Dorm Room Essentials and Decor Ideas

I’ve been out of school for a few years. Okay, maybe a good while, but it’s fun to revisit the dorm life and daydream about the essentials and how I would decorate my dorm room if I could do it all over a again.

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 Bedding Essentials

• Mattress pad
• At least two sets of twin sheet sets (be sure to check whether the dorm bed requires extra long twin sheets)

• Pillowcases
• Pillows
• Quilt or bedspread
• Duvet and duvet covers
• Light blankets
• Backrest pillow for sitting up
• Reading light that can attach to bed

• School Supplies

• Bookbag or sling bag

• Lap desk
• Pencils
• Black, blue and red pens
• Ink CorrectioncTape Wite-out
• Index cards
• New and used textbooks
• Sharpie markers
• Post-it notes

• Highlighters
• Printing paper and loose-leaf
• Binders
• Folders
• File folders and cabinet (if needed)
• Calculator
• Desk organizer
• Pouches for pens and supplies
• Notepads and notebooks
• Paper clips
• Stapler and staples
• Hole puncher

Laundry Essentials

• Laundry hamper for dirty laundry
• Quarters for coin laundry (if needed)
• Iron

• Foldable ironing board
• Laundry detergent
• Fabric softeners
• Dryer sheets
• Lint brush
• Stain removing spray or pen
• Drying rack for clothes that can’t be put in the dryer

Closet Essentials

• Shoe rack or over the door storage

• Clothes hangers
• Clothing for all seasons
• Umbrella
• Raincoat (ladies)
• Winter coat, sweaters and fleeces
• Rainboots
• Sneakers
• Shoes for all occasions
• Dressy, semi-formal outfits
• T-shirts
• Athletic clothing
• Jeans
• Leggings
• Shorts
• Pants
• Tops
• Socks
• Bathing suits (girls and guys)
• Sunglasses
• Professional clothing for internships and class presentations
• Sports Cleats

Bathroom Essentials

• Shower curtain, curtain liner and rod

• Soap and/or body wash
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Towels and washcloths
• Portable shower caddy
• Waterproof flip flops (ladies, men)
• Changing robe
• Bathroom cleaning supplies
• Bath mats
• Hairbrush
• Hair gel or mousse
• Hairspray
• Moisturizer
• Razor
• Shaving kit (ladies, men)
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Mirror
• Tweezers
• Bobby pins
• Hair ties
• Comb
• Contact solution and eyeglass cleaner
• Toilet paper
• Mouthwash
• Sunscreen
• Makeup
• Chapstick

• QtipsQtips
• Cotton balls
• Makeup remover
• Facewash
• Hairdryer
• Hair curling iron
• Hair straightening iron
• Scale

Kitchen Essentials

• Can opener
• Coffee pot
• Disinfecting wipes and spray
• Clips for potato chip bags, etc.
• Electric kettle for boiling water

• Instant coffee
• Creamer Singles
• Ramen
• Canned foods
• Water Pitcher with Filter
• Snacks
• Paper towels
• Cooking and baking sheets
• Frying pan
• Oven mitt
• Utensil set
• Plates and bowls
• Cups
• Motivational Mugs

• Paper napkins
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic wrap
• Tupperware
• Dishwashing soap
• Sponge
• Trash bags
• Small fridge

Tech necessities

• All chargers
• Power strip
• TV
• Laptop
• Flashlight

• Printer
• Paper
• Ink for printer
• Camera
• Tablet with keyboard
• HDMI cable and ethernet cable
• Adapter
• USB Microphone
• Extension cord
• Router for internet
• Apple TV
• Headphones
• Batteries
• Game Time

Decor

• Floor lamp

• Curtains
• Curtain rods
• TV stand
• Comfortable chair
• Desk chair
• Decor pillows
• Flower vase
• Nightstand
• Table lamp, lampshade and extra bulbs
• Coffee table or ottoman
• Poufs
• Area rug
• Small dining room table and chairs (if room)
• Extra blankets

• Wall art
• Door Mirrors
• Shelving
• Bookcase
• Books
• Picture frames
• Bulletin boards
• Plants
• Extra baskets for holding things

Miscellaneous

• Alarm clock or clock radio, if not using phone

• White noise machine
• Extra fan
• Broom and dust pan
• Waste basket
• Coat hanger
• Scissors
• Sports equipment
• Sewing kit
• Storage boxes for under the bed
• Space saving vacuum sealed storage bags
• Space heater
• Jewelry box
• All important documents including health insurance cards, AAA cards and passport
• First-aid kit with thermometer, advil, band-aids, neosporin, decongestant and antiseptic wipes

• Vitamins and prescription medicine
• Sleep mask
• Ear plugs
• Workout equipment and yoga mat
• Luggage
• Games and books
• Bike or moped
• Bike helmet
• Hand-held vacuum for cleaning
• Car

Dorm Room Decor (Click on the images)

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