Whether you’re a freshman or a returning student, this list will make dorm life a little easier.
Basic dormitory equipment
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The first day of college marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life, and if you plan on living on campus, where you live will change drastically. While this is exciting, you won’t be sleeping on the same mattress again and you’ll have to carefully choose which music posters to decorate your limited wall space with. Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, or even a graduate student, there are some essential items for your dorm room that you absolutely must have by your move-in date.
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Your dorm room is more than just a place to sleep. It’s also a place where you can hang out with friends, study, and just relax in your free time. That’s why it’s important to create a space that’s both comfortable and reflects your personality.
There are currently back-to-school sales happening that offer everything from comfy pillows to laptops to bedding at a budget-friendly price. You can take advantage of discounts and special offers that will help you stock up on all your dorm room essentials. This way, you can start your first day of college well-prepared and relaxed.
Read on to find out where to find supplies for your dorm room.
What are the most important items for a student dorm?
So that you can stock up on the most important items for your student residence, ShopPoster has done some research and created the following list of must-haves for shopping.
Amazon
Mattress topper
LinenSpa Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Your university-provided mattress won’t be hotel quality, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it cozier. This mattress topper is a #1 best seller on Amazon for mattress toppers, with more than 40,000 purchased so far this month. The design is 2 inches thick for extra cushioning, as well as a gel material that relieves pressure and conforms to the curves of your body.
Walmart
Laundry bag
OUDXVEE College Laundry Bag
Make laundry day easier with this multi-purpose laundry bag that converts into a backpack. It has a spacious interior that holds up to 45 liters of laundry and has a drawstring top to keep your clothes and linens safe. Another notable feature is the pocket for storing your laundry detergent.
Amazon
Bedside table shelf
BedShelfie bedside shelf
This compact bedside table saves space while still keeping all your bedtime essentials close at hand. The BedShelfie attaches to your bed frame and provides a flat surface with plenty of space for your phone and tablet, while the integrated cup holder keeps you stocked with a glass of water for the night.
Goal
Table lamp
Mini table lamp “Threshold” made of artificial marble
Instead of accepting the harsh neon lights of your dorm, this chic table lamp provides a soft glow as you settle in for the evening. It features a faux marble texture to add some style to your space and comes in three patterns.
Walmart
Bedding set
Mainstays Bed in a Bag Reversible Bedding Set
For less than $50, you can get all the bedding you need. Walmart’s Bed in a Bag includes a reversible comforter, pillowcases, flat sheet, and fitted sheet, giving you a complete bed set with no hassle.
Amazon
Bed elevations
Butizone bed risers
Make room for all your stuff by equipping your bed with bed risers. You can choose from three heights and as a bonus, these have integrated power outlets and USB plugs so you have additional options for connecting your electronic devices.
Urban Outfitters
Bath mat
Bath mat Tiger-
Ready to become the statement piece in your bathroom, Urban Outfitters’ Tiger Bath Mat is shaped like an animal and is made from a soft and fluffy material that will comfortably wrap your feet while absorbing water.
Goal
Storage trolley
Brightroom metal multi-purpose trolley
A storage cart is essential for storing your knick-knacks and toiletries without making your desk look cluttered. Target’s version is made of metal and has a three-tier design so it can be used in small spaces. The included wheels also make it easy to move from place to place.
Goal
Shower shelf
Room Essentials – Mesh shower shelf
Instead of precariously piling up your toiletries in your hands, this shower caddy lets you carry everything and more while giving you extra space for your hands. The mesh material is breathable and dries quickly, while there are several pockets on the sides to store all your shower essentials.
Cozy Earth
Towel set
Waffle pattern bath towel set
Dry off with these soft, fluffy and absorbent waffle towels. The set is 20% off and includes a total of eight towels, including four washcloths, two hand towels and two large towels.
Sleep
Ottoman with storage space
Round Sherpa Storage Stool
Upgrade your dorm room with this stylish ottoman that comes with a secret storage space. The outside is made from a soft teddy material that comes in a variety of colors with gold accents. When you remove the lid, it opens up an empty space to store all your small items.
Amazon
Portable fan
Honeywell QuietSet Personal Desk Fan
Cool off with this portable fan that’s both compact and available at 69% off. You can adjust the speed and temperature using the buttons on the front. Other features include the ability to set a timer and oscillate the fan.
Walmart
Storage space under the bed
Under Bed Storage Bags (4 Pack)
These under bed storage bags will keep your closet from overflowing. Made from fabric and clear plastic, the storage bags come in a pack of 4 that you can fill with clothes, towels and jackets. The clear edges let you see exactly what’s inside, and the integrated handle allows you to easily pull the bag out when you’re looking for a sweater.
Goal
Mirror
Room Essentials – Mirror above the door
Check out your OOTD before you head to class with the help of Target’s door mirror. The design comes in a variety of frame colors to choose from based on your style preferences and includes two hooks to attach and hang above your door.
quince
Ceiling
Cotton fishing blanket
Complete your bedspread with a soft throw blanket like this luxurious one from Quince. It features a cozy knit structure in a cotton material that is breathable yet comfortable on cooler days.
Walmart
Hangars
Better Homes & Gardens Velvet Hangers (100-Pack)
Avoid clothes falling to the floor with this 100-pack of velvet hangers. The body is made of soft, velvety material that keeps your tops, dresses, and other garments in place, while the metal tip rotates to easily hang clothes in the direction you want.
The container store
Shoe storage
Hanging Shoe Organizer (10 Compartments)
Space is a luxury not every dorm room has, which means you’ll have to get creative with storage. This shoe rack can be hung in your closet and is made from a fabric material that’s easy to fold and move around as you please. There are also 10 compartments to store your shoes without making your space feel cluttered.
Further product recommendations can be found at ShopPoster‘s roundups of the best wearable blankets, record player accessories, and travel gear for spring break.
