When looking for college dorm furniture, there are many different options available. Since most college dorms are small spaces, choosing pieces that are compact or have dual functions can be very beneficial in maximizing your space and comfort. It’s very important that you don’t choose too much, as it can cause the room to be cramped or seem even smaller than it already is.

Here are some tips for what to look for in college dorm furniture:

Affordability: Going to a university and living on campus certainly has many expenses. You may or may not stay in similiar rooms from year to year, which is why if you are looking to save money you may wish to set a budget so you do not go overboard. It makes the most sense to only purchase what you absolutely need. When you consider affordability and your budget, you may decide it is best to allot the majority of it for one or two key pieces rather than purchasing several at once.

Usability: Furniture should offer function in order to be practical. For example, a dresser can store clothing. Having furniture that does not do anything beyond adding decorative appeal may cause some storage issues or make a room seem over cluttered.

Dual Purpose: Finding items that offer two or more multiple uses can help greatly reduce both your costs as well as minimize clutter. For example, a storage trunk could be used for both storing blankets and sweaters as well as provide extra seating when you have visitors in your room.

Storage: Storage space is a premium in tight spaces, which is why you’ll want to think about what things you will bringing with you to college. (See our College Dorm Essentials Checklist for more ideas.)

Quality: You Will Want to make sure that the pieces you choose are of good quality so they can withstand your stay. While it may seem that more expensive items would be of better quality, this is not always the case. Better quality materials will give you a better investment in the long run, since you will not need to replace them and they are less likely to break or need repaired and maintenance.

Safety: Make sure that the objects are sturdy, can resist breaking or falling down easily, and do not require the need to be anchored to the walls. Safety is very important, since you do not want to worry about being hurt while you are living in your college dorm! We were quite disappointed for example to find out one dresser that we especially liked posed quite a hazard of toppling over if more than 1 drawer was open at a time and because of rules of the dormitory we could not securely anchor it into the walls as recommended by the manufacturer.

School Issued Pieces: Many schools and universities will provide the basics such as a bed, nightstand, desk, and dresser. Make sure you know in advance what they will provide, as you will likely be stuck with it whether you want it or not. There is no sense in purchasing things you do not need or if you will have to figure out a way to store it.

Now that you know what things to look for in choosing your college dorm furniture, here are some suggestions for things you might want to consider:

Shelving: A narrow and tall book shelf may be excellent for helping take advantage of vertical space and storing books or other things you will need.

Wardrobe: Closet space is often a premium in on campus living, so a free standing wardrobe might be suitable if you will need additional storage space for hanging up clothing and other items.

TV Stand: Most schools do not provide an entertainment unit or television stand, but it is rather likely you will want to have one for holding your TV. You can sometimes use a dresser or other furniture in your room, but a tv stand can also potentially serve as storage for DVDs and other items.

Bed: Most college dorms will provide you with a standard twin sized bed. However, if you need to provide your own you can either go with a simple frame and mattress or you may also be interested in a loft bed with desk which can give you more space for storage or studying.

Desk: If you are the type of person who needs a desk to study or hold a desk top computer, then a desk is also necessary if your school does not provide you with one. If you study better at the library or have a laptop, then you may find that a desk isn’t the best use of space in your room.

Kitchen Cart: A kitchen cart is a great piece of furniture if you need space for holding your microwave as well as food and other items such as plates, napkins, forks, and others.

Now that you know what to look for in your college dorm furniture and what basics you will need, you’re ready to start making decisions on what type is right for you!

Sharing a college dorm shower will take some adjustment to get used to for many, especially if you have been used to being able to shower when you want or not having to share facilities with others. Fortunately, it’s not as bad as many people anticipate and learning what to expect and following our tips will make it much easier for you to get used to.

The first concern that most people have is a lack of privacy. While it is true that sharing showers will take getting some used to and not all people are equally reserved or open about bathing with others, in general it is not so bad. Having a very large towel and bath robe will help you get used to the lack of privacy if you are concerned about it. You can also practice the art of undressing and dressing under a towel before you get to college to make seamless transitions from shower stall to your clothes.

The most frustrating thing about sharing showers with several other people is limited space and time. You will notice for the first few days that everyone will likely be trying to shower all at the same time, which could result in a lot of waiting or aggravation. After a few weeks though you’ll be able to create a routine where you’ll be able to get a decent shower in peace. You may need to wake up earlier than others or possibly wait until late at night or even shower around dinner time or in the afternoon. However, picking an “off time” and less busy time to get rinsed off will allow you a lot more freedom to take as long as you want and no one will be waiting and complaining.

Another thing you may want to consider is getting a mirror for your college dorm room, since sink space and mirror space can also be a precious commodity. This will allow you to put on make-up, style your hair, or shave without others trying to get the space or having to wait for someone who is hogging the mirror in the public rest room.

Most importantly, you’ll want to make sure you have packed all of the things you need for showering at school. Here is a simple list to get you started:

Bath Tote: Since you’ll have to carry all of your items to the bathroom you’ll want an easy to carry storage tote for all of your needs. One that can be carried into the shower and drain water or hang from a hook may be a great idea. You can see many of the different types available here. They come in many styles, suitable for both guys and girls.

Flip Flops: College dorm shower floors can be very slippery as well as a breeding ground for bacteria or other conditions, so wearing them while bathing is very important. Pick a pair that are comfortable, fit well, and can dry very quickly and easily.

Towels: You should have at the minimum 2-3 towels to use at school so they can dry between use and so you still have a back up when one needs washed. Large towels are best – you may even want to bring beach towels, since they will give you the most amount of privacy for dressing/undressing. Having a towel rack or hanging rod in your room is a good idea so you have a place to hang it so it can dry.

Soap, Toothbrush, and Other Supplies: Having enough soap, toothpaste, and other basic bathroom toiletries is very important. You should not share these items with other people, since it can be a good way to share and spread germs. Having a reserve supply or back up is a good idea so you do not run out.

Do you have any other tips or suggestions for surviving college dorm showers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

When it comes to choosing college dorm refrigerators, also known as the “mini fridge”, there are a lot of options and a lot of different features to consider. While it is perfectly possible to survive college without a mini fridge, it’s a great convenience for having basic supplies like milk, storing leftovers, and being able to store ice cold beverages as well.

Here are some questions to ask yourself before you start shopping for your college dorm refrigerator:

1. Will My Room Mate Be Sharing It With Me? Often times you and your room mate will be able to split the cost or compromise where one person buys the fridge, the other person buys the microwave for example. This is a huge help in saving on expenses, and you’ll both be glad that you have one. Most schools will notify you of who your room mate will be a few months in advance, so you’ll have plenty of time to try and track him or her down and see if they have any preferences or are willing to split the cost with you. It’s a good idea to check with your room mate also just so the two of you don’t show up on moving day with two refrigerators!

2. How Big Should it Be? Mini fridges come in all different kinds of sizes, and you’ll want to make sure that yours is large enough to hold the things you need, but not so big that it takes up valuable dorm room space as well. Carefully think about how much you’ll really be storing in there and what size you’ll need.

3. What Features Are Important to Me? There are many different features available, ranging from refrigerators with freezer compartments, ice machines, cold beverage racks, and more. If those features are important to you, then you’ll want to make sure the machine you choose has them. If you can go without some of the bells and whistles you may be able to save a lot of money when purchasing it.

4. Where Will I Get it From? There are so many different places to get a refrigerator. If you like to save money, you the first thing to do is look for a mini fridge on eBay for an inexpensive second hand one. Many stores and retailers will also have specials in the summer on mini fridges because they know that college students such as yourself will be needing one for the upcoming semester. Since you’ll probably have plenty of time to wait a week or less for shipping, getting one online at a site such as Amazon.com can make it much easier to find exactly what you are looking for and save a lot of money as well. (We’ve routinely found they are less expensive than many big box retail chain stores on many items, especially when the items are eligible for free shipping!) Another perk? They also have customer reviews, which can help you sort through the losers and the winners.

Now that you’ve asked yourself these very important questions, here are our top picks for college dorm refrigerators, based on price and features.

	Igloo Mini Fridge w/Freezer This mini fridge is compact at only 3.2 cubic feet, but offers separate freezer and refrigerator compartments, as well as room for an ice tray. Reasonably priced for under $200, it’s a strong contender for any college student. Learn More
	Sunpentown Compact Fridge This is one very compact refrigerator at 1.7 cubic feet that also includes a small freezer section for ice. It’s extremely economical and stainless steel finish and larger sizes are also available. Learn More
	Avanti Half Height Refrigerator This compact fridge boasts of full temperature control and self defrosting, which can be a headache saver. It also features door storage for soda cans and tall bottles. Learn More

We hope this college dorm refrigerators mini fridge buying guide has been useful to you and your roommate as you try and decide what type is best for you. Have any questions? Comments? Suggestions? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

This college dorm checklist will help you make sure you know exactly what college dorm essentials you need and what to bring to college with you. Planning for school and leaving home is an exciting time, and you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need, especially if you’ll be far away from family or friends.

Below is a detailed list of everything you should bring:

School Supplies
Bringing your own school supplies can help you save a lot of money rather than purchasing them at the on campus bookstore.

• Binders
• Notebooks
• Printer Paper
• Printer
• Printer Ink
• Pens
• Pencils
• Pencil Sharpener
• Colored Pencils
• Markers
• Folders
• Paper Clips
• Rubber Bands
• Scissors
• Highlighters
• Laptop/Computer and Supplies
• Tape
• Stapler and Staples

Cooking & Eating Needs
You’ll likely get hungry or thirsty while away at school and so having some basic supplies will make you much more comfortable, especially when the student dining halls are closed.

• Cups
• Mini/Portable Coffee Maker
• Coffee
• Sugar Packets
• Plates
• Silverware
• Dish Soap
• Can Opener
• Microwave
• Mini-Fridge

Clothing
With limited space you’ll want to make sure you don’t have too much clothing – but at the same time not enough can be a problem too! Here’s a good guideline on what to bring.

• Pants
• Shirts
• “Dress” outfits for job interviews, speeches, formal events
• Lots of socks & underwear
• Shoes
• Coat or Jacket
• Hat, Gloves, Scarves
• Sweaters and Sweatshirts
• Laundry Basket
• Laundry Detergent
• $60 in rolled quarters for laundromat

Toiletries
You’ll want to make sure you have everything you need at school as far as soap and other grooming supplies go.

• Soap
• Shampoo and Conditioner
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Sandals for Shower
• Bathroom necessities (toilet paper, etc.)
• Caddy for supplies if you’ll have shared bathrooms
• Several towels
• Wash Cloths
• Medications: pain relievers, cold medicine, prescriptions, etc.
• Contact/Lens Solution
• Nail Clippers
• Q-Tips
• Razor and Shaving Cream

Bedding, Furniture, and Room Necessities
Some college dorms supply the furniture, others you will need to bring your own. This basic list will help you prepare.

• 2 sets of sheets
• Pillows and pillowcases
• Comforter
• Throw Blanket
• Lamps
• Curtains/Shades
• Posters or Wall Decorations
• Area Rug
• Storage Boxes
• Sewing Kit
• Small Tool Set
• Alarm Clock
• Radio/Stereo
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Hangers
• Trash Bags and Trash Can
• Room Deoderizer/Disinfectant Spray
• Tissues
• Paper Towels
• Wipes
• Broom and/or Vacuum
• Fan

Before you move in, you may want to check with your room mate if you plan on having on to see what things you may be sharing, such as a refrigerator or microwave since this can help save money. You may also want to check with your room mate to see if they have any ideas for what they want for decorating. If possible, meeting with each other before you move in will not only give you some help in planning on what to bring to college, but it will also help you get to know one another better also so you won’t feel like complete strangers on the first day.

We think we’ve covered it all in our College Dorm essentials checklist, but if you have any suggestions, ideas, or anything we may have missed, please share your thoughts in the comments below.