Top 10 Dorm Essentials You Didn’t Think Of
Back-to-school season is almost near, and with that comes the dreaded task of back-to-school shopping.
For first-time college students, this time of year can be pretty overwhelming. From snagging the perfect wall art to figuring out how to pack whatever mattress topper Facebook or TikTok convinced you to buy, it’s easy to think you have it all.
But odds are, you probably don’t.
Whether you’ve been gradually perfecting your shopping list or are just getting started, we’ve got you covered. As a college student who personally survived dorm living, here’s a breakdown of dorm room essentials that may have slipped through the cracks that you can snag in less than a week via Amazon Prime.
Plastic Shower Caddy
The key to a successful shower caddy is that it’s made of plastic. While it may take up more space than a collapsible one, purchasing a caddy made of mesh makes it much more prone to mould if not regularly washed. And odds are, your priorities are going to be elsewhere, and you’re probably going to forget to wash it. This one goes for $13 and is offered in four different colours with overnight delivery.
Rubber Ice Tray
Don’t just buy the first ice tray you see for your mini fridge, no matter how good the deal is. You should also make sure you’re not buying one made of plastic, because getting the ice out will be a real challenge. With a rubber tray, you’ll be able to easily flip the ice out without breaking a sweat. This one gets you 37 ice cubes in one go for under $5, and it also comes in packs of up to four for just $12.
Dyson Fan/Heater
Not only do we get a two-for-one fan and heater, but we also get a two-for-one temperature control and white noise sound machine (if you turn it up loud enough). This works for the days when only one of you wants the overhead fan on, as well as for the days when all you want to do is drown out all your roommate’s sounds. The fan features 10 speeds and temperature control, and also functions as an air purifier. This Dyson model costs $269.99 and has next-day delivery.
Ottoman for Alcohol and Shoes
Regardless of how organized you are, you’re going to need some extra storage. This ottoman is perfect for preventing clutter while doubling as some decoration or extra seating. For $34 and next-day delivery, this option comes with a code lock if you’re looking to store something you don’t want your RA to see.
Reading Light
More likely than not, you and your roommate are going to have different sleep schedules. Want to stay up and read? Looking to cram for an exam overnight? Then having a reading light is the perfect solution for you to stay in the comfort of your bed, while your roommate gets their beauty sleep. This one doesn’t require an outlet, easily clips to your book and rotates. It has three different colour temperatures and five brightness levels with one-day delivery.
Air Fryer/Microwave
Having an air fryer is a must-have for dorm living, but this 8-in-1 microwave is the ultimate game-changer. For $224, you get the functions to microwave, air fry, bake and broil, with additional functions including odour removal and defrost. This will end up saving you a lot of space and trips to the communal kitchen.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Even if your roommate isn’t interrupting your quiet time by scrolling on their TikTok for you page or loudly chewing some potato chips, dorms are notorious for having super thin walls. If it isn’t your roommate stressing you out, it’ll probably be someone else down the hall. Noise-cancelling headphones are an easy solution to this problem, especially with some white noise to seal the deal. The Sony WH-1000XM4s are both comfy and effective, and are also half the price of the newest model while providing similar results. They go for $198 and, depending on the colour, you can get one the same day.
Silk Eye Mask
Pair it with the noise-cancelling headphones and you’re off to your own world. Whether it’s your roommate insisting on keeping the lights on or you’re just trying to take a midday nap, having an eye mask is the way to go. Not only will the silk material feel soft and delicate on your skin, but the contoured cups for your eyes add an extra layer of comfort. This one comes in seven different colours for around $29.
Backpack Laundry Bag
If your laundry room isn’t on the same floor as your dorm room, you’re going to need a backpack laundry bag, even if you really think you’ll be able to manage dragging your hamper around. But, trust me. This essential is going to spare you a lot of nightmares. It’s easy for laundry to pile up while in college (and to forget to do it), so it’d be more efficient to opt for a bigger laundry bag. This option is listed as having extra-large storage and padded shoulder straps, which will save you some pain. It comes in 11 different colours with different pricing ($24.99 as the cheapest and $27.49 as the most expensive).
No Matter How Well Thought-Out You Think Your Packing List May Be…
There’s always something you didn’t think of. But with these essentials just a click away, you can avoid the last-minute chaos and bring some ease into move-in day.
So grab that mould-proof plastic shower caddy, slip on that silk eyemask and get ready to start this new chapter.
