The sun is setting on summer and a new fall semester is quickly approaching. Preparing for college is such an exciting experience, especially if you're moving out for the first time on your own. It’s totally normal to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. “Have I packed everything I need”? “Did I forget anything?” are all common questions you may ask yourself before making the big move. The best way to combat these worries is by preparing a list ahead of time so you can make dorm room shopping a breeze. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the dorm room essentials you’ll need to help make your transition from house to dorm a smooth and comfortable one.
Bedding
Pulling an all-nighter and cramming for that big final is sometimes hard to avoid, however a good night of sleep is crucial for sustaining your brain power through the whole semester. With roommates and noisy neighbors, you’ll want to give yourself the best chance at sleep by creating a cozy sleep sanctuary. The best way to do this is with quality bedding, that’s made to last. The temperature of your dorm room can also be unpredictable so it’s best to prepare for cold winters and unexpected warm weather. Breathable, yet cozy layers are your best choice.
Comforters
As we mentioned above, the temperature of your dorm can fluctuate depending on season and other factors. A breathable and all-season comforter is a must on your dorm shopping list. It’s durable, easy to care for and provides a cozy insulation and loftiness without all the bulk and excess heat of a down comforter. At Qbedding, we have a diverse selection of comforters to fit your budget and style.
Duvet Covers
Duvet covers in classic cotton are durable, low maintenance, and are easy to store making it even easier to always keep your bed clean. With duvet covers, you can quickly change the vibe of the room depending on your mood.
Pillowcases
Experts recommend changing out or washing your pillowcases every 3-6 days. This is because dead skin cells, dust, and bacteria can quickly build up on the surface which can cause acne and allergies. Having at least 1 months' worth of pillowcases is a good rule of thumb to ensure you always have a clean pillowcase on hand.
Sheets
Our budget friendly fitted, and flat sheets are available in twin size, which is the standard for most dorm beds. Like pillowcases, it is important to change your sheets regularly, experts recommend once per week. They also come in an assortment of prints and colors to fit your personal style.
Pillows
We can’t stress enough that a good night of sleep will be your best asset in succeeding at college life. You’ll want to invest in a quality pillow that offers optimal support and suits your individual needs, such as your sleep position. Check out our full collection of pillows to find the one that’s best for you.
To keep things simple, you might want to consider a bedding set from Qbedding. You’ll be able to cross off multiple bedding items off your shopping list at one time. These affordable sets are available as fitted sheet sets, bedspread sets, and bed skirt sets. You can shop all of Qbedding’s bedding sets here.
Bath
Most dorms will have a bathroom that is shared amongst your roommates or each floor. Since the bathroom could potentially be a good distance away from your dorm room, you’ll want to make sure to have a designated space in your room for your toiletries.
Shower Caddy
A portable shower caddy is a must for transporting your toiletries to the shared bathrooms. They’re also easy to clean, super durable, and can double as storage.
Towels
We recommend having a few towels on hand so you can change out your towel every two or three days to avoid mildew and bacteria growth which can wreak havoc on your skin, so having a few on hand in between laundry day is a smart idea.
Slippers or Flip Flops
To make the walk to the shared bathroom is quick and easy, having a pair of designated shower slippers or even a cheap pair of flip flops will be a must have. These usually dry very quickly and ensure you don’t slip on your back from the bathroom.
To make your dorm feel more like home, we recommend the following to make your dorm more functional and comfortable.
Mirror
To save a trip to the bathroom, it’s best to keep a full-length mirror on your closet door. This will make getting ready for class much faster. Pro tip: quickly hang up mirrors with no damage left behind with command strips.
Laundry Bag
You’ll be surprised just how quickly dirty clothes seem to pile up when you’re living on your own. Laundry is probably going to be a weekly activity, if not more if you’re on a sports team. A lightweight and foldable mesh laundry bag is best for transporting to the laundry room and will be easy to pack away when it’s time to move out.
Hangers
Space saving is key for any dorm living. Dorm closets are notorious for its limited space. We suggest opting for velvet hangers because they are more compact and take up less room than traditional plastic or wooden hangers. Best of all they are best for keeping the shape of your clothes.