Setting up a college dorm room on a shoestring budget can be a serious challenge.
Youve just scraped together the money for tuition and here comes a long, expensive list of must-have supplies.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy Dorm Room Essentials?
Ready, set, shop. Seeour recommendationson where to go for cheap dorm room decor and supplies from Dormify to Big Lots.
That budget seems to have ballooned well past the essentials and probably includes items like new laptops and furniture.
Assess what you have before deciding what to put on a dorm room shopping list.
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Adjust Your Expectations
Have you seen a dorm room in real life?
Its such a small space, especially since students share it with someone else.
So downsize expectations and focus on making the most of that tiny footprint.
Find Out Whats Prohibited
The dorm lists whats allowed and whats banned.
Shop (and Pack) Seasonally
You dont have to pack winter coats or shop for umbrellas yet.
A great example is buying a lamp that also serves as a charging station.
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6.
Wait and See
Its tempting, but dont buy everything before move-in day.
Most dorm beds come in one size: twin.
To accommodate a plush mattress pad or mattress topper, purchasetwin XL bedsheets.
A dorm bed is a college students refuge, so make it feel cozy year-round.
A thicker down comforter orsynthetic insertwill keep things warm even if the roommate likes the air conditioning cranked.
Theres nothing more essential for busy brains than getting a good nights sleep, so dont skimp on thepillows.
An extra blanket isnt going to get tossed on the bed.
Grab a durable, versatile option like aTurkish towelthats designed for indoor and outdoor use.
If you dont have enough space,over-the-door shelvingcan be a lifesaver to keep things organized.
Look for collapsible options and use them to store food, kitchen supplies and random odds and ends.
Dorm Bathroom Essentials
Unlike home, anything left in the communal bathroom will get snatched.
As awkward as it feels,shower shoesor flip-flops are a freshman-year essential.
Its the quintessential college move dilemma.
Where do you put all those clothes?
These can also work wonders for mounting unconventional decor items.
Many dorms specifically prohibit nailing into walls, which makes hanging pictures and other items nearly impossible.
Enter double-sided tape oradhesive strips, which should hold up even on cement walls.
College can be particularly tricky for a light sleeper, so learning to nap is a crucial skill.
Even a flat sheet will do as makeshift curtains or splurge on keeping the daylight at bay withblackout shades.
Dorm Electronic and Tech Essentials
So many devices, so few outlets.
In truth, adesk lampis not just a lamp for your desk.
Its probably also a bedside table lamp and everything in between.
Choose adjustable heads and dimmable light options so burning the midnight oil doesnt cause friction with the roommate.
Splurge on a decent, durable pair with zero regrets.
Charging stations combine all those tangled cords and chargers into one compact space.
Why would you need a wired computer connection when you’re able to jump on Wi-Fi and go?
But during high-volume times or in certain areas of the residence hall, the signal might be abysmal.
Get a longethernet cablejust in case.
The struggle to keep devices charged is real, especially for college students.
Having an indestructiblebackup power bankto toss in the backpack will prevent a lot of academic angst.
Buy one thats versatile and will stand the test of time.
Just be sure it has an auto shutoff safety feature.
Students dont always have time to duck into the dining hall.
Aset of bowls and platesis critical to grabbing a quick bite to eat before class.
Cheap dish sets are not always microwave-safe, so double-check before buying something like bamboo.
Having a fewstorage containerson hand will also help curb food waste.
Other Dorm Room Essentials
Accidents happen.
A comprehensivefirst aid kit should cover the gamut from bandages and gauze to cold medications and latex gloves.
And dont forget about a pair of tweezers for picking out splinters and more.
And these days they come in just about every color, from dark blue to fuschia.
A dorm standby, thedry-erase boardis more than a study tool.
Its for leaving messages on the door or notes for the roommate.
Get a slightly larger one that has a corkboard as well for pinning up notices and reminders.
Part can opener and part screwdriver, themultitoolis 100% necessary.
And contrary to popular belief, they dont have to cost a small fortune.
Lesser-known brands offer perfectly acceptable multitools for under $50.
Heres why its worth reconsidering that advice.
Mini-Fridge
Most dorms allow students to have only one mini-fridge per room.
Many dorms have a communal kitchen with a full-size microwave thats a short walk down the hall.
Instead of a big coffee maker, buy a French press or a low-profile pour-over.
Alarm Clock
That smartphone attached to your hand 24/7 has an alarm clock and you should use it.
Residence halls have vacuum cleaners available or one can be borrowed briefly.
College students are surrounded by screens, and all of them can stream content from TV to movies.
For a full-size viewing experience, most dorms have communal living rooms with TVs.
Kaz Weida is a senior staff writer at The Penny Hoarder covering saving money and budgeting.
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