Hi!!! My name is Kaylor Cumbee, and I’m going into my junior year at Georgia Southern University majoring in Marketing! Personally, moving six hours away from home, and living on my own… I wanted my dorm to feel like home! I have experienced the best and worst with dorms, apartments, and houses! These last few years have allowed me to really discover the dorm room essentials I couldn't have lived without, and the ones that I continued to use even after I moved out of my college dorm room! 

Dorm Room Essentials:

1.Mattress Topper 

I cannot stress this enough!!! This has to be my number one! Every! Single! Time!!!! No matter what dorm or apartment you’re in, I guarantee you will want a mattress pad/topper! I would invest in a good one, but Amazon and Target have great options! 

2. Sound Machine

I didn’t go into college with a sound machine, but after a few weeks my family bought me one.. And when I say, it is A GAME CHANGER!!! I had sooo many problems sleeping when I first moved, and this was such a simple fix! My family got one from Amazon!! 

3. Box Fan

This also goes with my sound machine, to help you sleep!! Dorms are full of noise, and when you just want to cancel it out and relax — A box fan is the way to go!!! My roommates would also use them if they were hot and such!! I just went to my college Walmart and got one! 

4. Black-Out Curtains

Someone tell me why I never knew about these until college — and they have changed my life!!! Perfect for those after-class, mid-day naps! Also, my dorm had random lights around the window, so it helped block those out!! I ordered mine from Target! A little tip — most black-out curtains aren’t the cutest, so I added my own curtains over them! 

5. Large Water Bottle

You NEED NEED NEED!!! A Stanley, hydro jug, etc! They are the best investment, because you know you need to stay hydrated! But college is also so crazy, moving and getting into a routine — You need a good large water bottle to carry around! 

6. A GOOD Powerstrip

Obviously, you know you need power strips! But I would recommend spending the extra money and buying the powerstrips that have multiple usb ports and different types of ports! I never use my tiny power strips anymore!!! 

7. Small/Cheap Vacuum

Nobody wants a dirty dorm, but nobody wants to spend $200+ on a vacuum!!! I personally went to my college town Walmart and found a little detachable vacuum for $20! I have had this for 3 years now and it’s still amazing!!! It does the job and super easy and convenient! 

8. Wax Melter

Most dorms don’t allow candles, and I looove candles! But I never had a wax melter until college — and now I have three!!! I love how easy these are and love how much use I get out of the wax!!! I got mine from Tyler Candle Company!!! (Diva, ofc!)

9. Air Purifier 

THIS!!!!! My mom got an air purifier for my room a couple weeks after I moved, and when I say that I immediately could tell the difference — Dorms aren’t the cleanest! You want to feel as comfortable as possible! Invest in a good one, and just replace filters! I have had an Amazon one for two years now and still use it everyday! 

10. Robe - Towel Wrap

Thankfully, I had my own room/bathroom… But some dorms don’t! I would recommend a nice robe/towel wrap to put on! I know this seems like it is not an “essential”, but I seriously wear mine ALL the time! I couldn’t imagine not having one! 

I hope my advice helps you feel at home in your dorm room! Moving is definitely a challenge but I hope this list helps! And remember — It’s not supposed to stress you out, it should be fun decorating your college dorm room! Have fun!! 

With love, 

Kaylor Cumbee Fall ‘21