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When getting ready for college there are many things on your ever-growing to-do list. From deciding what your major will be, potential roommates, and what the next four years of your life will look like– there’s so many things to look forward to. But, arguably, one of the most important things on that list is your dorm room. Getting to set up your own space once you’ve moved out can become one of the more fun tasks amongst the many things you’re preparing for when starting college. I initially started off my higher education at home attending community college, and I spent so many nights dreaming about my future dorm, and how I’d decorate it. Once I finally transferred to Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida, I knew I wanted my dorm room to be a glimpse into my personality. When shopping for your dorm room it’s important to think long term: You want colors that you’ll want to keep around; products that can last and serve multiple purposes.
To help you get inspired and ready for college, IKEA is hosting a live event this August. If you’re in the New York-area, visit IKEA Brooklyn on Saturday, August 2nd from 10 am – 12 pm and enjoy light bites and beverages while you learn more about the products on Teen Vogue’s ultimate college checklist. The first 200 participants will also receive a gift bag filled with college essentials. You won’t want to miss it!
Heading off to college is an exciting milestone, and setting up your dorm room is a big part of the experience. Whether you’re a freshman or returning student, having a functional and cozy space makes all the difference. IKEA offers stylish, budget-friendly essentials perfect for making your dorm feel like home. From clever storage solutions to compact furniture, we’ve rounded up the must-haves to get you ready for move-in day.
Dorm rooms are notoriously small, so smart storage is a must. For most things in my dorm room, I was thinking about how to make the most of my space, which meant items that were tall rather than wide. I am always looking for items that can also be easily moved because while it’s not always top of mind, you need to be thinking about your move-out process when buying things. You don’t want anything too heavy or spacious because if you’re forced to move out alone you won’t have the most fun doing so with very heavy pieces. IKEA has tons of compact and affordable storage options to help you stay organized:
Great for cubby storage, organizing clothes, or stashing snacks. I honestly used four of these in my room and they all served different purposes. They’re great pieces under your bed in a dorm room, can hold just about anything and be moved around your room with ease.
If you’re like me and have a ton of clothes, you’re going to need more storage than what you’re given and a piece like this is perfect to have because it’s easily transformable and compact enough to fit in your dorm room. It can also be customized with drawers or baskets for flexible vertical storage.
This item is perfect for quick-grab items, laundry supplies, or accessories. You’re always going to need something like this while living in the dorms. Whether you’re in the infamous communal bathroom dorm halls or as a quick and easy mobile carrier for when you’re going in and out of your shared suite bathrooms.
When space is tight, every piece of furniture needs to do double duty. If you’re lucky enough to have an extra piece of furniture in your dorm room it definitely needs to have space for a secondary purpose, like storing your extra blankets, clothes, or even food. I leaned heavily on using a multi-purpose ottoman that also stored some of my books. So, it’s pertinent to grab a few items that get the job done.
An item like this is perfect to use as a bookshelf, nightstand, or room divider.
This rolling cart is perfect for makeup, food, or all your books if you’re a book reader. I personally used this cart for my assortment of lotions, fragrances, and miscellaneous items I obtained each day while on campus.
Your bed isn’t just for sleeping — it’s also your couch, study corner, and hangout zone. It’s important to make it inviting, leaning into color, if that’s your vibe. Comfort is also just as important. You, arguably, will spend a lot of time in your room during certain times of the year, so you want to make sure your space feels like a place you want to spend your time in.
This comforter set is perfect for my vibrant dorm room people. Leaning into printed sheets, personally, is my favorite option versus going the typical all white option. It also makes it easy for your comforter to be the pop of color in your room, especially if you’re like me and like to buy neutral colored decorations.
While some dorm rooms might come with a lamp, you sometimes need different options to set up the vibes. From a small lamp if you’re a big book reader or mood lighting
Keep your desk tidy and your devices within reach during online classes or study sessions. Surprisingly, there are so many times in your dorm room you’ll need to prop your phone up, so making it easier for yourself to do so is ideal.
It’s important to make your dorm feel more like you with small, meaningful touches and a few fun pieces. From colored pots to hangout corners, having something that adds a bit of flare to your room makes it feel more like home.
This pot is a great way to add color and life to your space with a real or faux plant. It can also be used to hold pens or other fun items if you’re not used to having any sort of green thumb.
If space allows, I highly recommend a secondary place to sit. From gaming, studying, or just lounging, you need it. You will get tired of sitting on your bed or in the really uncomfortable chair the university housing will give you. Having somewhere else to do your work or hangout is pivotal. It also makes it easier to have friends come over and sit around without having so many people on your bed with outside clothes on.
Getting ready for college doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Little small touches can really make a bare dorm room feel like home for the next ten months, so make sure you ask yourself a few key things when shopping for pieces: Does this feel like me? Is it comfortable? Will I use this more than just once? If you have a positive answer to all of these then it's definitely something worth investing in. IKEA offers everything you need to create a dorm room that’s organized, functional, and uniquely yours.
