College season is right around the corner and quickly approaching. Which means, it’s time to start planning out your dorm room, what you’re going to pack, etc.
If you’re reading this post, I’m guessing you’re a freshman. Which is SUPER exciting but also SO overwhelming. Not to worry, I was in the same boat that you’re in right now and I’m here to help you through it.
Of course there are the basic dorm room essentials the everyone tells you to bring. And then there are the items that almost no one talks about. Which are arguably more important than your average cute dorm room essentials.
You are going to learn about all of the best unusual dorm room essentials that aren’t talked about nearly enough.
This post is going to make sure you’re extra prepared for moving into your college dorm, so you don’t have to stress and can just enjoy the process!
This post is all about the best unusual college dorm room essentials you don’t want to forget.
Best Unusual Dorm Room Essentials:
1. Command Strips
Ahh, command strips! They’re a dorm decorating holy grail! It’s really hard to get by without them, especially with how strict schools are about any damages to the room. You can’t hang anything with nails, unless you want to pay the hefty fine (trust me, you don’t!), so command strips are your next best option.
A variety pack should cover you for decorating your entire dorm. Just make sure when it comes time to move-out that you’re very careful removing these. If you just rip them off the wall it’s almost guaranteed that it will take the paint off. Slow and steady wins the race with this one!
2. Surge Protector
There is just no way that your dorm is going to have enough outlets for you and your roommate to plug in all of your electronics. Especially since appliances also take up outlet space.
Get an extension cord that has as many outlets as possible, you will need them! Plus if you have a few extra it’s no big deal, but not having enough can turn into a real problem.
3. Clorox Wipes
Clorox wipes are a must-have! The truth is, dorms aren’t the cleanest places. And even if you don’t have friends coming over to your room, it still gets dirty really quickly.
I get it, no college student wants to constantly do a deep clean of their room. But every couple of days, use a Clorox wipe to go over the surfaces of your furniture. It will help keep your furniture from collecting too much dust and will keep your room fairly clean.
Plus it takes almost no time so you really don’t have any excuses with this one. 😉
4. Batteries
Somehow people always forget batteries (I was included in the people haha). It’s just one of those things that you don’t think about until you actually need batteries for something and realize you don’t have them.
It’s always good to have a pack of double A batteries on hand (most items you need batteries for will require double As). And who knows, it might be a way to make friends if one of your hall mates or roommates forgot to bring some.
5. Thumbtacks
A lot of dorm rooms will have a cork board already in the rooms so you can hang posters and photos without ruining the walls (make sure to check your individual school). So thumbtacks will be a great way to hang up your decor.
If your dorm doesn’t come with a cork board somewhere in the room, it’s probably worth it to get a cheap one off of Amazon. It will make it so much easier to create a collage, vision board, or just hang up some photos.
6. Handheld Vacuum
You definitely don’t want to forget to bring a vacuum! You’re going to be eating, snacking, and unfortunately just making a mess from living in your dorm everyday.
I wouldn’t recommend bringing anything bigger than a handheld vacuum (takes up too much valuable space), but you definitely need a handheld or mini version to clean up small messes and crumbs.
Part of being an adult is getting your own vacuum, even if it’s a small one.
7. Noise Canceling Earplugs
Earplugs will save you at one time or another! Even if you and your roommate are on the same page, there are going to be a couple of times where your sleep schedules don’t align and you’re trying to go to bed while they’re still up.
Even if it’s not your roommate, being in the dorms is not always peaceful. People are always going out, being loud, and unfortunately being inconsiderate a lot.
So do yourself a favor so when there’s a lot of noise and you’re trying to go to sleep, you can just pop in your earplugs and get a good night’s rest!
8. Eye Mask
If you weren’t an avid user of an eye mask before college, you definitely will become one. Like I said earlier, you and your roommate’s schedules are not always going to align.
And when one person has to stay up later than the other or comes back from being out late and has to turn on the lights, you will probably be woken up from the light alone.
By the time you’re done with freshman year, your eye mask is going to have a lot of wear and tear from using it every night!
9. Lap Desk
I know, people always say not to do work in bed. But you don’t always have a ton of options in the dorm. And sometimes, working at your desk is just not appealing.
As long as you don’t get too comfortable and fall asleep, working in bed can be quite nice. A lap desk will help your laptop from overheating and give you a good workspace and flexibility to take your studies from the desk to your bed or a couch.
10. Stain Remover
The truth is, accidents happen and you’re simply not going to make it through college without some stains. A stain remover stick will be a life saver after a night out or when your food spills on your favorite shirt.
It’s always good to have one of these in your room and is something you definitely won’t regret bringing to college!
11. Noise Canceling Headphones
If there is one thing that every single college student needs, it’s a pair of noise canceling headphones! They will be your best friend. No matter where you’re working, they’ll help you stay focused and not get distracted.
You definitely don’t have to spend a ton of money on these (this pair is super affordable and still works great), but it’s definitely something you might want to invest in considering how much you’re going to use these all throughout college.
If you don’t want to get a nice pair for yourself, maybe add these to your birthday or Christmas wishlist. Whichever comes first! 😉
12. Electric Blanket
This is something that probably never crossed your mind when thinking about what to pack for college, but is so worth it!
Even if your dorm has heating (which it probably does especially in a state that gets cold), they don’t run the heaters a whole lot. Colleges are just stingy about that sort of thing, even if you’re paying good money (*eye roll). Not to mention, the ventilation is not great.
During the cold months, an electric blanket will save you! I seriously did not go one night during the winter months without turning on my electric blanket.
Make sure to get one with a timer so you can fall asleep with it on and don’t have to worry about turning it off!
13. Diffuser
Candles are a BIG no-no in every single dorm. They’re a fire hazard, which of course makes sense, but that being said, you’re going to want something else to make your dorm smell good.
It can get pretty stingy and stale in your dorm room, so having something like an essential oil diffuser will keep your room smelling amazing 24/7 (lavender essential oil will make your room smell like a spa!)
14. Kettle
A kettle is one of the few appliances you should bring with you for your dorm. The reality of being a college student is: Top Ramen and microwavable mac and cheese will be a part of your diet, especially when it comes to late night study snacks. You will use a kettle a lot more than you think!
And even if you’re not a tea person, when you’re struggling through finals season with a soar throat, a cup of hot tea might not seem so bad.
15. Storage Ottoman
A storage item is such a good piece for your dorm! It’s 1) an extra storage space for extra items 2) a mother seating option for when friends come over, and 3) a good place to put your laundry when you don’t have time (wink wink) to fold and put away your clothes.
You can even bring this one with you when you move into an apartment. It’s one of those things that’s never not useful!
This post was all about the best unusual college dorm room essentials you don’t want to forget.
Other Posts You May Like:
33 Insanely Useful College Dorm Room Essentials Every College Student Should Own
17 Genius Dorm Room Ideas to Transform Your Space on a Budget
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