Back- to-school shopping is in full gear for college students. You’re likely been scanning packing lists full of dorm staples like egg crates and extra-long twin sheets.
If it’s all a blur, we’re here to help with items that will come in handy once you step on campus. Here are some of our favorite dorm-room essentials—and if you’re not in college yet, they’re great for your bedroom.
Warm and cool
Keep foods warm now and drinks cold for later. Uber Chill XL Personal Mini Fridge/cooler can hold up to 12 12-ounce cans or nine 500-mL bottles. This unit boasts heating and cooling options, keeping contents up to 150 F warm or 32 F cold.
Take advantage of space beneath the bed
Put that area under your bed to good use for something besides dust. This Under Bed Storage Organizer Bag from mDesign is an ideal spot to stash linens and off-season clothing. Everything will be contained and dust free. Its clear top makes it easy to see what is stashed inside without opening the bag, and two-way zippers make it easily accessible.
Bring the outside in
A little greenery goes a long way to making you feel good. Plants and flowers provide memories of home and can lift your spirits if you’re feeling homesick. AeroGarden is a hydroponic gardening system that grows microgreens, herbs, and veggies. You don’t need sun, soil, or space, making it perfect for a dorm room. You’ll get easy, automatic reminders when it’s time to water and feed your plants, too.
Get hydrated
Stay hydrated and be environmentally friendly, too. Fill this water bottle from Astrea with water from your dorm bathroom or the library restroom, dining hall, or quad’s water fountain without worry. It filters the water of toxins, leads, and contaminants. You’ll be left with healthy and tasty water. Plus, you don’t have to liter the environment with a plastic water bottle.
Stick to a schedule
Organization can make or break a semester. Stay on top of assignments and manage your time with this Browze Wall Sticker Chalkboard Calendar. This stick-on adhesive scheduler can be used on any clean, flat surface around your room.
Power up
Don’t let your devices run out of juice. Keep your phone and tablet powered with this Dark Energy Poseidon Pro Portable Charger. Recharge your laptop and other small electronics, too. The charger’s shockproof construction ensures it withstands accidental drops.
Manage laundry
Instead of cluttering your room with laundry, keep things organized. Expand this Nomatic Collapsible Laundry Bag, attaching the hanging strap to a doorknob. Use the handle to lug laundry to and from the laundry room. Once you do laundry, hang it back up or keep it collapsed. It’s also designed to fit easily into a travel bag. So, pack it if you’re going home and want mom to do your laundry.
Create extra storage space
Create storage that’s out of the way. Use the loops on this mDesign Fabric Bedside Caddy Organizer to attach it over a bed frame. The caddy has multiple pockets to keep items close at hand while you’re relaxing in bed or studying at your desk.
Stay charged
AirPods are likely your headphone of choice while you’re studying, exercising, or getting to class. Charge yours so you’re not without tunes or can talk to dad wirelessly. Compact, lightweight, and portable, this wireless charging station from Cordinate sold on Amazon is perfect for charging wireless earbud cases in your dorm room, at the library, or in class. A rubber base provides a strong grip on tabletops, preventing scratches and damage.
Type in comfort
If you like to use your laptop on your bed, you have to deal with overheated legs or uncomfortable positioning as you type. Say goodbye to those issues. With Traybo Yogibo, you can work on your laptop or tablet with the tray’s built-in wooden groove and the soft Yogibo comfort.
Stash your stuff
Getting organized has never looked better thanks to this storage cart sold at JOANN shops and online. The smooth rolling storage unit has three drawers to hold clothes, tools, or anything else you need tucked away. A soft top surface provides even more storage space and can double as a nightstand. Two locking wheels keep the cart securely in place; unlock them for easy maneuvering around the room.
Use a planner
Paving the way to the future has never been more fun. The spiral Erin Condren LifePlanner™ is designed to help you reduce stress, get organized, and achieve goals. This top-notch planner features 2021 - 2022 dated weekly, monthly, and yearly planning; productivity spreads; note pages; stickers; and more. Explore the customization options and build a planner that fits your style and schedule.