Back-to-school commercials are starting and all you see are advertisements for highlighters and notebooks. Sure, you can use some stationery items to help you stay organized in your studies, but where are the back-to-school items you need for comfortable dorm room living?
For a lot of people, their first day of college is the first day they’ll be away from their parents, best friends, and hometown. It’ll be the start of the journey into adulthood and while many are looking at dorm room ideas on Pinterest or from their favorite YouTuber, most places will tell you to buy things that’ll make your dorm look appealing.
They won’t tell you about the mini fridge you can store next to your desk, about the vacuum you need in case you drop all the chocolate pretzel crumbs, or about how the bathrooms will most likely be communal.
Here’s what you actually need to be in a comfortable living situation to make sure your dorm feels like home for the next few years:
Twin Mattress Pad Cover Top | Amazon
Two words: mattress topper. Avoid sleeping on a bed that has the stiffness of a rock by getting a mattress topper for $39.90. The Twin Mattress Pad Cover Top has a cooling effect for hot summer days when you wish your dorm had an AC. After a hard day of waking up for your 8 a.m. math class, it’s good to lay down on the most comfortable bed on campus.
Walsh WSR17S5 Compact Refrigerator, 1.7 Cu.Ft Single Door Fridge | Amazon
Dining hall food doesn’t compare to your mom’s homecooked meals. You’ll need a cold place to store all the containers of mom’s cooking and to avoid your roommates drinking all your energy drinks. Check out the Walsh WSR17S5 Compact Refrigerator for $129.99 and store all your snacks.
Amazon Basics 3 Speed Small Room Air Circulator Fan | Amazon
Many dorms don’t allow ACs, and while we might never know why, you’re allowed to bring fans. Fans will be your number 1 supporter in your college career because they’ll keep you from sweating through the night. Grab the Amazon Basics 3 Speed Small Room Air Circulator Fan for $26.25.
ALINK Plastic Shower Caddy Basket with Compartments | Amazon
If no one’s told you by now, the bathrooms are most likely going to be communal. This means that the chances of showering next to someone are incredibly likely and you’ll want to bring a caddy basket along so no one touches your $3 shampoo. Check out the ALINK Plastic Shower Caddy Basket with Compartments for $13.99.
More portable shower caddy options
You never know what you’ll step on in the communal showers so it’s better to have slippers that can get wet and dry fast. The WOTTE Shower Sandals are $15.99 and come in a range of colors if you want to have school pride.
MEITAGIE 32oz Motivational Water Bottle with Time Marker | Amazon
Why buy water when you can get it from the water fountains for free? Plus, you’ll save money and stay hydrated when purchasing a personal bottle. For $9.99, check out the MEITAGIE 32oz Motivational Water Bottle with Time Marker.
Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum With Crevice Tool | Amazon
You dropped your Goldfish crackers on the floor but you have nothing to clean up the mess. While a vacuum may not be at the top of the priority list, it’s one of the most used items throughout your college journey. Check out the Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum With Crevice Tool for $33.98 and leave your dorm looking fresh and new whenever your RA unexpectedly visits.
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