63 Dorm Room Essentials to Buy in 2023 — College Must Haves
<p> Scroll down to find alllll the dorm room essentials you shouldn’t head to college without. Good luck out there!!!</p>” />
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1
this powerful steamer
Steamery Cirrus No.3 Travel Steamer
1
this powerful steamer
Steamery Cirrus No.3 Travel Steamer
Credit: Amazon
Wait…you’re not still using an old-school iron, are you? And don’t even get me started on an ironing board. Steamers are just so much easier, and this baby from Steamery is my personal fave. Not only does it de-wrinkle in a snap, but it also has an ironing plate built in, so you can still get that pressed look if you want it.
2
this home and fabric spray
Boy Smells Kush Home Spray
2
this home and fabric spray
Boy Smells Kush Home Spray
Credit: Amazon
Boy Smells is *the* home fragrance brand of le moment, and their new room sprays—which can also be used on clothes, furniture, and linens—are truly everything. I love the scent Kush, which has notes of suede, florals, and amber.
3
this towel dress
Robe Direct Lightweight Waffle Spa/Bath Wrap
3
this towel dress
Robe Direct Lightweight Waffle Spa/Bath Wrap
Credit: Amazon
If you’re dealing with shared showers at your dorm, this robe dress is about to be your new best friend. The top is elasticized and has an adjustable closure so you don’t have to worry about it slipping when you run back to your room, shower caddy in hand.
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4
these airtight storage bags
MUMI Reusable Zip-Up Bags
4
these airtight storage bags
MUMI Reusable Zip-Up Bags
Credit: Amazon
Here’s the thing: you’re going to spend a lot of time in the library over these next few years, and you’re going to need snacks to stay satiated/awake. These reusable storage bags are exactly how you’re going to schlep said snacks.
5
these noise-canceling earbuds
Samsung Galaxy Buds2
5
these noise-canceling earbuds
Samsung Galaxy Buds2
Now 27% Off
Credit: Samsung
Dorm life can be loud. Full stop. Noise-canceling headphones are pretty much as essential as water if you want to get work done in your room on a weekend night.
6
this weighted blanket
Bearaby Napper Organic Hand-Knit Weighted Blanket
6
this weighted blanket
Bearaby Napper Organic Hand-Knit Weighted Blanket
Credit: Amazon
The first few days, weeks, and months of college can feel a little lonely at times—especially if you’re prone to homesickness. And while this weighted blanket won’t replace a hug from your favorite friend/family member/furry bestie back home, it certainly can help.
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7
this detachable bedside table
House Ur Home Bamboo Bedside Shelf
7
this detachable bedside table
House Ur Home Bamboo Bedside Shelf
Credit: Amazon
No room for a nightstand? No problem. This bamboo shelf slides right over the side of your bed frame and has enough room for your laptop, a built-in cup holder, two USB ports for easy charging, and even a slot for your phone or tablet.
8
these multi-purpose cloths
BLUELAND Cloud Cloth (Pack of 3)
8
these multi-purpose cloths
BLUELAND Cloud Cloth (Pack of 3)
Credit: Blueland
Spills are going to happen. That’s a given. (Especially if your room is a party destination.) These super-absorbent, reusable cloths are invaluable for day-after clean ups and more, as each one can replace as many as 1,500 paper towels (we love a sustainable product!). Just throw ‘em in the dishwasher or boiling water when they’re too dirty to go on.
9
this do-it-all desk lamp
White Crown LED Desk Lamp
9
this do-it-all desk lamp
White Crown LED Desk Lamp
Now 23% Off
Credit: Amazon
Not only is this best-seller affordable, but it’s also practical. In addition to, you know, providing light, it also acts as a charger, has five lighting modes, and turns off on its own after a certain amount of time (in case you happen to fall asleep while studying).
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10
these before-you-go sprays
Peuphoria Pre-Poop Toilet Spray
10
these before-you-go sprays
Peuphoria Pre-Poop Toilet Spray
Credit: Amazon
Nervous about having to do your ~business~ in a shared dorm bathroom? You’re not alone. But this before-you-go toilet spray helps keep your business a tad more private, by eliminating any, ahem, suspicious smells.
There’s nothing worse than lukewarm coffee (hot or iced only, plz and thx), and this baby makes sure your cup is the perfect temp at all times. Your study sessions thank you already.
12
this ID holder
Casetify Daisy Wallet Case
12
this ID holder
Casetify Daisy Wallet Case
Credit: Casetify
When school is in session, you’re going to want to have your college ID with you at all times. This cute little card holder sticks to the back of your phone, giving you easy access to all your essential swipers and protecting them from magnetic damage.
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13
this shareable blanket
Big Blanket Co. Premier Plus Blanket
13
this shareable blanket
Big Blanket Co. Premier Plus Blanket
Credit: Big Blanket Co.
Grab your girls and get ready to schhhhnuggle! Big Blanket Co. prides itself on selling the largest blankets in the world (10’ x 10’, to be exact), so there’s always plenty to go around on Bachelorette binge nights with the roomie(s). FYI, I have one and it’s probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
14
this chic kettle
Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle
14
this chic kettle
Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle
Credit: Amazon
Your coffee- and tea-making process just got a hell of a lot cuter. Gooseneck teapots are so chic right now, and this one allows you to heat your water up in a snap. There’s also a temperature monitor built in, if you’re really particular about your pour-over.
15
this stackable pouf
Opalhouse designed with Jungalow Marin Stackable Pouf with Casters
15
this stackable pouf
Opalhouse designed with Jungalow Marin Stackable Pouf with Casters
Credit: Target
Stacked up this velvet baby acts as a comfy stool on wheels, then taken apart it doubles as three poufs perfect for visitors. Extra seating can be sparse in a dorm, and this cutie solves that problem in one, two, three.
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16
this gold bar cart
FirsTime & Co. Francesca Bar Cart
16
this gold bar cart
FirsTime & Co. Francesca Bar Cart
Credit: Amazon
I mean, where else are you supposed to showcase all your $3 Trader Joe’s wine bottles? For real though, every home sweet home needs a bar cart, no matter how small. (And this one is cute and cheap.)
17
this smart frame
Aura Carver
17
this smart frame
Aura Carver
Now 16% Off
Credit: Aura
This isn’t your mom’s photo display. Auras are smart digital frames controlled by an app on your phone. You can invite friends and family members to add their favorite snaps, then watch them go by all day long. What better way to keep up with what’s happenin’ back home?!
18
this blessed coffee maker
Ninja CFP201 DualBrew System12-Cup Coffee Maker
18
this blessed coffee maker
Ninja CFP201 DualBrew System12-Cup Coffee Maker
Now 40% Off
Credit: Amazon
If you don’t have a caffeine addiction yet, chances are you will by the end of first semester. This glorious machine is what keeps me human—it doubles as a kettle and frother and is also compatible with K-cups for when you’re feeling extra lazy.
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19
this easy-to-care-for plant
The Sill Large ZZ Plant (with Pallas Pot)
19
this easy-to-care-for plant
The Sill Large ZZ Plant (with Pallas Pot)
Credit: The Sill
Plants can bring life to any space—no matter how small, dark, and generally dorm-y. This cutie, called a ZZ plant for some adorable reason, is hella hard to kill (it doesn’t need much water or sun), making it perfect for a busy freshman like yourself.
20
this multi-purpose pouch
Away F.A.R Pouch (Large)
20
this multi-purpose pouch
Away F.A.R Pouch (Large)
Credit: Away
This waterproof pouch is an essential addition to your school bag or backpack. Stuff it full of all your important items—notebooks, essays, IDs, special documents…you get the picture—to ensure they stay safe, clean, and dry on your way to and from campus.
Associate Lifestyle Editor
Hannah Chubb is the associate lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things home, travel, food, health, career, and more. She spends pretty much every hour of every day curating the internet for the best new products, trends, and travel destinations. You can typically find her looking for houses she can’t afford on Zillow or Airbnb, planning her next meal before she gets to the restaurant, or taking all of the Justin Bieber classes over and over and over again on Peloton. Follow her on Instagram.
Assistant Shopping Editor
Megan Uy is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she’s also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.