32 Best College Dorm Room Must-Haves
Two words: Shower. Shoes.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
If you're an incoming freshman, prepare to hear words like "bed risers" and "shower caddy" for the first time in your life. Yeah, we know it's going to be overwhelming. If you have no idea where to start, you know we gotchu. It's all about maximizing the space you have. minimizing the potential clutter in the room, and enhancing the ambience in your drab space. Take a look at exactly how it's done and discover a list of all the essentials below.
A college classic! String lights are the best way to enhance the ~ambiance~ in a typically depressing dorm room.
Over-the-door hanging is a great option to store the bags and jackets that you use more frequently so they’re easily accessible as you’re inevitably running late.
Trust me, the trip from your dorm room to the bathroom will be made much easier with a lush, cozy bathrobe. There’s nothing worse than fumbling around with your shower caddy while simultaneously trying to hold your towel up.
Speakers are great (when used at a chill volume, ppl!) for playing music while studying and while getting ready for a fun night out.
You're going to have the inevitable spills and you'll be grateful that you have this easy-to-use appliance to help clean up. Plus, it's so compact that it will hardly take up any space in your already tiny dorm room.
You're never going to miss a class when you've got a legit alarm clock waiting to wake you up. Instead of relying on your phone for that morning ring, an alarm clock is also a great way to ensure you don't scroll through your Instagram right when you wake up.
Make your trips to the bathroom SO much easier with a cute caddy that fits everything you'll need.
Speaking of communal showers, you’ll wanna buy a pair of waterproof sandals. Safety first!
If there ever was a time to buy a pack of new cotton ones, going to college would be it.
These are a lifesaver when it comes to maximizing space in a tiny dorm room, and the transparent material means you can easily find the pair of shoes you’re looking for.
Textured bedding will bring much-needed excitement to a blah dorm room.
Microfiber fabric is super soft and cool to the touch, like you’re lounging in a hotel bed.
Study in comfort with help from a soft, supportive pillow. It comes in both neutral and bright shades and will complement just about any type of bedding.
If you want your room to feel more sophisticated, a lighting situation that features gold accents and a cool geometric shape is one you should def snag.
No kitchenette is complete without some silverware, of course, but you don't need to splurge on this basic. This 20-piece set is made from durable stainless steel and is super affordable.
Cherish your dishwashers, people, because odds are you won’t have one in your college housing. That’s where this small yet useful dish rack comes in.
Youbetia Desk Organizers and Accessories
You’ll definitely get use out of your desk area with all the upcoming tests, studying, and assignments. Keep everything in its proper place with a gold desk organizer.
This makes an amazing nightstand thanks to the multi-tier design and impressive storage capabilities. And the wheels let you easily move it to any area in your room.
Clean out your foundation-stained makeup bag, and trade it for a clear cosmetics organizer. It holds all your brushes and products and has cute little drawers.
An LED swivel mirror will go with your chic new makeup situation. Adjust the brightness, and it can even be used as a nightlight.
What Does It Really Mean to Be Happy?
The Couple’s Retreat That Changed Our Relationship
Why Millennials Should Dress How They Want
Is It Perimenopause, or Just Life?
