15 College Essentials That Just Make Sense

It can be difficult deciding what’s essential and what’s not when moving into a dorm for the first time. Some things are essential because they provide comfort, which is important when entering a new environment alone. Others are essential because they are practical, which is also important. Here are 15 college essentials that provide both.

1. Rice Cooker

This college essential has many uses. When the only kitchen appliance in your dorm is a microwave, you have to get creative. Yes, rice cookers make delicious rice, but it can do so much more. You can make pasta, bread, and it steams vegetables in a rice cooker. Learning different ways to use a rice cooker can make your dorm kitchenette feel like a full kitchen.

2. Keurig

This college essential is a must have for coffee lovers. Save yourself a trip to Starbucks and get a Keurig. This will save you time, money, and let you have your favorite coffee orders from the comfort of your dorm.

3. Steamer

A steamer is definitely a college essential. You do not want to show up to the first day of class with wrinkles in your clothes. Steaming your clothes is much faster and easier than using an iron. As a college student, you’re going to be really busy, so this little home appliance will help save you precious minutes you can use to get other stuff done.

4. Neon Sign

This college essential is a whole aesthetic. Neon signs and dorms go together like sundresses and sneakers; effortlessly cool. Neon signs are bright and inviting, making your dorm the hangout dorm between you and your friends. They add that extra something your dorm needs.

5. Strip Lights

As if the neon sign wasn’t enough. This college essential will bring your dorm to life. Different colors for different moods makes up for a perfect setting. You can use them to line the bottom of your desk to make study time more fun, or line the bottom of your bed to give it a techno vibe. I like to use my strip lights to line my ceiling. This allows the lights to reach the entirety of the dorm. Don’t be afraid to get creative with it and make your dorm your own.

6. Mini Fridge

This college essential is super convenient. If you live in a dorm that already has a refrigerator then you may not need this. For those without a refrigerator in their dorm, a mini fridge can fit perfectly under your desk or bed. You don’t realize how important a refrigerator is until you don’t have one. You’ll notice all the food you can’t buy because you have nowhere to store it. I highly recommend investing in a mini fridge if your dorm doesn’t have one.

7. Ramen

This college essential is nonnegotiable. If you have lived off ramen noodles while in college, then you didn’t go to college. Even if it was just for a week. Think of it as a rite of passage to the true college experience. Ramen is actually really good and makes for a great late night snack. Whether you like eating ramen or not, no dorm is complete without it.

8. Bedside Caddy

A bedside caddy is a perfect college essential to gift a student. It allows you to keep your phone, earbuds, water, and a snack all beside your bed. You can put any small item in a bedside caddy. You’ll notice how convenient it is when you don’t have to walk across the room to get a pen, instead you can just reach beside you.

9. Clip Lamp

This college essential is perfect for when you’re pulling an all-nighter. Staying up all night studying at your desk can strain your neck. I liked working in my bed when it got late, but I didn’t like having to leave the ceiling light on since it was too bright. It is also more considerate of your roommate’s sleep schedule if you use a clip lamp because it only shines on you and lets your roommate sleep in the dark.

10. Fuzzy Rug

This college essential is great for those who love comfort. After a long day of classes, it’s nice to come back to your dorm, kick off your shoes, and feel a soft fuzzy rug under your feet. It’s also relaxing to mindlessly run your feet across while you’re studying. That’s why I kept my fuzzy rug under my desk. It’s just something relaxing to keep the tension down.

11. Candle Warmer

This college essential is great for candle lovers. Most schools don’t allow lit candles in the dorm, but with a candle warmer you can melt as many candles as you want. Candle warmers also double as a mug warmer. I used mine to keep my tea from getting cold while I studied. I definitely recommend getting this for your dorm.

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12. Printer

This college essential is really helpful when you’re writing papers. No matter how many printers are at your school, it will always feel like there are never enough when you need it most. Having a printer will save you a trip to the library before class. You can’t print whatever you need from the comfort of your dorm.

13. Multi-Plug Extension Cord

A multi-plug extension cord is a college essential. There aren’t a lot of outlets in a dorm, so you’ll need this to plug in your lamps, kitchen appliances, and tech. Not all schools allow extension cords, so check with your school before purchasing.

14. Vacuum

This may be the most important college essential. For dorms with carpet, this will be a lifesaver. A bag of oatmeal once busted in my dorm after buying groceries and it got everywhere. A dustpan was not enough to get the crumbs out and I started to get bugs. Especially since I was on the ground floor. Having a vacuum will make cleaning quicker and easier. Just be prepared for everyone on your floor to ask to borrow it.

15. Toaster

This college essential is great in the morning. If you don’t have time to make a full breakfast before class, toss a toaster strudel or some bread in the toaster. This is great for when you’re running late or just want a quick snack. Be sure to check with your school to see if toasters are allowed.