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18 Of The Best Budget-Friendly Dorm Essentials For Anyone Starting University In 2025

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(Amazon)

Turn a bare-bones dorm room into a practical and personal living space with these affordable finds.

Moving into the dorms is one of those exciting milestones that marks the start of a whole new chapter. For many students, it’s the first time living away from home, surrounded by peers, and having a space that’s truly your own, even if it comes with cinderblock walls and twin XL beds. It’s a rite of passage filled with late-night hangouts, new routines, and the thrill of independence.

Of course, dorm living also comes with its quirks: limited square footage, shared amenities, and rules about what you can and can’t do to your room. That doesn’t mean you can’t make it feel cozy and personal, though. With smart storage solutions, renter-friendly decor, and little comforts like better bedding or lighting, you can turn even the most basic dorm into a space that feels welcoming and uniquely yours.

Here are a few dorm must-haves worth adding to your cart:

Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes.