25 Must-Have Dorm Room Items

Back-to-school shopping is almost in full swing again, but for new high-school grads ready to head off to college, things like laptops and dorm room supplies take priority over notebooks and pencils. Gearing up for college can get expensive, but there's no need to overspend if you keep an eye on your budget. Whether you're in a dorm or living off campus, here are 25 tried-and-true items for college freshmen that won't break the bank.

Price: $10 | Buy it at Ikea
Dorm lighting is notoriously bad, and some apartments may not have any overhead lighting at all. A small desk lamp with a long-lasting LED bulb is a must, and this one is one of our favorite finds at Ikea. The flexible arm on this one also makes it easy to direct light where you need it.

Price: $23 | Buy it at Amazon
A sturdy laundry bag is essential for schlepping those dirty clothes around. This one can double as a hamper and folds flat for storage when you don’t need it. It also serves as an all-purpose tote for loads up to 55 pounds.

Price: $30 | Buy it at Target
Decent sheets are a no-brainer for making your space comfortable, and these sheets are one of Target's most popular buys for a reason. Soft and durable, they're made from 400-thread count cotton sateen. They also come in Twin XL to accommodate dorm mattresses.

Price: $40 | Buy it at Best Buy
No space — or money — for a fancy sound system? A portable speaker can still help you pump up the volume. This one has a built-in speakerphone for hands-free calls and works for up to eight hours on one charge.

Price: $19 | Buy it at Amazon
Save a ton of money by trading in your morning Starbucks habit for a personal coffee maker. This compact version is one of Cheapism's favorite money-saving models. It works with grounds and soft pods and includes a 15-ounce travel mug for when you need to get to class quickly.

Price: $79 | Buy it at Walmart
A mini fridge will always be a must for dorm rooms, and this one has a high-end, stainless-steel look at a bargain price. It includes a small freezer compartment and in-door storage that can accommodate cans and a 2-liter.

Price: $19 | Buy it at Amazon
The chance that your new digs will have enough outlets in convenient spots? Close to zilch. A power strip with a surge protector that will protect your electronics will always be a sensible buy. This one has a long 8-foot cord that will help you set up your gadgets exactly how you want them.

Price: $15 | Buy it at Target
When you want to ditch your desk and curl up in bed for some pre-exam cramming or a much-deserved Netflix binge, a support pillow can help guard against a nasty backache in the morning. This plush version comes with a handy carrying handle.

Price: $30 | Buy it at Amazon
Unfortunately, transitioning to adulthood involves the occasional need to wear professional, wrinkle-free clothes. One of Cheapism's favorites, this inexpensive steam iron has a convenient retractable cord and large anti-drip tank.

Price: $15 | Buy it at Amazon
For dorm life, a good shower tote is an essential for schlepping shampoo, soap, razors, and other toiletries to the bathroom. This one has nine compartments and a self-draining design that will help ward off mold and funky smells.

Price: $5 | Buy it at Ikea
In dorms and small apartments, maximizing storage space is the name of the game. This hanging organizer can turn a portion of your closet into even more space for folded clothing, shoes, and other items.

Price: $449 | Buy it at Amazon
A good laptop will be an integral part of every day, for both work and play. This Chromebook with a high-definition 12.5-inch screen. It can also be used as a tablet, has a battery that lasts up to 10 hours, and weighs under 3 pounds — perfect for carrying to class.

Price: $18 | Buy it at Amazon
Pair this lap desk with your new bed support pillow for a comfy work station. It has a removable pad and built-in handle, and the solid surface will help keep your lap (and your laptop) cooler.

Price: $15 | Buy it at Walmart
One of the best dorm hacks? Increasing your storage space with a set of bed risers. This customizable set can add 3, 5, or 8 more inches of vertical space under the bed, and the locking rings keep them stable.

Price: $60 | Buy it at Zappos
A sturdy backpack is essential for carrying textbooks and other gear around campus. This JanSport has an internal laptop sleeve, padded shoulder straps, and a suede bottom. It's made of durable fabric that can stand up to everyday use and abuse.

Price: $36 | Buy it at Amazon
A Brita pitcher is a winner for a few reasons: It gives you quicker access to water without requiring you to always head to your dorm’s common kitchen, and it helps reduce impurities and improve taste. The built-in filter makes it a Cheapism favorite.

Price: $79 | Buy it at Walmart
Papasans, bean bags, and butterfly chairs are all well and good, but if you want extra seating, you might as well get something that can pull double duty. This flip chair folds out to become a bed in a pinch — perfect for that friend who wants to crash in your room.

Price: $15 | Buy it at Amazon
Soften up an unforgiving dorm mattress with an inexpensive quilted mattress pad. Made with polyester fiberfill, this one is allergen-free and machine washable. It comes in Twin XL and can fit mattresses up to 16 inches deep.

Price: $50 | Buy it at Best Buy
You can always head to the computer lab when you need something printed, but buying a small printer of your own is a lot more convenient. This compact, wireless Canon Pixma also copies, scans, and faxes.

Price: $26.75 | Buy it at Amazon
Messes are inevitable, so make clean-ups easier with a compact vacuum that won’t take up too much space. One of Cheapism's favorite handhelds, this Dirt Devil weighs less than 4 pounds and has a 16-foot cord, quick-flip crevice tool, and convenient bagless design.

Price: $50 | Buy it at Amazon
Noisy roommate? Party in the apartment next door? Zone out with this inexpensive, lightweight pair of noise-canceling headphones. They're good for reducing low-frequency background noise and pair easily with your devices via Bluetooth.

Price: $20 | Buy it at Walmart
These lightweight Sterilite drawers add extra storage, but the espresso basket-weave finish makes them a little easier on the eyes than most plastic sets. And they're opaque, just in case you don’t want your roomie constantly staring into your underwear drawer.

Price: $11.37 | Buy it at Amazon
Be prepared for bumps, scrapes, and other minor injuries or illnesses with a small first aid kit. This one includes Band-Aids, Neosporin, Tylenol and more. You can also customize your own first-aid kit using our handy list of products.

Price: $6.69 | Buy it at Amazon
Make it easy for friends or roomies to leave messages while you’re out by putting a dry-erase board on your dorm-room or refrigerator door. It mounts easily with double-sided Velcro strips, and the surface is magnetic for additional versatility.

Price: $43 | Buy it at Amazon
There are cheaper dishes out there, but this simple Corelle set is worth a modest investment because it's durable and microwave-safe. The thin plates stack closely, so they won’t hog much shelf space.