Back-to-School Bedroom Essentials for College and Beyond
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Whether you’re headed 30 minutes away or you’re flying to the opposite coastline, college can feel intimidating—especially if it’s your first time away from home. After all, you’re in a new space with new people learning new things every day! With all the adventures to come, it’s that much more important to create a dorm room that feels like a haven. After all, we all need a place we can rest and recharge. Just like in your own bedroom at home, there are dorm room essentials that will make living in your new space feel comfortable, cozy, and all your own. You just need to know where to start!
Having the right dorm decor and functional accessories will help turn those blank four walls into a space bursting with personality. But there’s much to consider before buying: Do you really need those viral LED strip lights? Does your university supply you with a mini fridge, or do you need to bring one of your own? And what about furniture for your dorm—do you need to make a plan with your roommate?
From there, take a look at the space you’re working with and narrow down the things you want to bring in. Be it a boost of ambiance with lighting, cute bedding to curate your dorm style, products to help you wind down, or something more, the dorm essentials we include below will ensure that your space isn’t only functional, but also stylish and savvy—just like you!
Lighting
Nobody deserves the jump scare of the overhead light, especially the nightmarish fluorescent ones in college dorms. Instead, opt for multiple sources of lighting that’ll help create a home-away-from-home feel with the click of a button. Go for a couple cute table lamps on different-leveled surfaces, a candle warmer lamp on the nightstand, a task lamp on the desk, or a fun floor lamp to act as a statement piece. Portable lamps are excellent for dorm-living, too!
Extra Seating
For reading time, study buddy sessions, and weekend get-togethers, extra seating is a must. You never know who might pop in from down the hall to ask to borrow your calculator or bring over a box of pizza! However, it’s also true that in college, everything needs to work with what little space you have. Convertible futons, storage ottomans, or a couple of space-saving bean bags can do the trick without sacrificing too much floor space.
Desk Accessories
Your most functional spaces deserve style, too! Prep your studies for success (and plenty of “Where did you get that?!” comments) with cute desk accessories that’ll make your day-to-day more organized without feeling boring. Fun weekly planners, chic cable management boxes, and even techy desk hutches can help set you up for a successful semester ahead.
Twin XL Bedding for the Dorm
If you don’t already have a twin XL mattress at home, then this size might feel a little unfamiliar to you. Most college dorms will come with a twin XL bed, which is slightly different than a regular twin size. So, you’ll need to buy new dorm bedding to make sure it fits your new sleep space. Invest in quality pillows, an all-season comforter, and even a cooling mattress topper for extra comfort (dorm beds aren’t known for being very comfortable, after all).
Blackout Curtains and Window Treatments
Blackout curtains are a must for a peaceful night’s sleep and keeping your room temperature regulated (you’ll thank us later!). And they don’t have to be the typical black polyester panels, either. There are plenty of options now that come in stylish colors and fabrics, like linen, cotton, and velvet. It’s also a great way to bring in some color or a touch of pattern into your space.
Best Seller
Ebern Designs Bantam Solid Blackout Thermal Rod Pocket Curtain Panel Set
A Fresh Set of Towels
The secret to refreshing mornings doesn’t just stop and start with your bed. You’ll need a quality set of towels to take you through the year, too. A matching bundle of washcloths, hand towels, and bath towels adds a touch of luxury without the hefty price tag, and you can even match them to your dorm room’s style. Go chic and modern with classic striped towels, or have fun with a playful floral set—it’s up to you!
Organic Turkish Cotton Pampas Ivory and Evening Blue Stripe Bath Towels (Set of 6)
Picture Frames and Wall Art
This is the perfect place to get a little personal. You can frame your favorite prints, photos of family and friends back home, or canvas artwork that you love. Get creative with it! This is where your personality can shine brightest, and it’s an easy way to create cohesion in your space.
Smart Alarm Clocks
Yes, your phone has an alarm. But let’s be honest: How many times do you hit the snooze button in the morning? For early morning classes and lectures, and that inevitable 8:00 AM exam, a smart alarm clock will be your best bet to a better sleep schedule. Many modern models even come with a sound machine to help you drift off to bed, and others feature a sunrise feature to help you wake up gently.
Underbed Organization Bins and Baskets
In small quarters, especially dorm rooms that you’re sharing with one, two, three, or more roommates, organization is key. This is where you should utilize all the quirky, sneaky storage spots you can! From over-the-door hooks and under-sink shelves to closet storage heroes and more, there’s plenty of space to store your things so your room can stay tidy. Underbed bins and baskets, for example, are great for clothes, shoes, purses, or extra bedding, and they don’t add visual clutter.
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Bree Pulver O'Hagan
Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).
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