Moving into college comes with a never-ending shopping list. Over the summer, my mom and I made lists after lists, trying to check off each item before move-in day. Luckily, TikTok will give you a ton of good ideas when it comes to dorm essentials. While some of the products you see may seem a little excessive, I can promise you that most of the recommendations have been worth buying. But of course, there are always going to be things that you realize you need, or just simply want, a few weeks after move-in. Here are a few things that I have bought since moving in that weren’t on my original list.
Bath & Body Works Wallflower Plug-Ins
Your dorm is basically your home away from home. Your shoes, bags, dirty clothes, towels, and trash are all packed into a very small space. And when you’re sharing a room with another person, there are bound to be some unpleasant smells. And since we can’t have candles, I wanted something that would make my room smell a lot better. The Bath & Body Works Wallflower Plug-ins have been so perfect for me, as they have so many scents that change from season to season. I chose a few fall scents, which made my room feel extra cozy and reminded me of burning fall candles at home.
Wrinkle-Release Spray
This is something my mom suggested, and it has been incredibly helpful. I got it for those times when I can’t throw a shirt in the dryer or whenever I’m rushing in the morning to get ready before class. It helps so much; I literally cannot even explain how much it’s helped before my 8:30 a.m. classes when I want to look presentable, but my shirts are full of wrinkles. I just spray it real quick—and a little goes a long way—and then I’m ready to go.
A Big Trash Can
Yes, I promise you I have room for it! This has been one of the best decisions I’ve made when it comes to my dorm room. Those little trash cans don’t hold much, and you aren’t going to want to be constantly taking the trash out every single day. My roommate and I share our trash can, and it has been extremely convenient. We usually only empty it about once a week. Just make sure that the trash doesn’t stick around too long and stink up the room.
An Extra Set of Sheets
I originally had satin sheets, and about two weeks into the semester, I decided that satin sheets aren’t for me. They made my hair greasy, and they would slide off the twin XL mattress so easily. I had to get another set of sheets, which have been so much better for me. Even if you currently love the sheets you have, I strongly suggest considering buying another set. There will be days when you’re too busy to do laundry or nights when you accidentally fall asleep without showering. Having a backup set of clean sheets can make a huge difference.
There are plenty of other items that I use pretty much every day in my dorm, but these are a few purchases that ended up being much more useful than I ever expected. Sometimes the best dorm essentials are the things you don’t realize you need until you’ve already settled into college life.