The average dorm room measures a small 12 X 19 feet or 228 square feet of living space and that space needs to be shared with a roommate. Time to shop for college dorm room essentials for what’s necessary and what you can skip. If you missed my KTLA Morning News segment as their style expert in Los Angeles, then click, Dorm Room Essentials for more insight on making that room more palatable for the year to come.
College Dorm Room Essentials
From Cost Plus World Market:
Decorative floor pillows and poufs like the embroidered sari patchwork ones offer extra seating since most dorm rooms only have a desk chair. $70
Whether they drink coffee or tea buy them a one-cup Keurig and a tea kettle (which may be good for cup-a-soup and Ramen) then give them a set of two bowls, two plates, two mugs, two glasses and some cutlery. Whimsical coffee mugs, $3 – 10
Also, a great place to create a care package of goodies or stock up on coffee, tea and snacks.
Since you can’t bring a desk this Lap top table works bedside for holding your laptop and a desk lamp, a convenient small table for eating or just a place to pout your iPad to watch Netflix. On sale for $80.
From Bed, Bath and Beyond:
Colorful bedding to add some stylish decor to your side of the room. This comforter set by Anthology is reversible, $100
When working on you bed is more inviting then switch to this laptop tray with storage, $40
An organizer desk lamp give your light and recharges your phone and tablet.
From JC Penney:
Home Expressions Decorative Pillows, $40 Decorative pillows adds a humorous touch to your bed.
Honey-Can-Do 7-Pocket Quick Dry Shower Tote, $16.99 When you have to share a bathroom that doesn’t mean you have to share everything else.
Honey-Can-Do Orange Laundry Hamper, $20.99 A dorm room is small, you definitely want a place to stash your dirty clothes until you get around to washing them.
Stasher Bag ($10-12)
An eco-alternative to plastic bags and they can be reused thousands of times. They’re made of 100% pure platinum silicone. They can go from the freezer to the microwave to the dishwasher. Stash snacks & supplies!
Additional College Dorm Room Essentials:
Connect with your roommate before you move in to discuss splitting the cost of a mini fridge.
Get a mattress topper or egg create foam – those dorm mattresses are usually uncomfortable.
Command hooks and adhesive strip – for hanging and not ruining the walls.
Headphones or ear buds to listen to your own music or drown out your roommates. And add in ear plugs just in case your roommate snores.
Power strips – a dorm room never has enough outlets
Storage bins – don’t go over board, but do think smart about how you’ll use the items. Once you unpack, whatever doesn’t fit return it—by shopping at big retailers you’ll always have a place to do a quick return or exchange.
Cold Medicine – Can’t avoid getting sick so be prepared
Shower caddy – when you have to share a bathroom that doesn’t mean you have to share everything else.
Coffee maker – because they will do an all-nighter at some point or miss when breakfast is served- and add in a few mugs and kitchen items plus a bottle of dish soap.
Storage bins – don’t go over board, but do think smart about how you’ll use the items. Once you unpack, whatever doesn’t fit return it—by shopping at big retailers you’ll always have a place to do a quick return or exchange.
Cold Medicine – Can’t avoid getting sick so be prepared
Skip These For Your Dorm Room
Skip the full size vacuum and bring along a hand held cordless – The room will get dirty, but no one wants to vacuum or has the space for a full size.
Alarm clock. Just use your cellphone.
Iron and board – skip it unless you’re finicky- consider a small travel handheld steamer instead.
Style Expert Alison Deyette is a TV & digital host and Los Angeles-based stylist known best for her dynamic personality and her sharp sense of style. She has worked extensively for national news and entertainment programs, magazines and online media outlets.
Known as “The Fixer,” she can help you solve your fashion conundrums, take the reins of
a home decorating transformation, or hand you the hottest trend without breaking a sweat.