Now that I have graduated college, I want to write a few more posts on how to succeed while you’re there! I would consider myself a veteran in this department because I moved multiple times while I was in school. It definitely was not fun moving that much, but it also helped me really hone in on what I actually needed!
I lived in a college dorm for one year and then moved into an apartment for the next three. I also had a one semester stint living at home and taking online classes. I ended up using a lot of the same items at home that I did at school! All of these items will be under $100 (and most will be under $50).
I wanted to round up 15 Things I Actually Used In My Dorm Room to hopefully help you find, and purchase, things you’ll actually need! College in the south starts in less than a month, so I wanted to make sure to get this post out now so you can shop! I’ll try to find a lot of things on Amazon so you’ll be able to get free Prime shipping!
1. Extension Cord
This first item is one that my boyfriend suggested when I asked him what he really needed but didn’t realize. This is a good option for any dorm room because you never really know how your room will be set up! Mine was pretty great with a lot of plugs, but my school also had really nice dorms.
2. Mattress Pad
A mattress pad is a LIFESAVER. I had one from day one of college until literally right now! When I started college my dorm had the stereotypical blue mattress that felt like cardboard. I new I couldn’t sleep well so investing in one of those little eggshell pads was a great idea from the start.
3. Keurig/Coffee Maker
I also had a coffeemaker from day one! My roommate literally kept one in her room and I could smell it brewing in the mornings. This is a great option even if you have a cafe/dining hall on campus because when it’s closed you can still have sustenance for all-nighters.
4. Lots of Pillows
This is something that everyone made fun of me for, but my bed was SUCH a cozy place. This is potentially a problem because you’ll never want to get up and go to class, but it also makes it feel more like home!
5. Under Bed Storage Bin
This is one item that was SO HELPFUL. Dorms are tiny spaces (I actually had a pretty large one) and you have to literally fit everything you own in a small room! Under bed storage bins are a fantastic way to do so.
6. Ziploc Bags
Here is another recommendation from my boyfriend. I actually found myself needing these way more than you’d think. You can use these to smuggle chicken wings out of the dining hall, or just for storing loose command strips/nails you haven’t used for your room.
7. Extra Toilet Paper
THIS ITEM RIGHT HERE. Somehow my roommate and I that shared a bathroom always seemed to immediately run out of toilet paper. Having a huge 12-pack or packing back up off the bat is a good idea! It’s also a small thing you easily forget, so here is me telling you to remember it!
8. Door Food Organizer
This item was inspired by my best friend Kendall! She had an over the door organizer where she kept snacks, pasta, tuna packets, etc! It was such a great idea for space saving and also made sure she could lock some of her food in her own room.
9. Wall Calendar
This is one thing I still use, just for a different purpose! I used a wall calendar to keep track of all of my weekly and monthly deadlines for classes. This was crucial in staying on top of everything. I now use it to keep track of blogging deadlines!
10. Bed Risers
Bed risers can honestly be grouped in with under bed storage. Bed risers are a fantastic idea when you don’t have room in your closet or if you share a room with someone. Some of them even come with outlets in them!
11. Shout Wipes
Shout wipes are the one things I wish I discovered wayyyy before I did. These babies are freaking amazing and can get anything (including makeup!!!) out of clothes. We used them when I worked at LOFT and people would get their entire face on the clothes.
12. Shower Caddy
One awesome item that is so useful in shared bathrooms is a shower caddy! My roommate and I put one over our shower head and it was great. We were able to fit so many more items in the shower and had much more room for soap and shampoo!
13. Scissors
This is a seemingly simple item that I promise you will not think to bring. It’ll also be SO PIVOTAL TO HAVE. I honestly suggest keeping them in a purse or backpack so you can use them to cut boxes open on move in day. Regardless, these will be helpful throughout the year!
14. Reusable Water Bottle
This is an item that I bring with me everywhere regardless of where I’m going. I’m paranoid about being stranded somewhere and not having water so I’m generally always bringing a reusable bottle with me! Most campuses usually have water bottle stations at the water fountains now, so with one of these you’ll be able to fill up anywhere!
15. Under Sink Rack
Under the sink storage is necessary for living in a dorm too. This is where I put all of my cleaning supplies and also my hair products! We had plenty of room so this was a great way to utilize that space and create more storage.
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