Looking for a way to add instant pizazz to your otherwise boring cubicle of a dorm? Check out the 10 items listed below for some must-haves that can do so much more than you think. Add them to your wish list, and they’ll spice up your space and get you through even the toughest days!
1. Runaway Alarm Clock
Don’t even think about sleeping through that 8 a.m. class with this tricky clock! The Runaway Alarm will roll around and play your favorite tunes until you catch it. It’s guaranteed to wake you up in time for class, gets you a bonus few minutes of exercise, and plays your favorite music. Need a little push from mom or dad to get you moving? You can also record a custom message for the alarm to play instead.
Where to get it: Sharper Image, $69.99
2. Handpresso Wild Espresso Maker
Early mornings can be killer without caffeine in some shape or form. For you latte-loving ladies, check out the Handpresso Wild, a portable gadget that lets you make yummy fresh coffee drinks wherever you might be! As an added bonus, the Handpresso is a lot cheaper than traditional espresso machines that require counter space and an electrical outlet to operate.
Where to get it: Amazon, $99.95
3. Student ID Holder
A huge backpack or tote bag is a terrible place for a flimsy plastic ID card. Consider investing in an ID holder with spaces for your ID and everything you need to easily locate throughout the day like keys, your cell phone, or money. Zip cases from designers like Vera Bradley come in a variety of patterns that are adorable, but super affordable too. These wristlets come in a variety of patterns and have room for all the essentials.
Where to get it: Vera Bradley, $12.00
4. Echo Smartpen Starter Kit
Even the most basic school supplies have undergone savvy techonological changes! The Echo Smartpen takes sitting in a lecture jotting down notes to a whole new level. The pen has a microphone inside that allows you to record lectures, then transfers notes and audio directly to your laptop!
Where to get it: Livescribe, $99.95
5. Hot Pot
We’ve all had those days where there simply isn’t time to make it to the dining hall before it closes. This is where a hot pot comes to the rescue! Instead of using a hot plate to boil water for tea or coffee or a microwave to nuke yet another meal, use this handy (and small!) gadget instead. You’ll save time and space when it comes to preparing food in your room without coming anywhere near a stove!
Where to get it: Target, $13.89
6. Shoe bags
Any collegiette™ can tell you – walking across campus in a pair of pumps can be a death sentence for your feet. If you need to look nice for a function or a meeting that’s a bit of a hike from your dorm, consider using a peek-a-boo shoe bag. The bag has a clear plastic window that allows you to see exactly what pair of shoes you’re grabbing, and is small enough to fit in most backpacks or larger bags, making it easy to transport you AND your shoes all over campus! It’s also a great way to store shoes and protect some of the more expensive ones in your collection from collecting dusty under your bed.
Where to get it: Bed Bath and Beyond, $14.99 per bag
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7. Washeze 3-in-1 Unscented Laundry Detergent
Laundry day can be a bummer: you’ve got nothing cute to wear, you can’t go hang out with your friends, and most of all, you have to make countless trips up and down floors of the building to wash, dry, and fold your clothes. Take a little bit of the frustration out of laundry day with Washeze laundry sheets. They act as detergent and fabric softener and, when added to the dryer, a static sheet. Each box comes with enough sheets for 10 loads of laundry.
Where to get it: Amazon, $3.95
8. PocketBac Sanitizing Hand Gel
Everyone in your lecture is sneezing and coughing left and right – gross! What’s a healthy collegiette™ to do? PocketBac sanitizers from Bath and Body Works are great since they’re small and smell delicious. New scents are constantly released, including holiday-themed ones that make for quick and easy gifts to send in the mail or in a care package to friends scattered at schools across the country.
Where to get it: Bath and Body Works, $1.50
9. Flip-out lounge
Seating in a dorm room is essential, but tricky: it’s nice to have space for friends or floormates to lounge on when hanging around the room, but a lot of seating options take up too much space. This lounger comes with three adjustable cushions that can even be used as a makeshift bed for impromptu dorm sleepovers!
Where to get it: PB Teen, the Ottoman ($64.99) or Corner Chair ($139.99)
10. Blackout curtains
After that 3 a.m. cram session, the last thing you feel like doing is waking up with the sun several hours later. A lot of dorms come with shades that don’t do a stellar job of keeping the sunlight out of your room while you’re trying to catch some much-needed zz’s, though, which is why blackout curtains can come in handy. They’ll make it easy to fall asleep at night by keeping your room darker, and ensure you’re able to sleep as late into the morning (or even afternoon) as you wish.
Where to get it: Dormco.com, $19.93
Do you have any cool products in your dorm room you think we should know about? Tell us in a comment!