Back-to-school season is upon us, and for incoming first-year college students, that means a lot more than buying a few notebooks and pencils. It’s time to create a space for yourself within your dorm. Living away from home for the first time can seem intimidating, especially when your TikTok For You Page is flooded with videos recommending hundreds of products to buy.
What do you really need? Well, this article will outline seven of the most necessary products for your first-year dorm and some tips on turning your dorm from an empty box into a homey abode. Our rooms and homes are often an extension of ourselves, especially in dorm-style living. That’s where you will go to retreat for the day, do your homework, and hang out with new friends; so even though you want to make sure you fill it with things you need, you also want to fill it with things that remind you of home or remind you of what is important to you.
The Essentials
Power Strip
First on the list is a power strip, and I’m not just talking about the dusty one you find in your dad’s workbench. Walmart’s Trond Power Strip features multiple outlets as well as a USB and USB-C input and can be purchased for $9.99 online. This specific power strip comes in two lengths- 5 ft and 10 ft, as well as varying block sizes depending on how many items you intend to plug into it.
Buy on Walmart
Small Fan
While most dorms these days are air-conditioned, you should always come prepared with a small fan. I recommend the Woozoo fan because it is compact, quiet, and powerful. It is sold at physical Costco locations- and Costco.com for those without a Costco card- and costs $49.99. The price may seem excessive for a small fan; however, it is absolutely worth it. The Woozoo Fan oscillates (vertically and horizontally), features five speeds, and comes with a remote so you can control it even from your bed.
Buy from Costco
Mattress Topper
The following item is a mattress topper, which is very important because typically your college freshman dorm mattress will be relatively thin, and this helps to make you more comfortable. Sleep is vital when you get to school for the first time and can make all the difference when acclimating to a new environment. This is also why I recommend a 2-inch foam mattress topper like this one. It is worth putting down a little more money for the sake of comfort. You can purchase The Elemuse 2 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper at Walmart for $45.99, but right now it is on sale for $24.99, saving you $21.
Buy from Walmart
Laundry Backpack
There are many different laundry baskets on the market, but this one worked the best for me. You may look a little silly, lugging your laundry through the hallways on your back, but I can promise you it is much easier than dragging a big old basket. Plus, moving out is convenient because you can store and transport some of your clothes or linens in the bag. My laundry backpack has lasted me all four years of college, and I still use it now as a senior living in an off-campus house. You can purchase The Canvas Backpack Laundry Bag at Target for $13 in-store or online.
Buy from Target
Phone Wallet
The next item is a phone wallet that you stick on the back of your phone. An alternate option is a phone case with a built-in wallet or card slot. When you are walking around campus, you may not always want to bring a bag with you, but you will always at least need your student ID as well as some money. This type of thing is handy for dining hall trips and nights out where you want to keep your belongings close to you. TheLoverCoShop on Etsy sells stick-on wallets for $5.25 and features hundreds of designs. Choosing a case that is special to you is a fun way to let your personality shine in the college shopping process.
Buy from Etsy
Shower Caddy
You can opt for either a fabric or plastic shower caddy. In my experience, plastic is the way to go, as you can clean it if it gets dirty, and it drains much more easily than fabric. The fabric shower caddies sometimes grow mold or stay wet and leak. However, there are perks to both, as you could throw the fabric caddies in the washing machine, which could be easier to wash in some cases. This $10, 2-in-1 caddy from Target is ideal because it provides options. The larger caddy for a full shower, and the smaller, removable caddy if you just need to bring a few things. For a budget option, I recommend this $2.97 caddy from Walmart that comes in three colors: pink, blue, and green.
Brita Pitcher
One of the most used products in your dorm will be a Brita pitcher. If you have the space, I recommend opting for the larger size, so you do not have to fill your Brita up constantly. Most dorms come with or fit a mini fridge, which is perfect to hold your Brita. I would fill mine up in the lounge kitchen or bathroom and use it to fill up my water bottle. The $36.99, 10-cup, Tahoe Water Pitcher is the best option. This product comes in four colors- black, blue, teal, and white- and you receive one filter with your purchase. Stocking up on a couple of extra filters is a good idea, so you are ready to go when the time comes.
Buy from Brita
More than a dorm: Creating a space that feels like you
While the necessities are important, the fun part is turning your dorm into a personal retreat that reminds you of who you are. From photos of the people back at home to aesthetic touches with nods to your interests, this is where you can let your personality shine.
One way to feature familiar faces is to use a bulletin board. I like these cork hexagons from Target because you can arrange them in different ways and pin lots of photos or mementos to them. This three-pack is $11.99 and can be purchased in-store or online. My freshman year roommate and I also had a big bulletin board we shared and put notes and flyers we collected throughout the year on. A shared bulletin board helps merge the decor between roommates. It lets you feature the new memories and experiences you create together. You can always find bulletin boards at Goodwill or another thrift store.
Buy from Target
My sister is currently in the process of packing for her freshman year. She has opted to decorate her room with the help of Facebook Marketplace. My sister wants to emulate a very specific aesthetic in her space without breaking the bank. She says, “Sourcing not only decor, but also my small amount of second-hand furniture has allowed me to turn my dorm into an outlet of creativity, whereas most find it exhausting”. This process is one used by many of my peers.
Siana Rosini, a Thomas Jefferson University senior, shares photos of her first-year dorm. Siana and her roommate used old magazines and book pages to personalize their walls. They also brought plants and colorful accessories to create a warmer, more inviting space.
Sarah Desevo, a Westchester University senior, took a different approach, representing her more minimalistic style. She used an old tapestry to cover her wall and tie in the colors she used elsewhere in the room.
Good luck, freshmen!
Once you have purchased the essentials, let your personality shine through your decor. However, do not be frustrated if your vision does not come to life immediately. Your room and space will change and evolve through the year, just like you will! College is a time of growth and self-understanding. It is important to let yourself experience these changes to their full extent. This is a very exciting time, but it can also be filled with nerves and anxiety. Take some of that away by showing up on move-in day with the essentials and some key pieces that ground you in who you are or maybe even who you want to be.
Looking for more recommendations to get you dorm-ready? Check out 10 more items you won’t want to forget.
