PHOTO COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK
HMoving into a college dorm for the first time is tough. You leave the comforts of home, which include the care of your parents, and prepare to live with strangers in a space that doesn’t have a kitchen, a standard-sized bed, or even a private bathroom.
Still, there are ways to make your dorm feel more livable. From basics like a mini fridge and coffee maker (you’ll need these in college—trust me) to fun aesthetic things like a cozy rug and moody string lights, these are the things your students will want (and need) when they find their first home away from home.
The microwave
Beautiful sensor microwave oven
The aesthetically pleasing microwave comes with a celebrity endorsement. The aptly named Beautiful 1000-Watt Sensor Microwave Oven in White Icing by Drew Barrymore has a minimalist design and matte gold handle that will add a touch of class to any dorm room. Thoughtfully designed, this countertop microwave (available at Wal-Mart) features a touch-activated display and comes with 15 convenient preset functions. It makes meal prep easy—just make sure your school allows microwaves in dorms beforehand.
Price: 129 $
The mattress topper
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper
The Twin XL mattresses often used in dorm rooms aren’t exactly known for their comfort, which is why investing in a quality mattress topper is a smart move. Featuring a 3-inch layer of memory foam infused with cooling graphite, Saatva’s eco-friendly Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper offers the ultimate in comfort. Whether for a bunk bed or a twin bed, the topper stays securely in place even with frequent shifting, thanks to four elastic anchor straps that ensure a secure fit on the mattress.
Price: $325
The mini fridge
Frigidaire compact refrigerator
Available at Wal-Mart, the Frigidaire 3.2 cubic foot retro dry erase compact refrigerator offers plenty of space and style. The compact refrigerator features two adjustable pull-out glass shelves, a door basket with cup holders and an ice cube tray, and has a reversible door that opens left or right, giving you more options for placement. Plus, it’s really cute. In addition to the retro stainless steel handle, the front of the refrigerator is actually a dry erase board where you can jot down notes, reminders, and of course, a shopping list.
Price: $142.14
The cooling tower
Dreo tower fan
Air conditioning isn’t guaranteed in a dorm, especially if you live in an older building. In that case, the highly-rated Dreo Tower Fan is one of your best options for cooling down. The sleek, 36-inch tower features a quiet electric motor that produces cool, fast winds that blow up to 29 feet. The fan is easy to clean and has no blades, plus it features four wind speeds and a convenient remote control.
Price: 69,99 €
The space saver
ULG door organizer
Dorms and their closets are notoriously tight. Find space for your belongings and keep them organized with the ULG Over Door Organizer. Made from durable non-woven fabric, the organizer features five spacious pockets and two mesh side pockets to store everything from cosmetics and toiletries to cleaning supplies.
Price: 35,99 €
The coffee machine
K-Express Essentials Single Serve Coffee Maker
Welcome to the adult world—you’re constantly tired now and need caffeine to get you through the day. Start your day right with the Keurig K-Express Essentials single-serve coffee maker. Offering three serving sizes, the compact coffee maker comes in a variety of colors (I like the bold teal) and makes an easy, mess-free cup of coffee.
Price: 49$
The area carpet
Bettie retro shaggy rug with check pattern
Add warmth and color to your dorm floor with the Rugs USA Retro Shaggy Area Rug with a fun check pattern. Available in a range of sizes, the dense and durable rug is designed for high-traffic areas. The soft surface not only provides a cozy place to sit, but also adds a more inviting feel to a sterile dorm room.
Price: $131.95 for a 5 x 7 foot rug
The floor cushion
Ruthie Velvet Floor Cushion
Available at Urban Outfitters, these luxurious floor cushions are covered in rich jewel-toned velvet and are chic enough to double as floor seating and decoration. Stack a few on top of each other to create the perfect reading nook.
Price: 49$
The Comforter
Retro Daisy Floral Bedspread
Add some flower power to your space with Society6’s Daisy Comforter. The lightweight bedding in a warm gold tone comes in a standard Twin XL dorm size—and the fun daisy print will make your space bloom.
Price: $105.75 for Twin XL
The lighting
LECLSTAR 100 LED fairy lights
String lights are an easy and inexpensive way to add a cozy atmosphere to your dorm room. LECLSTAR’s 100 LED string lights total 10 meters long and come with transparent clips that you can use to hang photos or other small items.
Price: 14,88 €
The mirror
Otlsh wavy standing mirror
Everyone needs a full-length mirror to check their outfits, and this one is exceptionally cute too. Available in a variety of colors, the Otlsh Wavy Floor Mirror adds a touch of mod style to your dorm room, while the light reflected off the mirror surface helps make the room appear larger. The versatile mirror can be hung on the wall or set up freestanding.
Price: 79,99 €
