College move-in survival kit: The genius gadgets, accessories and essentials that make dorm rooms cute and actually functional

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As thousands of students prepare to swap childhood bedrooms for tiny dorm rooms, one thing quickly becomes clear: space is limited, storage is almost nonexistent and the right purchases can make all the difference.

From clever organizers to cozy lighting and late-night study essentials, these are the items students swear by for creating a room that's both stylish and practical.

For the Bathroom... and the dreaded community shower 

We've all heard community shower horror stories - hair in the drain, food in the sink and everything in between. Aside from your favorite razor, soap, shampoo and conditioner, you'll need a shower caddy to keep everything together. 

Don't forget toothbrush, floss, toothpaste and deodorant as well. 

While they do sell shower shoes with holes at the bottom, they can cost between $6 and $20 for something you'll throw away next spring. 

The ultimate hack is Old Navy flip flops as shower shoes. They're cheap, so throwing them away isn't a huge deal, they come in so many colors and, if you're in a pinch, you can throw them on to walk around the dorm. 

You'll also need a towel or two, and Slowtide has the most adorable designs. The Gigi Bath Towel ($50) comes in a handful of colors, with 'rust' being perfect for that summer-to-fall transitional time. 

For your dorm sweet dorm room

Most dorm beds are 'Twin XL' size, meaning no matter how hard you try, the twin fitted sheet from home won't squeeze on there. Be sure to grab 'Twin XL' size sheets and pillows as well as a mattress protector so at least you can sleep easy on your used mattress.

If you're desperate to stay cool-yet-comfy while on campus, Brooklyn Bedding's CopperFlex Mattress Topper ($249) has added cooling technology to remove excess heat, which is a major win for those early September heatwaves. The same company offers Luxury Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow ($149) for an even better sleep.

To make it a bit more cozy, throw blankets are a must. Especially for cozy movie nights or impromptu sleepovers, it just makes a dorm that much more functional and cute.  

Comfrt's Dreamer Blanket ($100) has nothing but rave reviews from customers, most writing its 'super soft' and buttery. 

If you're not a fan of the 'big light,' a desk lamp comes in handy, especially if you're studying late and don't want to disturb your roommate - don't forget an extra light bulb. 

Typically extension cords are not allowed in dorms, but I've gotten lucky with power strips. Plus, it's nice to have the extra outlets at the ready. 

Command hooks and strips are helpful to have, but to be honest, the command strip didn't always stick to my cinder block walls. Maybe you'll get luckier - it really depends on the college. 

If the dorm room isn't air conditioned - and even if it is - a fan helps keep things fresh and cool. A tower fan is better for saving space in an already-cramped room and I'd also suggest a clip-on fan that you can move from your desk when you're working to your headboard when you're sleeping.

If your dorm isn't air conditioned, those first few days are brutal, which makes breathable pajamas a necessity. Maybe one 'nice' outfit in case of an emergency is important, but keep the closet minimalist to avoid a move-in headache. 

If you have extra space to bring a winter jacket, it's better to be prepared than not. Free Country's Brisk II Parka ($149) is an eco-friendly option made with recycled plastic bottles, complete with storm cuffs and center back lining, all designed to lock in heat and block out the chill.

To round out the laundry experience, hangers, laundry detergent and dryer sheets should also be added to the list. 

And for when you're too lazy to do laundry at the dorms, Vera Bradley's Large Original Duffel Bags ($70) are an absolute lifesaver. 

There's been so many times I brought junk home or brought snacks back and the duffel is malleable enough for whatever silly thing you can dream up. 

For keeping healthy while on campus  

When everyone is living and eating together, it's easy to germs to spread on a college campus. Having an immune support supplement like Airborne is great for killing the sickness before it starts. 

Especially when its hot out, Electrolit's Electrolytes Powder Packets ($8) are small and convenient, so you can throw them in a gym bag or keep in your dorm pantry.  

And for when the sickness inevitably hits, it's helpful to have a few over-the-counter medicines at the ready. I always had Advil and Tylenol in my backpack for easy access, but there are a few other essentials that always get buried until your roommate is desperate. 

I'd say Mucinex, Tums, Nyquil, Pepto Bismol and Neosporin are the basics, but some of my friends with severe allergies also brought Flonase, Claritin, Zyrtec and any prescription medication. If you're going to be wearing high heels, Welley bandages ($10) will come in handy. 

And to keep all of your medicine organized and accessible, I'd recommend a transparent bag like Stoney Clover's clear travel pouch ($38). It means less stress when you're really not in the mood to scrounge around for your last Pepto Bismol tablet. 

For your backpack 

For a chic hand sanitizer to slip in your bag, Noshinku's Refillable Hand Sanitizer Sprayer ($9) is hydrating and super slim, which is perfect for already crammed backpacks or tote bags.

To help you stay focused in the library or in a noisy dorm room, noise-canceling headphones are a lifesaver. Nothing Headphone (a) ($199) is, without a double, one of the coolest options available. They come in a bunch of colors, have a noise-canceling feature and feature full, rich sound at a low price point. 

The one thing everyone forget about but immediately needs is an umbrella. Keep a compact one in your backpack for emergencies - and to save space in your doom room. Our favorite is the Duckhead compact umbrellas ($45) that come in a bunch of bright colors.

As someone who bought a cheap portable charger and was later mooching off a friend when it didn't work, any electronic essential is worth shelling out extra money for something if you know it'll always work. 

Belkin's BoostCharge Plus Power Bank ($55) has extra cables, so you will always be the prepared friend. It's super slim, light and will keep an iPhone 11 running up to 31 additional hours. 

If a digital calendar or planner works for you, save the money and the space in your bookbag. If you're like me, if something it's written down it's immediately out of my brain. For someone really pinching pennies, I'd suggest printing out monthly calendar sheets on Google and just keeping it on your desk. 

If you can splurge for something quality and chic, the Laurel Denise Academic Year Planner ($55) is a great option. Naturally, you'll need pens, pencils, notebooks, a good graphing calculator, folders and your favorite backpack.

Keeping your coffee hot with the Hydro Flask's Travel Tumbler Mug ($35), which is dishwasher safe, spill resistant and durable enough to withstand a drop or two. 

For your pantry 

For those who haven't quite gotten into coffee yet, Storm energy drinks ($28 for a 12-pack) have 200mg of caffeine and zero sugar. What makes the new energy drink unique, however, is that its ingredients support metabolism, immunity and energy for 'life in motion.' 

For a different form of hydration, Real Coco's Organic Pure Coconut Water ($30 for a 6-pack) is organic, vegan and packed with electrolytes. It's a refreshing alternative to sugar-loaded sports drinks and perfect for keeping on hand in dorm fridges. 

Whether or not you'll have a dining plan, it's nice to keep some emergency snacks squirreled away - microwave popcorn, granola bars, Cup Noodles ramen, mac and cheese or whatever else you like to munch on. 

And to enjoy those late night snacks, bringing the iconic plastic bowls, plates and cups from Target is a must. They're microwave safe and super cheap, which means its fine if one mysteriously goes missing after Chinese food night. 

I brought disposable utensils collected from years of takeout orders, but retailers like Target and Walmart also offer packages of plastic forks, spoons and knives for cheap. A small container of dish soap and paper towels as a makeshift sponge completes the true college kitchen experience. 

Nice-to-Haves

There are a few add-ons that, admittedly, take up space but definitely upgrade the college experience - a white noise machine and an air purifier are two of the biggest ones. If you want to splash out, both are super useful. 

I kept a large Bath and Body Works hand sanitizer ($8) on my desk that everyone immediately gravitated towards. Because most dorms don't allow candles, Wallflower Fragrance Plug ($13) was an absolute lifesaver. I would switch out the scents based on the season - it kept me excited for crisp fall weather or the upcoming holiday break.

Keep a cosmetics bag with a nail clipper, hair ties and whatever other odds and ends you might need - a tweezer, contact lenses/solution, makeup. Throwing a hairbrush in there is a great idea, particularly one like TELETIES's Detangler Hair Brush ($17) that comes with a built-in mirror so you can also use it in a pinch while getting ready for class. 

If you need a new lip balm to test out, Poppy and Pout's offerings are all-natural, cruelty-free, eco-friendly and, perhaps most important, inexpensive. 

And if you're not exactly sure of the best makeup products to bring, Pacsun and Ulta's beauty essentials kits make it easy. They come in two forms, The Lip Statement Kit and The Glow Authority - both include a good mix of trusted makeup brands in a convenient pouch you can throw in your backpack.

I had friends who would fill their water bottles with filtered water from the dining hall, but it's just more convenient to have a Brita Water Pitcher ($20) - as long as you remember to change the filter halfway through the year.

To that end, having a refillable water bottle that you can fling around, like the standard stainless steel Hydro Flask ($40,) is great for carrying around the dorms or to class.

One of the trendiest cleansing products, Saint Crewe's Clean Beam Balmy Dream ($32) is a fun way to clean off dirt after a long day of classes. The container is small enough to keep in your shower cady, with the product coming out in a bouncy ribbon-esque shape.

To keep your clothes looking fresh, grab Chi's Compact Garment Steamer ($60) as an alternative to a bulky iron. 

I had a friend who would use a new perfume every time they entered a new stage of their life. As a new, warm and slightly woodsy offering, Ariana Grande's Cloud Aurora ($75) is now available at Sephora.

If you need a little extra help getting to class on time, or need to keep an eye on the clock during an exam, a wristwatch is a helpful accessory. 

G-Shock has super playful, analog-inspired options that are super customizable and durable.

Retailers like Target, Ikea or Walmart make their own versions of an ottoman with storage built in - pick your favorite! The added storage is a huge help, it also doubles as a makeshift chair, kitchen table, stepstool - you name it.

And of course, no college dorm experience would be the same without late night board games. Some play Cards Against Humanity others play Uno. My friends and I loved Scrabble ($45), especially when we were slap happy from being snowed in all day.