Shopping for back to school when you're heading to college for the first time takes on a whole new meaning. You're actually taking your first home with you, and the feeling of independence can be exhilarating. Sure, you also need to get your classes in order and map out your end of summer outfits, but there's something creatively freeing about starting fresh with new room decor. We rounded up 28 of our favorite dorm room essentials to make your home away from home stylish, comfy, and totally you.
Mean Girls: The Party Game ($19)
What better way to make new friends than a game night? Write in your own burn books, and win points by guessing who wrote one of the answers about you. So fetch!
Oats Overnight Party Pack ($60 for 16)
For those days you just don't have time to make a huge breakfast, these overnight oats are easy, tasty, and portable! Perfect for your walk to class.
Studio 3B™ Cell Phone Pocket Twin/Twin XL Sheet Set ($28, was $40)
These cute prints are anything but boring. Grab a few different pairs to mix and match and switch up your look from time to time.
Minted Spring Rising Art Print ($28+)
Freshen dorm room walls with colorful abstract and soothing nature prints that reflect your personality.
Anthropologie Hand-Tufted Marnie Shag Rug ($98+)
Bring the comforts of home into your space with a totally fun shaggy rug.
Moon Phase Metal Over-The-Door Multi-Hook ($59)
Storage that doesn't take up floor or desk space is key in a small space like a dorm room. This multi-hook for hats and bags is a dreamy solution.
White Brick Stick and Peel Wallpaper ($8/square foot)
Add a bit of texture to your dorm room walls with removable wallpaper you won't get dinged for come move-out time.
Dormify Ditsy Floral Comforter and Sham Set ($78, was $97)
Sure, you can't paint your dorm room walls, but you can bring a serious dose of color with this sunny bedspread.
Bamboo Wicker Hamper ($99)
Keep dirty clothes off the floor and stored away in style.
James Folding Bed Tray ($49)
No desk space? No problem! Sometimes we just want to work from the comfort of our beds. This portable laptop tray folds away and has a handy drawer for supplies.
Brightroom Over The Door 26 Shelf Mesh Shoe Organizer ($26)
Got bit of a shoe obsession? Contain your sneakers, sandals, boots, etc. with this rack that will maximize your space and keep you organized.
TEZZA Creamy Collage Kit ($49)
Elevate your space with this chic photo collage.
Stalwart Household Hand Tools ($19)
From hanging picture frames to fixing a broken door hinge, you never know when you'll need this compact toolkit, but trust us, you will.
Insignia LED HD Smart Fire TV ($120, was $180)
Stay up to date on all your favorite shows and host Friday night movie nights with this smart TV.
Portable Countertop Dishwasher ($269)
Who's got time to hand-wash dishes when you've got tests to study for, parties to attend, movies to watch? This portable dishwasher is perfect for small spaces and keeps roommate arguments about dirty dishes at bay.
Cool Girl Candles CEO of Simping For Tom Holland Candle ($18)
We love candles *and* our celebrity crushes, so why not mix the two? Pick from dozens of candles in honor of your fave celeb, from Tom Holland and Timothée Chalamet to Drake and Dylan O'Brien.
Einova Charging Stone ($50, was $70)
Charge your phone with this marble and wireless charging stone that you can take with you wherever you go.
Blue Sky™ Brit + Co Spring Blooms Planner ($23)
As you start scheduling your classes and meetups, make sure to jot it all in a Brit + Co weekly planner to keep track of your assignments, grocery lists, and party invites!
Cricut Joy ($170, was $180)
Get creative with wall art, organize with custom labels, and DIY other projects with a Cricut Joy.
Magic Bullet Air Fryer ($80)
Enjoy all your favorite fried foods *without* the oil, thanks to this affordable air fryer. Get ready to make alllll the fries.
Pure-Sky Ultra Microfiber Cleaning Glove ($11)
Just add water to this polishing mitt! No detergents or sprays needed!
Minor Figures Oat Milk Chai Latte ($43 for 12)
Stock your mini fridge with some canned lattes (or mochas, or matcha) to take with you on your rush to class.
BonBowl Cooktop + Bowl ($149)
This is the perfect way to heat up your leftovers without getting a ton of pots and pans dirty. It uses magnets to heat for a fast cook that takes a fraction of the time.
EveryPlate ($5 per serving)
This subscription service (which offers a student discount, btw) is a great option if you want to think outside the cafeteria-food box.
Grady's Cold Brew The Spouch ($10)
This super easy cold brew maker is a must-have for your mini fridge. Just fill with water, let sit overnight, and you've got half a dozen cups of cold brew!
Sterilite 66 Qt. Latch Box ($10+)
These boxes are great for moving day and for keeping next season's clothes in one place.
PB Teen Hang-A-Round Chair ($249)
Add a comfy, stylish chair to your otherwise dorm-issued decor to read your favorite book or eat some Ramen.
Evernote ($8 for Personal Plan)
Organize you work and your life with Evernote (who's offering 50% off a year of Evernote Personal to eligible students). You can keep your notes, tasks, and schedule all in one place!
What are your dorm room essentials? Do you have any ideas for your space that you're excited about? Let us know on Twitter!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Featured image via Spacejoy/Unsplash
This post has been updated.