Welcome back to Hearth & Highlight! As we gear up for the new academic year, we’re switching focus to a very exciting topic – prepping for dorm life! If you’re heading off to college, you’re about to embark on a journey filled with learning, friendships, and, yes, furnishing your new home away from home. Let’s dive into our top 10 must-have items every college girl needs for a comfy, stylish, and productive dorm life.

Comfortable Bedding:

Start with soft sheets, a cozy comforter, and plush pillows. You might also want to consider a mattress topper for added comfort.

Lush Decor Reyna 3-Piece Ruffled Cotton Duvet Cover Bedding Set, Twin-XL, White.

Milliard Reading Pillow with Shredded Memory Foam, Back Rest Pillow for Sitting in Bed with Faux Fur Removable Cover

Linenspa 2 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper, Gel Infused Twin XL Mattress Topper, CertiPUR-US Certified, Dorm Room Essentials

Desk Lamp:

A dedicated, adjustable desk lamp can make studying more comfortable and efficient, especially when pulling late-night study sessions.

LED Desk Lamp, Dimmable Table Lamp Reading Lamp with USB Charging Port, 5 Lighting Modes, Sensitive Control, 30/60 Minutes Auto-Off Timer, Eye-Caring Office Lamp (White)

Yarra-Decor Bedside Lamp with USB Port – Touch Control Table Lamp for Bedroom Wood 3 Way Dimmable Nightstand Lamp with Round Flaxen Fabric Shade for Living Room, Dorm, Home Office

Portable Fan/Heater:

Depending on the climate where your college is located, having a small fan or space heater can be a game-changer for your comfort.

Amazon Basics 3 Speed Small Room Air Circulator Fan, 7-Inch Blade

Dr. Prepare Tower Fan Oscillating Fan, Portable Desk Fan with 3-Speed Options, Dual Air Circulation, 110° Oscillation, 3 Timers, Personal Quiet Table Fan for Home Office Desktop Bedroom

LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies Pets Hair in Bedroom, HEPA Filter, Covers Up to 1095 Sq. Foot Powered by 45W High Torque Motor, Remove Dust Smoke Pollutants, 0.3 Microns.

Shower Caddy:

Make trips to the communal bathroom less hassle with a shower caddy. Choose one with compartments to keep all your skincare and bath products organized.

Attmu Mesh Shower Caddy Portable for College Dorm Room Essentials with 8 Pockets, Hanging Shower Caddy Dorm Basket, Quick Dry Shower Bag for Bathroom

she values Shower Shoes for Women with Arch Support, Quick Drying Pool Slides, Lightweight Beach Sandals with Drain Holes

 Stylish Rug:

Add a touch of warmth and personality to your space with a chic, cozy rug. This can also add some noise insulation to your floor.

MUJOO Boho Area Rug 3’x5′ Machine Washable, Pink Small Non-Slip Area Rugs for Entryway Bedroom Bedside Kitchen Hallway Living Room Laundry Room Persian Indoor Mat Soft Low-Pile Floral

Laundry Hamper:

Opt for a lightweight, portable laundry hamper. Bonus points if it’s collapsible for easy storage when not in use.

HomeHacks 2-Pack Large Laundry Basket, Waterproof, Freestanding Laundry Hamper, Collapsible Tall Clothes Hamper with Extended Handles for Clothes Toys in the Dorm and Family

Power Strip and Extension Cords:

You’ll need plenty of outlets for all your devices, from your laptop and phone to your desk lamp and fan.

Tower Power Strip with 11 Outlets, 3 USB Chargers, TESSAN Surge Protector Tower 1875W/15A, 6 Feet Extension Cord with Multiple Outlets, Flat Plug, Office Supplies, Desk Accessories, Dorm Essentials

Mini Fridge:

If your college allows a mini-fridge to store snacks, beverages, or even some skincare products that need to be chilled.

Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Adjustable Thermostat, Energy Saving, Low Noise, Single Door Compact Refrigerator for Dorm, Office, Bedroom

Closet Organizers:

Maximize your dorm closet with hanging shelves, shoe organizers, and slim hangers. Organization is critical in small spaces.

Whitmor Hanging Shoe Shelves – 8 Section – Closet Organizer – Grey

HEYHOUSE Closet Organizers and Storage, College Dorm Room Essentials, Pack of 6 Multifunctional Closet Organizer Magic Space Saving Hangers with 9 Holes Closet Storage Organization for Wardrobe Closet

Personal Touches:

Photos, artwork, string lights, and decorative pillows can all make your dorm feel more like home.

Custom Neon Signs, Personalized Large Led Neon Lights Sign, Neon Sign Customizable for Wall Decor Wedding Birthday Party Bedroom Bar Shop Name Logo Lights

seeking Hot Pink Throw Pillow Covers 18×18 inch Soft Striped Boho Farmhouse Decorative Pillow Covers with Pom Poms for Couch Sofa Bed Chair Outdoor Pack of 2

Remember, every college’s rules are different, so check what items are allowed in your dorm. And, of course, coordinate with your roommate to avoid duplicating items, and save space for all those fantastic new experiences you’ll be bringing into your room!

Stay tuned to Hearth & Highlight for more home decor hacks, skincare revelations, and style tips as you embark on your college journey. Here’s to a year filled with learning, growth, and memorable moments!

Until next time, embrace your space!