DORM ESSENTIALS. (BY NILE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND)

If you follow me on Twitter, you've most likely seen me posting flyers for my "Dorm Stuff Donation" to support incoming college students who need supplies/decor for their dorms. 

In light of my Dorm Supply Drive, I thought I should make a post about dorm essentials for incoming college students who will be living on-campus. 

(If you have something to donate to the drive, message me on Twitter, or email nerdynaturals@gmail.com! Anything helps--string lights, lamps, storage, etc.)

Below I've made a list of 10 things that I think are ESSENTIAL for your college dorm. 


1. MATTRESS PAD/MATTRESS COVER/SHEETS/PILLOWS.

(from Pinterest)

Mattress Pads and Mattress Covers will make your dorm bed much more comfortable. Mattress Pads are a nice cushion to cover up your mattress, and the Mattress Cover serves as an extra layer. Sheets, comforters and pillows help to give your room personality. I found really cute bedding at Target, Macy's and Walmart. 

2. STORAGE.

(From Pinterest)

Your closet will not be big enough. Even if you have your own closet, it will be small. Buying storage bins and totes to put under your bed or on the floor of your closet will be super helpful. I usually kept cleaning supplies, extra hygiene products, hair products, shoes, snacks and other items in various bins and totes. 


3. MIRROR(S).

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Some dorms already come with mirrors. Some don't. During my move-in day freshman year, I was taking the mirror out of my car, I dropped it and broke it. Luckily, my dorm already had a mirror on the back of our door. You can get a mirror for about $5 from Walmart. 

I would also suggest a small mirror for makeup! I kept a small mirror on my desk for doing my makeup and for doing my hair.



4. A MINI-FRIDGE AND A MICROWAVE (IF YOUR COLLEGE ALLOWS YOU TO HAVE ONE.)

(From PBteen)

You will NEED your mini-fridge. You can keep water, juice, yogurt and all kinds of stuff in there. A microwave is also useful for making popcorn, mac and cheese, noodles, etc. My college didn't allow me to have a microwave in my dorm, but some colleges do (Check on your school's ResLife website). They will come in handy during those late study nights when the diner seems just too far away and you don't want to spend anymore money buying food.

5. HYGIENE AND HAIR PRODUCTS.

Stock up on your favorite hygiene and hair products. Depending on where you go to school, you may not have easy access to a store to buy these things (or your local store is way overpriced). 

(from Green & Gorgeous)

If you're staying in a dorm that has a communal bathroom, be sure to purchase a shower caddy so that you can carry your stuff back and forth. And please don't forget to wear flip flops in the shower.

6. DESK LAMP/DESK SUPPLIES.

(from Coupons.com)

From my experience, the lighting in dorm rooms isn't the best. In my freshman year dorm room, we had the awkward white light. Having a desk lamp is helpful for doing work and reading books, and it's also personal so you don't wake your roommate up by turning on the main light if you're still up late doing work. Be sure to buy light bulbs too.

Having desk supplies such as a stapler, paper clips, a mug to hold pencils/pens, scissors, a ruler, etc. helps to keep you organized throughout your busy schedule. I found a lot of cute desk supplies at Marshalls.

7. STRING LIGHTS.

(From Pinterest)

It might seem silly to list string lights as being an essential, but they can be great. They're perfect for simple and cheap decor (you can purchase a box of white string lights for about $5 at Target) and they can set a peaceful mood for your room on those Friday nights when you would rather stay in, eat snacks and watch Netflix.

8. A PLANNER/CALENDAR.

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Any college student can tell you the importance of a planner. You will need it, and you will use it. Be sure to write down everything--org. meetings, office hours, networking events, career fairs, study sessions, etc. And utilize the Calendar app on your smartphone! 

A whiteboard calendar can also be helpful.

9. CLEANING SUPPLIES.

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Keep your space clean. I would highly suggest purchasing a broom, a Swiffer and Clorox wipes. Having a small trashcan in your room is also a good idea. I also kept tissues and hand sanitizer in my dorm room. 

10. AN IRON AND AN IRONING BOARD.

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You never know when the next career fair, networking event, interview or class presentation is going to be. Having an iron is a good idea (even for a casual outfit).

I hope this list helped! Did I miss anything? Let me know by tweeting me @NaturallyNi or @NerdyNaturals01!

Nile is the Creator of the Nerdy Naturals blog. She is a rising junior Communication major with a concentration in Public Relations and minors in Chinese and entrepreneurship from Maryland. In her free time she enjoys watching natural hair tutorial videos, drinking bubble tea, reading and jogging.  You can also email nerdynaturals@gmail.com if you have any questions or are interested in contributing.