11 Dorm Essentials for the School Year
Deck out your dorm.
Life in the dorm means balancing comfort, organization, and functionality in a small space. Unsure where to begin? Keep reading for 11 college dorm essentials to stay cozy and productive throughout the school year.
1. Cozy Bedding
College-issued mattresses can be a far cry from the comfort of your bed back home – add these plush bedding must-haves to your dorm shopping list to create a cozy bunk at school.
Bedding: For an affordable all-in-one bedding solution, consider a bed-in-a-bag set, which includes a comforter, sheets, and pillowcases. Weighted blankets are another dorm bedding essential because they can alleviate insomnia, stress, and anxiety after late-night study sessions.
Pillows: Invest in new pillows to improve your quality of sleep while preventing neck and back strain. Choose from a variety of sizes and comfort levels to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for classes.
Mattress Topper: Make a firm dorm-room mattress more comfortable with a plush mattress topper. This dorm necessity provides an extra layer of cushioning while you sleep, study, or relax in bed.
Tip!
For all the inspiration you'll need, brosw our guide on Making the Dorm Bed of Your Dreams.
2. Cordless Vacuum
To keep your dorm clean, invest in a cordless vacuum. Not only are cordless vacuums compact and easy to store, but they easily get rid of snack crumbs, paper bits, or dirt tracked into the dorm.
Microwaves are a convenient must-have for any college dorm. Invest in a countertop model to heat meals, make quick snacks, or warm water for tea. Pair your microwave with a few personal kitchen supplies to hold you over between classes and meals.
Tip!
To browse our top selections, read our guide on The Best Dorm Refrigerators for Campus Living.
4. Space-Saving Mini Fridge
A mini fridge saves space in the dorm while allowing you to stock up on your favorite study snacks. Use it to keep drinks cold, save leftovers, and store dairy. You can even place the microwave on top of your mini fridge to create a compact kitchen nook.
Tip!
Our Guide to Dorm Refrigerator Sizes covers everything you need to find the perfect fit for your space.
5. Electric Tea Kettle
Electric tea kettles do not require a stove to function, only a power outlet. This makes them a versatile dorm essential for not only tea and coffee, but quick meals and snacks like ramen or hard-boiled eggs too.
To add a flair of your personality to the dorm, invest in a piece of unique wall decor. Whether you choose a bulletin board to hang reminders of home or a few favorite pieces of art, wall decor is a perfect way to customize blank walls.
Tip!
Browse these 14 Simple & Stylish Dorm Wall Decor Ideas for all the inspiration you'll need.
7. Adjustable Desk Lamp
A desk lamp not only illuminates late-night study sessions, but provides focused task lighting when your roommate needs to sleep. Desk lamps are affordable, durable, and often come with a built-in USB port to easily charge your phone.
Stay warm underfoot when climbing out of bed by selecting a cozy rug. Rugs come in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and colors to make your room feel more personalized. Invest in a machine-washable selection to easily clean up any spills or stains.
Tip!
Read our guide on How to Choose the Right Rug Size guide to select the perfect option for your dorm.
9. Comfortable Seating
Whether you’re relaxing or hosting guests, here are a few of the best seating selections for your dorm room:
Papasan Chairs: A papasan chair offers a cozy spot to read or kick back. This reinvented version of the traditional saucer chair has more cushioning on all sides and a wider seat to lounge in comfort. It also adds a pop of color and contemporary flair to any dorm room.
Bean Bags: A dorm room classic, bean bag chairs are an affordable and flexible seating option. Their soft interior molds to the shape of whoever is sitting in them. Bean bag chairs come in a wide range of styles and sizes to match your dorm decor and seating needs.
Floor Pillows: Typically square or circular in shape, floor pillows are packed with cushioning to ensure that sitting on the floor is comfortable. They are affordable, offer convenient seating for guests, and can be stored directly under your bed.
Futons: Space-saving and versatile, futons are an excellent addition for dorm rooms. They convert easily from a sofa to a bed, allowing you to lounge, sleep, or study. Plus, many futons feature built-in storage that’ll help maximize limited square footage.
Tip!
Looking for even more Dorm Decorating Ideas for Your Freshman Year? Our comprehensive guide has you covered.
10. Durable Laundry Hamper
A laundry hamper is a dorm essential for storing and transporting dirty clothes. Invest in a sturdy basket with handles to easily carry your load to and from the laundry room, or select a hamper with a lid or drawstrings to prevent airing your dirty laundry.
Organizers are essential for a tidy and space-efficient dorm room.
Hanging & Over-the-Door Organizers: Hanging organizers include multiple compartments. They are usually rectangular and hang vertically from the rod inside your closet. Use them to store shoes, accessories, or more clothes without taking up your roommate's side of the closet.
Over-the-door selections are flat, multi-compartment organizers suspended from flat hooks placed over the top of your door. They create more storage and can easily be moved from door to door.
Storage Containers: Storage containers are ideal for tucking away personal items and removing visual clutter. Place them on top of your wardrobe to save tabletop and floor space. Or opt for under-the-bed storage bins to keep your belongings organized and shielded from dust bunnies.
Portable Shower Caddy: To stay organized when hitting the shower, keep your toiletries in a transportable shower caddy. Shower caddies are space-efficient and conveniently store all your essentials in one place.
Desktop Organization: Keep your workspace neat and tidy with a desktop organizer. Desktop organizers are divided into multiple compartments that allow you to store everything from school supplies to jewelry.
