For many students, moving into a dorm will be their first time setting up a home (okay, room) of their own. Sure, it’s fun to call the shots, but it can be a little overwhelming, too. You might need twin-XL sheets, but which ones are the best? How about a laundry basket — standalone or backpack-style? And what about a mini-fridge? Not to mention the decorations — like string lights and posters — that personalize a room (and might fend off some homesickness).
To help make packing for college a little easier, we’ve interviewed hundreds of college students and recent graduates about what was on their dorm shopping lists. We’ve tested the furniture and bedding that are the foundation of any living space (and especially small spaces like dorms, where every inch counts) and tried out everything from springy mattress toppers to microwaves. And as relatively recent graduates ourselves, we’ve thought about what items made us feel best equipped for our own college experiences — and about the things our friends loved, too.
Here, in the Dorm 100, you’ll find those essentials and more. Studying is — or should be — the main focus at school, so we’ve included plenty of academic tools, from a posture-friendly standing-desk converter to a less-than-$500 laptop that our tech writer recommends to all students. We also thought about day-to-day college-life necessities, including communal-shower-proof shoes and supremely comfortable jeans. Plus, there are ice-breaking card games for new roommates and, of course, a weekend bag for visiting home. Happy packing.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.