When you arrive at college, you only have one room: your dorm room. That one little space is transformed into a kitchen, a bedroom, a dressing area, a gym, a study place, and more you’ll almost certainly have to share. That’s a lot of stuff to cram into such a little area. If it seems overwhelming, brush up on some organizing methods, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to make every square inch of space count. But which items on the college packing list are really dorm room necessities, and which may be skipped? Because the worst thing you could do is give up a lot of valuable closet space to a large device. You’ll only use a few times in the first month and then forget about it.
Bedding
We wouldn’t blame you if you splurged on a cloud-soft duvet cover and the silkiest sheets — after all, when you’re in college, you need all the rest you can get. However, Wayfair’s bed-in-a-bag set, which comes in a variety of colors, is a cheap option to receive a comforter, fitted sheet, flat sheet, dust ruffle, and pillowcases.
Mattress Topper
Those old twin XL mattresses from college have been around for a long time. If you’re a sensitive sleeper, a mattress topper can help make your bed firmer, less lumpy, and more comfortable. Linenspa has passed the GHI test and is available in the uncomfortable dorm-room size.
Because your dorm room most likely will not have air conditioning. It also functions as a white-noise generator. There will come a moment when you’ll need to block out loud music, roommates’ conversations, or other distracting noises and focus on your studies. This set appealed to the GHI since it was less expensive than real noise-canceling headphones and kept in position nicely.
Pillows
You’ll need some additional pillows to support you up while you’re pulling an all-nighter on your bed with your laptop on your knees, whether you sleep on your side, back or stomach. These pillows passed the GHI test and come in a set of two. Rugs protect you avoid stepping on chilly flooring first thing in the morning by dampening sound for your neighbors below you. This inexpensive rug also gives much-needed color to a dorm room.
Handheld Vacuum
To keep the carpeting clean, you’ll also need a compact vacuum. Because the Bissell model is cordless, they can carry it into all of their room’s nooks and crannies. The washable filter was also a hit with the testers. Larger suites or shared flats may necessitate additional cleaning resources. Cleaning up after a late-night snack has never been easier thanks to a self-emptying base, self-cleaning brush roll, and room mapping.
Alarm Clock
You’ll never be able to wake up like this using your phone. Not only is this alarm clock very loud, but it also comes with a disc that you can place in your bed to shake you up, just like Mom did. Even if you intend on eating at the dining hall most of the time, there will be days when you want to eat something in your room. Make sure you have your own dinnerware: This set includes plates, bowls, and mugs that may be used in the microwave as well as the dishwasher (if you have one).
Flatware
Don’t forget to bring the spoons, knives, and forks! This set includes a handy rack to hang everything on, which is a huge plus for individuals who don’t have extra drawers. The walls will eventually be covered in posters, pictures, and handbills, but a blank cinderblock wall might be dismal when you first arrive at school. These prints appear to be original artwork, yet they are priced for college students.
No tools are required to place this mirror above your closet or dorm room door. If you’d rather use the area over your door for storage, an over-the-door organizer may help you keep your things close at hand.
Laundry Hamper
Laundry is the easiest item to keep clean in a dorm room because it can all be stuffed into a hamper. This one features solid handles and compresses when it’s empty, allowing you to carry a lot of stuff to the washing machines. The GHI gave these super-affordable towels high marks for absorbency, drying speed, softness, and fabric strength. And at this price, you can stock up on them and put off doing the washing.
Shower Shoes
In a dorm, there isn’t much you can do about the common shower issue. To wear in and out of the bathroom, it’s advisable to invest in a nice pair of waterproof sandals. The original Adidas shower sandals come in a variety of colors and sizes for men. You don’t want to be fumbling around with a towel the entire time you’re walking from your dorm room to the shower. For those walks down the hall, invest in a quality silky bathrobe.
Storage Bins
In a small dorm room, storage space is arguably the most difficult challenge to address. So stock up on some flexible containers and see if you can find somewhere to store them out of sight. Keep yourself organized, remember examinations and tasks. Write messages for your roommates, and tack up some family photographs – all you need is a little wall space.
Desk Lamp
This lamp has a built-in USB connector for charging your phone, making it ideal for studying late into the night. Don’t go on a daily search for your most-used gadgets. This stand charges a phone, watch, and earbuds wirelessly and is compatible with Apple and Samsung devices. Having additional seats for guests or a quiet spot to snuggle up and read is always a nice idea. For added comfort, this eye-catching chair comes with a memory foam cushion.
Card Holder for Your Phone
At certain institutions, students seldom use cash and rely solely on their student ID. Insert the ID card into one of these 3M-adhesive cardholders, which cling to the back of the phone. After that, you’re free to leave your wallet or handbag at home and head to the cafeteria.
Yes, you’ll most likely be able to take notes in class on your laptop. When inspiration hits, though, nothing beats having a pen and paper on hand.
Weekly Planner Notepad
Yes, you almost certainly use an electronic calendar to keep track of your appointments, classes, and deadlines. This planning notebook, on the other hand, makes it simple to write notes. It tacks them up on a bulletin board for those tiny reminders that you need to notice at a glance.
Nobody ever tells college students that they will never have enough plugs. It’s a good idea to pack some extra batteries because you’ll be charging a lot of gadgets.
Coffee Maker
Small appliance policies vary per school, so check before buying. Check to see if you’re permitted to bring hot plates, electric kettles, microwaves, or coffee machines. If the regulations allow it or you’re going to off-campus housing, this tiny machine makes coffee directly into a travel mug from grinds or pods.
And as for the cup, it’s never a bad idea to have a few extras on hand, especially one as lovely as this. If your school doesn’t allow you to rent a micro-fridge, one has just enough room to keep your things cool. It was rated as a wonderful deal by reviewers, however, it does not have a freezer.
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