Get ‘Dorm-Room Ready’ with These Amazon Picks
design: Miranda Fournier
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by Kendall Luther ★ July 28, 2024
With about a month left until move-in for new students on Aug. 21, the clock is ticking to gather your dorm room essentials. Moving into a dorm at a brand-new school for the first time can be intimidating. Many questions may fill your mind, from “How many shoes do I actually need?” to “How many Ikea bags are too many?”
To help ease the stress of back-to-school shopping, I have compiled a list of my dorm necessities that helped me survive two years of Twin XL beds, communal showers, and dining halls. Get your Pinterest boards ready and start adding to your cart!
I will not sugarcoat the fact that dorm beds are nowhere near as comfy as your bed at home. However, a mattress topper is a great start to designing the best sleep possible. This 4-inch memory foam topper by Best Price Mattress comes equipped with a cover and is perfect for your Twin XL. Dorm beds can be humbling at first, but a mattress topper will ensure you are ready for your first night in your new home away from home.
If you’re a caffeine addict like myself, having a coffee maker in your dorm is essential! I love this single-serve coffee maker from Keurig. It is small but very mighty with both hot and cold coffee features. There are lots of cute colors to choose from to match your dream dorm decor!
Having a microwave in your dorm is a necessity! From breakfast oatmeals to late-night mac ‘n cheese cups, I highly recommend this college-student-friendly Farberware Countertop Microwave. It is easy to clean and designed for dorms and apartments. It comes in black, stainless steel, and white.
An extension cord can go a long way in a dorm room. This power strip and surge protector comes with six outlets and six USB charging ports — enough to charge 12 of your devices. Make sure to keep all of your devices organized and charged before class!
Dorm room lighting is rough, so having a lighted vanity mirror will be a lifesaver. This BWLLNI mirror comes in a variety of colors and designs to ensure you find the perfect fit for your dorm room.
A shower caddy will make your life so much easier. I highly recommend purchasing a mesh caddy with pockets to avoid mold and accidentally bringing shower water into your room. This caddy by Eudele has a reinforced base to ensure that products won’t cause any wear or tear.
Many college dorms do not come with AC. Move-in will get hot! Make sure to set up a fan as fast as possible to make the process much smoother. The fan will come in handy throughout the year and is a must-buy! This Honeywell Turboforce Fan is quiet and compact — perfect for your desk or nightstand!
Make your Twin XL and dorm room feel like home with a headboard. This high-quality Baxton Studio headboard is affordable and has five colors and shapes to choose from. The headboard is made to easily attach to your bed and instantly upgrade your dorm room.
Although it pains me to admit, the Dyson Airwrap is worth the price tag and is such a great tool for all your GRWMs. Trust me, your roommate will love you.
If you are not already an Amazon Prime member, students receive a free six-month student trial. Make sure to lock in the membership to get the best deals during the back-to-school season.
Best of luck with your shopping and your dorm room decor!