Being an incoming college freshman is already hard enough. You have the stress of picking where you want to go, committing, attending orientation, and, on top of that, trying to make friends (and a roommate if you are against going random). There is a lot on your plate already, and then you see TikToks of all the things you NEED for your dorm. Most of those things you do not even need and will crowd your room. After finishing my first year of college, I want to share a list of the essentials you need for your dorm room (besides decoration). All the things I am listing, I genuinely used and could not have survived my first year living in a dorm without them.
Number 1: An Ottoman!
Not only is an ottoman a cute way to decorate your dorm room, but it also has a variety of purposes. My ottoman has a lid (I recommend getting one that opens), and I use it to store extra things I do not want lying around, like snacks! It also serves as a stepping tool, which is helpful if your bed is high above the ground. You definitely do not want to have to jump up on your bed after a long day.
Number 2: A desk hutch!
When I moved into my dorm, my desk hutch had not arrived yet. I went a few days without it, and everything was scattered, and I did not have much room to do my makeup and hair, and also do my homework, which is the sole purpose of the desk you’re provided with. Once my desk hutch arrived, everything was easier, and my desk was prettier to look at. When all your things are organized, it makes you that much more motivated to do homework and get things done. I definitely recommend getting a desk hutch if you like to be organized, as I do.
Number 3: Bedding/Mattress Topper
Bedding is very important because you want your dorm room to feel like home. Having a comfortable and cute bedding set that makes you feel like you are at home is a must. It is hard adjusting to living in a dorm room, especially if you have never been far away from home. On top of having good bedding, you NEED a mattress topper. Sleeping on the mattress itself is not comfortable, and it is really stiff. Even if you prefer sleeping on a stiffer mattress, I still recommend getting one. You will not regret it.
Number 4: Headboard
In my experience, a headboard was useful because my bed frame did not come with one. However, some of my friends’ dorm rooms came with one, so you need to do your own research and see if it is worth it for you. My bed was halfway against a window, so a bedframe definitely made my bed feel more homey and comfortable, and it kept my pillows from falling off the bed.
Number 5: A nightstand
Having a nightstand was amazing, and it is so much better than just having one of those pouches to attach to your bed. I used it to charge my phone, keep my water, stack my books, and literally anything else that I needed to store and have right next to me.
Number 6: The bathroom/cleaning essentials
If you are going to be using a communal bathroom, I definitely recommend getting a robe, SHOWER SHOES, and a shower caddy. Emphasise the shower shoes. Other than that, it is a good idea to buy cleaning supplies for your room, as well as a little vacuum. It is crazy how fast a small room can get dirty/messy. As for a laundry basket, mine has wheels on it, which is helpful because I do not have to carry it. If your laundry room is on another floor, you might want to buy one that is backpack style.
Number 7: A steamer
You do not really need this, but I prefer not to have wrinkly clothes, so it was a great investment!
Number 8: A mini fridge!
My dorm came with a mini fridge and microwave, but if it did not, I would have bought one because it is beneficial to have things to eat right in your room without having to walk to the dining hall, especially in a snowstorm.
Number 9: A vanity mirror
Having a little mirror that lights up is very helpful, especially when you get up before your roommate. It provides just the right amount of light for you to get ready and for your roommate not to get annoyed about the lights being on. In general, having a little mirror is useful so you do not have to go to the communal bathroom to do your hair and makeup.
I hope these ideas on what you really need for your college dorm ease your mind a bit and help you look for things you actually need! Of course, this is a minimal list, but these are the essentials that come to mind when I think of what I actually used in my dorm.