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20 DORM ROOM ESSENTIALS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Heading off to college is such an exciting milestone, and preparing for dorm life is all part of the adventure. I still remember how much fun it was to gather everything I needed to create a space that felt truly my own—it was like the first real step into independence.

For freshmen ready to transform their dorm into a cozy retreat or returning students looking to refresh their setup, having the right essentials makes all the difference. From practical must-haves that bring comfort and convenience to little luxuries that elevate the everyday, creating a functional and inviting space lays the foundation for an unforgettable college experience.

BED SHEETS

Comfortable and easy-to-care-for bed sheets are essential for dorm living. Opt for soft, breathable materials like cotton or microfiber. Make sure to select twin XL sheets to fit most dorm mattresses.

Examples:

  • Amazon Basics Lightweight Microfiber 3-Piece Bed Sheet Set, Twin XL, Blush Pink
  • Linen Market Ultra-Soft & Cooling 3-Piece Twin Bedding Sheet Set, Light Blue Floral

PILLOWS

A quality pillow ensures restful sleep. Choose one based on your sleeping style—side, back, or stomach. Memory foam or down alternatives are versatile and popular choices.

Examples:

  • HIMOON Bed Pillows for Sleeping, Cooling, Set of 2
  • Amazon Basics Down Alternative Pillow, Soft Density, Pack of 2

PILLOWCASES

Pillowcases protect your pillows while adding a decorative touch. Match them to your sheets or mix and match for a pop of color.

Examples:

  • FLXXIE Microfiber Pillowcases, Wrinkle-Resistant, 20×30, Blush Pink
  • FLXXIE 6-Pack Microfiber Pillowcases, Ultra-Soft, 20×30, White

DUVET SET

A duvet set transforms your bed and keeps it cozy. Look for one that includes a removable, washable cover for easy cleaning.

Examples:

  • BELADOR All-Season Down Alternative Duvet Insert, Twin
  • DOWNCOOL Lightweight Pink Comforter, Twin Size

AREA RUG

An area rug adds warmth and style to your dorm. Go for durable, easy-to-clean options with a low pile for high-traffic areas.

Examples:

  • SAFAVIEH Moroccan Tassel Shag Area Rug, Ivory & Beige
  • Fortsea Washable Non-Slip Area Rug, 5×7, Vintage Design

HEADBOARD

A headboard enhances your bed’s look and provides back support. Choose one that’s both stylish and functional.

Examples:

  • Modway Annabel Velvet Tufted Twin Headboard, Pink
  • Modway Emily Upholstered Twin Headboard, Ivory

THROW BLANKET

A throw blanket is perfect for added warmth and decor. Look for soft, lightweight designs that are easy to care for.

Examples:

  • NEWCOSPLAY Silky Flannel Fleece Blanket, Ivory Checkered
  • FY FIBER HOUSE Fuzzy Throw Blanket, Beige Heart Checkered

NIGHTSTAND

A nightstand keeps essentials like a phone, lamp, and books within reach. Choose compact designs with storage features.

Examples:

  • Huuger Nightstand with Charging Station and Fabric Drawers
  • Yoobure Modern Nightstand with Open Storage Shelf

DESK LAMP

An adjustable desk lamp is a must for late-night studying. Look for features like brightness levels and eye-caring light.

Examples:

  • Vicsoon LED Desk Lamp with Wireless Charger, Pink
  • DEEPLITE LED Desk Lamp with Touch Control, White

LAUNDRY BASKET/BAG

A sturdy, portable laundry basket or bag makes trips to the laundry room hassle-free. Collapsible designs are great for saving space.

Examples:

  • Simple Houseware Double Laundry Hamper with Removable Bags
  • 75L Tall Laundry Hamper with Handles, Waterproof

UNDER-BED STORAGE

Maximize dorm space with under-bed storage containers for clothing, shoes, or seasonal items. Containers with wheels are extra convenient.

Examples:

  • Rubbermaid 68-Quart Rolling Under-Bed Storage Box
  • PHINOX Under-Bed Storage with Wheels, 2-Pack

STORAGE OTTOMAN

A storage ottoman doubles as a seat, footrest, and hidden storage for books or electronics. Select one that fits your dorm decor.

Examples:

  • Amazon Basics Tufted Storage Ottoman, Burlap Beige
  • SONGMICS Velvet Foldable Storage Bench with Extra Compartments

CLOSET ORGANIZERS

Maximize your dorm closet with hanging organizers for clothes, shoes, and accessories. Compact designs help keep things neat.

Examples:

  • Simple Houseware 6-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer, Grey
  • MAX Houser Hanging Shoe Organizer with Pockets, Beige

SHOWER CADDY

A portable shower caddy is essential for keeping your toiletries organized during dorm bathroom trips.

Examples:

  • Attmu Mesh Shower Caddy Tote with 8 Pockets
  • Casabella Plastic Shower Tote with Drainage Holes

BATH TOWELS

Invest in soft, quick-drying bath towels for daily use. Microfiber options save space and dry faster than cotton.

Examples:

  • JML Microfiber Quick-Dry Bath Towels, 2-Pack
  • Amazon Basics Quick-Dry Cotton Bath Towels, White, Set of 4

DESK ORGANIZER

Stay productive with a desk organizer to store pens, notebooks, and other essentials. Compact designs help reduce clutter.

Examples:

  • SimpleHouseware Mesh Desk Organizer with Drawer
  • Marbrasse Rotating Desk Organizer with Compartments

EXTENSION CORD WITH USB PORTS

Keep your devices charged and accessible with an extension cord featuring USB ports. A must-have for dorm life!

Examples:

  • Anker PowerExtend USB-C Power Strip with Surge Protection
  • Belkin Surge Protector Power Strip with USB Ports, 6 Outlets

MIRROR

A full-length or over-the-door mirror is great for getting ready in the morning and making your space feel larger.

Examples:

  • NeuType Full-Length Mirror with Aluminum Frame, Gold
  • Mkono Over-The-Door Mirror with Hooks, Black

WALL DECOR

Personalize your dorm with posters, tapestries, or string lights to make it feel cozy and inviting.

Examples:

  • Mkono Hanging Photo Display with Lights, Wooden
  • Lush Decor Bohemian Mandala Tapestry, Blue

INSULATED WATER BOTTLE

Stay hydrated throughout your busy day with a durable, insulated water bottle that keeps drinks hot or cold.

Examples:

  • Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Water Bottle with Straw Lid, 32 oz
  • Contigo Autoseal Chill Stainless Steel Water Bottle, 24 oz

DIY BATH SALTS RECIPES

Learn How to Make DIY Bath Salts: A Simple Recipe for Relaxation and Gifting

Indulge in a luxurious spa experience at home with this easy DIY bath salts recipe. Whether you prefer to add your favorite essential oils or leave them out, making homemade bath salts is quick and simple. Plus, they make a thoughtful, personalized gift!

Making bath salts is incredibly simple, so much so that I skipped the step-by-step photos! All you need to do is combine the ingredients in a bowl, stir well, and transfer the mixture into jars.

If you prefer to make bath salts without essential oils, just omit them from the recipe. You’ll still enjoy the soothing benefits of Epsom salt and a relaxing spa experience. Adding colorant is an easy way to make your bath salts look even more luxurious!

COLORING

When adding color to your bath salts, make sure to use only food-grade colorant. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and what you apply to it can be absorbed faster than the food you eat!

I personally recommend India Tree Colorant for its high quality. Just be sure to choose a reputable, food-grade colorant to ensure your bath salts are both safe and beautiful.

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Learn how to make DIY Bath Salts using this bath salts recipe. You can enjoy the luxury of a spa treatment at home or give it as a gift. Homemade baths salts are easy peasy! And, they can be made with the essential oils of your choice, or without essential oils.

Closeup of homemade bath salts on a wooden spoon in pink, blue and yellow.
Learning how to make bath salts is really very simple. In fact, it is so simple that I have skipped the photos showing the process. All you do is put the ingredients in a bowl, stir to mix well and put the bath salts into jars.

Making homemade bath salts without essential oils is easy – just leave them out and follow the recipe. You will still have all the benefits of Epsom salt with a relaxing spa experience. Using the colorant also adds a bit of fanciness to them.

COLORING
Be sure to use only food grad colorant. Remember, your skin is the largest organ in your body. What you put on your skin can be absorbed quicker than the food you eat!

I like to use India Tree Colorant because of its quality. Just be sure to use a good quality, food grade colorant.

CONTAINERS

I love using cute jars to store my homemade bath salts, but mason jars work just as well! You can get creative by wrapping them up or adding a ribbon around the jar for a cute, personalized touch. It’s an easy way to elevate your bath salts, whether you’re keeping them for yourself or gifting them to someone special.

TIPS

Get creative by experimenting with different essential oils and blends to make your bath salts unique! Want to add color? Soap colorants work perfectly and won’t stain your skin or tub.

These bath salts make fantastic gifts and can be placed in a variety of jars for a personalized touch. Don’t forget to add a cute printable gift tag for that extra special detail when giving them as a gift!

Here’s the ingredients you’ll want to incorporate:

EPSOM SALT

Epsom salt isn’t actually a salt—it’s magnesium sulfate, a compound that offers a variety of health benefits. It can be used as a laxative (commonly in gallbladder cleanses or to help pass kidney stones), but it’s also great for detoxifying your body and enjoying the health benefits of magnesium in your bath.

Magnesium is easily absorbed through the skin, making a bath with Epsom salt a fantastic way to reap its benefits. Some of these include:

  • Stress relief
  • Detoxification
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Improved nutrient absorption

BAKING SODA

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is the same ingredient used in baking, and like Epsom salt, it helps remove toxins from your body. Some of the benefits of adding baking soda to your bath include:

  • Detoxification
  • Helping to alkalize your body
  • Softening skin
  • Leaving your skin with a silky, smooth feel

ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils offer a wide range of benefits for your body, with each oil providing its own unique properties. For example:

  • Lavender is perfect before bed to help you relax and unwind.
  • Citrus oils are energizing and invigorating, helping to boost your mood and refresh your mind and body.
  • Eucalyptus is great for when you’re not feeling well or think a cold is coming on, as it helps clear your sinuses and promotes respiratory health.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to combining different essential oils to create the perfect blend for your bath!

EXTRAS

Spices like ginger and cinnamon make wonderful additions to your bath salts, adding both warmth and a pleasant scent. For extra moisturizing, you can also add oils like coconut, jojoba, almond, or argan—just 1 tablespoon is enough to enhance the nourishing benefits.

Sea salt is another great ingredient to consider. It contains about 21 minerals that naturally occur in our bodies, such as potassium, sodium, and bromides, which are depleted throughout the day. Adding ¼ cup of sea salt to your bath salts recipe helps replenish these essential minerals, detoxify, and cleanse your body.

CAN I LEAVE OUT THE BAKING SODA?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use baking soda, feel free to leave it out. You will still have a wonderful bath salt that provides a luxurious and relaxing bath experience. Each ingredient adds its own benefits, so it’s completely customizable to suit your preferences!

RECIPE

DIY Bath Salts Recipe
Makes 12 ounces

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Epsom salt
  • ½ cup baking soda
  • 5-10 drops essential oil
  • Colorant of choice (add a couple of drops and mix until the desired color is reached)
  • Optional:
  • 1 tablespoon oil of choice (coconut, jojoba, almond, argan)
  • 1-2 tablespoons dried spices (like cinnamon or ginger)
  • ¼ cup sea salt

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl, stirring well to ensure the baking soda and essential oils are thoroughly mixed.
  2. Divide the mixture into jars as desired.
  3. Use immediately or store in an airtight container.

To Use:
Add ¼ to ½ cup per bath for a relaxing soak.

This bath salts recipe is not only easy to make but also makes great gifts! If you’re looking for more DIY beauty ideas, check out my Sugar Scrub, Whipped Body Butter, and Homemade Sunscreen recipes for more self-care goodness.

CONCLUSION

Making your own DIY bath salts is simple, customizable, and a great way to indulge in a luxurious spa experience at home. With a few basic ingredients like Epsom salt, baking soda, and your choice of essential oils or colorants, you can create the perfect bath soak for relaxation, detoxification, and skin benefits. Optional additions like oils, spices, and sea salt can enhance the experience further. Whether you’re using it for yourself or gifting it to someone special, homemade bath salts are a thoughtful and easy way to enjoy a spa-like treatment anytime.