Moving into a college dorm can seem daunting, because there are so many things you might potentially need or want. Below are 10 dorm room essentials that everyone needs, to make your room comfortable and feel like home.
String lights are a great way to bring warmth to a dorm room. Sometimes dorm rooms can have cold fluorescent lighting, and string lights are a great way to have nice warm lighting in the room. Additionally if you just want dim lighting, string lights are perfect. You can get colorful string lights to match your decor, or you can go with classic black or white lights. String lights are also something that are relatively affordable, and make a huge difference in making your room feel like home.
Rugs are a great way to make a dorm room feel more cozy and like a home. Often dorms have tile floors, and a rug can be a great way to make your dorm feel like home. It’s a good idea to go with a darker color, and something that is easy to clean because most likely it will get dirty from running in and out between classes or if you accidentally spill something. A white rug can get super dirty fast, and generally isn’t worth the investment, even if you try to keep it clean. Rugs are also really easy to keep for a long time, and you can always use it in a future apartment.
This might seem obvious but a good laundry basket makes a big difference. Get one thats cute and soft so it is easy to carry and pack if you have to move or store your stuff at the end of the school year. Sometimes a laundry basket is something easy to forget to bring, but if you have to walk through a dorm to a laundry room you will want something that is easy to carry. A laundry basket can sometimes be an eyesore, so finding one you like is a great way to make your room feel cohesively decorated.
A fan is a must have for a dorm, especially because many don’t have air conditioning and often don’t allow you to install a window air conditioner. Especially if you move in during august or early September, it will probably be hot for a couple weeks, and a fan can make a huge difference on your comfort. They are also great for air circulation if your dorm tends to get stuffy, as many older dorms don’t have good air circulation. This is another thing that might not seem super important, but is actually a lifesaver.
A poster or art from your hometown can be a great decoration that reminds you of home. If you move away for college getting homesick is common, but having something to remind of home is a great way to lift your mood. This is also great because it can serve as some fun wall decor to make your dorm room feel more decorated and cozy. There are also so many options for this type of decor, and you can find one that matches the rest of your room.
Most dorms have very limited space and storage, and sometimes it can be hard to find space for everything you need. A good makeup organizer can be a great way to keep everything neat, and you can save space. These are especially great when you are rushing to get ready, because you can easily put everything back and don’t have to dig through a makeup bag to find what you need. Most dorms just have a small desk, and you won’t have your own bathroom to store your makeup, so it’s a good idea to have an easy way to organize all your beauty products.
In most dorms you share a bathroom with many people, so you will want to get ready in your room. A makeup mirror with lights is a must have because it makes it super easy to get ready at your desk. This is perfect if your dorm has bad lighting and it is hard to see your makeup, and it is super compact and will easily fit on a desk. You can also use the light-up mirror if you have an early class and your roommate is still sleeping, so you don’t have to turn on all your lights but you can still get ready for your day.
A White board is a great thing to have in a dorm, especially if you have a roommate. You can write notes and reminders to each other. This is a super practical thing to have because you can use it to keep track of your schedule, write to do lists, or just have funny drawings and messages for your friends.
A blanket is another essential that you might forget about. A blanket is a great way to make your room feel cozy and welcoming, and can add a great finishing touch to your decor. These are also great in the winter when it is cold, because sometimes dorm heating can be unpredictable and having a nice soft blanket is great. You can get a colorful one to add to your style, and it will make your bed look great and comfortable.
A good bluetooth speaker is great for a dorm room. There are so many small and portable speakers that will connect to your phone, and are great for playing music while you study or hangout with friends. A portable speaker is also a great idea if you want to bring it to your friends rooms, or take it with you on day trips. Most portable speakers are relatively inexpensive, and you can easily use them for a long time as you move to other dorms or apartments.
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