RS Recommends: The Back-to-School Essentials for Every Dorm Room
Whether you’re an incoming freshman or changing living accommodations for the new school year, it’s important to start life in your dorm room on the right foot. With all of the ups, downs, and curveballs that come with college, the last thing you want is to forget an essential item that makes life on campus easy.
While things like bedding, trash bags, and other cleaning supplies might seem like no-brainers, there are those items you just won’t know you’re missing until you need them. Check out our list below to ensure you get all of the essentials to make life in your dorm as comfortable as possible.
More from Rolling Stone
How to Watch UFC 278 Online: Live Stream Usman vs. Edwards 2 Tonight
Usyk vs. Joshua 2 Live Stream: How to Watch the Boxing Fight Online
Anitta Meets Adidas: Popstar Lands Campaign as Face (and Feet) of New NMD Sneaker
Dorm Room Essentials Checklist
From a mattress protector to the right reading pillow, don’t start the semester without these back-to-school essentials.
1. Mattress Protector
While you’re picking out things like sheets, blankets, and pillows, a bedding item you don’t want to forget is a mattress topper. This antimicrobial and waterproof cover fully secures and covers your mattress with its nifty zipper. This will help give you a little peace of mind as you sleep on the mattress provided to you by the school, and spend less time worrying who was sleeping on it before you, as well as bed bugs, dust mites, and mold.
Buy: SafeRest Mattress Protector $32.99
2. Rolling Laundry Basket
Depending on how your particular dorm room and/or building is designed, doing your laundry can be a more complicated task if the laundry units are on a different floor, or in a different building. This rolling laundry basket eliminates the need to lift and carry your laundry all the way to the washer; simply grab the handle and let it roll behind you.
Buy: Rolling Laundry Basket $39.99
3. Reading Pillow
Depending on your dorm, seating might be scarce. Workstations or desks are typically provided even for solo dorms, but if you don’t have a kitchen or common area, your only other option might be your bed. A reading pillow, like this one from Amazon, can provide much needed support to your neck and back as you lounge in your bed, whether you’re taking a break from schoolwork to binge the latest show, or studying for an upcoming exam.
4. Bronax Bathroom Sandals
From the gym to the dorm, you need to have a pair of shower shoes; these sandals are designed for ease; just slide your feet in for a snug fit. The thick sole not only provides a comfortable barrier between your feet and the floor, but offers support as well. Available in a variety of colors.
5. Belkin USB Power Strip
When it comes to dorm living, you can never have too many outlets. This power strip by Belkin boasts 12 AC outlets, as well as two USB ports, with a surge protector to keep your expensive electronics safe in the event of a power surge.
Buy: Belkin Power Strip $34.99
6. Alink Shower Caddy
Whether you’re sharing a shower with a roommate or your entire floor, you’ll definitely want to make sure you have a shower caddy. Not only will this help transport your toiletries, but it makes storage a little easier. Space starts to go quickly the more people you’re sharing a dorm with, so having a designated place to keep your belongings is key.
Buy: Alink Shower Caddy $13.99
7. Lepower Adjustable Floor Lamp
Desirable lighting is not always a guarantee in dorm life, so floor lamps can really come in handy to bridge the gap. This option from Amazon boasts a very study base to keep it from wobbling, as well as an adjustable neck; you can adjust where it’s shining to fit your specific needs. Available in a variety of colors.
Buy: Lepower Floor Lamp $32.99
8. Blueair HEPA Silent Room Fan and Air Purifier
If your dorm doesn’t have air conditioning, be sure to invest in a cooling fan to avoid baking like you’re in an oven. This fan features three speeds, and is also outfitted with an air purifier to keep the air in your room clean and free of pollen, dust, and other allergens. Best of all, it’s quiet, so you won’t have to trade being cool for noise pollution.
Buy: Blueair Air Purifier $179.99
9. Gloppie Insulated Lunch Box
Depending on the size of your school’s campus and your particular schedule, remembering to break for meals might be easier said than done. In the event you can’t make it back to the cafeteria or your room to grab something to eat, it’s not a bad idea to carry some snacks on hand so you can fuel your body until you can get that next meal in. This insulated lunch box is compact enough to comfortably fit food and drinks in your book bag. With it, you won’t have worry about the contents spoiling or being knocked around by your books or laptop.
10. Command Hooks
You can never have enough command hooks, especially when you’re living in a dorm. Whether you’re trying to help support LED or string lights, or you need to create a designated space for your keys, coat, or school bag, these are an inexpensive and practical way to organize and decorate your space alike. Best of all, the adhesive strip won’t damage the wall when it’s time for everything to come down — like nothing was ever there.
Best of Rolling Stone
