Dorm Room Essentials You Won't Want to Move to Campus Without

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After three tumultuous years of navigating hybrid learning, evolving mask guidelines, and vaccine requirements, the experience of dorm living may be nearing what it once was. And as the season quickly approaches to buy new textbooks, upgrade your laptop, and look for all-new gear, the time to shop for dorm room ideas is also right now. Seriously, you won't want to wait till the very last minute to deck out your on-campus home.

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, you'll want to make sure you've got the best organizing products and decorative touches to make it feel cozy, welcoming, and just like you.

These dorm room ideas will help you outfit your new digs and get you settled right into college life. Read on to shop the essentials!

Beverly Over-The-Bed Storage

This genius dorm room idea conveniently fits behind your twin-sized bed frame, offering two extra shelves of storage.

You can put anything from artwork to plants to books up here, adding even more personality to your space. This minimalist shelving solution also comes in six different color schemes to match your dorm's aesthetic.

More: The Best Home Decor Stores to Shop Online

Power Outlet Strip

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.

4-Inch Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

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 4 inches to your dorm-issued mattress, making it a much dreamier place to crash.

Adjustable Pillow

When it comes to making a pillow commitment for the next few years, the Marlow Pillow is a very smart choice. It's one of our favorite bed pillows because its firmness is adjustable but doesn't require removing any of the filling to do so.

Filled with a blend of cooling shredded memory foam and polyester fibers, the long sides of the pillow unzip, revealing mesh gussets — these allow the pillow to soften up for a more relaxed, airier feel. And you can zip the sides right back up if you prefer the firmness.

Backpack Laundry Bag

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 mesh pocket can hold a bottle of detergent and a few dryer balls.

Essential Bedside Shelf With Cupholder Caddy

Instead of eking out floor space for a bedside table, this detachable shelf gives you a spot that'll hold your stuff when you fall asleep reading or watching movies.

It even has a deep, 3-inch-wide cupholder that'll keep your water at an arm's distance without fear of it tipping.

Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

Get your studying done in peace by investing in these top-rated, budget-friendly noise-canceling headphones from Soundcore.

They're touted for their reliable noise cancellation, great sound, and excellent call quality, which are all things you'll want if you're taking any hybrid classes.

Self-Adhesive Hooks (6-Pack)

Cute and incredibly useful, these self-adhesive hooks belong in every dorm room for easy organization.

Their flexible yet grippy silicone material makes them perfect for holding lightweight essentials like toothbrushes, razors, keys, or charging cables for your devices.

Shower Shoes

Remember to pack the shower shoes! These ventilated slip-ons (available in six colors) will keep your dorm shower experience as clean and tidy as possible.

They are made of a flexible, resilient, foam-like polymer called EVA that's cushy and will dry quickly instead of leaving pools of water behind.

Mattress Protector (Twin XL)

Protect against spills, bacteria, and dust mites by using this premium cotton terry mattress protector. Made of breathable and noiseless material, this protector will fit over your Twin XL mattress like a fitted sheet to keep your bed cool, dry, and protected.

You can machine-wash this mattress protector along with your sheets for easy cleaning.

Mattress Protector

Whether you're off-campus or in the dorm, a mattress protector is a non-negotiable bedding essential that keeps your sleep surface from becoming a hotbed for germs.

This one slides right onto your mattress like a fitted sheet, and the feel is soft on top but thoroughly backed with waterproof lining underneath. You'll hardly notice any difference when you have it on your bed, and that's a good thing.

Portable Handheld Fabric Steamer

For that one internship interview or formal event where wearing something wrinkled just isn't a good look, you'll be happy you have this clothing steamer.

Way easier, safer, and more fun to use than an iron, it takes the wrinkles out of clothes that are horizontal or vertically hung in just a few minutes. It also has three interchangeable heads that get creases and lint out.

Clip 4 Portable Speaker with Bluetooth

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 4 Bluetooth Speaker.

Named one of our favorite waterproof Bluetooth speakers, this clip-on design has seriously impressive audio quality for its compact size.

Space-Saving Magic Hangers

If you're used to having a closet overflowing with clothes, the tight dorm room closet space you're given on campus might be a rude awakening.

That's why you'll want to invest in a space-saving solution like this 5-in-1 hanger. Just clip one end of this hanger to your closet rod, stack five hangers beneath it, and you'll instantly get more space.

Foldable Storage Ottoman

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!).

8-Layer Spinning Makeup Organizer

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.

Multi Tasking Memory Foam Lap Desk

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. Bonus: Its extendable side surface, two device slots, and ergonomic wrist bar that’s ideal for hours of typing.

Classic Move-In Bundle

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 bedding bundle that'll only get better with time instead of one that starts pilling before the first semester ends.

Brooklinen's 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.

Bed Risers with Power Outlet and USB Ports

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.

Azza Floor Pillow

No couch? No problem! Available in a spectrum of eight 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!

Inflatable Lounger Air Sofa

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!

Elfa Platinum Mesh Medium Start-A-Stack

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.

Clip-On Reading Light

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.

Heritage 4-Inch Mini USB Desk Fan

Yes, you need a mini fan! Keep the air circulating as you sleep, work, 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.

Full Length Mirror

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.

Super-Soft Throw Blanket

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 31 different colors.

100-Foot LED Strip Lights

Wondering where to get those fun LED lights that have been blowing up your TikTok feed? Look no further.

This 100-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.

32-inch 1080p Roku Smart LED TV

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.

Magnetic Monthly Calendar Dry Erase Board

Keep your assignments, exams, and social activities mapped out at a glance with this genius dry-erase board. It comes with a marker and one magnet to help get you started.

The monthly layout is flexible and allows you to easily plan your days without overbooking yourself.

100 LED Globe String Lights

Home is where the string lights are. This 49-foot, plug-in 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.

X-Stand Laptop Stand

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.

Artificial Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

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.

BC Stackable Stacking Drawers (2-Pack)

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.

Microfiber Bath Rug

If you're living in a suite with its own shower, make sure you get a machine-washable bath mat — 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.

iPhone Dock

We love the cute, 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.

Portable Shower Caddy

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 bathing accessories corralled into an easy-to-carry mesh shower caddy — getting one is basically a dorm-life rite of passage. This one is equipped with eight outer compartments to hold just about anything you need to get clean.

Allover Fruits Shower Curtain

So you're living the suite life, eh? If your in-dorm shower requires a curtain, this cotton one will be the cherry on top. Over 300 reviewers love the sunny, cheerful pop of color it gives to a bathroom.

Clear Plastic Vanity and Desk Drawer Organizers

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.

Magnetic 11-Inch Poster Hanger Frame

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.

Linen and Room Spray Air Freshener

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 is.

This considerable 16-fluid-ounce bottle is also sure to last you quite a while.

Picture Floating Wall Shelf

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.

If You Had To Party Game

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!

Max 6-Foot Beanbag Chair

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 feels supportive enough to nap on.

Bamboo 3-Tier Shoe Shelf

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.

Moroccan Blythe Area Rug

This dorm room idea helps your campus digs look a lot more grown-up.

This affordable 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.

4-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer

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.

Toiletry Organizer

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.

Natural Square Cork Bulletin Board

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.

Microwave Pasta Cooker

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.

Rumi Shag Throw Pillow

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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