It can be overwhelming to shop for items for dorm rooms, especially as an incoming freshman. It is difficult to anticipate what kind of items residents may need. I brought way too much from home my freshman year, so here are a few dorm essentials that I recommend.
1. A laundry basket with a handle or wheels.
This may seem dorky, but a laundry basket with wheels like this one will save you tons of time and effort.
2. Small, hand-held iron.
When you accidentally leave your laundry in the dryer for a few hours, you'll thank me for this one.
3. Photos from home.
Pictures make a room more personal and sentimental.
4. Mini-vacuum.
A mini, hand-held vacuum will make cleaning up your messy dorm room quick and painless.
5. Desk lamp.
Not only can desk lamps be decorative, but when you are sharing a room with someone sometimes sleeping times may differ. Having a small lamp will help you stay up late studying in your room, minimizing the disruption it may cause your roommate.
6. Mattress pad.
Dorm beds are notoriously uncomfortable. Purchasing a mattress pad will help your sleep exponentially.
7. Extra hangers.
Somehow hangers always seem to disappear. Having a few extra will help minimize this problem.
8. Hanging calendar.
Placing a calendar above your desk will keep you organized and on-top of your school work.
9. Shoe-hanging rack.
This will help maximize your small dorm room and make it easier to find the pair of shoes you are looking for.
10. Water bottle.
