Prime Day Is for Discounted Dorm Shopping

After interviewing dozens and dozens of college students about their dorm essentials, I’ve found that one thing usually remains true no matter what campus they’ve matriculated at: The dorm-issued mattresses are remarkably uncomfortable. You’ll want to make it cushier with a memory-foam mattress topper like this one, which stands out for its comfort, convenience, and price.

Grab a mattress protector to keep the mattress topper from sliding off and to protect both from inevitable spill(s).

Contrary to popular belief, a mattress cover doesn’t actually prevent bedbug infestations. If you’d like to have a strong barrier against bed bugs, I recommend getting this zippered protector — it blocks bed bugs from getting into your mattress and mattress topper.

Most dorm mattresses are a twin XL, so you’ll probably need to buy some sheets that’ll actually fit your new mattress. (Though you should still double-check with your school about the mattresses they issue.) When one of our writers discovered these sheets, she says they were so soft that she was surprised they weren’t cotton.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, these bamboo sheets are a great option, too. They’re breathable, lightweight, and moisture-wicking.

A silk pillowcase is a little luxury that also cuts down on frizz, preserves hairstyles, and avoids split ends.

Weighted blankets are a nice finishing touch for students who are anxious about settling into their new space. The added weight can help reduce anxiety and promote feelings of relaxation, according to a certified sleep-science coach we chatted with.

Of course, your old pillow will do, but it’s always nice to upgrade. (This pillow, which comes in a pack of two, is our favorite affordable one.)

Though if you’re feeling like splurging on your bed setup, I recommend this pillow, which is our sleep writer’s favorite out of the dozens she’s slept on. (And FWIW, it has ruined all other pillows for me.)

Sleep masks are especially important if you’ll be sharing a room with a night owl. One college student told me that whenever she pops this weighted mask on, “I’ll sleep like a baby.”

This is the best blackout sleep mask I’ve ever tested (and I wrote our guide to sleep masks).

Here’s another blackout mask that’s even more affordable.

These will look right in place in your dorm-tour TikTok.

Consider these Law Roach-approved sweatpants your new dorm uniform.

Dorm storage varies by college (and even by dorm), but the general theme is there’s never enough. To make the most of your limited storage space, you’ll want to get some drawer organizers like these.

Some storage bins are ideal for keeping snacks, beauty products, and school supplies nice and tidy.

I’m team vacuum storage bag when it comes to storing out-of-season clothing.

You’ll need to get accustomed to effectively schlepping groceries and laundry to and from your dorm, but this trendy bag should make it easier.

Colloquially called an “Ikea bag,” many of these storage bags are actually from Amazon, and you’ll be happy to have them on moving days.

If you’re going for a cottagecore aesthetic, these fairy lights will feel right in place.

These LED light strips make walking by a dorm building feel like a light show.

Here’s a Strategist-recommended desk lamp for the late-night study sessions in your future.

Most college-aged girls I’ve chatted with have told me they can’t live without a vanity on their desk. (After all, most freshmen bathrooms are communal.)

If you’ve been debating about upgrading to the AirPods Pro, which are noise-canceling, now’s your chance to grab them on sale.

If you prefer over-the-ear headphones, go for these, which are equally handy for listening to music as they are for drowning out, say, a noisy roommate.

Try these sleep earplugs, which fit snugly — without feeling pressurized or tight — if you’re a light sleeper.

While something you’ll technically use outside the dorm, a portable charger is integral to keeping your devices charged all day long.

This small but mighty portable speaker will come in handy for playing music anywhere on campus.

Considering you’re going to have to have an alarm no matter what, a sunrise alarm clock is less obnoxious to roommates than your iPhone’s alarm. “If my roommate had this alarm going off, I would not be mad,” one student told me.

Since candles aren’t usually allowed in dorms, an essential-oil diffuser is an easy way to keep your room smelling fresh.

Though if you’d rather not add more scents to the space, this mini air purifier can neutralize smoke and pet odors (among the others that emerge on college campuses).

If you’re moving into a dorm without air-conditioning, you’ll need a fan to maintain a healthy breeze. In the couple of months that I’ve been testing this one, I’ve found that it’s one of the strongest and most customizable fans I’ve ever used (and I write our guide to floor fans).

This one is nice, too, if you’re short on space.

Even though I graduated last year, this is still the only thing I own for ironing my clothes.

A steamer is another way to keep your clothing pristine for internship interviews and important presentations. This one is our favorite.

Perhaps most commonly associated with college campuses, a Brita filter seems almost as necessary as one of those plush mattress toppers (at least in the eyes of college students).

You’ll want to check with your school about what’s permitted in your dorm, but a microwave will come in handy if you want to warm up heat packs, pop popcorn, and cook college staples like macaroni and cheese and ramen.

While not a necessity, a personal blender is perfect for whipping up smoothies in a pinch.

Brew your coffee from anywhere (with access to hot water) with a nifty AeroPress.

For those dreaming of creating a dorm coffee station, this discounted Nespresso can be the first piece.

And finally, some fancy ramen (to make those dorm meals feel more special).

Dust and dorms go hand in hand. This three-pack of all-purpose cleaner should help clean all those miscellaneous surfaces you never knew could get so dirty.

If your room is too small to hold a vacuum, a handheld will do just fine.

Throw one of these in all your bags, and you’ll be prepared for all those mysterious liquids you’ll encounter on campus.

To prevent your toothbrush from grazing any of those highly trafficked communal-bathroom surfaces.

Shower shoes or on-trend flip flops? We may never know.

The laundry backpack is ideal for those with a long trek to the laundry room.

As for those who prioritize structure, try this laundry basket that has a removable inner bag.

Dorm laundry can be fussy, but it’s best to be prepared with some laundry detergent.