Yahoo Finance 50 Dorm Room Essentials You’ll Want to Have for Your First Semester of College
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50 Dorm Room Essentials You’ll Want to Have for Your First Semester of College
While last year saw universities scrambling to make remote and hybrid learning work in light of the ongoing pandemic, this fall should be a welcome departure.
Many colleges and universities have rolled out plans for increased on-campus presence for the fall 2021 semester. Although vaccine requirements, mask-wearing, and social distancing guidelines will likely be prevalent for the school year to come, the experience of dorm living may be nearing what it once was. And as the season quickly approaches to start looking for new gear, the time to shop for dorm room ideas is now.
For incoming campus-bound freshmen, furnishing your dorm room is pretty much a crash course in small-space, communal living. And since it's a space you'll be making a lot of memories in, making sure you've got the best organizing products and decorative touches is an essential way to make it feel instantly like home. These 50 dorm room ideas will help you outfit your new digs and get you settled right into college life.
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BESTEK Power Outlet Strip
BESTEK
$25.99
You and your roommate will be clamoring for the little space that you have, so make sure that you can safely share the outlets with a surge protector power strip.
This circular model includes six outlets and four USB ports, and its cord extends up to 6 feet long.
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RUUF 3-Inch Twin XL Mattress Topper
RUUF
amazon.com
$76.99
When you have to make it to an 8 a.m. lab, leave nothing to chance. This reviewer-favorite, memory-foam topper adds a generous 3 inches to your dorm-issued mattress, making it a much dreamier place to crash.
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Renata Over-The-Bed Storage Shelf
Urban Outfitters
urbanoutfitters.com
$269.00
This genius dorm room idea from Urban Outfitters conveniently fits behind your twin (or queen-sized) bed frame, offering two extra shelves of storage.
Put anything from artwork to plants to books up here, adding even more personality to your space. We like the aesthetic combination of the sculpted brass-colored bars and mango wood.
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Seville Classics Foldable Storage Ottoman
Seville Classics
amazon.com
$24.64
When it comes to decorating your dorm room for maximum efficiency, use every small-space hack you can find. We love finding seats that double as storage, which is why this foldable, quilted-top ottoman is such a great dorm room idea (at a reasonable price, too!).
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Brooklinen Classic Move-In Bundle
Brooklinen
brooklinen.com
$425.00
Don't cut corners when it comes to your bedding comfort. You'll likely be sleeping on the same sheets for the duration of your college career, so spring for a set that'll only get better with time instead of one that starts pilling before the first semester ends.
Brooklinen's 270-thread-count, percale bedding is smooth, lightweight, and washes well without shrinking. This aptly named Move-In Bundle also comes with a down-alternative comforter, a duvet cover, and extra pillowcases.
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LVSOMT Full Length Over-the-Door Mirror
LVSOMT
amazon.com
Every living space needs a full-length mirror. This over-the-door pick is worth going halfsies on with your roommate, as it's a simple, sleek, thin-frame design, and you'll both get lots of daily use out of it.
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Sofia + Sam Multitasking Memory-Foam Lap Desk
Sofia + Sam
amazon.com
$49.24
The Sofia + Sam lap desk is a dorm room idea that helps you work comfortably from any seated position. It's fully loaded with useful features, such as an attachable USB light that can plug into a built-in port or directly into your laptop.
Unlike other lap desks that feature wobbly bean-bag-like bottoms, this one is made of cushy yet stable memory foam that won't easily move around while you work. Added bonus: Its extendable side surface, two device slots, and ergonomic wrist bar that’s ideal for hours of typing.
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Jerrybox Vanity Organizer
Jerrybox
amazon.com
18.39
Instead of rifling through your cosmetic case every day, give this make-up organizer a spin. Not only does it rotate 360 degrees, but it includes removable partitions that accommodate different-sized products, so you can adjust it as your beauty routine expands.
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Intelligent Design Azza Floor Pillow
Intelligent Design
amazon.com
$29.74
No couch? No problem! Available in a spectrum of calming colors, these velvety floor pillows are great to have on hand when hosting a TV night in your dorm room. They'll ensure that everyone has a spot to sit. It also doesn't hurt that these picks ring up at under $50!
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CeSunlight Clip-On Reading Light
CeSunlight
amazon.com
$13.99
If you hate overhead lighting, you'll want to get a clip-on light. This gooseneck-style clip-on lamp is perfect for attaching to your desk or headboard to set a calmer mood in the dorm.
Its lamp head holds 10 LEDs, and you can flip between two brightness modes and three color temperatures. We also like that it comes in black or white.
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Steklo X-Stand Laptop Stand
Steklo
amazon.com
$24.99
Do your wrists a favor and get this foldable laptop stand before your first term paper is due. The aluminum Steklo X-Stand weighs less than 6 ounces and folds up to a slim 6 inches long, so you can easily stash it away when you're done using it.
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TCL 32-inch 1080p Roku Smart LED TV
TCL
amazon.com
$218.00
How will you be able to host TV-watching parties without a sleek monitor? If you're looking for a high-quality, reasonably priced TV that's small enough to take with you as you move dorms each year, this smart, Roku-equipped LED TV is a must-have for modern college living.
It also has three HDMI jacks, when most other TVs in the same price range only have two.
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DAYBETTER LED Strip Lights
DAYBETTER
amazon.com
$16.99
Wondering where to get those cool LED lights that have been blowing up your TikTok feed? Look no further.
This 32-foot-long light strand adheres to your wall, so you can border your walls or surround your doorway, closet, or TV with their bright rainbow glow. You can use the included remote to program or change your light scheme to a variety of different colors and patterns.
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Artificial Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
BESAMENATURE
amazon.com
$35.90
Greenery can make any space feel way more laid-back, but in case your school has limitations on bringing real plants into the dorm, prevent the risk of getting written up by bringing this cute faux fiddle-leaf fig tree instead.
It's just a little over 30 inches tall and comes in its own woven planter basket. Plus, you'll never need to worry about your roommate overwatering it.
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Microfiber Bath Rug
H.VERSAILTEX
amazon.com
$15.79
If you're living in a suite with its own shower, make sure you get a bath mat that’s machine-washable — otherwise, things will get funky fast.
We like this soft microfiber mat because not only is it simple and easy to clean, but its nubby texture feels so nice underfoot.
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Sinjimoru iPhone Dock
Sinjimoru
amazon.com
$14.99
We love the softened, blobby shape of this iPhone dock, and you'll certainly get plenty of use out of it as a dorm room desk accessory. It's made from silicone and comes in black, gray, or white, includes a charging cable, and holds your phone at a 15-degree angle for watching videos or having FaceTime calls.
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Allover Fruits Shower Curtain
Urban Outfitters
urbanoutfitters.com
$39.00
So you're living the suite life, eh? If your in-dorm shower requires a curtain, this cotton one is peachy keen. Over 200 reviewers love the sunny, cheerful pop of color it gives to a bathroom.
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STORi Clear Plastic Vanity and Desk Drawer Organizers
STORi
amazon.com
$14.99
How do you tell an organized dorm from one that's just faking it? Open up the drawers. If every drawer is just a dumping place for junk, they're not being used to their full organization potential.
These clear plastic drawer organizers are a great way to help compartmentalize smaller items (like makeup, desk items, and small gadgets) so that they can be easily located.
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Magnetic 11-Inch Poster Hanger Frame
Artmag
amazon.com
$9.99
Take good care of your posters and prints by hanging them neatly with this hanger frame. Able to hold 11-inch-wide pieces, its minimalist, magnetic borders look much nicer than tacking or taping things up.
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Elfa Platinum Mesh Medium Start-A-Stack
Container Store
containerstore.com
$154.99
If your dorm provides wide-open closet space, take full advantage by getting this master organizer. This four-drawer unit is made of see-through steel mesh, and it can hold delicates, sweaters, accessories, or off-season items much more stylishly than plastic bins can.
It's a dorm room idea that you won't ditch upon graduation, as it'll work in an apartment just as seamlessly.
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Wekapo Inflatable Lounger Air Sofa
Wekapo
amazon.com
$39.98
Take advantage of the nice weather while you have it by packing this inflatable lounge chair for an afternoon of reading on the quad. It's ideal for dorm living because, when deflated, it takes up virtually zero space — don't forget to get one for your roomie, too!
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Rumi Shag Throw Pillow
Urban Outfitters
urbanoutfitters.com
$49.00
It seems like all of the cutest dorm rooms have shaggy, tasseled throw pillows tucked in every corner. These add a casual, cozy feel and come in five different colors, so you're sure to find one that coordinates with your aesthetic.
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U Brands Magnetic Monthly Calendar Dry Erase Board
U Brands
amazon.com
$13.15
Keep your assignments, exams, and social activities mapped out at a glance with this genius dry-erase board. The monthly layout is flexible and allows you to easily plan your days without overbooking yourself. It comes with a marker and one magnet to help get you started.
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Bed Risers with Power Outlet and USB Ports
HOLDN’ STORAGE
amazon.com
$37.89
In a small space, maximize all of the underbed storage that you can. These 7-inch-high bed risers give your bed a boost and let you fit even more stuff underneath. This set comes with one plug-in riser that can power up your devices within an arm's reach.
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HOLMES Heritage 4-Inch Mini USB Desk Fan
HOLMES
amazon.com
$12.99
Yes, you need a mini desk fan! Keep the air circulating as you work, sleep, or microwave questionable leftovers in your dorm — all without annoying your roommate. This USB-powered fan is touted for being quiet, cute, and suitable for daily use.
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Caldrea Linen and Room Spray Air Freshener
Caldrea
amazon.com
$12.72
In a college dorm, an air freshener is your friend. This one from Caldrea smells lightly woody and herbal, not overly floral — and it's perfect for spritzing around your room to make it smell cleaner than it actually is. This considerable 16-fluid-ounce bottle is also sure to last you quite a while.
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Koxly Globe String Lights
Koxly
amazon.com
$18.99
Home is where the string lights are. This 49-foot strand of 100 LEDs will give you more than enough length to light up your entire space. Even better: They're remote-controlled, so you don't have to go fishing for the outlet to unplug them.
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If You Had To Party Game
Drunk Stoned or Stupid
amazon.com
$15.80
Friends don't let friends have boring hangouts. Having this card game on hand will definitely break the ice.
In this game, all of the 250 playing cards depict a ridiculous or gross scenario. The object with each round is to choose which one of the five cards in your hand depicts the most unsavory situation. The rotating judge grants a point to the player who succeeds in grossing them out the most. Also, the more players, the better!
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NEWCOSPLAY Super-Soft Throw Blanket
NEWCOSPLAY
amazon.com
$12.99
Whether you use it as a bedding layer or for cuddling up during movie night, this fuzzy fleece throw blanket adds some extra comfort to your new home away from home. In addition to this lavender hue, it comes in 24 different colors.
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IRIS USA Under Bed Drawers
IRIS USA, Inc.
amazon.com
$34.99
Keep your accessories, snacks, and dorm room extras from cluttering up your closets with these underbed storage drawers. They'll help your things from getting dusty and grimy and will make everything easier to find.
They come in a set of two, which you can stack on top of each other as pictured for double the organization.
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Honey-Can-Do Foldable Tabletop Ironing Board
Honey-Can-Do
amazon.com
$14.20
It may not be used for your day-to-day wardrobe, but you'll be exceedingly grateful to have this compact tabletop ironing board once internship interviews and university formals roll around. Its short legs fold flat underneath to allow for easy out-of-the-way storage.
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Yogibo Max 6-Foot Beanbag Chair
Yogibo
amazon.com
$269.00
Most bean bags are nothing special, but the Yogibo definitely is. Available in 14 fun colors, it'll make your dorm room everybody's favorite place to Netflix binge.
Measuring in at 6 feet long but just 2 feet tall, it's a sumptuously soft seat. It's stuffed with smooth microbeads and covered in a comfortable, stretchy fabric, so it actually feels supportive enough to nap on.
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Honey-Can-Do Bamboo 3-Tier Shoe Shelf
Honey-Can-Do
amazon.com
$42.96
This bamboo-wood rack from The Container Store holds about nine pairs of shoes at the ready, so you don't have to rifle through a pile in your closet to find the ones you're looking for! It has a chic, neat look that looks far more sophisticated than most dorm-room furniture.
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Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote
Amazon
amazon.com
$39.99
Just in case you don't have a smart TV or a streaming device yet, The Fire TV Stick is by far one of the best (and budget-friendliest) to get. Just plug this USB stick in, and in minutes, you'll be able to enjoy watching your favorite shows on Amazon Prime, Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu at the press of a button.
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Pure Beech Jersey Knit Modal Sheet Set
Pure Beech
bedbathandbeyond.com
$29.99
These jersey-knit sheets may look basic, but they'll make your dorm room bed feel a lot more like home. We've named them as the best sheets for college students because of their soft, stretchy, and cool modal material that feels just like a favorite T-shirt.
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JBL Clip 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
JBL
amazon.com
$49.95
For amping up the atmosphere, whether in the dorm, out on the quad, or even packed along for a scooter ride, you can't go wrong with the JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth speaker. This clip-on design is also waterproof and has an impressive audio quality for its compact size.
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nuLOOM Moroccan Blythe Area Rug
nuLOOM
amazon.com
$174.82
This dorm room idea helps your campus digs look a lot more grown-up. This area rug is great for a common area, providing a welcoming feel with its weathered geometric pattern and neutral colorway that goes with just about anything.
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MAX Houser 4-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer
MAX Houser
amazon.com
$14.58
Eke the most space you can out of that tiny closet with this dorm room idea. This handy hanging closet organizer has four shelves, one drawer, and two mesh bags on either side for helping you keep the bulk of your wardrobe folded up and out of the way.
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Attmu Portable Shower Caddy
Attmu
amazon.com
$10.99
What you gain in freedom when moving out of the house, you lose in bathroom privacy once the reality of communal living sets in.
Keep your shower accessories corralled into an easy-to-carry mesh caddy — getting one is a dorm-life rite of passage. This one is equipped with eight outer compartments to hold just about anything you need to get clean.
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Pantheon Toiletry Organizer
Pantheon
amazon.com
$10.97
If you're schlepping your shaving supplies back and forth from the bathroom every day, you may as well be doing it in style. This Dopp kit is a simple, streamlined option, equipped with lots of compartments and even a hanging hook for easy access to the contents.
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U-Brands Natural Square Cork Bulletin Board
U-Brands
containerstore.com
$9.99
Whether for posting up mementos, class syllabi, or simply leaving notes for your roomie, opt for a cork bulletin board to pin everything in place.
This stylish dorm room idea features gold-arrow accents, and it can be bought in multiples, so you can customize your setup, depending on the amount of space you have.
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Brita Large 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher
Brita
amazon.com
$30.49
Stock your mini-fridge with a Brita pitcher, which gives you and your roommates crisp, great-tasting filtered water whenever you want it. It even includes a light-up indicator on the top, so you know when to change the filter.
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Tuft & Needle Premium Pillow
Tuft & Needle
amazon.com
$85.00
Don't settle for cheap bed pillows that'll flatten out or get lumpy over time. At once, both springy and supportive, Tuft & Needle's top-rated adaptive-foam pillow retains its flexible form, and it won't sag.
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Fasta Pasta Microwave Pasta Cooker
Fasta Pasta
amazon.com
$14.99
Need a break from the cafeteria? This genius device allows you to whip up a home-cooked pasta dinner without needing a stovetop. Just fill it with filtered water and pasta, microwave, then drain it! The tomato sauce is completely up to you.
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Command Small Metallic Hooks
Command
amazon.com
$10.82
There's no reason that your storage has to be nondescript! Adhere a few of these removable, copper-colored Command Hooks to your inner closet walls to prettily hold jewelry or hair accessories.
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Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Bose
amazon.com
$249.00
Get your studying done in peace by investing in this top-rated set of noise-canceling headphones from Bose. Users tout their effectiveness at reducing atmospheric noise and the impressive 20-hour battery life.
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Command Picture Floating Wall Shelf
Command
amazon.com
$14.89
Looking for a more refined way to display framed prints and posters that's still dorm-room-friendly? Stick this picture ledge from Command to your wall, and easily lean the artwork against it.
With a 5-pound weight capacity, it grips firmly while being able to be cleanly removed without leaving a trace. The ledge can also be repurposed to hold makeup, small figurines, or desk supplies.
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Laundry Backpack
iwill CREATE PRO
amazon.com
$16.99
Make laundry day feel a little less like a chore by loading your dirty linens into this handy knapsack. A drawstring top on this thick nylon bag ensures that no stray socks or underwear slip out on the way to the laundry room, and its roomy zippered pocket can hold a small bottle of detergent or a few dryer balls.
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Umbra Metalla 4.5-Gallon Trash Can
Umbra
amazon.com
$22.99
This brassy bin from Umbra is actually made of plastic, making it perfect for a dorm suite bathroom or even just for under your desk.
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3-Piece Ceramic Succulent Planter
POTEY
amazon.com
$26.99
If your dorm allows them, succulents are the perfect pre-pet responsibility until you move off-campus. Just make sure you have the right light conditions in your room for them to thrive.
This three-piece planter stand lets you add your own succulents to its removable pots, bringing a little extra life to your living space.
amazon.com
