63 Dorm Room Essentials To Help Start Your College Career Off Right

Wait…you’re not still using an old-school iron, are you? And don’t even get me started on an ironing board. Steamers are just so much easier, and this baby from Steamery is my personal fave. Not only does it de-wrinkle in a snap, but it also has an ironing plate built in, so you can still get that pressed look if you want it.

Boy Smells is *the* home fragrance brand of le moment, and their new room sprays—which can also be used on clothes, furniture, and linens—are truly everything. I love the scent Kush, which has notes of suede, florals, and amber.

If you’re dealing with shared showers at your dorm, this robe dress is about to be your new best friend. The top is elasticized and has an adjustable closure so you don’t have to worry about it slipping when you run back to your room, shower caddy in hand.

Here’s the thing: you’re going to spend a lot of time in the library over these next few years, and you’re going to need snacks to stay motivated/satiated/awake. These reusable storage bags are exactly how you’re going to schlep said snacks.

The first few days, weeks, and months of college can feel a little lonely at times—especially if you’re prone to homesickness. And while this weighted blanket won’t replace a hug from your favorite friend/family member/furry bestie back home, it certainly can help.

Dorm life can be loud. Full stop. Noise-canceling headphones are pretty much as essential as water if you want to get work done in your room on a weekend night.

No room for a nightstand? No problem. This bamboo shelf slides right over the side of your bed frame and has enough room for your laptop, a built-in cup holder, two USB ports for easy charging, and even a slot for your phone or tablet.

Spills are going to happen. That’s a given. (Especially if your room is a party destination.) These super-absorbent, reusable cloths are invaluable for day-after clean ups and more, as each one can replace as many as 1,500 paper towels (we love a sustainable product!). Just throw ‘em in the dishwasher or boiling water when they’re too dirty to go on.

Not only is this best-seller super affordable, but it’s also super practical. In addition to, you know, providing light, it also acts as a wireless charger, is wireless so you can move it around, has five lighting modes, and turns off on its own after a certain amount of time (in case you happen to fall asleep while studying).

Nervous about having to do your ~business~ in a shared dorm bathroom? You’re not alone. But this before-you-go toilet spray helps keep your business a lil more private, by eliminating any, ahem, suspicious smells.

There’s nothing worse than lukewarm coffee (hot or iced only, plz and thx), and this baby makes sure your cup is the perfect temp at all times. Your study sessions thank you already.

When school is in session, you’re going to want to have your college ID with you at all times. This cute little card holder sticks to the back of your phone gives you easy access to all your essential swipers, plus protects them from magnetic damage.

Grab your girls and get ready to schhhhnuggle! Big Blanket Co. prides itself on selling the largest blankets in the world (10’ x 10’, to be exact), so there’s always plenty to go around on Bachelorette binge nights with the roomie(s). FYI, I have one and it’s one of the best things that's ever happened to me.

Your coffee- and tea-making process just got a hell of a lot cuter. Gooseneck teapots are so chic right now, and this one allows you to heat your water up in a snap. There’s also a temperature monitor built in, if you’re really particular about your pour-over.

This velvet baby is chic and functional: Stacked up it acts as a comfy stool on wheels, then taken apart it doubles as three poufs perfect for visitors. Extra seating can be sparse in a dorm, and this cutie solves that problem in one, two, three.

I mean, where else are you supposed to showcase all your $3 Trader Joe’s wine? For real though, every home sweet home needs a bar cart, no matter how small. (And this one is cute and cheap.)

This isn’t your mom’s photo frame. Aura frames are smart digital frames controlled by an app on your phone. You can invite friends and family members to add their favorite snaps, then watch them go by all day long. What better way to keep up with what’s happenin’ back home?!

If you don’t have a caffeine addiction yet, chances are you will by the end of first semester. This glorious machine here is what keeps me human—it doubles as a kettle and frother and is also compatible with K-cups for when you’re feeling extra lazy.

Plants can bring life to any space—no matter how small, dark, and generally dorm-y. This cutie, called a ZZ plant for some adorable reason, is hella hard to kill (it doesn’t need much water or sun), making it perfect for a busy freshman like yourself.

This waterproof pouch is an essential addition to your school bag or backpack. Stuff it full of all your important items—notebooks, essays, IDs, special documents—to ensure they stay safe, clean, and dry on your way to and from campus.