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Dorm Bedding Essentials

A bed is one of the (if not THE) most important parts of a dorm room. You sleep on it, study on it, eat on it, hook up o- okay I'll stop there ;).

But for real, sleeping is one of a college students favorite activities and having comfortable bedding is SO important and debatably the most important dorm room essentials.

1. Twin XL Mattress Topper

If you read my Top Prime Day Deals Dorm Room Essentials section above, you know how passionate I am about having a mattress pad. Like, I should be a spokesperson for them because I think they are so important. 

You never know what or who has been on those dorm room beds. They also make your bed so much more comfortable!

I used this memory foam mattress pad in my dorm and then used the cooling mattress pad cover in my apartment the following year and highly recommend both.

2. My Favorite Dorm Sheets

The first set of sheets above (these ones from Amazon) are the exact sheets I used and truthfully one of my favorite sheets ever. I just bought some for my queen bed actually. They come in a 3-piece Twin XL set and are less than $30!

About two years ago when I was in my college apartment, I discovered the other set above that's twin XL sheets with a pocket on the side. These are GENIUS for anyone who plans to loft their bed so you can put your phone and other small essentials in it. I probably would have bought those instead if they were around during my freshman year :). 

3. My Favorite Dorm Duvet

A duvet is something that doesn't have to be Twin XL imo but there are plenty of cute Twin XL duvets out there.

3. Bed Skirt

I never personally had a bed skirt, but I know a lot of people that did. This is a special bed skirt made specifically for dorm beds and is a great way to hide everything that you have stored for a more put together room.

If seeing everything you have under your bed doesn't bother you, then don't worry about it! But it's a good option to have.

Here is the special bed skirt made specifically for colleges.

4. Bed Shelf

These bed shelves are the best for holding your laptop, phone, and whatever else you like to have near you when you sleep.

These are super popular and perfect to have on your bed.

You can get a dorm bed shelf for $35.

5. Headboard

A way to instantly make your dorm room feel more decorated is by having a headboard. The easiest way to do this is by simply using a twin headboard which is sold so many places.

6. Cozy Blankets

If I don't have a blanket wrapped around me, it's surprising. I got the BEST large blanket my freshman year of college that I still sleep with every night.

Make sure when you get a blanket to get it in a queen size so you can really snuggle with it. Twin sized blankets are too small in my opinion.

If you're looking to splurge or get your daughter a gift that will make her love you forever and ever, get her a Barefoot Dreams Blanket...they are pure HEAVEN.

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Dorm Bathroom Essentials

1. Mesh Shower Caddy

As mentioned above, a shower caddy is a dorm essential, especially if you have to use a communal bathroom. 

I definitely recommend a mesh shower caddy over a plastic caddy. The reason is because the plastic caddy would retain the water once I got out of the shower and once I would bring it back to my dorm, it would get my whole dorm floor wet which is SO annoying.

2. Towel Wrap

Let me tell you, I used this dorm essential every single day in college. So much so that I included it in my "Must Buys" at the top of this post.

Most dorms have you walk from dorm room to shower. You will see all kinds of people in the hallway (boys and girls). It's nice to not have to worry about your towel coming off. I also like to wear it as I do my makeup and blow-dry my hair.

3. Plastic Shower Shoes

• Flip flops
• White 'birkenstock' shower shoes

Doesn't matter which type you get, having shower shoes is an essential. Trust me, you don't know what or who has been in those showers. Makes me gag thinking about honestly it haha.

Keep your feet safe and clean and get some shower shoes. I think I bought $3 ones from Target but I had friends who used the slide versions because they found them to be a little more comfortable.

4. Waterproof Speaker

My friends would go shower together (in different stalls obvi) and would play music. It was actually really fun and one of the better memories that occured in communal bathrooms lol.

Having a bluetooth speaker is definitely a college essential so having it be waterproof crosses two things off the shopping list.

5. Comfy Robe

I lived in my fuzzy robe freshmen year and I still did all four years of college! 

A robe is a classic essential that will last you all throughout college. It's honestly just something good to have in life haha. I love getting out of the shower and putting my robe on right away! It makes getting ready so comfy and relaxing.

6. Towel Set

It's great to have two of every towel type so when one is dirty and you haven't had time to do laundry you'll always have a clean backup...which will happen I promise ;). Towels are actually the only thing I recommend having double of (aka you do not need two sets of sheets in my opinion).

This towel set is great because it has just what you need for the college dorms. It's important not to bring too many towels just because they do take up a lot of space. 

If you have a Costco membership, they have the most amazing towels there...so fluffy and really cheap.

7. Makeup Organizer

Because there isn't a lot of storage or desk space in the dorms, it's essential to keep organized. If you're anything like me, my makeup is all over the place when I get ready if I don't have a specific place to put it. 

Having a good organization system for it is a good way to keep it all in one place and off of your desk. 

Another way to organize your makeup is using drawer separators! This is what I did since my desk had very little counter space.

8. Vanity Mirror

Lighting SUCKS in the dorm rooms so this vanity mirror is perfect for the dorms if you like having professional lighting when you get ready!

There are also a lot of high tech mirrors on the market now that have the ability for you to hook up bluetooth and stuff to them. Here's one of those for just $44.99.

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Dorm Closet Essentials

Dorm closets are basically non-existent so maximizing as much space as possible is crucial for staying sane AND fitting all the clothes your bring. They now have so many organization products for closets so I am listing the ones that I think will actually work for a college dorm.

1. Closet Organization Essentials

• Magic Space Saving Hangers (cascading hangers)
• 24 Pocket Hanging Shoe Organizer

I love these hanger expanders because you can basically have five times the amount of shirts in one hanger! Honestly amazing invention and perfect for the dorm room. If you're anything like me with clothes, you're going to need as much space as you possibly can. This is one of my favorite dorm closet hacks and the organization tool that I think would work best.

And lastly, finding a place for your shoes is very hard. I had a door on my closet one year so I used an over-the-door shoe storage and the other year I did hanging shoe storage from a rod. Not all dorms have closet doors so definitely check with your dorm to see whether you do or not!

2. Dorm Closet Curtains

• Curtain rods
• Blackout curtains

A ton of dorm room closets are open with no door at all. This makes the room seem so much messier than it actually is because you can see all the clothes. 

Check pictures of your dorm room and see if you have a door or not. If not, I highly recommend getting a cute curtain to hang up.

3. Storage Bins

My closet had shelves at the top and I used three of these bins to allow more things to fit up there. I used one of the bins for sweatshirts, one for feminine products and towels, and one for purses. It worked out great!

4. Non-Slip Hangers

The absolute worst is when your clothing falls off your hangers and onto the floor. These non-slip hangers make sure that never happens. They are seriously life-savers for anyone super organized and particular like me that likes their closets always extremely clean.

5. Laundry Basket with wheels & removable hamper

To be honest, getting your laundry from your dorm room to the laundry room can be an absolute b*tch. 

I recommend a laundry basket that easily turns into a bag (like this one from Amazon) or one that can be rolled (like this one from Amazon). Trying to take a "regular" laundry basket to the washing room will be a pain!!!

6. Over-the-Door Full Length Mirror

I don't know how people go without a full length mirror. I always need to see my full outfit before I leave the house. 

If you know your dorm room doesn't have a full length mirror, an over the door mirror is perfect since it doesn't take up any extra space! For me, this an absolute must for dorm room products.

7. Laundry Detergent For A Dorm Room

Can it really be a dorm room without hanging lights?! No, definitely not ;).

Hanging lights are the perfect (and cheap) way to decorate a large wall while also making the room feel so much cozier.

4. A Cute Area Rug

• Fluffy area rug
• Antique Pink Area Rug (washable)
• Checkered Tufted Rug

You NEED a rug in your dorm!! Dorm floors are disgusting and adding a cute rug can make it so much cuter and cozier. I won't lie, it will be disgusting by the end of the year, but it will be worth it.

5. Desk Lamp

Don't forget a desk lamp! You need them for studying (especially late at night when your roommate is sleeping) but they can also provide extra storage for some of your school supplies.

Read this next → Your Dorm Room Checklist: Essentials You Need to Buy

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Dorm Furniture Essentials

You definitely don't need or want a lot of dorm room furniture but you do need a few essential things, like a futon. I had the best futon ever that I'll show below.

1. Futon

This was the futon I had and it was the BEST!! Seriously, getting a futon with fake leather makes it so easy to clean up all the spills that *will* happen in your dorm room.

If you can fit a futon in your dorm, I highly recommend you do. Whenever I had friends over, this is where we would hang out. You would rather have people hanging out here than your bed.

You can also put bins under your futon for more storage (which I did): 

• Plastic bin storage from Amazon
• Foldable storage container from Amazon

2. Cute Storage Ottoman

Having a storage ottoman like this is awesome because it has so many purposes. It's the perfect place to hide shoes or food, allows for extra seating, or a place to put your feet up while sitting on the futon.

AND, if you plan on having your bed high up it's a great stepping stool :).

3. Storage Cubes

I had both of these freshmen year and also used them in my college apartments. They are so great for storage but also could be used as a TV stand or a bedside table. 

Get storage cubes too to fit more!

4. Blackout Curtains

As I mentioned before, blackout curtains saved my sanity freshmen year. For all the light sleepers out there, these are essential for good sleep!!

PRIME DAY DEALS

Dorm Kitchen Essentials

1. Silverware Set

Absolutely OBSESSED with this cheap silverware set!

This is the perfect amount of silverware for a dorm and at less than $25, you can't beat it.

2. Small Dinnerware Set

Along with the essential silverware, having a few bowls and plates is great for eating in your dorm. I definitely wouldn't go crazy with this because it will be hard to clean/put places.

Truthfully, when I lived in the dorms I used paper plates and bowls for the year. I know it wasn't eco-friendly but it was SO much easier. Obviously, the second I moved into apartments I went back to using regular plates :).

3. To-Go Mugs

If you're not already a coffee person, you will be (college does that to you). Or you'll turn into a tea drinker like me (yes, I know grandmaaa). To-go mugs that keep your drink hot or cold are essential for early morning classes.

4. Mini Keurig

Shop the full size Keurig from Amazon here.

To make an easy, good cup of coffee in the dorm, this Keurig is perfect. It's small enough where it won't take up a ton of room but still does the job!

Get some K-Cups to make as well: 

• Starbucks 40 pack
• The Donut Shop 72 pack
• Caribou Coffee 72 pack
• Swiss Miss 44 pack (for the non-coffee drinker ;))

6. Stanley

I actually am obsessedddd with my Stanley. I literally take it everywhere. 

Seriously it's one of my top dorm room essentials. It keeps your water cold forever and I swear I drink more water when it's out of my Stanley lol. 

If you like other types of water bottles, check out these options:

• Simple Modern Tumbler with Handle
• Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle
• Hydro Flask Tumbler Mug 

7. Containers for Snacks or Leftovers

If you like to bring snacks to class or work or plan to keep leftovers in your fridge, these containers are great! They are super easy to clean and are much better for the environment than plastic bags.

8. Microwave (and mini fridge if not provided!)

If you plan to make any food or drinks in your dorm room, a microwave is definitely an essential. We used ours a ton when I lived in the dorm! 

Having a microwave helped me make some meals in my dorm room when I was in a pinch (or didn't want to go to the dining hall).

**Before buying this, make sure your dorm room doesn't already have a microwave for you because some do! Also, make sure they provide a fridge!!

Dorm Cleaning Essentials

I'm a total clean freak so I always loved having my dorm spotless. I didn't bring too many cleaning supplies because I knew there wouldn't be enough space for it, so I only brought the absolute essentials.

My roommates and I used these all the time and it worked out great for us!

1. Trash Can

Definitely a dorm room essential. You'll need somewhere to put your trash! This one is inexpensive AND has a top on it so your garbage won't smell up your dorm room. 

If you want a cuter trash can, this is the one that I had in my dorm room.

PS! Definitely get the scented garbage bags...they are a GAME CHANGER in dorm rooms!

2. Mini Vacuum

Having a mini vacuum on hand is soo nice. I'm so obsessed with it that I included it in my "Top Dorm Room Essentials" section at the top of this blogpost.

It is incredible and super affordable!

3. All-Purpose Spray

You wouldn't think such a small space could get so dirty so fast, but it does. I used an all-purpose spray all the time to quickly clean off surfaces that get dirty easily. 

I liked having the multi-purpose spray so I could use it on everything.

4. Trash Bags

I love these Febreeze trash bags because they basically guarantee that your dorm room will never smell (at least from your trash lol).

One time I had a throwing up incident in my room (you can guess why :/) and these masked the smell so well!

5. All-Purpose Wipes

Wipes are also a great option for cleaning products. Any sort of all-purpose cleaning is great for the dorms.

6. Febreeze / Wall Plug-In

There's a lot of different smells going on when you live in a dorm room. I would highly recommend getting some sort of scented spray or wall plug in to keep your dorm always smelling fresh! 

I always had a Bath and Body Works wallflower in and you could smell my dorm down the hallway. It was amazinggg!

College Tech Essentials

1. Laptop

Laptops are essential for anyone in college these days. I use a MacBook just because I also have an iPhone so I love to have everything be cohesive together.

I love it for college and it is definitely a good investment for anyone heading off to school! I've had mine since 2016 and it's still running strong.

2. 10' Charger

Having an extra long cord is essential for the dorm but also to keep in your backpack. The worst feeling is when your phone dies in the middle of the day and you have no way of charging it. 

Highly recommend always having an extra charger in your backpack!

3. AirPods

Not to be dramatic but I don't know what I would do without my AirPods haha. Seriously they are such a great investment if you can afford them. 

I use them allll the time - studying, walking to class, working out, doing laundry. Definitely a college essential! 

This would make an amazing graduation gift too!!

4. Extension Cord + Power Strip

Make sure to not forget one of these! I almost did and actually can't imagine how we would have plugged everything in without it.

5. iPad

If you like to take super neat notes and have everything all in one place, an iPad Pro is a great option.

It's a great alternative to a laptop for anyone that prefers to "write" notes rather than typing on a computer.

I recently just bought one and really wish I had it in college, but my sister had one during college and was absolutely obsessed with it she said.

6. MacBook Charger Extension Cord

I would say this is one of the more practical essentials but one of my most used. Computer chargers are always so short so it's great to have the extra length when you're at the coffee shop or library and are far away from an outlet. 

I permanently have mine connected to my charger because it can stretch so much further!