Your first year of college is just around the corner! If you don’t know where to start with dorm décor or what to include on your move-in checklist, we’ve got you covered. Discover our 10 college dorm room essentials and start your school year off right!
Bedding for Your Dorm Room
Did you know 70% to 96% of college students get less than eight hours of sleep each night? There’s always room for a late-night snack run with friends, but taking care of your sleep hygiene is essential for cognitive function. Make your dorm room a sleep-friendly space with some bedding essentials.
1. A Cozy Comforter
Comforters are thicker than regular blankets, which will help you stay warm at night without cluttering your bed with multiple fleece throws or quilts. Remember to buy a comforter that matches the dimensions of your dorm room’s bed! Twin extra-large dorm bedding is often ideal for students.
2. Extra Sheets
Experts say you should wash your sheets once a week, but most experts don’t live in dorm rooms with communal laundry facilities. Give yourself more time between treks to the laundry room by bringing at least two extra twin extra-large sheet sets.
3. Mattress Topper
Give yourself an extra layer of comfort with a mattress topper. You can find various mattress topper options designed specifically for college dorm beds.
Housekeeping Items for Your College Move-In Checklist
As a dorm resident, you don’t need too many housekeeping items, but we have a couple of recommendations to make doing your laundry easier.
4. Laundry Hamper
A laundry hamper is one of those dorm essentials college freshmen don’t realize they’re missing until they need it. Instead of carrying dirty clothes in your arms, we recommend bringing a sturdy laundry hamper with you. Consider choosing one with wheels to make venturing to the laundry room even easier.
5. Drying Rack
Whether you want to maintain the quality of delicate clothes like wool sweaters or silk dresses or save money on dryer fees, we recommend a drying rack for your dorm room. Bonus—air drying your clothes is more environmentally friendly.
Must-Have College Supplies for Showering
College is full of new experiences, and adjusting to communal showering is one of the more surprising ones you’ll encounter. Unless you have a private bathroom in your dorm room or suite, here are some essentials to help you get through the school year.
6. Shower Shoes
Protect your feet from exposure to fungus, foot warts, and other bacterial risks in the shower room with shower shoes. You can choose sensible flip-flop sandals or let your shower style shine with slides or clogs like Crocs.
7. A Shower Caddie
From shampoo and conditioner to washcloths or sponges, your arms can quickly fill with showering essentials. Stay organized with a caddie to carry what you need.
Multifunctional Décor for Organization
Decorating your dorm room helps you showcase your personality and feel at home at college. With limited space, however, you must be strategic with decorating. Create space with some multifunctional dorm accessories.
8. Closet Organizer for Your Wardrobe
There’s nothing that detracts from your dorm room style like clutter. Keep your closet at bay with an organizer.
9. Wall Hanging Supplies
Wall hanging supplies like Command strips are perfect for hanging photos, posters, or lights without damaging your walls. Additionally, strong adhesive hooks can keep accessories like umbrellas, keys, or jackets off the floor and out of your closet.
10. Bedside Caddie
A bedside caddie eliminates the need for a nightstand, and it’s perfect for lofted beds. Keep your phone charger, journal, books, and other belongings close by without getting out of bed.
Create More Space in Your Dorm Room With Compass Self Storage
When you’re preparing for college, storage space is essential but often limited. If you’re wondering how your wardrobe will fit into your dorm closet, or you plan to move into a college apartment next year, keep your belongings close to campus with Compass Self Storage. We offer a wide range of storage unit sizes at affordable rates to help you expand your space.
Whether you need a 5×5 unit to function as an extra closet for clothing and sports equipment or a 10×10 space to gather furniture for your future college apartment, we’ve got you covered. Find a Compass Self Storage facility near you and discover other ways students can benefit from our solutions on our blog!
