shelves on her wall.

It looked so good that I knew I had to include it in this post. She had pictures of her family on it and even some green plants to bring out the colors.

I listed the one that looks like hers below.

(RELATED): 10+ Genius College Apartment Organization Hacks Of This Year

college apartment bedroom

4. Wall Decor

It’s a college apartment so you need to add some cute colors and some cute wall decor.

I linked my two favorites that are a must-have in any college apartment.

college apartment bedroom

college apartment bedroom

5. Easy Assemble Bed frame

I LOVE this bed frame. Amazon ships it straight to your house and as long as you follow the directions, it’s super easy to set up.

college apartment bedroom

6. Throw Pillows

The best way to transform your bedroom is to add throw pillows. The ones above are from Target but I found ones that look exactly like them on Amazon if you prefer to ship them straight to your door.

college apartment bedroom

college apartment bedroom

7. Throw Blanket

Having a blanket on your bed or in your bedroom is perfect for sleepovers. Each person can have their own blanket or if someone prefers to sleep cold, they can lay on top of the comforter.

college apartment bedroom

college apartment bedroom

8. Makeup / Desk

You are going to have more room in your apartment then in your dorm so GET A DESK or make-up vanity.

Having a place to do all of your homework besides the library or on the bed, is so amazing. You will get motivated and be able to see all of your work that you need to have done.

college apartment bedroom

college apartment bedroom

9. Mirrors

Do I even need to explain why your bedroom needs a mirror?

They make your bedroom look more open and your friends will love being able to take pictures in front of it.

college apartment bedroom

10. Dresser

You are going to need a dresser in your bedroom.

Depending on the amount of space in your apartment you’re going to need a specific type of dresser. The first one below is best if you have a lot of floor space but the second one is great for taking up wall space.

11. Nightstands

I have a nightstand from Good Will (which is great for finding second-hand pieces) for my apartment. However, if you are trying to find all of your pieces from Amazon, I listed 2 very good ones that are budget friendly below.

College Apartment Bathroom Essentials


12. “Get Naked” – Shower Curtain.

college apartment bathroom

As college students, we are often thinking about all of the assignments coming up but we deserve a laugh here and there. This bathmat ensures you will every time you walk into the bathroom.

I am in love with this rug and curtain! You can find them both here for $30.


13. Bathroom Accessory Holder

college apartment bathroom

This bathroom organizer is the perfect mix between storage and decoration.

Many college apartments do not have large bathrooms but this will give you the extra space to put your tampons, toilet paper, and/or anything you may need in the bathroom.


14. Bathroom Sign

college apartment bathroom

You can put any words of encouragement you want on them and even change them weekly depending on your mood.


15. Shower Organizer.

college apartment bathroom

These are the best shower organizers on the internet right now.

You don’t need to have it attached to the showerhead. It sticks directly to the shower wall and holds all of your shower essentials.


16. Bathroom Organization On Wheels.

college apartment bathroom

These are seriously the best and they are only $40 on Amazon.

Just like #2 listed above, this is a great way to hold storage while also keeping your bathroom looking beautiful.


17. Wall Shelves.

These shelves are perfect because they allow you to use the wall space in your bathroom.

Seriously put your makeup, soap, or face cleaners on them and use your drawer space for something else.


18. “Hello Gorgeous” -rug.

college apartment bathroom

Do you like when a guy tells you how pretty you are? Or maybe your phone background is a picture of you looking hot?

Then this rug is a must-have for you!

I mean who doesn’t love a reminder of how pretty they are?

(RELATED): What I Regret & Not Regret Buying For My First Apartment

More Bathroom Essentials For Your College Apartment


19. Wall Decor

When it comes to decor ideas, I am a stickler for good wall art.

I’m sure you are too. They take up random wall space while also looking super cute for pictures.

This one in particular gives off a rustic farm vibe that I am sure you are loving.


20. Shower Curtain

Okay to be honest with you, I haven’t stopped laughing since I saw this bathroom curtain.

Just imagine waking up at 5 am tired ASF and seeing this before you get undressed. Exactly you are laughing too and who doesn’t love a good laugh?


21. Skincare Organizer

college apartment bathroom

Have you been trying to find a place to put your makeup and skincare routine but don’t want to use the walls?

Then how about this one that you can put in the corner and grab it whenever you need it instead of searching through random drawers?


22. Shower Caddy

I included a larger shower caddy above but this one is the perfect amount if you just want the essentials!


23. Bar Cart

If you have 15 different kinds of skin care products that you put on daily, this is a must-have.

Unlike the picture above, you should add toilet paper to the bottom shelve to give myself more room under the sink.


24. Small Mirror

college apartment bathroom

My friends like to come over and get ready together before we go anywhere. If your friends do the same, you need a portable mirror.

This mirror allows your friends to get ready in your bathroom mirror while you get ready on the floor or on the desk.

College Apartment Living Room Essentials


25. Sofas

This one might seem kinda obvious but you need to have a sofa in your living room.

Picking a white or black sofa is the way to go if you plan on decorating the walls or having different-colored throw pillows. Many students love the black sofa below due to being able to cover up spills and how easy it is to clean.

college apartment living room

college apartment living room

26. Living Room Table

Every college apartment I have seen and been to has your typical living room table.

Your friends are going to spill drinks on it or make it messy.

Instead of buying an expensive table, save your money on decor to go on top of it.

college apartment living room

college apartment living room

Free Apartment Checklist

Make the move easier with our new apartment checklist that hundreds are already using!

27. Side Tables

Your living room needs a side table.

Side tables are where guests put their delicious drinks or snacks for the movie. Don’t force them to put their stuff on the floor.

college apartment living room

college apartment living room

28. Rugs

Rugs are my favorite way to bring together a whole entire color theme in the cheapest way possible.

The first is about $70 and the second one is around $30. Depending on your color scheme and the space, pick the best one for you.

college apartment living room

college apartment living room

29. Wall Art

Please decorate your walls.

Having bare walls is a no-no. It turns your apartment into an elevated jail cell instead of a home.

RELATED: 25 Insanely Good College Apartment Decor Ideas To Recreate Now

college apartment living room

college apartment living room

30. Throw Pillows

This one is another that every apartment living room needs.

We listed our top picks below depending if you want a complete set or would rather mix-match.

college apartment living room

college apartment living room

31. Throw Blankets

Having blankets is a must-have, especially in your living room.

If you plan on hosting movie nights or having friends over, get some blankets.

college apartment living room

college apartment living room

College Apartment Living Room Ideas

32. Add some greenery

Add a plant (fake or not) to your apartment.

It brings color into your room and matches with every room theme.

33. Living room lights

So many college apartments have terrible lighting,

These are 2 very budget-friendly options to fix that.

college apartment living room

college apartment living room

34. Mirrors

Let’s be honest, every apartment needs a mirror.

It makes your apartment look bigger and gives your friends a place to take pictures. Also, keep in mind that your friends will be taking pictures and the background will be visible.

RELATED: The Ultimate College Apartment Checklist (+ Free Printable)

35. Couch Caddy

I recently saw this couch caddy at my friend’s apartment and it’s genius.

If you love sitting on your couch but always lose stuff in the middle, simply organize it with this product.

36. Blanket Holder

Your apartment needs a certain place to put your blankets and pillows.

It makes the apartment look more organized and will make cleaning SO MUCH easier.

What college apartment essentials are you going to buy? Let us know in the comments.

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