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There are so many dorm room guides circling out there right now, and I think I’ve clicked through every single one as I’m preparing to send my oldest off to college. Since this is my first time shopping for a dorm, I’m trying to plan ahead for all the surprising things I might not have thought of already. But, in all of my research, I haven’t found a single thing on the lists that was surprising at all. In fact, most of them read just like the official college packing list, but with more affiliate links. While that might be helpful to some, I was really searching for a more unexpected dorm shopping guide. And, because that didn’t seem to exist, I decided to write the Ultimate College Dorm Shopping Guide post myself.
Introducing the Ultimate College Dorm Shopping Guide
1. Lighted makeup mirror
In my day, desks were just regular old desks and we sat there simply for homework and sometimes for crafts. These days though, college students are turning their desks into vanities that they decorate and then use for all of their favorite beauty routines. One big must-have for a vanity desk is a large, lighted makeup mirror.
This lighted mirror is one of the best that we found and it’s available on Amazon. It is nice and bright with 120 LED lights and comes in different metal colors and two different shapes {arched or rectangle}. The mirror has 360° rotation and can smoothly adjust or you can lock it in at your desired angle. It has multiple light levels and color temperature lights {daylight 5500K, cool light 7800K, and warm light 4000K}. It also comes with a detachable 10x magnification mirror for seeing finer details and for intricate makeup application.
It also has Smart Touch Control with a 1-button mode selector on the front of the mirror. Simply “short press” to switch between the color temperatures and “long press” to adjust the brightness. But, what I love most is that the built-in memory function can help remember your personal brightness settings so it defaults to the same light mode each time you turn it on.
To buy the lighted makeup mirror on Amazon, click here.
2. DuraSack foldable moving bags
Moving into your dorm is one of the most exciting times, but also one of the most stressful. Literally every single person we’ve talked to and given us recommendations for dorm necessities talks about getting a pack of DuraSack folding moving bags. So, it was a given that they would make our Ultimate Dorm Shopping Guide. And, for a good reason: they can hold a ton of stuff with ease, helping you cart bedding, appliances, clothing and more to and from the dorm. But, the best feature is that they fold completely flat when empty, so they take up almost no space in the dorm throughout the school year.
So, you store them flat in your dorm closet and then when you need to take a load home or bring your next season’s clothing to your dorm you can grab them out again. One big shake and they are ready to cart all of your stuff back and forth. Each bag measures 29” L x 15” W x 13” H when fully open but disappears to almost nothing when folded to save you space in your dorm. Since I love products that can grow with you, I adore that each bag also has a clear tag pocket with included label card so you can use your DuraSack for long-term storage well after college.
DuraSack is a family-owned company since 1876. In those 150 years, they have committed to providing the highest quality bags. Their rugged polypropylene bags are virtually tear-proof, water-resistant, and are built to last through multiple move-ins and multiple move-outs. Anyone who has ever used a lesser-quality bag will tell you that the straps of a bag are most likely to fail first. This is why I love how DuraSack has double-stitched carry straps as well as backpack straps that give you multiple ways to carry your load safely.
DuraSack Moving Bags come in multi packs in a rainbow of colors so you can choose one to suit your style. Or, you can go with the classic blue DuraSack that they are famous for.
To buy DuraSack Moving Bags in a rainbow of colors on Amazon click here. You can read more about DuraSack’s offerings for personal use or commercial use on the DuraSack website.
Be sure to follow DuraSack on Instagram and Facebook
3. DIP hair products
Space in a college dorm is at a premium, and the last thing your college student wants to store is large, bulky bottles. This is true for everything, so you can just go ahead and leave the Costco-sized everything at home. That’s where DIP Sustainable Hair Care products come in. One large DIP Shampoo Bar and one large DIP Conditioner Bar can last an entire college school year as each bar replaces the equivalent of six plastic bottles. Not only does DIP save space, but it also saves you hundreds of dollars since you’re not paying for all that packaging or watered down products.
Beyond the amazing savings, DIP is the perfect choice for college life since they can go anywhere you go. The bars are TSA-friendly for travel to and from home, are easy to use in a dorm room, and perfect for tossing in a gym bag. They never spill or leak and they last so much longer than their bottled counterparts.
Oh, and did I mention they work amazingly well? We’ve been trying the DIP shampoo and conditioner for the last few weeks and love them. After an initial learning curve {PSA use a water-draining soap saver in the shower, do not set it on the ledge} we all agree that we prefer them over our old hair care.
We’re not strangers to bar shampoo and conditioner, but this is by far and away the best brand we’ve ever tried. If you’re on the fence, I definitely recommend checking them out. The savings is great on its own, but savings alone won’t make you come back. The quality of DIP is what will bring you back for more, and the savings and convenience is just a big bonus.
To buy DIP Sustainable Hair Care products you can shop their website, DipAlready.com. You can also read more about their products, their commitment to sustainability, and see why their hair care products have a cult following.
Be sure to follow DIP Hair Products on Instagram and Facebook
4. Tech sleeves from DODOcase
College life means transporting tech all around campus, and DODOcase has a solution no matter what you’re carrying. Whether you are using an iPad with a separate keyboard or you need a laptop sleeve, they have a beautiful case that can keep your tech safe.
Magic Keyboard Collection: DODOcase was one of the first brands to solve the problem of how to carry and use an iPad with a Magic Keyboard. They now have a full Magic Keyboard collection that includes both sleeves and cases that are slim enough to slip into a tote or backpack. Whether you want a protective sleeve or you want a book-style case that can make your iPad and Magic Keyboard feel more like a laptop, you will love the versatility of their Magic Keyboard collection case. You can even personalize your case with monogramming or engraving. Add your school colors, university initials, your monogram, and more.
Laptop sleeves: DODOcase has multiple Apple laptop sleeves and portfolios in waxed canvas or leather that are perfect for Pro, Air or Neo laptops. They are slim enough to slide into a backpack to take to and from class but tough enough for daily college life.
Don’t have a Macbook? Their sleeves can also accommodate many slim laptops – just choose the sleeve size that works for your setup. Pro 16-inch Sleeve:10 7/8″ x 1/4″ x 15″, Air 15-inch Sleeve: 10 1/2″ x 1/4″ x 14 3/4″, Pro 14-inch Sleeve: 9 7/8″ x 1/4″ x 13 11/16″, Air 13-inch, Pro 13-inch Sleeve: 9 1/4″ x 1/4″ x 13 1/8″, Air 11-inch Sleeve: 8″ x 1/4″ x 12 1/8″.
Sure, their cases are practical and versatile, what I love most about the DODOcase and why they made the Ultimate Dorm Shopping Guide is the workmanship. These cases are heirloom quality and can be used for generations – of tech and of people. If you want a truly classic design that you can use for decades, choose a generic sleeve-type design that can accommodate multiple generations of iPads and laptops. Everything in their collection is handcrafted in the USA using traditional leathercrafting techniques.
To buy: Check out the DODOcase website so you can see all of the accessories they carry for all of your tech devices and purchase directly from their site. From tablet cases to Apple watch bands and even wallets, there’s a DODOcase for anyone who owns tech.
Be sure to follow DODOcase on Instagram and Facebook
5. Lolalet Jewelry Box
My daughter has a beautiful wall-mounted jewelry box that her grandmother gave her in her bedroom at home. Unfortunately, it is huge, heavy, and needs to be wall mounted, all of which makes it a terrible fit for a dorm room. I had just begun my search for a smaller jewelry box for school when I found Lolalet’s line of cases for organizing makeup, jewelry, essentials and more. They make a whole line of organizers, including many jewelry boxes that are perfect for travel as well as dorm life.
A quick search and I fell in love with the Lolalet Lockable Double-Layer Jewelry Box for college life. It’s compact and stylish, easy to pack, helps keep jewelry organized without taking up valuable space, and even has a great locking feature so everything stays securely inside. At 7.09″D x 9.84″W x 4.33″H, it has a compact footprint so it doesn’t take up much room in a vanity or on a desk, but it holds a surprisingly large amount of jewelry in its multiple layers.
The Lolalet Lockable Double-Layer Jewelry Box has functional, various sized compartments for all your different types of jewelry. These compartments are customizable by removing dividers so you can perfectly fit your collection as well as avoiding tangles and missing pieces. The stackable double-layer design with flip down feature gives you space for your whole collection and securely holds even the smallest earrings and charms.
The jewelry box is designed in premium PU leather that feels luxurious but is also easy to clean and maintain. A soft velvet lining in each of the compartments protects your precious jewelry from scratches and won’t peel or stick to your heirlooms. Speaking of heirlooms, the included key keeps your valuables where you left them and makes sure nothing gets borrowed without permission.
Overall, the Lolalet Double Layer Jewelry Box is the perfect gift for any college student who is traveling to and from dorm. It’s just the right size for a dorm room but still has ample space for all of your accessories, it’s easily packed for weekends away, and it’s lockable so you always know your beloved jewels will be safe and secure.
To buy the Lolalet Lockable Double Layer Jewelry Box on Amazon, click here.
Be sure to follow Lolalet on Instagram.
6. Anker clamping power strip
Gone are the days when you can simply utilize the two {or three, if you’re lucky} outlets in a room in an increasingly tech-filled world. In this day and age, everything is smart, and that means that everything also needs to charge. That’s why an intelligent power strip is one of our main must haves for college. This incredibly smart Anker Nano Power Strip not only has all of the USB hubs you need as well as power outlets, it also clamps onto surfaces like dorm desks so you can easily access all of your tech.
Being able to clamp to a desk {or any other panel that is 0.6” -1.8” thick} allows for so many options to add plugs where you need them most. With 4 standard outlets on the bottom side, plus 2 more on top as well as 2 each USB-A and USB-C plugs, you’ll have plenty of options for powering all of your college must-haves and tech devices. And with up to 70w available from a single USB-C plug, you’ll be charging fast.
I love that smart safety features protect against overheating, voltage spikes, and surges up to 1,500 joules so you know your devices will also be safe. And keeping all your cords organized also means less chance of them being in your way or getting pulled out of place.
Whether you use the Anker Nano Power Strip with Desk Clamp on your dorm desk as intended, or you use it on your loft bed or in the common area so everyone can charge their tech, this is going to be something you use every single day of dorm life.
To buy the Anker Nano Power Strip with Desk Clamp on Amazon, click here.
Be sure to follow Anker on Instagram and Facebook
7. Diploma Frame
What better way to celebrate your child’s successes than with branded collegiate photo frames? DiplomaFrame.com offers everything from shadowboxes to store mementos, varsity letter frames, college-branded picture frames, and gorgeous diploma frames to celebrate accomplishments.
It may seem backwards to order a diploma frame before graduation is complete, but I know how quickly graduation is going to be here again. Besides, these frames are simply stunning and there are so many ways to enjoy it before graduation, such as decorating a dorm room. I found so many frames that are perfect for adding some school spirit to a dorm while displaying favorite college memories.
Diploma frames from Church Hill Classics are proudly made in the USA and utilize an amazing industry-exclusive, state-of-the-art printing process that adds vibrant dimension to university seals, team mascots, and patterned logos. It’s this addition of licensed designs on mats and frames that takes a regular old frame to the next level. The addition of the easy-to-use Level-Lock Frame Hanging System makes it easy to mount in any room, or you can use a desk easel for dorms if you cannot put holes in your walls.
My daughter has been dreaming of attending her university since she was a small child, and when we found out she was accepted out of 80,000+ applicants, we were beyond proud. We immediately set aside some time to do a small photo shoot on campus the week she committed to attend, and we were lucky enough to hit the cherry blossom bloom window perfectly.
I’d been searching for a frame to display a photo from that shoot when I saw that DiplomaFrame.com had the absolute perfect offering. Not only is it a gorgeous cherry and gold frame, it also has a gold embossed university seal on the mat, and it even includes a panoramic image of the prized cherry blossom trees on campus.
The frame is stunning in person with her photograph added, and it was the perfect addition to her graduation party and now will be great for displaying in her dorm. The plan is to use the frame as a memento spot and add polaroids, ticket stubs, notes and more from special events with washi tape, eventually covering most of the mat. Then, after graduation, the mementos will be placed in her special college box and her diploma will take center stage underneath the cherry blossom trees.
To buy: Check out all of DiplomaFrames licensed college frames on their website, as well as being available at many college bookstores and even at the office of the registrar. You can see the frame we got here: Campus Scene Edition Diploma Frame in Galleria
Be sure to follow DiplomaFrame on Instagram and Facebook
8. Shower shoes from IGOR USA
Even if your kid isn’t going to be in a communal bathroom situation, they are probably going to want shower shoes. At the very least, they will want shoes to wear to and from the bathroom. In all honesty, we tried multiple brands before finding the perfect solution: IGOR Women’s Habana Fresh Sandals. We chose the Rosa color because it goes with just about everything, but it’s still fun and classic at the same time.
The IGOR Womens Habana Fresh Sandals made our Ultimate Dorm Shopping Guide because they are the perfect shoe for a variety of reasons. The first is the fact that they can be slipped on and off easily in the shower. Secondly, they have holes on the upper of the sandals so your feet can dry easier. Third, they have a thick enough sole that it will keep your feet out of any standing water you might encounter.
But these are more than just shower shoes. You can also take these beauties to the pool or beach, to the gym for showering in their locker rooms, or for getting to and from sports that require specific footwear. Aside from their waterproof design, they are also so cute that you could wear them with a cute dress for sightseeing and are extremely comfortable even for all-day wear. We love products that serve more than one purpose and the IGOR Women’s Habana Fresh Sandals are the perfect example of that. Instead of having to store shower shoes, sandals, slip-ons, and jellies all in your dorm, you can store one single pair of IGOR slip on sandals that can go from shower to soiree easily.
To buy: Check out Just Shoes for Kids. Despite the name, they actually have quite a few adorable shoes for women from barefoot shoes all the way to boots.
Be sure to follow Just Shoes For Kids on Instagram and Facebook.
9. Filtering water pitcher
Here in the PNW we are spoiled with really good water. Nothing makes this clearer than leaving home and finding that things just taste off with every glass. While traveling, our best option is grabbing bottled water while we run around. But for longer stays, that just doesn’t make sense. This was one of my daughter’s major concerns when planning for college.
Moving onto a campus where you’re not sure how the water will taste is a real risk if water is your main drink of choice. Since most rooms won’t have a full-sized fridge with a water filter, your best bet is a pitcher with a built-in filter that you can keep in a mini fridge, or on the counter if you prefer room temp water.
By using a pitcher instead of bottled water you’ll be producing much less waste and saving money by only having to purchase filters based on your usage as opposed to keeping cases of water around. In my research I went down the rabbit hole of filtration systems, learning what each brand filters and what size makes sense for dorm life. Instead of focusing solely on pitcher price, I understand that filters are a much bigger cost as they will need to be purchased multiple times throughout the school year so that was one of my biggest factors. The best bets are pitchers that come with multiple replacement filters and that’s why this one made our Ultimate Dorm Shopping Guide recommendation.
To buy: You can buy the filtering water pitcher on Amazon.
10. ZAFRO smart tower fan
Even if the dorm has A/C, your college kiddo will probably end up needing a fan during the school year. Whether they’re using it for white noise or simply to keep airflow moving, fans are a great investment. While some would recommend a countertop fan, counter space is at a premium in my daughter’s dorm. For her, the ZAFRO smart tower fan was the perfect choice.
We’ve been using the ZAFRO fan for a few months because it didn’t make sense to pack it away for the summer just to bring it to the dorm in the fall, and I’m incredibly impressed by all the features on this very un-assuming fan. The ZAFRO Tower Fan is a compact, energy-saving, air cooling system that is truly made for any weather.
The Smart Tower Fan a powerful, oscillating tower fan that pushes 1,060 CFM per minute and has a 43 ft reach. You can control it with the smartphone app, the included remote, the touch panel buttons, or simply using your voice. Yes, that’s right. Your voice can control the fan. If you decide to control the fan via the app or by voice control, you can place the fan remote in the storage cubby on the back side of the fan.
Or, if all of the above aren’t easy enough, you could set the ZAFRO fan on auto and it will automatically turn on when the ambient temperature reaches your set amount. Built-in temperature sensor shows your exact room temp on the screen and then it will turn on when it becomes too hot.
You can pick from 4 wind modes {Normal, Natural, Sleep, Auto} each with 12 speeds to choose from. Then you set the oscillation all the way from 120°, 90°, 60°, or 30° in the app, which is an amazing range as compared to a standard oscillating fan that can do 90° or nothing.
If your child is a light sleeper, you will love sleep mode where the fan runs quieter than a whisper and keeps a soft breeze going all night long. The green LED display will dim and then turn off after 30 seconds, so no light will be visible during the night to keep them up. Honestly, they thought of everything, and that’s why it’s our top picks for dorm fans.
To buy: You can get the ZAFRO Smart Tower Fan on Amazon here.
Be sure to follow ZAFRO on Instagram and Facebook
11. Eufy SmartTrack E40
We all know that college kids unfortunately lose a whole lot of stuff. In fact, we’ve shopped the lost and found sale at my daughter’s college multiple years and its always shocking the sheer amount of stuff that not only goes missing, but then isn’t claimed for months and months. That’s where the Eufy SmartTrack Card E40 comes in that allows you to find lost items from anywhere. It works with Apple Find My and Android FindHub to help you track down what matters. You can turn on worldwide tracking and utilize smart “left behind” notifications via Apple Find My with sound alerts and messages.
The SmartTrack Card E40 is credit card sized and measures only 1.7mm thick and weighs only 17g. This means it easily disappears into your wallet, your lanyard badge, your laptop case, gym bag, or backpack without creating bulk. This is not only ideal for campus life, but also school travel and commuting to and from school on the weekends.
I bet you’re thinking this must have some crazy expensive batteries, and you’d be wrong. The eufy SmartTrack E40 has an internal rechargeable battery that you can charge wirelessly. Yes, that means you will never have to worry about buying and replacing batteries, you can simply pop it on your MagCharge device, no cable required.
To buy: You can find the eufy SmartTrack Card E40 on Amazon.
Be sure to follow Eufy on Instagram and Facebook
12. College Girl Cherished care package
All of us parents read the stats. We know that the first few weeks of college are one of the roughest. Everything is new and is sometimes hard, your kid is missing the comforts of home, and they are navigating life for the first time on their own. We’re mentally prepared for late-night chats when they feel homesick, but what else can we do to prepare?
That’s where College Girl Cherished care packages come in. They curate spa-inspired care packages designed specifically for college girls navigating homesickness, first-semester stress, and the transition to living away from home. Their care packages are perfect for after move-in day when things settle down a bit and they need a comforting reminder of home. Instead of just one more thing to purchase, the CGC care packages are one of the best things you can plan ahead for your daughter so you can send a little emotional support from afar.
Each curated box includes calming skincare and bodycare, cozy self-care accessories, a journal, a little snack, and thoughtfully selected products from women-owned businesses. The idea is that they can encourage girls to slow down, recharge, and create moments of comfort during busy college life. They call it a “hug from home,” an idea I love because I’m looking for any and all ways to stay connected long-distance.
College Girl Cherished care packages include a one-time box, a monthly box, or a 6-month plan. You can choose whichever option works best for you to make college life a little easier and a little more comforting.
To buy: You can read more about College Girl Cherished and purchase a single box, a monthly subscription, or 6 months of care packages on their website.
Be sure to follow College Girl Cherished on Instagram
13. Lucent Laundry sheets
I was cleaning out my laundry room last week and was organizing dozens of bottles when it occurred to me that we’d also need to outfit my daughter’s dorm with all of these cleaning and laundry supplies as well. I hadn’t really thought of how much space all of it takes up until I looked at my collection and realized it was an entire shelving unit just for laundry, and then I had additional products for dishes down in the kitchen as well. But, the craziest part was that most of this storage was simply watered-down products in large jugs.
If only we could ditch the jugs, bottles, and plastic and use detergent sheets instead. That’s where Lucent Globe comes in. They make detergent sheets for the dishwasher and for laundry that are pre-measured and dissolve completely in water. Not only do they work in your existing dishwasher and laundry machines, they can also be used for handwashing and soaking.
But, the part I love most is that they take up almost no space in a dorm. Instead of traditional liquid detergents that come in large jugs and take up the same amount of space when they are 100% full or nearly empty, detergent sheets are ideal because you’re not storing water. The Lucent Globe detergent sheets are super concentrated and one sheet can easily do a full load of laundry or dishes without any sacrifice in cleanliness.
Lucent Globe offers an easy eco-friendly, space-saving swap that any college kid can appreciate and that’s why it made our top products in our Ultimate Dorm Shopping Guide. Of course, Lucent Globe’s Dishwashing and Laundry Detergent Sheets aren’t just for the dorm – and after seeing how convenient they are and how well they work, you’re going to want to order some boxes for at home, too.
To buy: You can purchase Lucent Globe products on Amazon and on the Lucent Globe website.
Be sure to follow Lucent Globe on Instagram and Facebook
14. Cloud Nine clothing
The college years are fun-filled and full of friends, but they can also be incredibly stressful. This stress can cause anxiety even in non-anxious young adults. Cloud Nine Clothing is here to help with their line of wearable comfort designed to help calm anxious minds. With various features built right into their designs and sensory-friendly features added to help soothe and center you, Cloud Nine clothing is the perfect solution.
Whether you’re heading to class, working on a project, or just trying to get through the day, you will love the Cloud Nine hoodies and sweats. Their clothing line is made from plush, breathable fabrics that feel like a weighted hug with a premium feel.
They also feature discreet built-in stress balls in the sleeves as well as optional scented inserts that are proven to help anxiety and stress. In fact, many mental health professionals wear Cloud Nine clothing themselves when they need a comforting hug.
I’ve spent more than I care to admit on stress balls, scented products, and anything and everything to combat stress, so Cloud Nine hoodies are exactly the type of product I’ve been searching for. Up until last month I had absolutely zero idea that this type of product existed or I would have been actively seeking it out.
I mean, it’s comfy clothes + anxiety reducing stress balls + sensory friendly clothing so it’s basically the best thing ever for college kids who are prone to stress {and who isn’t, really?}
With fall just around the corner, Cloud Nine is the perfect companion for cooler days and cozy evenings on campus. It was the perfect back to school present for my daughter, and she’s so excited for it to cool off so she can wear it every day.
To buy: You can find Cloud Nine Clothing on their website as well as on Etsy
Be sure to follow Cloud Nine on Instagram and Facebook
The Ultimate College Dorm Shopping Guide
Are you all set now for sending your kid back to college this fall? With so much to consider before college dorm move-in, we hope that this list helped you out in your shopping and research and that you found some unique or often-forgotten items to make the transition easier. Goodness knows us moms need something to be easier in this season. With so much change, so many big emotions, and so many things to check off your list, it could make the sanest of us feel a bit crazy. But dorm shopping doesn’t have to be stressful – be sure and support Rave & Review by clicking through our affiliate links to shop.
Want more shopping guides? Click here to see all of Rave & Review’s gift guides throughout the years!