30 Essentials Every Dorm Room Needs

Moving into a dorm room is a big deal. It's not as simple as packing your favorite luggage set and heading to class. The typical dorm room comes with nothing more than a bed, a wardrobe, a dresser, and a desk, so you have to totally set up shop.

To make the often sterile space more homey, you'll need everything your average bedroom needs: comfy sheets and pillows. You'll also need decluttering solutions to make the space feel larger than it is: closet organizers, over-the-door hangers, and a rolling utility cart for miscellaneous items. And though it may not be obvious to newbies, like freshman, it's helpful to have products that can help you build a makeshift kitchen of sorts, too. Think: A microwave, a mini fridge, and even a small set of dishes and silverware. Of course, it's nice to have some decor—pictures, string lights, and more—too.

The good news: You can find everything you need at all of the most popular retailers, from online giants like Amazon to brick and mortar stores like Walmart where you can check out all of the must-haves in person. Bed, Bath & Beyond—one of the most popular outlets for dorm room essentials—also stocks big checklists to minimize the chance you'll forget something important.

Ready to shop until you drop and make your new digs just as comfy as the home you grew up in? Here, the functional and decor items parents and students alike say you can't live in a dorm room without.