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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

TOP 20 SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS NOT TO MISS IN BANGKOK!

Bangkok is an exciting and diverse destination, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to luxury malls or vibrant street markets, the city’s mix of old and new is sure to keep you engaged. For first-time visitors, it’s important to be cautious with tuk-tuk drivers and to negotiate prices in markets. One of the best ways to get oriented in the city is to take a guided tour, which allows you to discover local sights with the help of a knowledgeable guide. Here’s a rewrite of your detailed guide on the top things to do in Bangkok:

WAT PHO

Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest temples, is famous for its grand reclining Buddha statue in gold. The temple’s intricate details and vibrant colors make it a must-visit in the city. Try to arrive early, around 8:00 AM, to avoid the crowds and enjoy the tranquility as the sun rises. This peaceful moment is truly magical and unforgettable.

THE GRAND PALACE

Home to Thailand’s most sacred site, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, dating back to 1782, is a must-see. Be prepared for a strict dress code: long pants or a maxi dress, no exposed shoulders or cleavage, and closed shoes. If you’re not properly dressed, you can rent appropriate attire for a small fee.

For a deeper dive, consider joining a Bangkok Temple Tour to explore the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and more local markets.

FLOATING MARKETS

While primarily geared towards tourists, the floating markets in Bangkok still offer a colorful and sensory-rich experience. Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa, and Khlong Lat Mayom are among the most popular. Here, you’ll find vibrant flowers, fresh fruits, and delicious traditional dishes.

CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET

Chatuchak is the largest market in Bangkok, featuring over 8,000 stalls. Over 200,000 visitors flock here every weekend, so arrive early to avoid the midday heat and crowds. It’s an adventure where you can shop to your heart’s content for unique finds at lower prices in the morning.

EXPLORE THE KHLONGS (CANALS)

For a more authentic Bangkok experience, take a boat ride through the khlongs (canals) to see stilted houses and old wooden townhouses. While river cruises are popular, a khlong tour gives you a glimpse into the daily life of local communities.

CHINATOWN

Chinatown in Bangkok is a food lover’s paradise, famous for its gold shops, vibrant fabric markets, and street food. Yaowarat Road is lined with gold vendors, and at night, the streets turn into a bustling food market. Be sure to try papaya salad and mango sticky rice.

ROOFTOP BARS

For stunning city views, visit one of Bangkok’s iconic rooftop bars. The Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower offers breathtaking views, made famous by the movie The Hangover II. If you’re feeling fancy, consider dining at Sirocco, the world’s highest rooftop restaurant.

ASIATIQUE THE RIVERFRONT

This open-air night market and shopping mall is perfect for a fun night out. With over 1,500 boutiques, 40 restaurants, and even a Ferris wheel, Asiatique offers something for everyone. Get there via boat for the quickest access.

KHAO SAN ROAD

A vibrant street catering to backpackers, Khao San Road is filled with budget accommodations, quirky bars, and street food vendors. Whether you’re sampling fried insects or grabbing a pizza, this chaotic yet fun strip is always buzzing.

STREET FOOD TOUR

Bangkok’s street food scene is legendary, and no trip is complete without sampling its diverse offerings. Join a small group food tour, led by a local chef, to explore hidden culinary gems in the backstreets of Old Bangkok.

WAT BEN (MARBLE TEMPLE)

Wat Ben is a stunning Buddhist temple known for its white marble imported from Italy. The clean, crisp contrast to the typical gold-and-orange temples makes it unique. Arrive early before visiting Wat Pho or the Grand Palace for a peaceful experience.

BANGKOK BIKE TOUR

Experience Bangkok on two wheels with a 4-hour bike tour through the city’s backroads, canals, and temples. Cycling allows you to explore a side of the city that you won’t see from the sky train or tuk-tuk.

PAK KLONG TALAD FLOWER MARKET

Pak Klong Talad is Bangkok’s largest flower market, open 24 hours. For the freshest blooms and a glimpse of local life, visit after midnight when boats bring in flowers. You’ll find far fewer tourists here, making it a hidden gem.

BANGKOK NATIONAL MUSEUM

Home to Thailand’s largest collection of historical artifacts, the Bangkok National Museum offers a fascinating look at the country’s rich heritage. Guided tours in English are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

UNICORN CAFÉ

For those who love all things pastel, glittery, and whimsical, the Unicorn Café is a must-see. The decor is dreamlike, and the food—think rainbow spaghetti and unicorn waffles—is fun and surprisingly delicious.

MAEKLONG RAILWAY MARKET

Just outside Bangkok, the Maeklong Railway Market is an exciting experience where vendors move their stalls off the tracks every time a train passes through. The market comes to life again moments after the train passes by.

WAT ARUN (TEMPLE OF DAWN)

Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is best viewed at sunset when the temple lights up. Hop on a shuttle boat across the river for just a small fee, and relax at Arun Residence while waiting for the perfect sunset view.

COOKING CLASS

If you’re a fan of Thai cuisine, take a cooking class where you’ll learn how to make traditional dishes. Visit a local market to gather ingredients, then cook a multi-course meal in a fully-equipped kitchen.

LUMPINI PARK

Lumpini Park is an urban oasis where you can enjoy a relaxing picnic, rent paddleboats, or join a free aerobic class at sunset. It’s the perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

GO SHOPPING

Bangkok is a shopping paradise, offering everything from street markets to luxury malls. Central World and Siam Center are among the best shopping destinations in the city, with a wide range of shops and boutiques to explore.

CONCLUSION

This city is a vast cultural hub filled with stunning landmarks and unforgettable experiences, from markets to temples and rooftop views. Whether you’re looking for history, adventure, or relaxation, Bangkok offers something for every type of traveler.