10 Dorm Essentials That’ll Simplify College Life

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August 21, 2019

By: Zia Thompson

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Items the College Student in Your Life Forgot to Pack

School is in session! As you get ready to move into the dorms, prepare to make your space feel like home. Here is a list of essential items that will ultimately help you be the best student and dorm resident you can be!

HDMI Cable

HDMI cables allow you to project your laptop screen onto a TV or projector’s image. So, no matter if it’s for movie night on Saturday or your class presentation on Monday, you’ll always be ready to rise to the occasion.

BUY IT: Amazon, $7

Sewing Kit

Is there a rip in your blanket or do you need to repair a button that fell off of your favorite jacket? A sewing kit can save the day! Make sure to keep an emergency kit on hand so you can fix your fabrics in a flash. Regardless of whether you are a knitting novice or a super seamstress, a basic kit will definitely come in handy.

BUY IT: Amazon, $11

Microwave Cooking Pans

Your college cafeteria meal plan shouldn't stop you from cooking. There are many great recipes that only require a microwave to prepare, so make the most of it. A set of microwave-friendly bowls is the perfect item to both cook food in and store leftovers so you don’t have to leave your room to enjoy a home cooked meal.

BUY IT: Amazon, $16 for a set of 5

Footlocker

Footlockers are a dorm room essential that serves two purposes: it’s extra storage and it will secure your most valuable possessions. Make sure the footlocker you choose can support either a combination or key lock. These trunks come in varying sizes, with or without wheels, and are available in different colors, so choose the one that’s best for you!

BUY IT: Amazon, $209

Water Filter Pitcher

As a college student, you're going to be constantly running around campus, to and from classes and events, and it’s important that you stay hydrated. Make sure you are drinking the cleanest water with a water filter! You can refill the pitcher at any water fountain and the pitcher itself will filter the water for you. Not only will you save money not buying bottled water for your room, but it’s better for the environment, too.

BUY IT: Target, $28

Eye Mask

Is your roommate still awake with the light on while you’re trying to get some sleep? An eye mask will help you block out the light. Eye masks are a simple, inexpensive dorm essential that will allow you and your roommate to coexist without disturbing the other. Make sure to bring it with you when you travel home on school holidays. It’ll help block out the light on the plane or during the car ride home so you rest and recuperate in peace!

BUY IT: Target, $6

Command Strips

Command Hooks are a best-kept secret of college dorm life. They serve a multitude of purposes. You can use Command hooks to hang artwork, clothing, jewelry and even fairy lights around your dorm. The best part about Command hooks is that they are able to be both installed and taken down without any tools or mess.

BUY IT: Amazon, $13 for a set of 20 hooks

Ethernet Cable

Let’s face it, WiFi isn’t always perfect and it can go out. What do you do if you have a project due the next day? Bring out the Ethernet cable. Connect to the internet like its 1999 and you’ll be back online in no time.

BUY IT: Amazon, $12

External Hard Drive

An external hard drive can and will save your life in college and it’s important to keep one on hand in the dorm. When you are writing that final paper, make sure to save it to the external hard drive so, in the event of an untimely computer crash or other accident, you won’t lose all of your hard work.

BUY IT: Target, $70

Bedside Organizer

Keep all of your important bedside goodies near you. In case your dorm doesn’t have an end table or nightstand, a bedside storage organizer will be your best friend. Keep your TV remote, glasses, phone, Chapstick and/or eReader near you without having to worry about it falling on the floor and potentially breaking. Take pride in your belongings and how they’re being stored.

BUY IT: Amazon, $9