This post is all about the things you need for a college dorm.
Deciding what to bring to college is one of the first stressful decisions you make before even stepping on campus. As a college sophomore, I knew I wanted to share what things you need for a college dorm.
I still remember moving out of my house and into college. It was safe to say, I was freaked out and felt so lost with what to bring and how I was going to make friends. Let me take some stress off your plate and tell you what you actually need to bring to college.
(If you want my advice on making friends, click here.)
11 Things You Need For College Dorm By College Sophomore
1. 4in Twin Mattress Topper
You will be spending hours in your dorm room, either sleeping or watching movies.
Your dorm bed will feel like a bed of rocks without a mattress topper. The only negative aspect of this dorm essential is the cost. Most of them range from $100 to about $300, but the last thing you want after moving away from home is a bad mattress.
2. Hand-held Vacuum
You will have no room in your dorm room. Meaning, even a broom is taking up too much space.
A hand-held vacuum can be put in a drawer or in your closet (hidden away). You will need a cleaning device because you will come back to your dorm room at 3 am with a bunch of snacks and your rule of ‘no eating in my bed’ goes straight out the door.
I recommend this vacuum cleaner from Amazon, which you can find below. It is rechargeable, cordless, and even comes in a matchable.
3. Tapestry
The BEST wall decorations. Not only are they super cheap but also can make the dorm room feel like home. You can find many different designs on Amazon ranging from $10 to $45, but I recommend spending a maximum of $15.
Here are some links to ones I recommend (and are super cheap) :
4. 10in Phone Charger
If you have an outlet near your bed, you are luckier than I was.
This was one of the first purchases I bought when I arrived on campus and I recommend you buy one as soon as possible. You can find one at your local gas station, Target, Walmart, or mall.
5. Clip-on Fan
If you are reading this, you will need a fan. Most universities control air conditioning, not students.
I recommend this one that hooks directly either to your desk or your bed. Hence, it does not take up a lot of room in your dorm room and it will keep you cool (especially if you are going to school in a hotter area).
6. Extension Cord and Power Strip
Power strips and extension cords saved my life in college. Likewise, in most college dorm rooms or at least ones at my school, you will only have a few outlets (most likely two). This means you will need to keep switching out your chargers to charge your phone, computer, Tv, etc.
It gets very annoying and wastes so much time, especially if you have friends over.
7. Hydro Flask
Hydro-flasks not only come in many colors but also are amazing. They keep your water cold for hours. On hot summer days, the last thing you want to do is have to pay for a water bottle.
8. Shower Caddy
In college, you do not have your own bathroom – let alone a shower. Meaning you will have to bring your own shampoo, conditioner, and everything else, from your dorm room into the shower areas.
Shower caddies are perfect for college students because they hold SO much and take up relatively no space. Here are a few I recommend:
9. Carpet
A carpet is probably my favorite item I bought for my room in college. I bought mine at the local Lowes by my university for about $60 and it filled my entire room. If you are sharing a room with someone – go half with them and get a large enough one to fill the whole room.
Carpets are great for decorations but it was a place where I could lay down and do homework. Or sit with my friends and talk with them. Also, the carpet protected the hardwood floor when I would accidentally spill water or have everyday occurrences.
10. Purifier Water Filter
I only recommend this if you or your roommate are bringing a refrigerator to your dorm room. These filters remove Fluoride, chlorine, lead, dirt, harmful metals, and other water substances in the water.
11. Dorm Safe
You will be able to lock your dorm room but having a roommate you do not know well and their guests have easy access to your room. Having a safe is perfect if you plan to keep any valuables in your dorm.
It is also a great way of saving money, especially if you want to stick to a budget.
The safe below is one I recommend from Amazon because it is cheap and you have to have a key. Therefore, you can put the key easily with your other keys.
What other things do you need for your college dorm?
This is your dorm, MAKE IT YOU!
The most important thing about college is navigating your life without any parental figures looking over your shoulder. Meaning, if plants make you happy – invest in some plants. If you have a picture that you painted when you were younger that makes you laugh when you see it – BRING IT.
So what other things do you need for a college dorm? Anything that makes you happy on a sad day.
Enjoy your first year of college <3
4 Comments