16 must-have items for a comfortable return to school in your dorm room

Our list of dorm room essentials for university students in the Fall will transform your small room into a functional and comfortable space. Whether you're a first-year or an upperclassman, our picks will help you maximize your space and make it more livable. From furniture and bedding to fun decor and smart storage solutions, these items are must-haves for any student.

This desk organizer, with four built-in trays, a file organizer rack, two pen holders, and a sliding drawer, can help you keep your desk tidy and free up more space. It's available for purchase at Walmart.

Original price $23.99

This Oxford fabric shower caddy, available for under $12 on Amazon, is an excellent option for transporting personal items to and from your dorm room. A similar shower caddy can be found at Walmart.

Original price: $34.99

Storing clothing in a designated space frees up room in a college dorm. The VENO 4-Pack Moving Bags Plastic Storage Totes, available for $20.99 on Amazon, are a secure option for storing items. Additionally, this 2-pack of storage bags can be purchased at Walmart.

Adding a topper like the Bedsure Twin XL Mattress Pad - Soft Mattress Topper for College Dorm, which costs $30 on Amazon, can significantly improve the comfort of dorm room mattresses. The top and bottom zones feature a softer, wavy design for enhanced relaxation, while the honeycomb-shaped middle quilting provides evenly distributed support that disperses the body's pressure. Dormify's gel mattress topper also keeps you cool and relieves pressure when lying down.

This Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum is on sale for $34 at Amazon and is easy to use and store. It delivers impressive suction power and can also be purchased from Bissell.

Original price: $21.99

Having limited wall sockets can be frustrating, but this Flat Plug Surge Protector Power Strip on sale for $19.99 at Amazon solves the problem by turning one socket into four AC outlets and three USB ports. Its compact design allows it to fit in tight spaces and hide behind furniture, making it a great option for any room. You can also find a similar surge protector with the same features at Walmart.

Consider purchasing a comforter set specifically for your dorm room, with neutral colors to match any decor and easy storage. The Bedsure Extra Long Twin XL Comforter Set includes a mattress protector, bedside caddy, laundry bag, and eye mask, all of which are essential for a comfortable sleeping space. You can purchase this 14-piece bundle from Bedsure.

Original price: $32.99

Don't forget to bring a lamp, like this LED Desk Lamp with four USB Charging Ports and two AC Outlets, on sale for just over $26 at Amazon, to complete the perfect study area. Buy this gooseneck desk lamp at Walmart to easily adjust the lamp head to direct light where you need it.

Elevate your student's cooking skills with the Dezin Hot Pot Electric Upgraded, Non-Stick Sauté Pan, available for under $38 on Amazon. Ideal for preparing ramen or oatmeal, this cooker is also available at Walmart.

Original price: $18.99

This laundry bag with shoulder straps and a mesh pocket is large enough to hold two to three loads of laundry. The front mesh pocket is big enough to carry detergent and fabric softener. Walmart's Mainstays heavy-duty laundry bag is made of durable polyester mesh material, which allows the bag to breathe and keeps dampness and odors at bay.

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Original price: $24.99

Despite having a meal plan, late-night studying may lead to snacking. This affordable set of plastic plates and bowls from Amazon, priced under $20, is perfect for serving dorm room meals. This five-piece dinnerware set from Walmart includes a cereal bowl, a larger plate, a glass, a fork, and a spoon.

Original price: $130

The Novogratz Beverly over-the-bed storage for twin and XL twin beds, currently on sale for under $60 at Walmart, is a smart storage solution and space-saving option. You can purchase the same storage shelves at Amazon.

Original price $69.99

This LVSOMT full-length mirror is a great option for your living space, and it's available for under $10 at Walmart. It's a budget-friendly option that will fit in any space, making it a great choice for students who may need to move frequently.

This large triangle wedge pillow is perfect for students who study in bed, as it is ergonomically designed to support the natural bending of the back and provide maximum comfort. Alternatively, the Rainha Cushion Tufted College Headboard, priced at around $100 at Walmart, offers two sets of straps to attach it to your bed frame or four loops to hang it on the wall.

The Homedics Total Comfort Ultrasonic Humidifier, priced under $90 at Walmart, disperses water into a fine mist that evenly fills the air with the right amount of moisture for any large bedroom. Additionally, you can use it to diffuse your favorite essential oil. It's also available on Amazon.

Original price:$154.99

This compact refrigerator with a freezer is perfect for stocking up on comfort foods and keeping them in your room. It has seven temperature settings and a low noise level, making it an ideal choice for students. With a retro look and on sale for around $180 at Home Depot, this mini fridge is a great option for anyone looking for a stylish and functional addition to their living space.