“It takes courage to let go of the familiar and embrace the new.” Heading off to college or decorating your first place is very exciting! It can also be very stressful and overwhelming. You want your room to be comfortable and cool, but you may have constraints that will limit what you can do–money, hand me downs, parent expectations, etc. I put together a general list of items to consider for your dorm room. Check with your college’s residence hall to determine what they provide and what specifically you will need.
- General Items: Bedding, pillows, futon, carpet, fan, microwave, desk lamp, pictures of family/friends, laundry detergent, laundry bag/basket, clothes hangers, storage bins, silverware, plates/bowls, can opener, broom/dustpan.
- Electronic Items: Computer/laptop, printer, television, headphones, power strip, extension cords, ethernet cable, chargers, alarm clock, microwave, small dorm refrigerator.
- Personal Items: first aid kit, shower caddy, shower shoes, bath robe, towels and washcloths, thermometer, hair dryer, steamer, personal care items, clothes, shoes, jackets, umbrella.
- Items typically not allowed: Toasters, toaster ovens, electric frying pans, grills, air fryers, crock pots, space heaters, halogen lamps, candles.
Dorm Room Decor
Decorating your dorm room or apartment is a way to express your personality and style. Here are some budget-friendly options to decorate your dorm room in a manly, cool vibe. Commissioned links below.
Rug: Hauteloom Djugun Outdoor Area Rug – Outside Porch Patio Rug Carpet – Waterproof Rug – Geometric – Black, Gray, Off White, White – 5’3″ x 7’7″. Since this is an indoor/outdoor rug, it will be easy to take care of and keep clean.
RUG LINK: https://amzn.to/44qA9q6
Desk Chair: Yaheetech Faux Leather Desk Chair, Makeup Vanity Chair with Adjustable Tilt Angle, Swivel Office Chair Upholstered Armchair Study Chair for Bedroom and Makeup Room Retro Brown
Chair Link: https://amzn.to/44qbhPe
Wall Art: YISURE Misty Forest Tapestry, Foggy Tree Wall Hanging Tapestries Nature Pine Woodland Wall Art for Bedroom Living Room, 80‘’W x 60”L
TAPESTRY LINK: https://amzn.to/46MJ9r3
Wall Decor: Metal Signs Inspirational Positive Quote, You Miss 100% Of The Shots You Don’T Take- Old Country Farmhouse Home Decor Tin Sign 4×16 Inch/10×40 Cm
Sign Link: https://amzn.to/3XOxLHb
Bedding: Bedsure Full Comforter Set – Grey Comforter Full Size, Soft Bedding for All Seasons, Cationic Dyed Bedding Set, 3 Pieces, 1 Comforter (82″x86″) and 2 Pillow Shams (20″x26″+2″).
BEDDING LINK: https://amzn.to/3OcCYFy
Sheets: LuxClub Twin XL Sheets Set – Twin Bed Sheets for Boys and Girls, 4 PC Deep Pockets 18″ Eco Friendly Wrinkle Free Kids Fitted Sheets Machine Washable Hotel Bedding Silky Soft – Tree Moss Green Twin XL.
SHEETS LINK: https://amzn.to/44JBPdV
Bunk/Bed Shelf: BedShelfie Bedside Shelf for Bed & Top Bunk, College Dorm Room Essentials, Loft Bed Accessories, Clip On Nightstand Snack Organizer, Floating Bed Side Table Tray Shelfie Caddy – 2.5″ Cup Holder, Black
Shelf Link: https://amzn.to/46MJv0R
Decorative Lights: ZXMEAN 65.6ft Led Lights for Bedroom, Smart Music Sync LED Strip Lights Bluetooth APP Control with 44 Keys Remote,RGB Color Changing Led Lights for Room Kitchen Christmas Party Home Decoration
DECORATIVE LIGHTS LINK: https://amzn.to/3PTuMeD
Throw Pillows: Set of 2 Faux Leather Throw Pillow Covers, Modern Brown Outdoor Cushion Covers Decorative Pillowcases for Couch Bed Sofa (18 x 18 Inches)
Pillow Link: https://amzn.to/3XVBGlE
Futon: Serta Rane Convertible Sofa Bed, 66.1″ W x 33.1″ D x 29.5″ H, Black
Futon Link: https://amzn.to/3JY8nsQ
Message Board: Kedudes Magnetic Small White Board Dry Erase 11’’x14’’ – Magnetic Dry Erase Board for Fridge with 6 Markers, White Board for Wall, Fridge White Boards, Magnetic Whiteboard
Board Link: https://amzn.to/46IMurf
Dinnerware: FOODLE Wheat Straw Dinnerware Sets for 4 – Lightweight & Unbreakable Camping Dishes – Microwave & Dishwasher Safe – Perfect for Picnic, Dorm, RV – Plates, Cups and Bowls Set – Great for Kids & Adults. Price: $36.99. (price subject to change)
LINK: https://amzn.to/3pwZHCJ
Towels: TRIDENT 6 Piece Bath Towel Set for Bathroom – 2 Large Bath Towel, 2 Hand Towel, 2 Washcloth 100% Cotton Soft and Plush Highly Absorbent, Soft Towel for Hotel & Spa – Silver Grey. Price: $49.99. (Price subject to change)
LINK: https://amzn.to/46BiwVV
Shower Shoes: Xomiboe Shower Shoes Quick Drying Non-Slip Comfortable Men Women House Slippers
Link to Shower Shoes: https://amzn.to/3NRg6Kg
Microwave: BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
LINK: https://amzn.to/3JWjSRw
Dorm Fridge: BLACK+DECKER BCRK25V Compact Refrigerator Energy Star Single Door Mini Fridge with Freezer, Cubic Feet, VCM, 2.5 cu.ft, Brushed Metal Finish
LINK: https://amzn.to/46IM1Fr
Coffee Maker: Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker, Black.
LINK: https://amzn.to/43aFFvE
When you are decorating your dorm room, apartment or home, be practical and realistic. You will not be able to buy all new things. Use what you have already and add some new pieces to modernize and freshen up the look. Color schemes should be complementary but not matchy matchy.
Also, coordinate with your roommate(s)! You each will want to express your own style and that’s ok. Share your ideas. Coordinate who will bring what (futon, rug, microwave, tv, refrigerator, etc). A dorm room is typically quite small and space is limited. Be open to new ideas and compromises as well.
I will end with a great quote from Michael Josephson: “Take pride in how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don’t forget to enjoy the journey.”