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Embarking on the journey of college life is an exhilarating experience, particularly when it comes to transitioning to on-campus living. If you’re preparing to move into your dorm, this means saying goodbye to your usual sleeping arrangements and embracing a whole new environment. The thrill of decorating your dorm room awaits, but you’ll need to carefully select which personal touches—like your favorite music posters—will adorn your limited wall space. Regardless of whether you’re a freshman, undergraduate, or graduate student, there are essential dorm room items you must have ready before your move-in day.

Your dorm room will serve as much more than just a sleeping area; it will become the hub for socializing with friends, a dedicated study space, and a cozy corner to relax during your downtime. Thus, creating an inviting atmosphere that reflects your unique personality is crucial to making this space feel like home. Ensure you select items that blend comfort with style to enhance your living experience.

Currently, amazing back-to-school deals are available, offering discounts on everything from plush pillows and high-performance laptops to stylish bedding. By taking advantage of these promotions, you can easily stock up on all your dorm room essentials without breaking the bank. This way, you can begin your first day of college feeling well-prepared and at ease.

Continue reading to uncover the best places to find your must-have dorm room supplies.

What Are the Top Dorm Room Essentials for College Students?

To assist you in gathering the most important dorm room essentials for your college experience, ShopBillboard has researched and compiled a comprehensive list of must-have items to shop for below.

If you’re aiming to add a touch of retro charm to your dorm room while expressing your love for music, consider the Victrola portable record player. Encased in a vintage-inspired suitcase, this portable record player is perfect for college students who are always on the move. Available in a variety of color options, including our top pick, Turquoise, this stylish piece is sure to make a statement in your dorm.

For music lovers on the go, a portable speaker is an absolute must-have. The JBL Go 4 speaker is perfect for playing your favorite tracks, whether you’re enjoying downtime in your dorm or heading out on campus. Priced under $50, this compact speaker surprises with its impressive bass and clear sound quality. With up to seven hours of battery life and seamless Bluetooth connectivity, it’s designed for effortless use.

A reliable pair of headphones is indispensable for college students, and JBL’s Tune 520BT Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones stand out for their affordability, ease of use, and stylish design. These headphones deliver JBL’s signature Pure Bass sound and offer up to 57 hours of playtime, an impressive feature for any student. While the Purple color is certainly eye-catching, the classic Black option remains a timeless choice.

While the mattress provided by your university may not offer the same comfort as a luxurious hotel bed, there are ways to enhance its coziness. This highly-rated mattress topper is currently a best seller on Amazon, with over 40,000 units sold just this month. Featuring a 2-inch thickness, it provides additional cushioning with a special gel material designed to relieve pressure and adapt to your body’s contours, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.