Thank y’all so much for submitting dorm and college essentials! Many of these items were mentioned repeatedly and I so value y’all taking time to share. Here are college essentials!
What You Need
Recruitment Ready // If you’re a girl heading to college and planning on going through sorority recruitment, you need this service! There’s several packages you can purchase and watch videos that outline party etiquette, what to wear each round, how to get your resume ready, and more. Use DIXON10 for discount on these packages!
Blackout Windows // College kids sleep at all hours of the day and you’ll likely not know the direction of the sun in your room until you’re actually moving in. Blackout drapes and shades are a must! Check out my favorite drapes on amazon. I recommend them to clients for secondary rooms and bedrooms where budget is concerned. They are very well made! If you don’t want drapes, a roman shade can help with filtering light or perhaps you want both.
When it comes to rods, I would definitely suggest the french return rod. It allows the tab tops or the rod pocket of the drape to go all the way to wall and that further blocks light. If you want to hang with rings, check out my drapery rod suggestions.
Mattress Topper // You never know what condition a dorm mattress will be in. This top is 3 inches and looks substantial and comfortable. The elastic to wrap around the corners will help keep it in place, too!
Water Filter // I’m not gonna tell you what we used the water filter for in college but this narrow version takes up minimal space in the tiny fridge and ensures fresh water. Also nice to not have to go down the hall to the bathroom to get water.
Keurig Coffee // Definitely get the space saving model!
Tea Kettle // With an electric tea kettle, you make all sorts of stuff — ramen, box mac and cheese, tea, and much more!
Queen Quilt // If you’re lofting the bed, consider a larger quilt so that it extends over the storage underneath and hides the mess.
Drawer Dividers and Drawer Organizers // With minimal space, it’s smart to use it well and these ensure tidiness!
Felt Hangers // Gosh I wish I had these in college. I definitely took every item of clothing and somehow made it fit. When I switched to these in my post grad apartment, I was astonished at how much space they save! A definite for college closets!
Trash Can // It’s nice to have a trash can for the desk area and not just one big one.
power strips // You need one for the desk area, one for the vanity area. This is a great two pack!
rechargeable lamps // I adore these and think they are so smart if you’re sharing a dorm room! If your roommate is sleeping, these provide a soft glow for you to see without being too harsh. Nice if the power goes out too!
stool and storage // A step stool is critical if the bed is lofted and this provides a stool, an ottoman, an extra seat, and storage!
tool kit // someone gave me one of these and I still use it today! So handy and used all the time!
long phone cord // there’s probably not an outlet right by the bed so a long charging cord is handy.
If you enjoyed these college essentials, be sure to check out my dorm decor ideas!
