Top 10 Dorm room must-haves for college freshmen

Aug 31, 2011 10:00 AM by Christine Bartsch

Posted in Home / Décor & Style / Bed and bath

Transform A Dorm
Into A Home

In all the excitement of starting college, freshmen often forget they are leaving behind all the comforts of home. No parents to do laundry or bug about homework, no 24/7 kitchen stocked with snacks, no privacy in cramped quarters - plus many freshmen are unprepared for sharing thinks like bathrooms and the common room television. But with the right accessories, a dorm room can convert into a comforting retreat from the craziness of college life.

(page 2 of 2)

Cuddly study throw

Sheets, pillows, towels, curtains -- you're going to need to bring all sort of linens, but a smaller, non-bed blanket is an absolute must that is often overlooked. This plush throw is cuddly-soft to keep you cozy all winter, yet still tough enough to spread out in the quad come summer.

Seen here: Softec throw blanket (Bed Bath & Beyond, $10)

Laundry hamper

Chances are you're only going to want to gather your dirty clothes together when you're ready to haul them to the laundry room, so a traditional plastic basket will just result in wasted space. We love this collapsible hamper because it can be easily tucked away in between laundry days.

Seen here: Collapsible laundry hamper (Target, $12)

Privacy curtain

Hang this baby by your desk, around your bed or in front of your door so you can study, sleep or party in semi-privacy. We love the narrow stripes of this string curtain because it's a crazy blend of '70s hippie vibe with a mod '60s look.

Seen here: Color Burst string door curtain (HippieShop, $30)

Floor cushions

Seating is limited even in the largest dorm rooms, so floor cushions are great options for accommodating crowds during all-night study sessions. We love these cute cushions for their durable corduroy and compact shape for easy storage.

Seen here: Corduroy floor pillow (Urban Outfitters, $39)

Shower caddy

For the next four years you can forget about the luxury of keeping all your bathroom toiletries in the bathroom. You'll definitely need a roomy tote to keep all your products in one place for easy carrying to and from the showers. We like the bright shades this carrier comes in -- plus the plastic is see-through enough to spot any product hiding on the bottom.

Seen here: Shower day/night caddy (Bed Bath & Beyond, $8)