If you’re heading off to college this fall, you’re about to embark on some pretty significant years. You’ll hopefully learn a ton, make great friends, and have a lot of fun. (Can you tell that we’re nostalgic for our college days and incredibly jealous of anyone who’s about to start? We are.)
Transforming your dorm room into a space that’s comfortable and reflective of your taste will be one of your first tasks if you’re living on campus, and it can honestly be a bit daunting. Most dorm rooms are small blank canvases, equipped with little more than two desks and a pair of twin-size beds. Plus, the shopping checklist you either Googled or got from your school probably has a few things on it that you don’t really need.
Instead of spending your money on an alarm clock (just use your phone), a shoe cubby (it’ll take up too much room), or a printer (you can print everything at the library), snap up the essentials. Ahead are ten finds you’ll actually use, from shower shoes and a laundry bag to a desk lamp and a compact coffee maker.
A compact coffee maker
You'll be very thankful for this during finals week, and any other time you need a jolt. This slender and space-saving coffee maker sits at only eight inches wide, and brews from three different cup sizes all in under a minute.
Keurig® K-Compact™ Single Serve Coffee Maker, $59; at Wal-Mart
A mini fridge
The cafeteria probably won't be open 24/7—you're going to want to have some snacks on hand!
Igloo Mini Refigerator, $129; at Urban Outfitters
Photo:
Urban Outfitters
A desk lamp
You'll definitly spend some nights studying, so you'll need this.
Svirvel Work Lamp, $29.99; at Ikea
Extra shelving
There's a good chance storage space will be limited—rolling shelves are a smart buy.
Loft Living™ Wood And Metal 4-Tier Rolling Cart, $59.99; at Bed Bath and Beyond
A laundry bag
Your dorm room definitly won't come equipped with a washer and dryer, so you'll need one of these.
Laundry Bag, $12.99; at H&M
Mounting tape
Most schools won't allow you to nail anything on the walls. Mounting tape will come in handy if you want to decorate.
Command Mounting Strips, $3.99; at Target
A cosmerics organizer
Having beauty products sprawled everywhere isn't a good look. Grab one of these to keep everything organized.
Vanity Drawer Storage Organizer, $26; at Urban Outfitters
A microwave
How else are you going to reheat the pizza you saved from the last social in the student union?
GE Compact Microwave, $71.99; at Best Buy
A mirror
Mirrors are another thing you may not find in your dorm room, so definitely keep this on the list.
Tiered Vanity Mirror, $39; at Anthropologie
Shower shoes
Since you'll likely be using a communal bathroom, these are an absolute must.
adidas Adilette Slides, $44.95; at Nordstrom
