Main Line Today recommendations are objective, unbiased, and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
The Main Line area has its fair share of colleges and universities, from the big-name Villanova University to a host of smaller schools like Bryn Mawr College, Haverford College, Swarthmore College and Saint Joe’s. For freshmen starting their first year of college in just a few weeks, leaving home can feel like a daunting prospect. We’re here to make taking that step a little easier with these dorm room essentials.
While most schools provide a list of dorm room requirements like duvet covers, bookshelves, clothing storage, etc., Main Line Today shares under-the-radar essentials your college might have forgotten to help make your transition as smooth and exciting as possible.
Essentials
Soft Robe
View this post on Instagram
Making the switch from an at-home private bathroom to dorm room showers can be a tough adjustment. Getting yourself a comfy robe makes the transition way easier. A soft, luxurious robe can make you feel like you’re walking through a cloud.
Extra Storage
However much storage you end up bringing to college, it won’t be enough. Inevitably, you’ll end up buying more clothing and/or products while at school, so the oft-used college-provided dresser just won’t cut it. Check out these fabric drawers or hanging shelves to give yourself growing room throughout the semester.
First Aid Kit
Be prepared to tell at least one story about how you got injured doing something stupid in your freshman year. Just make sure you have a first aid kit in advance before the bumps and bruises arrive.
Skin Care
Never underestimate just what the stress of turning that paper in on time will do to your skin. The best defense against acne and bad skin is a good offense, and Burt’s Bees line of products does an excellent job preparing your face and body for the rigors of the college grind. This moisturizer is a great place to start, and this Bakuchiol Natural Retinol Alternative face wash provides a nourishing start to the day to bring out your smile.
Full Body Mirror
View this post on Instagram
Many dorm rooms won’t include mirrors besides what comes above the bathroom sink. These over-the-door or wall options take up next to no space for your morning ‘fit check.
Décor
Fake Ivy
Plants can make make a dry dorm room come to life, but between all the partying and studying, sometimes it’s just smarter to put something green on the walls before shelling out money on something that might not survive the semester.
Soft Lighting
So many dorm rooms have harsh white lighting reflecting off bland eggshell walls. Getting a set of string lights or LED ceiling lights goes a long way to making your room feel less like a hotel and more like home.
Posters/Art
Bring color to your dorm room with posters and art that reflect your interests. Whether it’s a classic reprint or an image of your favorite athlete, covering up colorless walls with just about anything goes a long way toward personalizing your space.
View this post on Instagram
Cleanliness
Handheld Vacuum
You’d be surprised how messy a small dorm room can become even with just you and one roommate. Given that many colleges use carpeted floors, a handheld vacuum is a must-have to keep crumbs off your floor and dust in its place.
Air Purifier
Stuffy dorm rooms are a fact of college life. Some will have A/C in the summer, spring and fall, but many won’t, leaving your living area stuffy and claustrophobic. The best way to combat that is with an air purifier that keeps your room fresh. Dyson makes high-end, top-of-the-line products that are expensive but extremely efficient. For more economical options, Levoit’s 300S Line will get the job done without breaking the bank.
Shower Caddy
Whether your dorm has an ensuite shower or you share a shower with the floor, you’ll want a caddy to either keep in your personal bathroom or something to carry down the hall. This tote option is a great choice for floors with communal showers.
Related: Your Guide to Colleges and Schools Around the Main Line
