Dorm Storm
May 18, 2023
Class of 2023 is about to embark on the ultimate adventure: college! To make this new chapter of your life a little easier, here is a list of dorm room essentials.
Bathroom
Shower Shoes
Shower shoes are a must-have! You do not want to step in dorm showers barefoot; that’s a great way to get a foot fungus. You’ll also need shower shoes to walk from your dorm room to the bathroom. These shower shoes on Amazon are $11.98 – $16.98.
Shower Caddy
A shower caddy can store all your bathroom supplies, like your shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, lotions, etc., making it easy to walk from room to bathroom while transporting all your belongings. It also keeps all your wet items in one place, so that you don’t have to deal with a soaking mess in between showers. It’s also a good idea to get one that isn’t mesh, so you can dry it off easier. This plastic shower caddy on Amazon is just $9.00 and has plenty of storage!
Towel with Velcro
A towel wrap that velcros will allow you to move freely and easily around the bathroom, so you can do things like brush your teeth or hair without having to worry about holding a towel over you. This one on Amazon is $15.99.
Kitchen
Electric Burner
Even if you plan on eating meals in the dining hall, you’re going to want an electric burner to boil water for things like coffee, tea, pasta, and other meals and snacks. You can easily store this on top of a desk or small table, and it doesn’t take up much space. Be sure to get one that plugs into the wall, so you don’t have to constantly buy batteries. This electric burner from Walmart is just $27.99.
Mini Fridge
A mini fridge is the perfect place to store drinks and snacks to tide you over between meals. This small one on Amazon is $57.99 and comes in three colors.
Paper plates, napkins, and cups, and plastic utensils
You are going to want paper plates, napkins, and cups, and plastic utensils, so that you don’t have to wash dishes anytime you have a snack. It also makes it easy to have friends and neighbors over.
Room
Electric fan
Such a small dorm room can get very hot very fast, especially if you are going to a college in Louisiana. Your dorm room won’t have a ceiling fan, so it’s a good idea to get an electric fan. This will also drown out any noises around you. Be sure to get one that plugs into the wall, so you don’t have to buy replacement batteries. This electric fan on Amazon is just $18.99.
Power strip surge protector
It’s a good bet that your dorm room will only have a couple sets of outlets. A power strip surge protector will allow you to take full advantage of these limited outlets. You can power your phone, lamp, alarm clock, lighted mirror, heating pad, etc., at the same time! This power strip surge protector is $17.58 on Amazon.
Over-the-door multi-hook
Putting a multi-hook on the back of your door gives you a little more storage space. You can put a towel here after a shower. You can also hook jackets, umbrellas, hats, or purses on them. This $23.99 one on Amazon also has a bin where you can put decorations like plants, candles, or jars; it also looks like the perfect size to store perfume or a wallet.
Desk organization
A desk organizer can keep the top of your desk clean and organized. You can store your pens, highlighters, sticky notes, folders and notebooks for class, and so much more here! This one on Amazon is $17.98 and comes in two colors.
Under-the-bed storage containers
Dorm closets are laughable, so under-the-bed storage is a great idea for clothes or shoes. These storage bins on Target are just $6.00 and come in three colors with plenty of space.
Sleep mask
A sleep mask can be very helpful, especially if you have a roommate who goes to sleep later than you. This silk one is $22.99 on Amazon.
Wire Rolling Cart
A wire rolling cart gives you a ton of storage without taking up a ton of space, plus it’s transportable, so you can move it around your room. You can store your shower caddy on the bottom, makeup or books in the middle, and your alarm clock, phone, and a candle or plant on the top! These are two cute options on Amazon.
Three Tier Wire Rolling Metal Storage
Four Tier Rolling Plastic Storage
Lighted Mirror for Desk
Your dorm room won’t have adequate lighting, so if you want a place to do your hair and makeup, a lighted mirror is a great idea. You can put this on top of your desk where it will be out of the way for homework, but perfectly accessible when you are getting ready. This lighted mirror on Amazon is $39.99.
Sturdy laundry hamper with wheels
Carrying your laundry from your room to the laundry room can be quite the task. To make it easier, get a sturdy laundry hamper with wheels. It won’t fall apart and it’s easy to transport! It’s also important to look for one that is small and slim, so it will fit on the side of your closet. Another thing to remember when shopping for a hamper is that everyone will be able to see your clothes if you get a mesh one, instead, I recommend getting a material that isn’t see-through. This laundry hamper on Amazon is just $17.99
Skinny, lightweight vacuum
It can be hard to keep your dorm room clean with so little space to keep cleaning supplies. This slim vacuum on Amazon is $33.99 and can easily be tucked away into the corner of your closet until it’s needed.
Drawer Organizers
Your drawers will be used to store everything from makeup to pens and pencils to hair ties. To keep everything organized, use drawer organizers. These cute, pink organizers are $15.90 on Amazon.
