12 last-minute dorm room essentials for savvy students

Make dorm life cozy by adding personal touches to your room. (iStock)

Now is the time to grab some last-minute, dorm-room deals as college move-in day approaches. We’ve compiled a list of last-minute dorm room essentials for students headed to university in the Fall. Whether you’re an incoming first-year student or an upperclassman, our picks will maximize your space in your small room and make it more comfortable. From small kitchen appliances in vibrant colors to practical shower caddies, these last-minute additions are what you need to set up your new home away from home.

Mesh Shower Caddy: on sale for $11.99

Original price $23.99

Transport what you need with this shower caddy. (Amazon)

This portable Mesh Shower Caddy, on sale for less than $12 at Amazon, is the perfect way to transport your personal belongings to and from your dorm room. This tote bag features a base made with Oxford fabric, which provides better substantial wear and tear resistance. You can buy a similar type of shower caddy at Walmart.

4 Pack Moving Bags Plastic Storage Totes: on sale for $20.88

Original price: $34.99

Storage bags are great for more than just storage. (Amazon)

Having a place to tuck away clothing when not in use opens up limited space in a college dorm. This VENO 4-Pack Moving Bags Plastic Storage Totes, selling for just under $21 at Amazon, is a great way to safely stow away your items. You can also buy this 2-pack of storage bags at Walmart.

8 TRENDING BACK-TO-SCHOOL AND DORM ROOM ESSENTIALS

LED Desk Lamp: on sale for $26.39

Original price: $32.99

This lamp has useful features. (Amazon)

Your dorm room may have a desk, but don’t forget to bring a lamp, like this LED Desk Lamp with four USB Charging Ports and two AC Outlets, on sale for just over $26 at Amazon, to complete the perfect study area. Buy this gooseneck desk lamp at Walmart to easily adjust the lamp head to direct light where you need it.

Stanley Cross Bottle: $75

Don't worry about proper hydration with this trendy water bottle. (Amazon)

Make sure your student stays hydrated with this trending Stanley Cross Bottle all semester. The Cross Bottle features double-wall vacuum insulation to keep your water ice cold for hours. It's designed to be worn across the body for hands-free hydration. Buy the water bottle on Stanley.

Loud alarm clock: $14.99

This alarm clock will wake the heaviest of sleepers. (Amazon)

This super loud alarm clock designed for heavy sleepers will ensure your student won't miss any morning class. In addition to being loud, this clock features 15 different RGB colors and 4 brightness levels. You can also try this super loud alarm clock from Walmart, which features six extremely loud wake-up sounds: a Rooster, Bugle, Nagging Mom, Jackhammer, Siren, or a Loud Beep.

COSORI air fryer: $59.99

Match your air fryer to your room's color scheme. (Amazon)

We know that room and board covers three daily meals, but for snacking affairs, this mini air fryer on Amazon is a dorm room must. Get it in the cutest pastel hues for a perfect dorm room kitchen set-up. A similarly styled small air fryer is $24.98 at Walmart.

Retro compact microwave: $119.99

Who says microwaves have to be boring? (Walmart)

Microwaves are a mainstay in dorm life. Upgrade your small appliance from the typical drab color it comes in to something that pops, like this Nostalgia retro compact countertop microwave oven. It has a sleek retro design, 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, and a selection of bright colors to match any dorm room decor. You can also buy this microwave on Amazon.

Amazon Basics tabletop mirror: $21.56

Take your skin routine out of the bathroom with this mirror. (Amazon)

Dorm room living means sharing bathrooms. If that's your situation, make sure to pack a tabletop mirror you can use anywhere. This magnification mirror from Amazon is ideal for up-close grooming, makeup application, and skincare, and it fits on your desktop. This magnification mirror, $44.99 at Ulta Beauty, lights up and offers 360-degree rotation for your perfect makeup routine.

Smart plug: on sale for $12.99

Original price: $19.99

These smart plugs work with Alexa and Google Home Assistant. (Amazon)

These Kasa smart plugs work with Alexa and Google Home Assistant to enable the hands-free convenience of controlling your dorm electronic appliances with your voice.

Twin XL Mattress Pad - Soft Mattress Topper: around $29.99

Transform a dorm mattress into something comfortable with this topper. (Amazon)

Dorm room mattresses are not the most comfortable, but adding a topper like this Bedsure Twin XL Mattress Pad - Soft Mattress Topper for College Dorm, which is $30 at Amazon, can make a big difference. The top and bottom zones feature a softer, wavy design for improved relaxation. The honeycomb-shaped middle quilting provides evenly distributed support that disperses the body’s pressure. Dormify’s gel mattress topper keeps you cool while relieving pressure when lying down.

Laundry Bag with Shoulder Straps: on sale for $16.99

Original price: $18.99

Try this large laundry bag to hold everything. (Amazon)

This laundry bag with shoulder straps and a mesh pocket, is big enough to carry two to three loads of laundry. The mesh bag in the front is big enough to carry detergent and fabric softener. Walmart’s Mainstays heavy-duty laundry bag uses durable polyester mesh material, which allows the bag to breathe and keeps dampness and odors away. 

For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/category/deals

Mini Fridge with Freezer: on sale for $139.48

Original price:$154.99

A mini fridge is a must-have for any dorm room. (Amazon)

Stock up on comfort foods and keep them in your room with this Euhomy 3.2 cubic feet mini fridge with freezer. This compact refrigerator has a freezer and refrigerator. It has seven temperature settings and a low noise level. If your student is after the retro look, this mini fridge, on sale for around $180 at Home Depot, is a great option.