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It’s time again to shop for back-to-school college dorm room essentials, from chic decor to practical organization accessories; we’ve curated a list of must-haves to keep you organized and prepared for the academic year. Check out our top picks!
Related: Past Back-to-School Guides
College Dorm Room Essentials
Shelving.com Wire Shelf
Find a wide selection of wire shelving that provides an inexpensive storage solution for dorm rooms or workspaces. It is sturdy (holding up to 800 lbs), easy to assemble (no tools required), and versatile— with configurations like File Carts, Under Desk Organizers, Microwave Stands, and Mini Fridge Carts. It comes in many hard-to-find sizes, like 8”d, so you can find dimensions that perfectly fit your space! The wire shelving is adjustable, so you can easily move the shelves if your storage needs change.
Available at Shelving.com. Prices Vary
Yona Cardboard Bed
Crafted from the finest recycled American cardboard, Yona beds offer unparalleled durability and minimalistic elegance and support your commitment to a greener world. Transform any room effortlessly with an eco-friendly bed that's easy to assemble, disassemble, and reposition. Elevate your lifestyle with the USA's most environmentally responsible bed base. Yona beds are so strong that they'll hold up to 17 people - up to 3300 pounds for a twin size! Available in four colors.
Available at YonaFurniture.com. MSRP $124/Twin - Use code thereviewwire for 10% off your entire order!
“OX” Hooey Backpack from Broken Horn
Elevate your daily routine with the Hooey Backpacks Unisex collection. With multiple compartments and pockets, you'll have ample space to organize your belongings, ensuring you stay efficient and stylish. Crafted from high-quality materials, Hooey backpacks are built to withstand the rigors of everyday use. The sturdy construction ensures long-lasting durability, while the ergonomic design provides superior comfort. Padded shoulder straps and breathable back panels reduce strain, making it easy to carry your essentials.
Available at Brokenhorn.com. MSRP $81
Staples Dexley Ergonomic Mesh Swivel Task Chair
Adjustable seat height and armrests ensure personalized support, while the adjustable lumbar support promotes proper posture. The synchro-tilt mechanism, upright tilt lock, and tension knob offer control over reclining resistance. With a stable five-star base and smooth casters, maneuvering is effortless. Plus, its breathable mesh construction keeps you cool. Experience superior ergonomics with adjustable headrest, lumbar support, tilt tension, and tilt lock, enhancing your workspace comfort and efficiency.
Available at Staples.com. MSRP $120
Union & Scale Essentials Electric Adjustable Standing Desk
Adjusting from sitting to standing is seamless with the included buttons, while the sturdy legs offer durability and stability. The metal cable tray helps deliver a neat workstation, and the predrilled holes support quick and easy assembly. A rectangular tabletop that accommodates a laptop and printer, letting you complete tasks easily. This Essentials sit-stand electric height-adjustable desk has a control box and two motors for effortless operation.
Available at Staples. MSRP $477
Daily Harvest Breakfast Box
Power through your day with the top 9 morning smoothies and bowls. Savory, sweet, hearty, light—whatever your breakfast mood. Daily Harvest meals arrive frozen for the at-your-fingertips ease of super-quick prep and to deliver the highest-quality nutrients and flavors from every fruit and vegetable.
Available at DailyHarvest.com. MSRP $70
PeachSkinSheets
Breathable, ultra-soft, pill-resistant, and anti-snag bed sheets featuring thermal control and moisture management properties... warm sleepers stay cool, and cool sleepers stay cozy. The durable athletic-grade performance smart fabric wicks away moisture to keep you drier and more comfortable. Best of all, they have a luxurious 1500 Thread Count level of softness with a brushed PeachSkin finish on both sides.
Available at PeachSkinSheets.com and Amazon. Prices Start at $105/Twin.
MossPure Minis Live Moss Air Filter
Surprise your loved one with the gift of living decor. The MossPure Minis are air filters and stress relief devices, capturing 30% of CO2 and pollutants such as dust, VOCs, dander, allergens, metals, bacteria, and viruses within minutes. No watering, sunlight, or maintenance is needed. The MossPure minis are low maintenance and add a creative, colorful feel to any space. They come in a set of 3 and include glass, live moss, succulents, and cacti; each set is custom and handmade.
Available at MossPure.com. MSRP $225
SIJO AiryWeight Eucalyptus Comforter
Awarded the title "Best Airflow Comforter of 2022" by the Sleep Foundation, this comforter is a godsend for individuals who tend to overheat while sleeping. Fashioned entirely from 100% Eucalyptus Lyocell fibers sourced from Austrian forests, its shell and fill prioritize breathability and durability. The shell, cool to the touch and luxuriously soft due to its sateen weave, offers an ideal surface for individuals with sensitive skin conditions. Its fill, also composed of 100% Eucalyptus Lyocell fiber, efficiently wicks away moisture - keeping you warm and cozy without getting you hot and sweaty!
Aavilable at SijoHome.com. MSRP $176/Twin - Get 10% off your first purchase.
HiRise 3 Wireless Charging Stand
Surprise your loved one with the gift of power. HiRise 3 wirelessly charges your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods using less desk space than an iPhone. The space-saving design ends the clutter of multiple chargers and uses only one plug. HiRise holds your MagSafe iPhone upright to easily read notifications and tap snooze - without even lifting your phone.
Available at Twelvesouth.com. MSRP $99
Temp-Controlled Faux Fur Weighted Eye Pillow
Surprise your loved one with the gift of a good night's rest. Expertly crafted with plush faux fur on the outside and soothing bamboo fiber lining the interior, this dual-texture eye pillow gently hugs the face in indulgent comfort. Filled with fine clay beads, it applies subtle weighted pressure to the delicate eye area, easing stress and discomfort for relaxation. The pillow can be heated or cooled for hot and cold therapy that alleviates puffiness, dryness, and irritation.
Available at Zonli.com. MSRP $20
iBUYPOWER RDY Prebuilt Computers
Since 1999, iBUYPOWER has been delivering on its promise to build the best gaming systems for the most discerning gamers. These systems have since become the backbone for professional gamers, game developers, LAN centers, major esports tournaments, and everyday consumers. Superior performance, reliability, cutting-edge technology, and timely production make iBUYPOWER the authority in PC gaming.
Available at iBuyPower.com. Prices Vary
Kick-Ass Immune Activator
The person next to you just sneezed, and you can’t afford to get sick. Kick-Ass Immune to the rescue! This stellar team of respiratory and immune-supporting herbs serves as a first line of defense against whatever is trying to creep in. Add several pumps to water, tea, or juice as directed, and Kick-Ass before your ass gets kicked! Woman-owned and family-run since 1979.
Available at WishGardenHerbs.com. MSRP $20 - 20% off sitewide with code REVIEWWIRE20
Level Step-Through Commuter eBike from Aventon Bikes
With peppy handling, a suspension fork, and an extended battery, this Ebike can take everything that you throw at it. 5 pedal assist settings so you can choose how much help you want. Go up to 28 MPH on pedal assist - or keep up with traffic using the throttle alone at up to 20 MPH and skip pedaling entirely. The stealthy and removable battery packs a full day's commuting without charging. Available in 2 sizes and colors.
Available at Aventon.com. MSRP $1600
Saffron Marigold Jaipuri Razai Quilt
The low loft quilts, known as Jaipuri razais, are handcrafted with a super-soft 100% cotton voile outer layer and high-grade surgical cotton batting. Cuddling up under one of these quilts feels like being cocooned in a cloud. Each quilt is an heirloom-quality piece, meticulously hand-quilted with block-printed front and back. Reversible and beautifully hand-printed on both sides, each quilt offers two stunning, unique looks.
Available at SaffronMarigold.com and Amazon. MSRP $300/Twin
Kenmore Stratus 24V 2-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum
Featuring a bagless, self-standing design with 45 minutes of runtime and two-speed control. With a swivel steering system, + an LED headlight, and an EasyCut nozzle, it keeps pet hair off your brush roll with the push of a button. The detachable hand vacuum weighs only 3 lbs. Three versatile accessory tools, including a long crevice tool, a dusting brush, and a 2-in-1 combination tool. Once you’ve finished cleaning, conveniently store and charge your vacuum on its own stand so it’s always ready.
Available on Amazon. MSRP $120
100% European Linen Long Sleeve Shirt
This shirt is the epitome of low-maintenance luxe. As a button-up, it's a classic wardrobe essential, but it is great to wear open as a spring/summer light layer. Made from 100% European flax, it is more sustainable and less resource-intensive to grow. Linen is the ultimate year-round fabric because it's breathable and naturally heat-regulating.
Available at Quince.com. MSRP $40
Classic Friendship Lamp
Touch your Friendship Lamp© and your loved one with the other lamp lights the same color as yours. Connect as many lamps together as you wish. Designed with Tiffany print acrylic lined with polished black acrylic, it has a weighted plastic base offering a sturdy structure. You can set a timer on the lamp illumination or choose when the light diminishes in brightness in 30 minutes, 1.5 hours, 8 hours, or 24 hours. All you need is Wi-Fi to connect easily.
Available at FriendshipLamps.com. MSRP $179/Set of 2
Twelve South Butterfly 2-in-1 USB-C MagSafe Charger
Charge your iPhone and Apple Watch with ButterFly, the world’s smallest 2-in-1 USB-C MagSafe charger. Similar in size to an AirPods Pro Case, just unfold this ultra-compact dual charger to reveal a MagSafe charger. It also morphs into a display stand that supports StandBy mode on iPhone or Nightstand mode on Apple Watch. ButterFly includes a 30W Power Adapter with four international Plug Adapters so you can stay charged anywhere in the world.
Available at TwelveSouth.com and Amazon. MSRP $55
So Yummy by Bella Portable To Go Blender
This blender covers you whether you're in the mood for smoothies, mixed drinks, or zesty dressings. It’s compact, lightweight, and cordless, perfect for taking on the go. You can create up to 30 delicious blends in the 16 oz BPA-free Tritan jar with a single USB charge. Its one-button operation simplifies the blending process, and the stainless steel blade effortlessly tackles ingredients. Cleanup is easy—the blending jar and lid are dishwasher safe.
Available at SoYummy.com and Target. MSRP $25
Matter Compostable Cutlery
Choosing compostable Matter products can significantly reduce the harmful effects of plastic on the earth. Matter products are made from plants and, if composted properly, return natural, plant-based nutrients back into the earth as they compost in 12 months or less, producing nutrient-rich soil. From cups, plates, bowls, straws and storage bags, they have the products that matter.
Availavle at MakeItMatter.com. Prices vary
Aera Mini Diffuser
Unlike traditional air fresheners, Aera's innovative technology releases ultra-tiny scent molecules, filling your small to medium-sized rooms with a clean and hypoallergenic aroma that won't fade over time. With adjustable settings from 1 to 5, you can customize the fragrance intensity to your preference. What's more, you can easily create schedules and control the device from your phone using the convenient app.
Available at AeraForHome.com. MSRP $95
Vornado STRATA Compact Oscillating Tower Fan
STRATA harvests the coolest air near the ground and draws it upwards – where you can actually enjoy it. A 90º or 180º of oscillation range creates a satisfying, sweeping panoramic airflow experience. On low speed, STRATA registers below 32db, making it quieter than a standard interior space. With a slim profile and only 18.4" tall, STRATA delivers more power than a traditional tower fan in half the size!
Available at Vornado.com and Amazon. MSRP $130
CuPiLo Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager with Heat
This shiatsu neck massager is perfect for college students looking to unwind after a long day of classes. The six massage heads simulate real human hands, easing neck and shoulder tension with kneading, pressing, and rolling motions. It quickly heats in just 10 seconds, so you can choose between two temperature settings to melt away stress. Its hands-free, ergonomic design makes it easy to use while studying in your dorm, lounging at home, or even on the go.
Available on Amazon. MSRP $50
Meadow Creature Lilac Short Pajamas
Offering luxurious comfort with an ultra-soft touch, these pajamas are perfect for warm summer nights. The tranquil design captures the essence of a calming spring day, making it ideal for bedtime relaxation. Practical details like an elastic waistband, tie, and pockets add convenience to the pajama bottoms. Elegant piping around the cuffs and legs adds a sophisticated touch to the loungewear. Made from 100% viscose, these pajamas are breathable and lightweight.
Available at FableEngland.com. MSRP $96
Ultimate Shave Travel Kit
Perfect for college or dorm life, the 3-in-1 Freestyler offers all-in-one grooming convenience. It acts as your personal barbershop, featuring an electric trimmer on one end and a Club Series 6 Blade razor with an edging blade on the other. Whether trimming for a clean look or edging for precision, this tool covers you. Plus, the kit includes all the shaving essentials in TSA-approved packaging, making it easy to maintain your style, whether on campus or traveling.
Available at DollarShaveClub.com. MSRP $65. Try the Ultimate Shave Starter Set for only $4.50!
LâMO Harrison Loafer
If you're looking for a super plush slipper with a classic loafer vibe, look no further than the Harrison. The exterior is constructed with rich and supple suede and has a timeless, handsome feel. Premium faux fur creates a pillow of pure comfort inside that keeps feet warm and cozy without overheating. The outsole is made of rubber, so these slippers will hold up just fine if you can't bear to take them off before going outside.
Available at LamoFootwear.com and Amazon. MSRP $50
Texere 100% Organic Cotton Diamond Jacquard Towel Set
These luxurious, premium towels are made from 700 GSM 100% Certified Organic Cotton loop terry. They are made with a low twist, which makes them dry more quickly. These bestselling towels have a solid-color diamond jacquard design that gives them a supreme, comforting texture, and a diagonal twill hem has been added to complement their spa-like aesthetic.
Available at FishersFinery.com. MSRP $82
Grab your FREE four-page doom room checklist below, then check out these eight essential tips for college moves on and off campus! Let us know what tips you have.
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