Gear Up for College With These Dorm Room Essentials
The products listed here were selected by a member of the editorial staff. Should you choose to purchase a product through a link on this page, we may receive an affiliate commission.
Shop select essentials from Amazon, Walmart and more.
Image: courtesy of retailers
While we can still enjoy the last two weeks of July, the back-to-school season is quickly approaching. For undergrad Houstonians going off to college, it's more than expensive textbooks and a new backpack that'll prepare you for that first semester; it's everything you'll need for dorm life.
From a mattress pad to soften your bed and be germ-free to a mini fridge to store an unlimited amount of your favorite soda or leftovers from mom, having a list of essentials makes surviving through college much more manageable. You'll probably get tired of getting up to charge your phone, so having an extension cord will be handy, including for a lamp for that late-night studying. No matter what decor you're aiming for, add these must-have founds to your lineup.
Scroll ahead and shop our essential college favorites.
Anyoifax Portable Shower Caddy Basket
$13
Image: Amazon
Your restroom can be a center of chaos with body care and skin and hair products, but this caddy diminishes the mess. This portable bin allows the transport of your needed products in and out of the shower and can be used in other rooms like the kitchen, garage, bedroom, etc.
Room Essentials Machine-Washable Quilted Mattress Pad
$13
Image: Target
Our bedrooms are our place of peace and rest; you can't obtain that with an uncomfortable mattress — enter a quilted mattress pad. This pad gives your bed an extra oomph that college mattresses lack plus comfort with its soft and breathable microfiber construction for the best rest.
TESSAN Power Strip Outlet
$16
Image: Amazon
Unfortunately, home wall sockets don't have enough outlets to power or charge all your devices, so this power strip is necessary. With three USB outlets and three outlets, this strip encompasses a 5-foot extension cord for easy access and a right-angle flat plug to save space on the walls.
Gorilla Grip Large Laundry Basket
$25
Image: Amazon
No more buying laundry baskets that don't hold up or rip too quickly because this one was made to last for all the washing room trips. A 3-in-1 laundry basket, hamper and bag is strong enough to hold clothes, linens, and towels. It is made with two aluminum handles and can be folded easily into small spaces when not being used.
Blu Monaco 5-Piece White Desk Organizer Set
$35
Image: Amazon
Organization is always essential; your desk will never look better with this set. This set is functional, including a hanging file folder, magazine file holder, small file organizer, pen cup, and sticky note holder, but it is also fun and stylish.
Favor the Kind Big Deal Pillow Local
$38
Image: Favor The Kind
We all love a good pillow, especially one with a good message. This "I'm kind of a big deal" pillow is the perfect bold statement piece to accentuate your dorm space.
Globe Electric Desk Lamp
$39
Image: Amazon
A desk lamp always comes in handy when you don't want to use an excessive amount of light when you are trying to get work done and don't want to bother your roommate. You can choose from nine different colors so that this playful glam design will complement your dorm.
BLACK+DECKER Handheld Vacuum Local
$59
Image: Amazon
Even though you may only occupy a small living space, crumbs and trash can get all over. A regular vacuum might be too big, but this handheld vacuum is made for convenience, can get into those hard-to-reach places and be used on multiple surfaces.
Impeccable Pig Boot Scootin' Tray Local
$64
Image: Impeccable Pig
Your dorm room is all about the theme and decorating it with just the perfect accessories to complement each other to create an aura of relaxation and comfort. This tray is ideal for an organizer for paperwork on your desk or home for your plants and candles on your room’s center table.
Galanz Mini Fridge Local
$157
Image: Walmart
If one item is pertinent to your college experience, having a mini fridge is that. Having leftovers from eating out or in the school cafe is nice, but you need somewhere to store them. This mini fridge offers the convenience of reversible doors that can open on either side, an adjustable thermostat, and it stores leftovers, drinks, snacks, plus frozen foods in its freezer compartment.
