The 39 Small-Space Essentials Every College Student Needs
Let’s be real: Dorm life is exciting, but it can also be a bit … cramped. As a senior and a head resident advisor (HRA), I’ve mastered turning small spaces into cozy, functional havens by investing in the right products for my dorm room.
Whether you’re a freshman, or you’re moving back in for another year, or you’re just looking to upgrade the space you’re currently living in, having the right items will make all the difference! Here’s a list of 39 dorm room essentials to make your space feel like home while keeping things super practical.
Dorm Room Essentials
SKUBB Storage Case SKUBB Storage Case
IKEA
$9.99
UNDER-BED STORAGE BINS: Dorm rooms never seem to have enough storage, so using under-bed storage is key. I have reused these bins every year! They’re perfect for organizing your clothes, shoes, and other random stuff.
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Small Shoe Rack Small Shoe Rack
Amazon
$9.99
A SHOE RACK: Keep your shoes organized and off the floor with this tiered shoe rack. It’s sturdy, easy to assemble, and fits neatly in small spaces. Say goodbye to tripping over your sneakers!
Whirlpool 3.1 cu. ft. Mini Refrigerator Whirlpool 3.1 cu. ft. Mini Refrigerator
Target
$219.99
A MINI FRIDGE: Late-night study sessions call for snacks (actually, all study sessions do!), and a mini fridge makes storing your drinks and leftovers easy.
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White Crown LED Desk Lamp White Crown LED Desk Lamp
Amazon
$19.99 (was $28)
A DESK LAMP: Late nights mean you’ll need a good desk lamp, and it’s even better if it has USB ports for extra outlet options!
Monoprice Power & Surge Monoprice Power & Surge
Target
$15.98 (was $18.38)
A POWER STRIP WITH SURGE PROTECTION: With all your devices, you’ll likely need a power strip that protects your electronics from power surges. It’s important to note that extension cords are typically banned from dorms!
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AM alphamount TV Floor Stand AM alphamount TV Floor Stand
Amazon
$55.99 (was $62.99)
A TV FLOOR STAND: A TV stand might not seem like a dorm necessity at first, but trust me: It’s a game-changer. It’s a sleek solution to elevate your TV, while also saving major floor space in your room!
Chrislley 65L Slim Laundry Hamper Chrislley 65L Slim Laundry Hamper
Amazon
$23.74 (was $24.99)
A LAUNDRY HAMPER WITH WHEELS: You’ll be doing your laundry more often than you think, and having a sturdy laundry hamper with wheels will make it easier. This laundry hamper is lightweight and collapsible, and totally simplifies trips to the laundry room.
Masirs Mesh Shower Caddy Bag Masirs Mesh Shower Caddy Bag
Amazon
$7.99 (was $8.99)
A SHOWER CADDY: Carrying your toiletries back and forth to the communal bathroom is made way easier with a shower caddy. This shower caddy has plenty of space for all your shower essentials, and it’s made of durable mesh that dries quickly.
Bedsure Fleece Blanket Bedsure Fleece Blanket
Amazon
$11.99 (was $13.99)
A COZY BLANKET: A comfy blanket is clutch for chilly nights and study sessions. This fleece blanket is lightweight yet super warm and comes in various colors to match your dorm decor.
Command Hooks Value Pack Command Hooks Value Pack
Target
$8.49
REMOVABLE HOOKS: You can’t nail or screw anything into your dorm walls, so Command Hooks are your best friend. They’re easy to apply, hold everything from towels to decor, and can remove cleanly when you move out.
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Desk Organizer with 3 Drawers Desk Organizer with 3 Drawers
Amazon
$14.99 (was $19.99)
A DESK ORGANIZER: Keeping your study area tidy helps you stay focused. Opt for a desk organizer with compartments for your notebooks, pens, and supplies, like this one, so everything has a place.
Aucleia Air Purifier Aucleia Air Purifier
Amazon
$39.99
AN AIR PURIFIER: Dorms can get stuffy — especially during flu season. An air purifier helps keep the air fresh and clean by removing allergens, dust, and odors, making it a must-have for any dorm.
Brita Metro Water Filter Pitcher Brita Metro Water Filter Pitcher
Amazon
$19.88 (was $25.79)
A WATER FILTER: Dorm water doesn’t always taste the best, so grab a water filter that fits in your mini fridge and is easy to refill.
Room Essentials Over the Door Mirror Room Essentials Over the Door Mirror
Target
$19
A FULL-LENGTH MIRROR: You’ll want to check your outfit before heading out, so a full-length mirror is key. A sleek over-the-door mirror can help free up space in your room.
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Keurig K-Iced Coffee Maker Keurig K-Iced Coffee Maker
Amazon
$78.61 (was $99.99)
A COFFEE MAKER: If you’re a coffee-lover, a small machine like the Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker will be a lifesaver. It brews fast and will fit perfectly in any dorm room.
Mainstays Black Combo Floor Lamp Mainstays Black Combo Floor Lamp
Walmart
$14.88
A FLOOR LAMP: Dorm rooms tend to either have harsh lighting or none at all, so a floor lamp can add more of a soft light to your space. This one has two lamps, which I love. One is a general light, and one is for reading — so versatile.
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Magicteam White Noise Machine Magicteam White Noise Machine
Amazon
$20.99 (was $29.99)
A WHITE NOISE MACHINE: If you’re a light sleeper, a sound machine will drown out unwanted noise from roommates or hallmates, helping you get a good night’s sleep no matter what everyone else is up to.
American Red Cross First Aid Kit American Red Cross First Aid Kit
Amazon
$22.54 (was $29.99)
A FIRST AID KIT: It’s always good to be prepared. So a first aid kit should be on your dorm packing list, and the American Red Cross’s 73-piece kit is compact but comes stocked with all the basics you need for minor injuries or ailments.
Black & Decker Compact Garment Steamer Black & Decker Compact Garment Steamer
Walmart
$15.27
A STEAMER: Instead of dealing with bulky ironing boards, opt for a handheld steamer to get your clothes wrinkle-free. It heats up fast and is small enough for dorm storage.
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Twinkle Star 200 LED String Lights Twinkle Star 200 LED String Lights
Amazon
$19.99 (was $22.99)
STRING LIGHTS: Want to add some ambiance to your room? String lights are a great way to create a cozy vibe in your space. These LED string lights are battery-operated and come with a remote for easy control.
U Brands Magnetic Dry Erase Calendar Board U Brands Magnetic Dry Erase Calendar Board
Amazon
$20.55 (was $22)
A DRY-ERASE BOARD: Stay organized and keep track of your assignments and other life reminders with a dry-erase calendar board. It’s a cute *and* functional.
IKEA RÅSKOG Utility Cart IKEA RÅSKOG Utility Cart
IKEA
$39.99
A ROLLING CART: A rolling cart is perfect for organizing snacks, toiletries, study supplies, books, you name it. Its mobility makes it super practical for any dorm room. And if you purchase the popular IKEA’s RÅSKOG cart, you can also buy the HÖGSMA top for it so you have even more storage space.
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BedShelfie Bedside Shelf BedShelfie Bedside Shelf
Amazon
$24.99 (was $29.99)
A BEDSIDE SHELF: An adjustable, floating shelf — like the BedShelfie Essential Bedside Shelf — allows you to keep your phone, a book, or a drink close by your bed without sacrificing floor space for a bedside table.
BEGOODTEX Room Darkening Insulated Curtain BEGOODTEX Room Darkening Insulated Curtain
Amazon
$29.49
BLACKOUT CURTAINS: If you’re a light sleeper and your dorm room gets too much light in the mornings, blackout curtains might be your favorite thing ever. I hang these curtains up with a tension rod for easy installation with no holes created!
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum
Amazon
$29.99
A PORTABLE VACUUM: Keeping your dorm clean is easier with a small handheld vacuum! It’s ideal for quick cleanups and small messes.
B FSOBEIIALEO Storage Ottoman Cube B FSOBEIIALEO Storage Ottoman Cube
Amazon
$29.99 (was $53.99)
A STORAGE OTTOMAN: An ottoman serves as extra seating, a footrest, and hidden storage all in one! Of course, it’ll also add to the aesthetic of your space. Win, win, win, win!
SAFAVIEH Adirondack Collection Accent Rug SAFAVIEH Adirondack Collection Accent Rug
Amazon
$27.95
A RUG: Laying down a rug in your dorm room instantly makes the decor more complete and the space feels cozier, especially if your dorm room doesn't have carpet.
DOWNCOOL Large Body Pillow Insert DOWNCOOL Large Body Pillow Insert
Amazon
$19.98 (was $29.99)
A FULL-LENGTH BODY PILLOW: Looking for extra comfort while studying, lounging, or sleeping? Meet the full-length body pillow.
BESKAR USB Clip On Fan BESKAR USB Clip On Fan
Amazon
$12.98 (was $24.99)
A CLIP-ON FAN: It can be hard to control the temperature and keep the air circulating in a dorm room. Stay cool with a small but mighty clip-on fan that easily attaches to your bed or desk.
The Home Edit Thin Clothing Hangers The Home Edit Thin Clothing Hangers
Walmart
$47.78
SLIM HANGERS: Maximize your closet space with slim hangers. These space-savers are a total clothing fixer-upper and even won an Apartment Therapy Organization Award!
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BedsPick Memory Foam Twin XL BedsPick Memory Foam Twin XL
Amazon
$67.95 (was $119)
A MATTRESS TOPPER: Dorm mattresses are extremely uncomfortable. A mattress topper is a quick fix to make your bed feel more like the one you’ve got back home. Sleep is crucial in college.
CLOTHKNOW White Comforter Set CLOTHKNOW White Comforter Set
Amazon
$74.99
A COMFORTER: Your comforter is the heart of your dorm bed setup, so make sure it’s comfy and stylish! Go for one that’s soft, warm, and can handle those unpredictable dorm temperatures.
Flower Pillow Flower Pillow
Amazon
$9.99 (was $16.99)
A THROW PILLOW: A cute throw pillow is a super easy way to add some personality to your dorm. Plus, it’s perfect for propping yourself up during those Netflix binges. I love adding multiple throw pillows on my bed for peak cozy vibes.
Nestl Twin XL Sheet Set Nestl Twin XL Sheet Set
Amazon
$23.99
SHEETS: Good sheets are a non-negotiable. Naps on your bed will be your best friend, so make sure you grab a set that’s soft and breathable for ultimate comfort.
Mainstays Bed Risers Mainstays Bed Risers
Walmart
$8.44
BED RISERS: Need more storage space? If your dorm allows it, elevate your bed with bed risers to store all your bins, shoes, and maybe even sneak a mini fridge underneath. More space = less clutter.
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MZOIMZO Bed Pillow MZOIMZO Bed Pillow
Amazon
$21.98 (was $36.99)
A PILLOW: A good pillow is a must for quality sleep. Choose one that supports your neck and suits your sleeping style, because you’ll need those Zs this semester.
Vanity Mirror with Lights Vanity Mirror with Lights
Amazon
$27.99 (was $29.99)
A VANITY MIRROR: Whether you’re getting ready for class or a night out, a vanity mirror will completely upgrade your routine. Bonus points if it has LED lights!
Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit
Amazon
$29.94
A SPRAY MOP: Your dorm will collect a lot of dirt and dust as the semester goes along. You’ll want to grab a Swiffer for quickly cleaning up spills, dust, crumbs, and dirt in minutes without the hassle.
Blue Ridge Tools 40-Piece Household Tool Kit Blue Ridge Tools 40-Piece Household Tool Kit
Target
$20.49
A TOOL KIT: You might not think you need it, but trust me — a simple tool kit will come in handy more than you’d expect. Whether it’s hanging stuff or fixing your desk chair, you’ll be glad you packed one. (Check out this list for even more essentials you can’t forget.)
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This post originally appeared on Dorm Therapy. See it there: The 39 Dorm Room Essentials Every College Student Needs in Their Life (Trust Me, I’m an RA!)
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