This post is all about the best dorm room essentials for 2021.
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There are so many products recommended to pack for college, which makes it difficult to know which things you will actually use.
This post is full of dorm room essentials that my roommates and I actually use a lot. Everything on this list makes living in a dorm a lot easier, and I know they will help you too!
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28 Genius Dorm Room Essentials For 2021
1. Mattress Topper:
If I had to choose one things to bring to college it would be my mattress topper! Dorm room mattresses are not comfortable at all. Mattress toppers are like magic because they can make the most uncomfortable mattress, super comfy again.
I have a 4-inch mattress topper like this one and love it! It makes my bed so cozy, and I know it will make your bed crazy comfy too!
2. Shower Caddy:
A mesh shower caddy is the best way to organize all of your shower/bathroom supplies in college. You’ll be able to take it in the shower with you, and it will make your life a lot easier!
Make sure to get one with straps so that you can hang it up when you’re in the shower.
3. Bed Rest Pillow:
A bed rest pillow is so comfy to lean back against when you’re sitting on your bed or on the floor. It is a lot more comfortable than leaning against the wall and is cute decor for your bed as well!
4. Bedding:
Dorm rooms can get really cold, so you’ll definitely want some cute, comfy, and warm bedding. You can find really cute bedding on OCM.com.
I also saw this pretty light pink comforter set that would look nice in any dorm room and is a great price! Make sure to buy dorm room bedding in a size twin XL to fit most dorm room beds.
5. Fuzzy Blanket:
You will also want a fuzzy blanket to wrap yourself up in during the day. This fuzzy blanket is such a cute color and looks so soft!
You can even pick a blanket that is a pretty accent color to your bedding so that it looks nice with your decor.
6. Drying Rack:
This is the best dorm room drying rack! It’s the same one we use in my dorm, and it works really well. It even folds up so that it doesn’t take up a lot of space when you’re not using it.
It’s good to have a drying rack in your dorm because you may have some clothes that you don’t want to put in the dryer.
7. Shower Shoes:
Dorm bathroom showers are nasty. You definitely don’t want your feet to touch the gross floor, which is why shower shoes are a must.
I use cheap Old Navy flip flops as shower shoes and they work great!
8. Fan:
The temperature in dorm rooms is usually always changing, so you’ll definitely want a mini fan for hot nights.
9. Microwave:
My roommates and I use our microwave all of the time. It’s the best way to heat up leftovers and make popcorn. This microwave is a good size for most dorm rooms and is affordable.
Make sure to check your college’s handbook for the microwave size allowed.
10. Fridge:
We also use our mini-fridge every day! We keep water bottles and everything else that needs to stay refrigerated in there.
Make sure to check your school’s handbooks for the fridge size allowed as well.
11. Plastic Pocket Organizer:
A pocket organizer is by far the best way to organize miscellaneous items in your dorm room. I have one like this on the inside of my closet door and it makes finding things so much easier.
All of my belongings have a home and I don’t have to spend 10 minutes looking for where I put things like my trash bags or scrunchies. My roommates also use a pocket organizer and really like it!
12. Storage Ottoman:
Storage ottomans are the best because they are decor, storage and can be used as a stool if you loft your bed. They can also provide extra seating if friends come over.
13. Fun-Tak:
Fun-Tak is one of the best dorm room essentials because it is the best way to stick pictures or anything light to your walls. I use this fun-tak for all of my photo walls and it works amazing. It also doesn’t damage the walls.
14. Command Hooks:
Command hooks are really good to bring so that you can hang up wall decor and other things around your room.
These command hooks come in assorted sizes and are a great price.
15. Fuzzy Slippers:
There is nothing better than slipping on fuzzy slippers in the morning to walk around your dorm. They will keep your feet warm and are just super cozy!
16. Mini Keurig:
If you like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, you will love this mini Keurig. My freshman year roommate brought one for our dorm, and we loved using it.
17. Brita:
A Brita is the best way to have access to clean and filtered water in your dorm. It is super easy to use and knowing that your water is clean will make you feel good.
18. Bath Towels:
Make sure to pack bath towels for college. Some girls really like using towel wraps, especially if they have to use communal bathrooms.
Towel wraps are super practical because you can get out of the shower and not have to worry about your towel falling. You can also do other things like brush your hair and teeth without having to hold your towel closed.
19. Hangers:
Make sure to bring hangers for your closet. My friends really like their velvet hangers because they can use a lot of them, and they don’t take up as much space as regular hangers.
20. Hamper:
My #1 hamper tip is to buy one that is very spacious and has straps so that it is easy to carry!
I like hampers like this one because they are spacious, stay open, and have handles. However, they are difficult to clean, and my hamper freshman year got so dirty.
Now (during my sophomore year), I use a fabric hamper. I like it because I can easily throw it in the wash with my clothes.
21. First Aid Kit:
Make sure to bring a first aid kit or the first aid essentials like bandaids, Neosporin, and hydrocortisone.
22. Medicine:
It’s always good to have a few different medicines if you don’t feel well or get sick. The most useful medicines to have in your dorm are Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and cold medicine.
23. Long Surge Protector:
Extension cords aren’t allowed in most dorm rooms because they are fire hazards. An easy replacement is a long surge protector or power strip. I use this Belkin power strip, and it works great!
24. Long Charger:
Make sure to pack a long phone charger (10 feet or more) for college. Usually, the outlets in dorm rooms are not conveniently located. A long charger will allow you to use your phone while it is charging!
25. Lamp:
A lamp is a great decoration for your dorm and will also provide extra light! I have a gold lamp and love it!
26. Vacuum:
My roommate brought a small vacuum for our room and it was really nice to have! This cordless vacuum is the vacuum one of my college friends has and she loves it! She let my roommate and I borrow it and it works so well.
You definitely don’t need multiple vacuums in your room so make sure to coordinate with your roommate.
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27. Cleaning Supplies:
Make sure to bring basic cleaning supplies to college like all-purpose spray, Windex, sponges, dish detergent, and disinfectant spray.
28. Plates & Utensils:
It’s nice to have some plates and utensils in your dorm so that you can eat food easily.
This set of dish-ware comes with everything you will need and is a great price. Make sure to bring some plastic silverware as well.
Thank you for reading this post all about the best dorm room essentials! I hope that it makes college packing a lot easier for you.
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