Gabriella DePinho is a writer on the discovery team. She has found cheap(ish) things for medicine cabinets, movie nights, and a good night’s sleep.
Buying everything you’d need to turn a dorm room into a livable space for approximately nine months of the year can be pricey, but some of the most important items aren’t super expensive.
Of course, you need must-haves like twin XL sheets and shower flip-flops, as well as some of the nice-to-haves, like a Brita pitcher or an area rug. But a few more items can make the transition to dorm living even smoother, several of which may even last long after graduation.
Advertisement
SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA collapsible storage ottoman
Our pick
It assembles in seconds and offers ample interior storage for a fraction of the price of any other storage bench we considered.
Lofting a bed absurdly high is the first step in maximizing dorm storage space, but neatly stashing everything under it requires creativity. A collapsible ottoman, such as the Seville Classics Storage Bench Ottoman—which also comes in a smaller cube shape—is an aesthetically pleasing, multifunctional storage option for your new tiny living situation.
Wirecutter's Hana Stepnick used her storage ottoman to keep extra shoes out of sight and as an aid to climb onto her lofted bed (according to Seville Classics, the storage ottoman can withstand up to 500 pounds on the lid when closed and can hold up to 50 pounds inside). When friends come over, you can also use it as an extra seat.
A classic alarm clock
Our pick
This budget digital alarm clock does so much for so little. It has the largest numerical display of the clocks we tested, two USB ports, and easy-to-use tactile controls (which take the guesswork out of changing settings).
Buying Options
(limited colors)
On the off chance your phone dies or gets lost, having an old school alarm clock will help you keep track of the time so you don’t miss class. We like the DreamSky Compact Digital Alarm Clock because it’s inexpensive, intuitive to use, comes with two USB ports that you can use to charge other devices, and has a large digital display—each number is 2 inches tall—so you can see it easily no matter where you are in your room.
Advertisement
SKIP ADVERTISEMENTFood storage for leftovers
Budget pick
These inexpensive plastic containers come in multiple sizes for packing and transporting food. They do become soft after microwaving, and they hold onto stains and smells, so they aren’t the best for long-term use.
Having proper food storage makes it easier to save your leftovers, and the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers are a solid budget option for your dorm needs. They can handle a few falls without breaking or leaking, so they’ll likely survive a busy college lifestyle pretty well, and they’re designed to stack so they’re easier to store. You may want to ditch them after graduation, but they’re a better food storage option than to-go coffee cups from the dining hall (a method I tested and don’t recommend).
A handy handheld vacuum
Budget pick
If you need something simple for quick cleanups, this affordable, cordless handheld vacuum gets the job done.
No matter if you have linoleum, carpet, or wood flooring, having a handheld vacuum cleaner helps keep your space clean (and there’s a good chance you’ll end up loaning it out to neighbors and friends). For a budget-friendly option, we like the Black+Decker Dustbuster AdvancedClean CHV1410L. We found it captures most common household debris and is good for quick tidying, but it’s a bit louder and takes longer to charge than more-expensive models.
Advertisement
SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA solid surge protector
Also great
This three-outlet model has an auto-shutoff feature and offers almost as much surge protection as full-size alternatives. Plus, it has two USB ports.
A surge protector not only gives you more outlets to work with (so you can plug in, say, your floor lamp, phone charger, and even your laptop charger at once), but it also protects you from fires and your items from power surges. We like the Tripp Lite Protect It 3-Outlet Surge Protector SK30USB as a budget-friendly, compact option that offers top-tier protection. It has an auto-shutoff feature and a small light to indicate that your electronics are still protected.
This article was edited by Annemarie Conte and Alexander Aciman.
Mentioned above
- Our favorite durable-but-not-too-expensive bedding, accessories, kitchen gear, and tools for your dorm room.The Best College Dorm Essentials
- We tested 42 rugs and found 14 different styles to suit a variety of price ranges and preferences.The Best Area Rugs
- We consulted four small-space experts to help you decide what to buy (and not buy) to optimize your small apartment.The Best Gear for Small Apartments
- We found the best alarm clocks for all kinds of spaces, from analog and digital ones to smart alarms that gradually wake you up.The Best Alarm Clocks
- After years of using and abusing food-storage containers, we recommend the glass Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Set and the Snapware Total Solution 20-Piece Set.The Best Food Storage Containers
- Handheld vacs ferret out crumbs from cushions, dirt from car seats, and fur from sofas. We recommend the Ryobi 18V One+ Performance Hand Vacuum Kit.The Best Handheld Vacuum
Further reading
40(ish) Wirecutter Picks for Heading Back to School
by Wirecutter Staff
Here are 40(ish) of our favorite school supplies.
Wirecutter Picks to Revamp Your Bedroom on the Cheap(ish)
by Gabriella DePinho
Redoing your room doesn’t have to blow your budget. Here’s a handful of less-pricey picks for mattresses, pillows, and everything in between (ahem, sheets).
Why It’s Worth It to Spend a Little More on Sheets, Even for a Dorm Room
by Gabriella DePinho
Here’s our advice on how to shop for quality dorm sheets without breaking the bank.
30(ish) Wirecutter-Approved Dinner Party Essentials
by Marguerite Preston and Wirecutter Staff
Here’s everything you need to host a dinner party with confidence and ease.
Advertisement
SKIP ADVERTISEMENT