Hey y’all!
Today I wanted to talk about something I wish I had read before moving into my dorm. What you actually need to survive college dorm life. When I was packing for my first semester, I brought way too much of some things and totally forgot the essentials that make everyday life easier. So here’s my list of dorm room must-haves that I now swear by!
🛏️ 1. Comfortable Bedding
Trust me on this one. Your bed becomes your couch, your desk, and sometimes your dining area. The standard dorm mattress is not the comfiest, so a mattress topper is a total game changer. Add a soft blanket and a few extra pillows, and suddenly your dorm feels like home.
Pro tip: Get twin XL sheets, not just twin, because the smaller ones won’t fit! Alternatively if you are living in a single the bedding should be size full.
💡 2. Good Lighting
Most dorm rooms have harsh fluorescent lights that make you feel like you’re in an office. Bring a desk lamp or a string of LED lights to create a warmer vibe. It makes late-night studying or movie nights way more relaxing. Do not get the LEDs with the sticky strips on the back. They peel paint off the walls, and you won’t get your housing deposit back.
☕ 3. Mini Kitchen Essentials
Even if you have a meal plan, you’ll still want a few basics for quick snacks or breakfasts. My go-tos:
- A mini fridge for snacks, drinks, and leftovers
- A microwave
- Reusable plates, bowls, and utensils
- A mug for those early morning coffee runs or late-night ramen moments
- An air fryer if it is allowed in your dorm hall
🔌4. Extension Cords and Power Strips
You’ll quickly realize there are never enough outlets, especially when you’re sharing a space. A surge-protected power strip keeps all your chargers, lamps, and laptop plugged in safely.
🧺 5. Laundry Supplies
Laundry day is one of those “welcome to adulthood” moments. Make it easier on yourself with:
1. A laundry basket with handles or wheels for hauling to the machines
2. Detergent pods which are less messy than liquid
3. Dryer sheets
4. Stain remover
🧼 6. Cleaning Essentials
Even if you’re not the neatest person, dorm rooms get dusty fast. I always keep:
1. Disinfecting wipes
2. Paper towels
3. A small vacuum or handheld mini vac
4. Air freshener or a diffuser if your dorm allows it
Pro Tip: Keeping your space clean honestly helps your brain feel less cluttered, too.
🪞 7. Storage Solutions
Dorms are tiny, so vertical space is your best friend. Try:
1. Under-bed storage bins
2. Over-the-door organizers
3. Closet hanging shelves
4. Drawer dividers for smaller items
You’ll be shocked how much more organized your room feels.
🩹 8. Health and Comfort Items
Things you’ll thank yourself for having later:
1. A mini first-aid kit with pain relievers and band-aids
2. A reusable water bottle
3. A small fan if your dorm doesn’t have great A/C
4. Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones for late-night noise
✨ 9. Personal Touches
Finally, make it yours! Decorate with:
1. Photos from home
2. Posters or wall art
3. A cozy rug
4. Small plants, real or fake
You’ll be surprised how much your mood improves when your dorm feels like your space, not just a box with cinderblock walls.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your dorm should be a space where you can rest, recharge, and feel comfortable after a long day of classes. You don’t need to buy everything under the sun, just the things that make your day-to-day life smoother.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️
