If you’re looking for a footlocker storage trunk, you’re going to love our finds below:

Collegiate 30″ Footlocker

This 30″ storage trunk from Dormco is by far one of the best values we have found online, and you get three nice color options to choose from: black, navy, and pink. Best of all, it has wheels! (They can be quite heavy once filled!) It also locks, which means no worries about room mates or visitors disturbing the contents inside. And even better than that – the price – this is the only locking trunk with wheels that we found online for less than $80. When you think about how much use you can get out of a trunk like this, it is really quite a value. You can use it as a coffee table, a bench, a place to store those sweaters and coats or books – if you bought those pieces separately not only would it cost three times as much or more – but it would take up a lot of space! At 30″ long, it’s big enough to hold things, but not too big that it will crowd your style. Click Here for The Collegiate Footlocker Trunk.

Stainless Steel College Dorm Trunk

Made of stainless steel, you can be pretty confident that this trunk is one that can withstand the test of time in college, as well as the use and abuse it will likely get. While it’s a little more expensive and doesn’t offer the wheels, this is definitely a piece that can compliment just about any style. Available from Dormco.com

Wicker Woven Trunk

If you want your room to have an upscale and adult look, the Redmon Designer Antiquated Trunk does exactly just that. While it may be missing some handy features like wheels or a locking latch, it certainly will look good in any room. Available in four color styles (cream, sage green, mocha, and nutmeg). From Amazon.com.

Whether you’re looking for the classic collegiate storage dorm trunks or want the durable and statement making stainless steel college dorm storage trunk, there’s one available out there to fit any budget and style. Which one is your favorite dorm room storage footlocker? Tell us in the comments section below!

Below are some ideas for different things you can use as chairs and seating for decorating your room:

The Classic Bean Bag:

Bean bags are great for two reasons: 1, they are very comfortable to sit in and 2, they are easy to store and don’t take up a lot of space. You can get them in a wide variety of colors and styles and fabrics. Some are made of vinyl, others leather. You can get them also in plush designs as well. Probably one of the best things about these is that they come in many pattern options as well, so they make it very easy to coordinate with the other furnishings that you will have. From polka dots to stripes to solid and bold colors, you’ll be sure to find something that appeals to you and your room mates as well. See More…

Folding Stools

A folding stool can be a great alternative to your typical seating and is a wonderful idea if you are short on space. Not only do they provide a place to sit up off the floor when in use, but they can easily be packed away when not in use or if more floor space is needed. You could easily fit it into your closet or under the bed when you and or your friends are not sitting on it or using it! They come in a wide variety of styles, from classic colors such as black or wood to more contemporary metal types made of steel or aluminum. See More…

Butterfly Chairs

We Love these butterfly chairs not only for their unique design and style but also the comfort they can provide. From fun to serious, they all make for an excellent place to sit and lounge while watching television or a movie or while sitting and reading your textbooks and studying for the next exam. From leopard print to bright yellow to simple black or gray, you’ll be sure to find a style and design that suits your needs if you decide to go with a butterfly chair in your dorm room design project. See All

Do you have college dorm chairs that you love in their design or practicality? Tell us about them in the comments below.

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.

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.