Dorm shopping was such an exciting time for me! I remember spending hours scrolling through Pinterest, making lists and gathering ideas for all the adorable decorations I wanted to create a cozy and homey atmosphere in my room. It’s a mix of nerves and excitement, but having your dorm essentials is crucial because that’s where you’ll spend most of your time. I’ve come across some really cute dorm essentials that I’d love to share with you—they’re both adorable and essential for your new dorm room!
PLANNER
Having a planner is essential for surviving college solo, but finding cute ones can be a challenge. I stumbled upon this one at Target that instantly caught my eye.
SHOWER CURTAIN
If you’re lucky enough to have your own shower in your dorm room, a cute shower curtain is a must. Checkered patterns are really popular right now, and I found this one to be really cute and minimal.
SHOWER CADDY
A shower caddy is one of those essentials you might not realize you need until you have it. It’s perfect for keeping all your shower items organized, especially when dealing with shared showers.
MINI FRIDGE
You’ll definitely want to have a mini fridge for keeping drinks cold and storing leftovers or fruit.
TABLE LAMPS
Having extra lighting is essential because dorm lighting can often be too bright or too dim. These table lamps are chic and provide just the right amount of light for studying or relaxing without being overwhelming.
EAR PLUGS
I wish I had these in college because no matter how quiet your roommate is, you can still hear people yelling in the dorm hallways and outside in the parking lots. These will allow you to block out that noise and get some much needed sleep.
BACKPACK
This backpack is super cute and modern, and I love that it has a key leash and a wipeable interior.
OIL DIFFUSER
Since most dorms don’t allow candles, an oil diffuser is a great alternative. You can use essential oils in it, which is especially helpful when you’re feeling stuffy, and it’ll make your room smell wonderful.
WALL ART
Decorating your room on a budget is easy with wall art prints that you can frame. I found this one super cute!
WATER BOTTLE
A water bottle is a must-have for college. I appreciate that this one comes with a handle, which is convenient for walking around campus. Plus, its insulation keeps your drinks cold for hours.
MULTI PLUG OUTLET
You’ll likely only have one or two outlets in your room, which can be a hassle when you need to plug and unplug multiple devices. This multi-plug is a lifesaver for dorms and a definite must-have.
VANITY MIRROR
A vanity mirror is the best—it saved me so much time not having to wait for the bathroom mirror to be free. It’s convenient, folds up neatly, and doesn’t take up much space at all.
BLANKET
A throw blanket is great to always have, and this smiley face checkered one is too cute not to share.
ROLLING CART
This rolling cart is a space-saving marvel that keeps things clutter-free. It’s perfect for storing food, snacks, bathroom essentials, cleaning supplies, and more.
DESK FAN
A desk fan comes in handy when you need a little extra airflow for those hot days.
ALARM CLOCK
You’ll definitely want to wake up to this peaceful sunrise alarm clock. It features a night light, 26 soothing sleep sounds, and more to enhance your morning routine.
LAUNDRY HAMPER
A laundry hamper is essential for dorm life, and you’ll definitely want one with a removable lining insert for easy transport to the shared washing room.
