Image via Norbert Levajsics | Unsplash
College is stressful on its own, but moving out of your home is a whole other form of stress. Dorms can be a very new experience and they can certainly be exciting! However, you should probably be prepared before moving out and into a new place. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most essential items you need in your dorm room.
1. Noise Canceling Headphones
Yup, you heard me right, you’re gonna want to invest in a pair of these. When I moved out of my house for my freshman year, I made sure to bring along noise canceling headphones. Unfortunately sometimes, some students can be really loud and rowdy. If you want to get some studying done, you’ll probably need a way to block the sound.
Check out this pair of noise canceling Bluetooth headphones on Amazon. Over-the-ear will do a much better job than earbuds will, trust me.
Skullcandy Hesh ANC Headphones
2. A Shower Caddy
The reality of dorms is that most of them come with shared bathrooms. This means that you won’t get your own private shower either. The best way to carry all your toiletries without hassle is to get yourself a good shower caddy that will carry all the stuff you need.
Haundry Mesh Shower Caddy Tote
3. First-Aid
Sometimes, emergencies happen. And sometimes those emergencies require immediate attention. That’s why having a first-aid kit is one of the most important things. Since you’re finally learning to live on your own, you need to understand that safety is a priority. If you get injured or someone you know does, having that first-aid kit may save a life.
DaveMed First Aid Kit
4. Closet Organizers
Since dorms aren’t exactly the master bedroom, the closets are either tiny or basically nonexistent. That’s why having a good organizer for your closet is important. You can keep all your clothes in order and avoid having big messes to clean up.
SMIRLY Closet Organizer
5. Extra-Long Power Cords
Having a power cord is one thing, but having an extra long one is another. If you want to work a bit far from the nearest plug, then having a long cord can really be convenient and comfortable. Plus, having a power strip can also keep multiple devices plugged in without even needing to move them. It’s super easy and nice to have.
Einko Surge Protector Power Strip
6. Printer
Yeah, guess what? Most colleges make you pay to use their printers. If you’re like me and sometimes make a mistake when printing papers out, you’ll probably want to invest in your own printer. There are several options, but the one I found to have the most long-term economic value would be the Epson EcoTank. Although the upfront costs are a bit high, the ink in them last for a long, long time and so you won’t need to pay so often for expensive printer ink.
But if the upfront cost is a bit too much, then check this option out:
Canon Wireless Inkjet Printer
7. Bedside Shelf Table
Sometimes, at night, we just need to relax a bit. However, holding up an iPad to your face doesn’t seem like the most fun idea on Earth. That’s why these bedside shelf tables are great. You can put all of the things you want on them, watch a couple of things before you sleep, and have it all next to you. Not every dorm has the convenience of bedside nightstands, so having a small shelf might help a lot.
BedShelfie Bedside Shelf Table
8. Desktop Organizer
College dorms do usually have desks, but some may not have the best organization space. That’s why having a desktop organizer can help out tremendously. You can fix up your desk the way you need to, style it to the best of your ability, and keep things where they’re convenient for you. Plus, it can help save a lot of tabletop space!
Neaterize Desktop Organizer
9. Laundry Bag
Dorms also have common laundry spaces for the most part, so you’ll probably have to lug around your laundry basket down an elevator or even stairs. Depends on how adventurous you’re feeling. That’s why having a laundry bag can help out a ton. They’re much more portable than a standard laundry basket, and some even come with some pockets to help you carry your detergent to the laundry room.
BeeGreen Laundry Bag Backpack
10. For fun: LED Lights
Okay, so this isn’t necessarily an ESSENTIAL, but it’s definitely nice to have. Your dorm is your space, so give it some personality. LED lights are really nice to have in a dorm, add a bit of fun, and can really show your style.
Dalattin LED Strip Lights
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