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48 Under-$50 Things You’ll Be Glad You Bought For Your Dorm Room

Because when you’re living in one room, you’ve gotta be extra savvy with your setup.

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by Elizabeth Lilly BuzzFeed BuzzFeed Staff

As a Deputy Editorial Director for BuzzFeed’s shopping team, I love to get into the weeds of why a product’s worth the money by deep diving into customer reviews, and product-testing as much as possible.

Moving into a dorm for the first time is new and exciting...until you start thinking about all the room you *won't* have. College life means you're on a budget and living in a tiny space with at least one other human (who's possibly a stranger), so there are certain things to consider. Like, how are you going to handle under-bed storage so you can still access it, but it doesn't look like an episode of Hoarders? Or how are you going to survive lofting your bed without having to climb up and down a million times each night at bedtime? Well, I sourced some solutions for you that you'll probably be very glad you considered before move-in day. 

1. A cushy mattress topper that'll be the bare minimum for outfitting your dorm room. Dorm mattresses are notoriously hard and you *do* need your (brains and) beauty rest. This one is made of breathable bamboo-derived viscose and is machine washable. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I’m used to a super soft pillow top mattress back home and needed a topper for my hard dorm mattress. This beat all my expectations! It made a hard mattress super soft. I love the cooling cause I’m naturally hot at night. It has a nice thickness to it for added comfort. I have a full XL mattress (full width but queen length) and the queen pad fit perfectly. I was going to get a super expensive mattress topper ($200+), but I'm glad I got this! Worth it! The only complaint is that the bamboo wording on the pad is annoying if you have white sheets like me. Not a big deal, but recommend the company maybe redesign so it’s on the sides or something." —Kate

Get it from Amazon for $42.99+ (available in six colors and larger sizes).

2. And an adjustable bed pillow comes with extra shredded memory foam so you can get it *just right*. Sometimes 8 a.m. lectures are unavoidable! Let's get you as comfy as possible so you wake up as the best version of yourself. 

www.amazon.com

Doz by Sijo is a small biz specialzing in bedding and pillows. 

Promising review: "I was worried that these pillows may be too firm when I saw them. I was wrong. I had been having terrible neck pain for months, and the first night I slept on this pillow, I woke up pain free. I’ve slept better than I have in years since buying these! Great pillows and great value." —Kristin

Get a queen-size from Amazon for $32.

3. A *fragrance-free* Damprid bag to hang in your closet and collect moisture because dorm rooms are DAMP, even if they're in a new building. And that dampness can really make your clothes and overall room smell funky. People love this for all kinds of situations, but if you search "dorm room must haves" on TikTok, this is going to be in nearly every video. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "When my daughter moved into her dorm the only word I can use to describe would be moist. After using Damp Rid, that problem cleared up without a mess. Easy to use for college kids. Just hang and go. No mess clean up. Toss when full." —Melissa Hlavenka

"A necessity for dorms. Collects moisture! Just hang and leave alone. collects moisture." —Kelly Christie

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $16.99.

4. And a budget-friendly air purifier that'll also seriously help with the smell and feel of the air in your stagnant dorm rooms. Also there are likely different allergens in your college's locale than what you're used to (I know I struggled with that). So this can help you feel like you can breathe a bit easier. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

AROEVE is a small biz specializing in air purifiers.

There are lots of other air purifiers on the market that are pricier and even larger, but this is a budget-conscious story, folks! 

Promising review: "Bought this for my dorm room and have been using it since. I love the different settings that it comes with. I also have an oil part that I put peppermint oil in, and it makes my room smell great. It's not super big, so it won't take up too much space wherever you choose to put it." —Tiana

"When my kid moved into his dorm room, it smelled, and the air was fetid. The room is small with no airflow, and gets stinky quickly. After a couple of hours with this on, the smell was gone, the air felt fresh, and it was a much better environment. It is small enough that it fits into his small room without taking up too much space, and it has held up well for over six months. It's easy to use and powerful for its size. The fan runs quietly." —Enchanting Mama

Get it from Amazon for $39.99.

5. A ruffled Twin XL bed skirt can fit your lofted dorm bed and hide all your storage underneath because, ICYMI, under your bed is PRIME storage space in a dorm room and you should take full advantage of it! This'll help satisfy that without makeing everything look cluttered. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought this for my dorm bed, and it fits perfectly. Def recommend getting on if you don't have one already, plus the bed looks wayyyy better with a skirt on it." —TaylorVon

Get it from Amazon for $24.49+ (available in 13 colors and other sizes).

6. Some remote-controlled LED lightbulbs to pop into all your lamps and then turn off once you're already in bed so you don't have to peel yourself out of your cozy bedding and then possibly climb down your lofted bed! These are extra fun because you can program the light in different colors. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These smartbulbs were really easy to connect and set up with Alexa. The colors are bright, the app works well, and I like being able to change the lighting depending on my mood. They respond quickly to voice commands and have worked great so far without disconnecting. Definitely a good value for the price if you want fun lighting for a bedroom, living room, or gaming setup." —Stephanie

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $22.97.

7. A set of satin pillowcases that'll look more luxe on your bed than the pillowcases that came with your twin XL sheet set. AND (I can vouch) that they'll leave your hair and skin more moisturized than cotton ones. Here's to keeping that blowout looking smoother for longer and getting more non-wash days because you're studying! In the library! At least that's what we're telling your mom. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

At this point, I own five sets of these and even pack them to use in hotels while traveling! I've def left a few accidentally while traveling, but it wasn't as big of a deal because they're so cheap to replace. 

My colleague Maitland Quitmeyer is also a big fan: "This is my go-to satin pillowcase. I have two Slip pillowcases, and several of these, and actually the Bedsure ones wash up much nicer and retain an incredibly silky smooth feel after dozens of trips through the laundry. They're the only ones I'll buy going forward, and I recommended them to my mom and now she's in love with them too!"

Promising review: "My hair has never been better! I got this because of TikTok and it has done wonders for my hair. My hair isn’t frizzy or dull looking when I get up in the morning." —Aaron Key

Get a set of two from Amazon for $7.99 (available in 37 colors and five sizes).

8. Alien Grip rug tape can keep that rug your roommate sent Pinterest boards back and forth about in its place instead of slipping and sliding all over the (seemingly) ancient floor tiles. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These carpet grippers are easy to use. Grips to the floor and now there's no movement on my big area rug. It doesn’t harm my wood floor. If I need to pick it up to clean, no problem. Safe for my husband, who was tripping on the corners before. Great for older folks. Quality is great. Holds and durable. Finally, you don’t see them once down." —Marilyn

Get 12 pieces from Amazon for $19.95.

9. Aprojection alarm clock that'll be there for you when you forget to plug in your phone overnight and your phone alarm doesn't go off for class. And thanks to the projected time, you'll be able to just look up at the ceiling from your cozy bed cocoon to see the time instead of crawling out of bed to confirm it is, indeed, 37 minutes before your alarm goes off. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the projection alarm clock in action. 

Promising review: "The projection on this clock is sublime. If I am sleeping on my side and turned away from the clock, I merely have to cock my head to see what time it is rather than waking up to turn over and look at the clock. I am buying a second clock for my second bedroom. The design is nonintrusive and takes up very little space on my nightstand." —Sheryl S. 

Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (available in five styles).

10. Some flameless LED "candles" will flicker like the real thing and bring some ambiance where you want — especially since you're not allowed the real-deal according to the dorm handbook. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "One of my new favorite decor pieces. I put these on the mantel, and they immediately enhanced the space. They look great on or off, and I'll definitely be purchasing more for a few other spaces in my home!" —Autumn Thompson

Get three from Amazon for $9.79 (available in three colors and four quantities).

Also check out somejarless, flameless candles or flameless votives if you already have containers you adore!

11. A hanging shoe organizer with the potential to be the hardest-working organizer in your room. Those pockets are the perfect size for cold-weather accessories, tights, wallets, wound-up belts, and all kinds of stuff. I have one of these hanging in my coat closet, and I fit all kinds of stuff in it while cutting down on visual clutter. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I live in a small dorm room and it's perfect. This was perfect as I am someone who owns a TON OF SHOES. I am able to hang it right off the end of my bed and put all my shoes on it to get it off the floor. It is perfect for storage and especially if you need to save every inch of space you have to." —Nevara

Get it from Amazon for $8.97+ (available in seven colors). 

12. A three-tier rolling cart with an option skinny enough to fit into all sorts of spots in your dorm as you get settled into things and your storage needs evolve. Reviewers have found it handy in dorms for holding toiletries, snacks, laundry supplies, and all kinds of odds 'n' ends. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

I bought a similar one from Ikea back in ~2012 (it's currently priced there for $10 more than this Amazon one) and it's stayed with me ever since. I currently use it as a bar cart but I've seen these carts used for every kind of storage imaginable!

Promising review: "This cart was extremely easy to assemble by myself with no help. The instructions were clear and I put it together in about 30 minutes. It is cute and holds quite a lot of things. I use it in my college dorm and it’s amazing for holding random items. The wheels are great for moving the cart around." —Kacey

Get it from Amazon for $29.89+ (available in five colors and in a slim or wide design). 

13. Some slim-fitting velvet hangers because, well, dorms do NOT provide coat hangers, and these will help you fit in SO many more pieces than bulkier plastic hangers. The velvet texture also helps garments stay *on* the hangers better than slippery plastic. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "You get twice the amount of space in your closet. Highly recommend them for neat freaks and small closet spaces." —Kinsley P

Get 50 flocked hangers on Amazon for $20.98 (available in seven colors).

14. And a pants/skirts hanger with clips that'll help you ~waterfall~ six bottom styling actions at once! I have a couple of these in my closet and it's one of the handiest closet organizers I own. I have one for faux-leather pants (yes, I like options) and another for skirts and skorts!

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love these hangers. I am able to save so much space in my closet! They are sturdy and very well made." —Danielle Hinshaw

Get four from Amazon for $25.99.

15. A cross-hatch tissue holder to not only cover up a hideous Kleenex "decorative" box design, but also take up less of a footprint than a bigger tissue box. (Psst — fans of Bottega Veneta will note that the crosshatch is very similar to their signature look.) Your suitemates might ask you where you snagged this. Send 'em this link!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This product is exactly what I was hoping for. It’s great quality. Looks so chic. Such a nice way to dress up a household necessity. Definitely worth it." —Kaylee

Get it from Amazon for $6.99+(available in three sizes and 13 colors). Also check out a plain faux-leather tissue box, also under $10!

16. A faux poenies bouquet to jazz up your desk a little bit without the commitment (or cost!) of sourcing a weekly bouquet.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Flowers are about 2–3 inches. Very good looking. Feels like silk. Hold their shape well." —Christianfl

Get two bunches from Amazon for $9.99 (available in nine colors and larger quantities).

But if peonies aren't exactly your style, here are more under-$10 options: eucalyptus, and 100-piece natural-dried pampas 

17. Some rechargeable motion sensor under-cabinet lights you can place *just* where you want to illuminate things in places like under your closet, desk, or even your lofted bed so you can scurry off to the bathroom at 3 a.m.

www.amazon.com

These have a built-in magnet that'll stick on most metals, or you can use the included adhesive tape to tape them onto an existing surface.

Promising review: "My dorm is super super dark, and my closet is no exception. These were able to be placed on the sides of my door frame and were super easy to assemble. I would absolutely recommend!!" —J. Morse

Get it from Amazon for $19.78+ (available in two sizes and in warm or white light).

18. A Simple Modern tumbler to keep in your dorm room so you don't feel like dehydrated SpongeBob when you're stuck in your dorm working on a paper. It's leak-resistant, dishwasher safe, cupholder-friendly, and keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. Plus it has a built-in straw and ~ergonomic~ handle for less than the cost of a Stanley.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Many reviewers said they find themselves drinking more water when they have a straw.

Promising review: "Please do not run out to Targé and waste your money on a Stanley IF you’re only using a cup for ice/cold drinks. This cup is just as good and far more affordable. I put ice in my cup over 24 hours ago during my shift at the hospital, and there is still ice in the cup! This product is BEYOND worth it at this price point. You won’t be disappointed. If the cup isn’t in your cart at this point, I don’t know what’s wrong with you: GET IT! 😂" —Marie

Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in 33 colors and patterns). Also available in a style without the handle!

19. A powerful Dawn dishwashing spray that you'll be SO glad you have in your dorm room when it comes time to wash out your tumblers and coffee mugs, even if you don't have a full-fledged kitchen sink for the wash. This'll do more than the bare minimum and get your drinking vessels CLEAN. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

I live in an apartment without a dishwasher, and I honestly use that as an excuse to order takeout food instead of cooking. But, as soon as I got my hands on a bottle of this stuff (regular Dawn is my go-to dish soap, BTW), I put it to use on both a saucepan I used to make homemade enchilada sauce *and* the casserole dish I baked those enchiladas, which had a ton of caked-on food. It really does work like I say it does! Like, scary well.

Promising review: "I was introduced to this application of Dawn by my dorm-dwelling eldest child. Dang! I've been using the liquid version for so long, I never noticed the introduction of the spray. As I live alone, using the liquid concentrate can be a bit wasteful. Especially when considering washing individual items and not drawing a full sink of water. The spray is so easy to use for single items and is just as effective as conventional Dawn products." —JD Stretch

Get the starter pack from Amazon for $16.88.

20. A jumbo $10 pack of plastic cutlery, because even if you plan on using regular cutlery and washing it, there will probably be times you forget to wash said cutlery or you can't zero in on it. And the box has built-in storage so you can easily find it and see how many forks, spoons, and knives you have left. This is great to have just in case!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Great variety pack. Bought for a dorm room and hasn’t disappointed. Durable plastic, and a good size. I like that the box is built in storage." —Michael Mills

Get it from Amazon for $9.49.

21. A 3-in-1 charging cord so you can charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once while you're at home and ~mentally~ recharging, too. For the uninitiated, dorm rooms do NOT have enough outlets and this'll make your life easier.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Perfect for travel. I have one in my carry-on and the second in my computer bag. You can easily coil them up and tuck them into a side pocket. So far, they work very well and seem durable. I love the fact that you have all your bases covered with the USB-C, Lightning, and Apple Watch charger." —Jane

Get it from Amazon for $11.04+ (available in nine colors and packs of two). 

And consider a foldable 3-in-1 charger in the same spirit for your bag you carry around campus. 

22. A fluffy throw blanket that'll put all those measly fleece patterned ones in the "Back to School" section of Target to shame. Reviewers are OBSESSED and even compare it to the $150 Footsac blanketfrom Lovesac! 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My favorite blanket purchase ever! You know when you purchase a blanket that is so soft and thick like fur. It keeps you very warm, and then you get something on it and have to wash and dry it for the first time. This is the true test, will it come out the same? I am very happy to share it did!! It looks and feels exactly the same. Great purchase!" —Linz

Get it from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in 11 colors and three sizes). 

23. A book-reading/TikTok-watching pillow because you need your iPad baby time in your dorm bed and this'll *perfectly* support you in that. Or, you know, maybe you're doing some required class reading in bed! And reviewers say it's good for working on laptops too!

Amazon

Check out a TikTok of the reading pillow in action. 

Promising review: "I’m loving my new pillow. It has been the best money I have spent on an item. I’m a reader and love that this pillow gives me good support. It stays firm. It’s a good-sized pillow. It gives good support for your shoulders and neck. It doesn’t weigh too much, and it is thick. It doesn’t make you hot at night when you’re asleep or when you’re just reading. I love that you can use it in so many different ways. I have even used it to hold my laptop when I’m working." —Malone

Get it from Amazon for $39.72+ (clip the coupon on the product page for this price; available in three colors).

24. A fun, twofer Himalayan salt lamp and essential oil diffuser that'll give a flame effect without being a fire hazard like a candle (which is definitely BANNED in your dorm). If you yearn for a glow but also want a lovely scent, this is a solid compromise. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

According to Johns Hopkins, you may want to avoid diffusing oils around larger groups and young children because of the side effects of different oils. You may also want to avoid using an oil diffuser around pets with breathing problems, according to the ASPCA.

Promising review: "This is the most beautiful and calming aromatherapy oil diffuser I have seen. This is incredibly easy to use and features various timer buttons that can be shut off at your discretion. I love to watch its realistic 'flame' effect. The scent emits wonderfully. It also looks beautiful in my home. This was a great value for the price and great quality." —Amanda

Get it from Amazon for$24.99 (available in six styles). 

25. A bedside storage caddy can help you keep a few essentials within arm's reach so you don't have to disrupt your comfy position just to get your lip balm. 

Amazon

Promising review: "One of the most useful items I have ever purchased. The pockets are the right size to hold a tablet, phone, remote, or book. My bedroom is too small for bedside tables so I use this organizer to hold anything that I might need right by my bed. I was surprised at how well it stay in place just by sliding the flat end in between the mattress and box spring." —Hannah

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (also available in several styles).

26. An emergency first aid kit that'll cover the basics (and a bit more) for when mishaps happen in your dorm room that don't need a visit to student health services. You need more than just bandages, and this will fit the bill!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Unfortunately, this kit's bandages are only available in a light beige color. If you're looking for more skintone variation, please check out these.

The kit comes with different sizes of bandages (fabric and plastic), a rescue blanket, antibiotic ointment, aspirin tablets, a packet of burn gel, wound closures, antiseptic towels, cold pack, gauze roll, cotton-tipped applicators, a disposable thermometer, extra-strength non-aspirin tablets, finger splint, first aid guide, first aid tape, moleskin blister prevention, disposable gloves, scissors, sterile eye pads, gauze pads, a trauma pad, sting relief wipes, and a set of tweezers.

Promising review: "I have ordered this time and time again. When I first got my car, moved into a dorm, and worked at summer camp, I could go on and on. I've probably ordered eight of them. This is my favorite first aid kit, which is a weird thing to say, but it has things that more expensive ones don't have, and the organization of it is great! It fits easily into a backpack, dry bag, or glove compartment." —Mollie

Get it from Amazon for $17.44+ (available in two kit sizes).

27. A compact clothing steamer that'll be a far superior alternative to an iron (which many dorms ban anyway) when you need to look crisp and neat for Greek life rush, internship interviews, job fairs, class presentations, whatever. (The steamy shower trick doesn't always work.)

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "A dorm necessity. This is my first experience using a steamer, and I loved it! I got the wrinkles out of my clothes that had been sitting on my bed all week, and it did it with ease. I especially like the fact that it is less of a fire hazard than an iron, and it’s design is cute and simple. I tested it out at home because I was preparing for dorm life, and it was easy to transfer because of its size. It gives off a good amount of heat, but also dries/cools down pretty quickly. I can see myself using this a lot as a new college student." —Hollis Miller

Get it from Amazon for $24.95.

28. Or Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray if you only trust yourself to do the bare minimum. With this bottle, you won't even have to make a trip to the sink!

www.amazon.com

This reviewer uses it to make their bedding look extra crisp!

Promising review: "I prefer the Downy over other wrinkle-releaser sprays because of how well it works, and I like the fresh scent. They are full-sized bottles, so I keep one at home, and my daughter has one in her dorm room. I consider them too large for travel. Good alternative when you can’t or don’t want to iron." —jporter

Get a set of two from Amazon for $11.99.

29. Adjustable shelves for your desk (just to make sure to measure your desk first!) because those dorm desks are never outfitted with bells and whistles. This'll help you squeeze more into your workspace to (hopefully) promote productivity. 

www.amazon.com

Read our full review of these desktop shelves!

Promising review: "I originally bought a huge hutch and it just wasn't going to work. So I got this one for a super reasonable price. Very easy to assemble and the perfect size for a dorm desk. Love it!" —Tiffany Cox

Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in four finishes).

30. And a set of drawer organizers that'll let you Lego-fit all the containers into your drawer so you can have the desk drawer of your Instagram dreams. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My desk drawer was always messy no matter how many times I tidied it. These keep things in their place nicely. I recommend." —RoseannB916

"It was really useful for getting everything organized in my dorm room!" —Mrunmayee

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

31. Some loafer-style slippers that reviewers say have "great grip" so you don't have to pad around your room (and dorm hallway and the laundry room and to the water fountain) in just your socks or your street shoes. And bc they have backs, you'll be far less likely to step out of them. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "So comfortable and they look cozy and cute! Love these slippers. Purchased for my daughter to wear around her dorm room, perfect!" —Mel

"I love them! It's been a cold winter, and my feet are finally warm. Love the rubber sole for warmth from the cold floor or for an outside trip." —Donna Hildebrand

Get them from Amazon for $18.68+ (available in women's sizes 5/6–11/12 and 10 colors).

And check out a similar loafer style in men's sizes.

32. A surge protector power strip because they seemingly don't build dorm rooms with an adequate number of outlets? This one takes up one plug on a wall outlet and offers up eight outlets, two USB, and one USB C — which should cover quite a lot!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My college dorm barely has any accessible outlets, and this is PERFECT for plugging in everything I need. The flat end fits behind my desk while still having the desk against the wall, and it makes the outlets so much easier to access. I got two, one for each side of my room, and I never run out of places to plug a cord in. It charges my headphones, phone, and runs my TV all with different cable types. Exactly what I needed and very good for dorms where outlets are inconvenient to use." —Marian

Get it from Amazon for $19.54.

I'm also a huge fan of this smaller Anker travel power strip that I use in my apartment.

33. A drawstring laundry backpack, because a rolling laundry hamper is good in theory but chances are, your laundry room isn't that conveniently located. This will make it easier to walk across campus and/or up and down stairs to get to the clean machines. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Reviewers use the front pocket for detergent and other laundry essentials. 

Promising review: "Bought a red one 2.5 years ago and so far it continues to be durable. Both the red and light blue bags look like the photos. We have been using our old one at least once a week. I just bought another one so my fiancée and I wouldn’t need to share. We’ve found that using this backpack-style laundry bag is much safer than carrying a laundry basket down our rickety apartment stairs. We have a medium-sized washer, and the bag fits more than a full load of laundry. Our washer can fit about 3.6 cubic feet of clothes, while a larger front-load washer might fit up to 4–5 cubic feet, so if you have a big washer, check to make sure it’s the right size." —V

"Easy for if you’re in a dorm apartment and you have to take your clothes to the laundry room." —Ametria

Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in 12 designs).

34. And some Tide Pods that'll be MUCH easier to cart for laundry day than lugging a jug of liquid detergent. Opt for this sensitive skin–friendly formula so you won't have to worry about irritated skin (at least from your laundry routine). AND this comes with 112 pods so that should get you through a semester!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I recently switched to Tide Pods now that I’m in college, and carrying a couple of pods down to the basement is easier than lugging a whole thing of detergent down. I love that they’re unscented and not dyed, it’s much more gentle on my skin. Even though it’s unscented, I can tell my clothes are getting cleaned just as well. Plus, I only use one or two per load, so the large drum of them is very cost-effective. Cheaper than my local stores as well." —isabel

Get a 112-pack from Amazon for $27.24.

35. Plus, a foldable laundry drying rack can occupy your room's floor space for a bit while your up to 32 pounds of leggings, bras, and prized T-shirts you don't trust to the dryers need to air out post-wash. 

www.amazon.com

Plus, lots of people use it in condos and houses, so it'll be handy post-dorm life, too!

Promising review: "This is bigger than I thought it would be, but I love it. I use this to dry clothes that are not for the dryer, and it fits a good amount of clothes at once. It is great for my dorm room as it becomes very compact when I want to put it away. I really like this product and have made great use of it." —Yoshi

Get it from Amazon for $32.54+ (available in a white or chrome finish). 

36. A HyperChiller you can park directly below your *hot* coffee machine (like that tiny Keurig you got for a grad gift) to cool down your caffeine in under a minute. You KNOW you like iced coffee but your budget and schedule is starting to feel a bit wasteful by having to stand in line at the coffee shop for your caffeine fix every morning. Just remember to save enough room in your freezer to keep it in there!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "For those not fully familiar with how it works, what it's accomplishing is trying to surround your liquid with as much ice-behind-metal as possible. So, it has a center chamber of ice behind the metal, then an outer chamber of ice. The inner chamber fits inside the outer with about a cup's worth of space that's between the inner and outer chamber. This exposes your liquid to the greatest surface area of super-cold metal that they can, and since your liquid is only touching metal, and not the ice itself, it doesn't matter the temperature of the liquid poured in. You can pour in boiling water and while it may end up melting a bunch of the ice behind the metal, none of that water will mix with your drink. So, whether you're chilling a wine, dropping hot coffee to cool it off, or just wanting to rapidly drop the temp of that fresh lemonade you made without making it watery, this will get that done." —P. Ericksen

"Best thing ever for my dorm room with limited fridge space!" —Nicole

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in four colors).

37. A TikTok-beloved astronaut-shaped star projector in case you want a little pizzazz in your room but aren't into string lights (or just don't want to bother with mounting stuff on the wall). This lil' scientist projects eight different nebula effects and "breathing" green stars via a remote. Maybe not the correct vibe for studying, but definitely the correct vibe for when it's time to chill. 

Kayla Boyd / BuzzFeed

My colleague Kayla Boydis a huge fan: "This little astronaut guy is such a cool piece of decor. I love that it's not boring-looking when it's turned off. And when it's on, it's honestly pretty mesmerizing! I love a good aesthetic ~vibe~, and this totally transforms my living room at night. I always turn it on when I'm relaxing on the couch with a glass of wine and a good show. It's also a big hit when my friends come over to hang out."

Check out a TikTok of the projector in action. 

Promising review: "I bought this after seeing it on TikTok. I wasn’t sure how great it would be, and the price was a little high for me, but I bought it anyway. After getting it and seeing how badass it is, I would definitely say it’s worth the money!! The lights are so cool and bright. My kids and husband love it!" —Shelby Fulford

"I bought this for my daughter’s dorm room. She and her suite mates love it." —Cynthia O

Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in seven colors).

38. Some Command Hooks that'll hold up to 5 pounds each will come in handy for hanging up bags in your closet, the broom on your wall, backpack, laundry bag...all kinds of possibilities. Even if you don't know how you'll use them just yet, they'll be good to have on hand once you get settled in and figure out how you want to organize everything. Sometimes that takes a week or two!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I'm in a dorm, so unless I want even more fees, I am using these. They do their job and none of them have fallen yet, in fact, these have stuck to the wall better than the Command strips did (make sure to clean the wall and to let it dry for a minute instead of being a dumbo like me)." —Moe K.

"Used for my dorm. Hanging several days' worth of clothes on, hanging up a laundry line to dry clothes on, and more. Works perfectly, nice and big, holds lots of weight, and holds up well. No issues here." —tiloch12

Get them from Amazon for $12.99.

39. Stackable storage containers because your dorm won't have enough built-in storage. Know that from the jump! You can even fill these with stuff you'd like to keep in them, like snacks, plastic cutlery, extra batteries, toiletries, and even socks and underwear *before* you move in and then once you unpack, this part will already be set up! These would go great under a lofted bed. 

www.amazon.com

And if you really wanna get next level, you can even label each bin!

Promising review: "I bought the two larger sizes (27 gallons and 16 gallons) to mix and match my student's needs. The containers seem sturdy, well-made, and the drawer stops before falling out. Much better for under-bed storage than bins that have a top cover. The clear sides are a nice feature. You can see what is in which bin. Sterilite is always great quality (I've had some for decades) and the price is reasonable." —Sharon VItale

Get a six-pack from Amazon for $43.39 (available in larger packs).

40. And some under-bed storage containers better suited for bulky clothing and out-of-season shoes that you KNOW you'll need, but sometimes the fall chill sneaks up on you faster than you can get home and grab some more suitable clothes from your closet there. And this has a clear top so you can easily see what you need without pulling everything out of the container. 

www.amazon.com

You can use these for so much more than clothing! Think school supplies, extra toiletries, shoes...basically whatever you have too much of.

Promising review: "These storage bags are fantastic. I live in a small apartment where storage space is at a premium. I use these to store my Costco toilet paper and paper towels, so I don't need to make as many trips to the store. It keeps them in pristine condition and out of sight. The handles make them easy to pull in and out, and they fold up nicely when not in use. I'm thinking about getting two more since four will fit under my queen bed." —Kimberly Dorn

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in seven styles).

41. A smaller *lit* vanity mirror that'll fold up nice and tidy when not in use. You won't always be able to rely on your desk mirror or bathroom vanity to get ready, so this'll turn your desk or another surface into getting-ready central. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Got this three years ago for my dorm room, and it’s still in great condition. The LED lights are awesome, dimmable as well. It can lean back suuuuuper far, though I always have it upright. Only complaint is the color. Is more of a metallic reddish pink. Not a true rosey gold." —B

Get it from Amazon for $20.98+ (available in seven colors).

42. Some Goldfish fridge magnets (ahem, "Holdfish") to keep pics and postcards right where you want 'em without overwhelming your dorm-sized fridge. 

Handy Cute Art/Etsy

Handy Cute Art is a Florida-based Etsy shop that specializes in quirky home products. 

Promising review: "These are the cutest ever! My daughter ate these guys [a lot] growing up. Great reminder gift of her fave snack food!" —Teresa A Houtz

Get a set of six from Handy Cute Arton Etsy for $10.20 (originally $12). 

43. A *scented* Lysol air sanitizer three-pack in case you want your sanitizer to kill the bad smell but leave a lovely one behind. We're working in a limited space here, so let's make each product you put in it work a little harder! It can't convince your roommate to actually wash their bedding, but it can kill the funk wafting over from their side of the room for a bit. 

Lysol

I've used a couple of different scents of these and am actually working my way through a lovely gardenia version. They indeed get rid of funky smells like roasting Brussels sprouts, bathroom smells, and even your neighbor's wafting odors. 

Get them from Amazon for $22.36.

44. A basic desk fan you can try out before you decide if you need to invest in a tower fan (this is a good one, btw) because dorm air can be pretty stagnant and getting things moving can make things a lot comfier. 

Amazon

Promising review: "This inexpensive fan is a powerhouse, even at the lowest setting! Great for hot dorm rooms." —Christina Morefeld

Get it from Amazon for $29.76.

And if you want to pay a little more, TikTokers are definitely into Woozoo fans right now. 

45. A handheld Black + Decker vacuum that'll be a nice supplement to your parents' hand-me-down upright for things like desk crumbs, dusty closet corners, and other messes in tight spaces that an upright vacuum can't tackle. Reviewers also love to use it in their cars so you can get use out of it there too!

www.amazon.com

This beaut includes a built-in crevice tool, translucent bagless dirt bowl, and a washable filter. And it charges on a wall-mount. 

Promising review: "It sucks! (In a good way.) We tried a few less expensive hand-held vacuums for our cars and our son's dorm room. The suction power was not acceptable. That is, until we went back to Black and Decker. It easily picks up all kinds of debris on the floor, counters, and under the sink. (People can't seem to put trash in the can.) It is a great investment, not just a simple purchase. Don't waste your time with the cheaper alternatives." —D. Phillips

Get it from Amazon for $32.99.

46. A cup holder for your dorm bed that may seem silly but have you ever heard a Hydro Flask hit the ground? It sounds like the earth is shattering and your roommate will not appreciate it if yours rolls off your bed in the middle of the night before an exam. 

Made by Stephen / Etsy

Made by Stephen is an Amber, Pennsylvania–based shop specializing in cup holders. 

Get it from Made by Stephen on Etsy for$28 (available in 12 colors and five mounting options).

47. Some light-dimming stickers to add over any electronic lights because you and a roommate are sleeping in the same room with ALL your stuff. There's bound to be a light or two you'll notice when you change bed positions at night. Here's looking at a restful night of sleep without feeling like your modem is glaring at you through your eyelids. You'll still be able to see the light when you're awake, it just won't be blindingly bright!

www.amazon.com

Light Dims is a small biz specializing in this product. 

Promising review: "I bought these to put on the LED on my external hard drive because it was very bright and it worked great. The whole thing was smaller than I thought but it's great to cover up some small LEDs if they really bother you." —F. M.

Get a sheet of 100 from Amazon for $5.48.

If you need to cover up bigger light sources, check out larger dimming sheets.

48. And a chips snack pack and Easy Mac pack (or dorm-friendly snacks of whatever you like to eat) because, despite an unlimited dining hall credit and snack machines in your dorm, hunger will hit and you'll be glad you have something to eat nearby. 

www.amazon.com

Get them from Amazon: 40-pack Frito-Lay chips pack for $23.79 and a 16-pack of Easy Mac for$17.94.

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Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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