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College dorm rooms are often small and sometimes come with annoying roommates, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be comfortable and interesting spaces. Here are some dorm room essentials that are sure to make living on campus a lot less stressful for college students.
1. BedShelfie Bedside Shelf; $21
For late nights reading in bed, this bedside shelf is a must-have. It can safely hold up to 35 pounds, has a slot to organize cords, and is roomy enough to fit a phone, books, or even a 13-inch laptop, among other things. It’s also designed to work with most types of bed frames and can be worth holding onto even after college graduation.
Buy it: Amazon
2. Command Hooks Variety Pack; $20
Say hello to the workhorse of any dorm room: Command strips and hooks. Whether the college student in your life wants to put up posters or a hook for a set of keys, this combo pack of hanging strips and utility and wire hooks can get the job done. It can be good for hanging up to 19 different items—each strip can also bond to anything from finished wood to painted concrete cinder blocks, so they’re ideal for residential hall dwellers.
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3. Utopia Bedding Twin XL Sheets, 3 Piece Bedding Set; From $19
Unless the student in question has an extra-long twin bed at home, chances are they won’t be able to borrow old sheets from the linen closet to use on campus. These budget-friendly sheets from Utopia Bedding come in the right size for typical dorm beds and at under $25, they won’t break the bank. Available in seven different shades in twin XL, these sheets are made from brushed microfiber polyester for added softness and are shrink- and fade-resistant, too.
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4. Photo Clip Fairy String Lights; $9
String lights add a touch of cuteness to any dorm room, but this set in particular can be sweet for homesick college students, as they’ll get 50 clear clips that they can use to hang up pictures of friends and family. Because the 33-foot wire is fully bendable, they can wrap them around bedposts or other furniture for some fun, decorative flair.
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5. LEVOIT Core Mini Air Purifier; From $50
For better air quality inside dorm rooms, consider gifting your favorite college student a new air purifier. This mini one from LEVOIT only takes up a small amount of desktop space and works well in rooms up to 337 square feet; it also offers a powerful three-stage filtration system (with a HEPA filter) and can help remove unwanted odors, dust, allergens, pet dander, and more. Better still, they can use it for aromatherapy purposes as well.
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6. Amazon Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote (includes TV controls); $25
College kids aren’t just in their dorm rooms to study. If they’re bringing a TV to campus, having a streaming device like this one can be essential so they don’t miss any of their favorite shows or movies while they’re away at school. This Fire TV stick offers access to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and other popular streaming apps, and it comes with an Alexa voice remote so they search for and launch shows across all the apps and control the power and volume on their television sets.
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7. Dreo Cruiser Pro T1 42-Inch Tower Fan; $80
There’s no telling how hot those dorm rooms will be when students start to settle in come early September. While they might not need a fan all year, this 42-inch tower fan will be a big help through the early part of the fall semester and the following spring, especially once students hit finals season. This appliance offers six speed levels and four modes (including a sleep setting), and because it’s technically blade-free, the brand claims it operates at a very quiet noise volume. Using the remote, your loved one won’t even need to hop out of bed to get it running.
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8. Space Saving Hangers, 8 Pack; $10
If closet or armoire space is limited, these space-saving hanger hooks can help college students maximize what they’re able to store without taking up too much extra room. These hooks can be hung vertically or horizontally to hold up to five garments at once, so all college students need are a set of classic hangers and they’ll be good to go.
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9. Mesh Portable Shower Caddy; From $10
Students can easily organize all of their bathroom essentials—from body wash to shampoo, shaving cream, toothbrushes, and more—in this mesh shower caddy. Available in six colors, it features eight side pockets and one main compartment that can fit a towel, clothes, or even a hairdryer. And because it’s mesh, they’ll always be able to see what’s inside.
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10. Misby Coffee Warmer; $25
Burning the midnight oil to get a paper or project done is easier with a mug of coffee, and this warming gadget from Misby can help keep that cup at an optimal temperature while students focus on their work. Designed to keep coffee or tea heated up to 131℉, this warmer is also groove-free, so it can work with most mugs (even glass or stainless steel varieties).
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11. LapGear Home Office Lap Desk; From $33
Whether they’re studying from their bed or at the library, the college student in your life will get plenty of use out of this two-pound lap desk. It can fit laptops up to 15.6 inches long and has a built-in mouse pad plus a phone slot so their device is always easily within reach. The microbeaded cushion on the underside adds comfort, and with six shades to choose from, you can grab one that perfectly suits their style.
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12. Milliard Reading Pillow with Shredded Memory Foam; $38
For sitting up in bed to read from a book or tablet (or just watch TV), this husband pillow can bring a lot of enjoyment. It comes in five hues and has a carrying handle for easy portability, plus the zippered velour outer cover is machine washable for stress-free cleaning and upkeep. Filled with shredded memory foam that will mold to their shape, this upright reading pillow will make relaxing in bed so much more delightful no matter what they get up to.
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13. Tile Mate Essentials, Pack of 4; $80
College kids aren’t the only folks who lose track of things, but lets be real here: Between classes, the dining halls, their dorm rooms, and even heading off campus for parties, there’s a big possibility that they’ll lose track of essentials like their wallet or their keys. This four-pack of Bluetooth trackers is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and even works with Amazon Alexa to help them recover lost items. By using the Tile app, they can get precise locations via a map for misplaced items, and it still works when they’re out of Bluetooth range.
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14. Dezin Rapid Noodles Electric Hot Pot; $43
Even if the dining halls are closed, students can still enjoy a late-night meal without splurging on takeout, thanks to this electric hot pot. They can cook and sauté food even if they don’t have access to a stove, and because the pot has a non-stick coating, they can use it to make eggs, noodles, rice, and more. With built-in functionalities to prevent overheating, this little gadget has a lot of versatility that can serve students well.
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15. Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Canceling Headphones; From $60
It’s tough to understate the importance of a good set of headphones, especially for college students. While models from Sony and Bose are generally the most celebrated, the best sets often retail for well over $200. Comparatively, this $60 set from Anker is a steal and provides active noise canceling; according to the brand, these headphones can reduce ambient noises by up to 90 percent, and with their 40-hour battery life, the Soundcore Anker Life Q20s offer a lot of value within this price point.
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16. Power Strip Tower with Colorful Nightlight; From $40
Anyone who has lived in a dorm knows that finding an outlet is tricky business. With the odd assortment of plug shapes out there, sometimes outlets can get obscured and therefore impossible to use. This power strip tower is a game-changer in more ways than one, as it provides 15 outlets with surge protection and six fast-charging USB ports so they boost the battery life on laptops, phones, cameras, and other gadgets. It also has a 6.5-foot retractable cord and a built-in light at the top, which can be set to emit a warm light (great for that night-light feel) or multi-colored lights for in-room parties.
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17. Wake-Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock; From $39
Hard time waking up in the morning? This alarm clock can help ease the transition between restful slumber and getting a jumpstart on the day, as it emits light that simulates a gentle sunrise. Featuring a built-in FM radio, it offers seven different alarm sounds (including sea waves, chimes, and piano music). Users can choose to customize even further, selecting different shades like purple and green instead of a classic golden sunrise, and opting in to 20 unique levels of adjustable brightness.
Buy it: Amazon
18. Checkered Fleece Throw Blanket; $18
Feeling cozy after a long day of classes is a priority for many college students. This eye-catching checkered throw blanket makes a bold statement but offers lots of plush comfort as well, as it’s made from wrinkle- and fade-resistant microfiber polyester. Soft and inviting, it’s available in four sizes and five colors, including bold kelly green and deep burgundy.
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19. Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner; From $20
A small handheld vacuum can be incredibly useful for college students, especially if they want to keep their dorm rooms looking tidy. This one is priced reasonably at under $30 and comes with a HEPA filter plus two different types of attachments: a dusting brush that’s ideal for keyboards and carpets, and a crevice tool that can suction dirt and dust out of hard-to-reach corners. Technically it works well as a car vacuum too, but college students can easily use it to clean up small messes around their rooms as well.
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20. Rubbermaid 42-Piece Food Storage Containers with Lids and Steam Vents; $35
Swiping snacks from the dining halls is a time-honored college tradition, and students can have an easier time doing that—and keeping food fresh—with the right storage containers. This 42-piece set from Rubbermaid is BPA-free and includes vented lids for easier microwave prep. The lids snap together at bases too, so students can easily store them and have less clutter.
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21. Over-the-Door Hooks, 4 Pack; From $8
Floor space is a rare commodity in a dorm room, so hooks are key when it comes to organizing your stuff. When you can’t use screws or nails and need to hang something that might be really heavy (think backpacks), these hooks might be a better investment than what you’d get from Command. Each one can hang over the door and holds up to 20 pounds apiece.
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22. Desk Organizer; $30
From notebooks to pens, Post-Its, and more, office supplies can lead to clutter fast—especially in dorm rooms where space is often quite limited. This sturdy organizer features rubber grips at the bottom so it’ll stay in place, and has nine different compartments plus a drawer so there’s ample storage for all kinds of desk accessories. Choose from different patterns, including white marble.
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23. All-new Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023 release); $65
The beauty of Echo Show devices overall is how much capability they have. Whether someone wants to set an alarm, listen to music, or order products on Amazon, they can with these Alexa-enabled devices. For college students, the all-new Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) boasts better audio and an extra mic compared to earlier models, but also has a mic/camera off button and built-in camera shutter so they can enjoy added privacy.
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24. LitBear Light-Blocking Sleep Mask; From $16
Roommates staying up late to study can be disruptive, but it’s an avoidable part of dorm life. For students who want more shut-eye while their roommates play video games, watch TV, or generally cause a ruckus, a light-blocking eye mask can be an important investment. This one has 3D contoured cups for better comfort, an adjustable strap, and a silk fabric lining so it feels soft to the touch.
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25. Linenspa 2-Inch Twin XL Mattress Topper; $55
No one ever said dorm beds were comfortable, but college students can work around this by grabbing a mattress topper. This one from Linenspa is thick and made from gel-infused memory foam, so it molds to a person’s shape and can work well for back, stomach, and side sleepers. Choose from different depths—two or three inches—and sizing options (although for dorm beds, twin XL is likely the best size to select).
Buy it: Amazon
A version of this article was originally published in 2016 and has been updated for 2023.
This article was originally published on www.mentalfloss.com as 25 Top-Rated Products To Make Your Dorm Room Amazing.