For most of us, decorating a dorm room is our debut into the world of interior design... and you couldn't pick a more difficult first project. There are storage restrictions, building restrictions (save your scented candles for postgrad), and, of course, budget restrictions. And while the first two can be solved by some clever swaps and smart multipurpose pieces—more on those later—we're turning to Amazon to handle the budget part. From mini-fridges to a rolling storage cart to luxe-looking Twin XL-sized linens, so many college essentials are currently on sale.
We combed through thousands of picks to find the best of the best in every product category. The result: a dorm room shopping starter pack of 19 items you'll be getting use out of way past graduation day.
Keep your favorite shampoos and beauty bottles neatly organized with a portable caddy. This one is great because it has drainage holes on the bottom, so you can bring it into the shower with you.
You may not be able to choose your bed frame or your mattress, but at least you can splash out (without really splurging) on crisp new sheets. This rosy set comes in a ton of colors and is made from soft organic cotton.
Pick up a couple of these floor cushions to provide makeshift seating for guests. The tufted design makes them look way more expensive than they actually are.
Use this mobile organizer to corral the overflow of anything from beauty products to heavy textbooks. (Psst: When you move into your first apartment, it'll come in handy for extra pantry space.)
Skip the early morning dining hall lines for a fresh cup of coffee in your own room, courtesy of this retro-looking machine that'll keep your brew warm for 30 minutes.
Slip this adjustable shelf over your bed frame's ledge to add some much-needed surface area to a tiny space. It even has a mug holder for your tea or coffee.
With its instant printing and sleek silhouette (read: easy to stash in your teeny going-out bag), this Kodak camera is basically the Polaroid's grown-up cousin.
When scented candles are a no-go, try a diffuser instead. This one looks like a sculpture—it's made from ceramic—and can be coupled with your favorite essential oils.
Yes, this geometric-printed rug is an easy way to warm up your room with some pattern, but we love it for another feature: It's machine-washable, so you won't have to worry about spills.
Okay, so maybe you can't hide ugly walls behind wallpaper or a coat of paint, but you can use this assortment of different-sized frames to build a gallery wall.
Mini fridges are a dorm room staple, but as far as design goes, you can't beat the vintage charm of this sky blue one from Galanz—though it also comes in a few other shades, like cherry red, and mint green.
Listen, there's not much about a dorm shower that's great, but at least your towels can feel like a little luxury. This six-piece set covers everything from your washcloth to your bath towel and is made from 100% Turkish cotton.
With over 2,000 reviews and a cushy, quilted topper that's meant to feel just like down, this machine-washable mattress pad ticks all the basic boxes and then some.
The possibilities are truly endless with this handy catch-all: Use the hooks for keys, tote bags, or even scarves, and take advantage of the long mesh compartment for housing your most-used essentials.
For when you can't (or won't) make the trek to the library, this lightweight laptop desk lets you study wherever you are. It even has a slot for your phone.