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31 College Apartment Essentials You Can't Live Without
One of the most exciting aspects of your college journey is having your own living space. It provides you with an opportunity to create an environment that best suits your way of life and reflects your personality. However, outfitting your new home away from home can be a costly and stressful task.
This is why understanding the difference between true college apartment essentials and unnecessary items can make a big difference. Depending on your exact living situation, there could be dozens of different items you’ll need for your apartment.
Some off-campus housing come fully furnished, while others places don’t. You might have an apartment all to yourself, or you might have to live with multiple roommates to save money. You also have to take the size of your apartment into consideration before you move in larger furniture items.
These are factors you’ll have figure out for yourself, and you’ll quickly discover what things you need, what you can do without, and ultimately how to make the most out of your new living space.
To help make the process of moving into your new off-campus home a little easier, I’ve provided you with an informative guide on college apartment essentials. With this list of necessities, you’ll be able to create a comfortable, functional, and personalized environment to call your own throughout each semester.
Cleaning Essentials
Cleaning supplies play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and organized environment for students juggling academic pressures and social activities. By regularly using these supplies, students can create a clean, hygienic atmosphere that not only promotes better focus during study sessions but also ensures a relaxing space for downtime.
1. Vacuum
One of the most useful items to have when you live in your own apartment is a vacuum. It’s impossible keep your place clean, particularly your floors, without one. A vacuum gives you the ability to maintain a clean living environment, which can contribute to better productivity and less stress.
For smaller apartment-size living spaces, this cordless, lightweight vacuum is exactly what you need. Its slim design packs a lot of suction power and has a 7-stage filtration system so you’ll have no problem capturing all the dirt and debris throughout your apartment.
2. Clorox Disinfecting Cleaner Set
This disinfecting cleaner set is all you need to keep every hard surface in your apartment clean and free of bacteria. The all-purpose cleaners work well for removing grease and grime off counter tops and kitchen appliances.
The bathroom cleaner can be used to eliminate germs on almost every surface in your bathroom, including the sink, bathtub, and around the toilet.
3. Swiffer WetJet Mop
A spray mop, like the Swiffer WetJet, is another good cleaning product to have for keeping your floors clean, especially around the kitchen and high-traffic areas where you have hard floors.
Unlike regular mops, the WetJet traps dirt and grime within its absorbable mopping pad, ensuring nothing gets spread around. Also, its dual nozzle sprayer does a great job of breaking up messes that are tough to clean.
4. Cleaning Cloths
These reusable cleaning cloths from Amazon Aware are perfect to use with the all-purpose cleaners to wipe away any dirt, grime, and messes on all the different surfaces in your apartment. All you have to do is rinse them off in the sink, or throw them in the washer and they’re as good as new.
5. Laundry Detergent
Detergent is one of those items that sometimes gets overlooked when moving into a new place, but it’s definitely an essential you need for keeping your clothes, towels, and bedding clean. I prefer Tide Pods because they’re less messy and easy to carry if you have to use a laundry room outside of your apartment.
6. Trash Bags
It’s always a smart idea to stay stocked up on trash bags so you don’t let trash lay around and stink up your apartment. My recommendation are these large heavy-duty trash bags.
You can fill them up with a bunch of garbage and don’t have to worry about them ripping. They’re especially good if you need to throw away a lot of cans and bottles after a party
Bedroom Essentials
Some off-campus apartments come fully-furnished with beds, a couch, and other furniture, but there’s no guarantee this will be the case with yours, especially if it’s not owned by the college you go to. If you know your college apartment will be empty, then you’ll need to furnish it yourself and starting with your bedroom is a good idea
1. Bed Frame
Unless you want your bed on the floor, I suggest investing in a bed frame to keep it elevated. Using one will make your bed and the whole room look more appealing. It also creates plenty of extra storage space. If you’re looking for something simple and easy to install, this metal platform bed frame is your best bet.
2. Mattress
Getting a good night’s sleep is very important for keeping your brain sharp and your body energized throughout the day. That’s why a comfy mattress that helps you maintain good sleep hygiene is one of the most important college apartment essentials.
Now that you’re not in the dorms anymore, you don’t have to worry about sleeping on some crappy, worn-out mattress that causes you to toss and turn during night and wake up feel sluggish.
3. Bedding Set
A Bedding set is more than just a necessity, it’s a key part of your comfort and personal space. Bedding not only turns your bed into a cozy place to relax and recharge after a long day on campus, but it also adds a personal touch to your living space. It allows you to express your style and give your room some personality.
4. Pillow
Pillows are another key component to getting proper sleep every night. They provide the essential support your body requires, and they promote better posture, which will relieve discomfort and prevent waking up with aches and pains.
Be sure to invest in high-quality pillows for your bed so you get the necessary support and comfort needed for a good night’s rest. I recommend this memory foam pillow from Coop because it allows you to adjust the amount of foam fill inside of it to best suit your sleep position, making for a more restful sleep.
5. Dresser
A dresser is certainly one of the more crucial college apartment essentials; without one, you’re pretty limited on the amount of areas you can store your clothes, especially if you have a small closet.
You’ll need one in your bedroom so you can enhance your living space and simplify your daily routine in college. Instead of having piles of clothes laying everywhere, a dresser will keep everything neatly organized and stored away.
6. Desk
Every student needs an area where they can be productive and get work done efficiently. With a desk in your room, you’ll be able to study and get your assignments done in a space your feel comfortable in. A desk is also good for storing all your important papers, textbooks, and school supplies.
7. Desk Chair
The last thing you need to complete your desk setup is a comfy and ergonomic chair. The one I just linked has padded lumbar support to improve your posture and a soft cushion to get you through long study sessions without any discomfort. It even comes with flip-up armrests and a reclining function.
8. Clothes Hangers
Clothes hangers are a must for any living space. They’re pretty much the unsung heroes of wardrobe organization. Not only do they keep clothes wrinkle-free and easy to find, but they also maximize closet space, which is particularly beneficial in a college apartment where space can be limited.
Living Room Essentials
The living room is where you and your roommates will spend a lot of time in, so important to furnish it to create a comfortable and practical living environment, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance between academic pursuits and social interactions.
By thoughtfully selecting and arranging these living room essentials, you can craft a central hub that seamlessly transitions from a focused study area to a social gathering spot, and finally to a peaceful retreat for unwinding after a demanding day of classes and activities.
1. Area Rug
An area rug is a college apartment essential that is a must for any living room. They not only provide a nice aesthetic, but they also add warmth and comfort to the room, making it feel like a more inviting space for you and your friends to hangout and relax in.
An area rug helps in reducing noise levels in apartments with hardwood or tiled floors. Be sure to invest in an area rug for your apartment so you can create a cozy and comfortable space in your living room.
2. Smart TV
It’s nice having a TV in your living room so you can watch movies or college games while you’re spending time with your roommates, cooking in the kitchen, or just relaxing after class.
This 40-inch TV from VIZIO has a crisp 1080p resolution and smart features that give you access to dozens of different streaming apps and can connect to various voice assistants like Alexa and Apple Home.
3. Couch
A comfy couch is one of the college apartment essentials that instantly enhances the look and feel of your living room. It’s the central spot for hangouts, group studies, and even for that unexpected nap in the middle of the day.
It also serves as an extra bed for when friends sleep over. A couch in your college apartment creates a welcoming space, not just for you but for everyone who visits.
4. Coffee Table
The perfect piece of furniture to go with your couch is a coffee table. I bet there’s a pretty good chance you and your roommates will need a place to put your food and drinks when you’re hanging out in the living room — that’s where a coffee table comes into play.
It’s a convenient spot to put your feet up on and keep things at arm’s reach while you’re relaxing on the couch. Besides being functional, they add a decorative element to the space. From modern to industrial, you can find any style of coffee table to match the other decor in your apartment.
5. Floor Lamp
Adding different lighting to your living room will completely transform its look and feel. Lighting can create the perfect atmosphere for any space by enhancing its overall aesthetic to match your tastes and preferences, especially versatile smart lamps.
This particular floor lamp allows you choose between countless different RGB colors and adjust the temperature and brightness level all from your phone or remote control. Additionally, it had a unique double-sided design so you can switch between the upper or lower light source at any time.
6. Bookshelf
Extra storage is always a must for small dorm rooms, but the same can be said for apartments, especially if you live with multiple roommates who are all brining their own college apartment essentials.
Having some sort of shelving unit in a common area such as the living room will help keep the apartment clean and organized. This will make it easier to find things and create a more cohesive living space.
Bathroom Essentials
Key bathroom essentials help maintain personal hygiene and comfort in shared living spaces. These items form the foundation of a well-organized and functional bathroom, which is a must for busy students trying to unwind after class.
A well-equipped bathroom not only enhances personal care routines but also contributes to a positive living environment, ultimately supporting students’ overall college experience and well-being.
1. Towel Set
You’ll definitely need a set of towels for when you get out of the shower, wash your hands, and wash your face. This pack of eight comes with bath towels, wash cloths, and hand towels.
Be sure to add a pack like this to your college apartment essentials list so you’re set for all your bathing and cleaning needs and don’t have to share towels with any of your roommates.
2. Plunger
When your toilet inevitably gets clogged, a plunger can really help you out of a crappy situation, if you know what I mean. You probably won’t use it too often, unless you’re eating Taco Bell multiple times a day, but it’s always good to have one just in case. This one even comes with a brush to clean the inside of your toilet.
3. Small Trash Can
While it might get overlooked, it’s important to have a small trash can or wastebasket in your bathroom just for basic cleanliness and convenience. You don’t have to get too fancy with this, but it’s nice to have one with a lid so it can cover up the trash.
4. Bath Mat
Nobody wants to put their feet on the cold, wet floor when they first get out of the shower. Or worse, risk slipping and seriously hurting themselves. Make sure to add a bath mat to your bathroom for added comfort and to prevent accidents
5. Shower Caddy
Every shower needs a shower organizer to store shampoo and other toiletries. They’re especially useful when you have multiple roommates because it provides designated spots for everyone’s items. A shower caddy also helps prevent items from falling on you while taking a shower.
Kitchen Essentials
Kitchen items like cookware and cutlery transform a basic cooking area into a versatile hub for nourishment. Besides functionality, a well-equipped kitchen fosters a sense of home and encourages social bonding among roommates through shared meals and cooking experiences.
By investing in these kitchen essentials, students create a space that not only meets their basic nutritional needs but also serves as a central gathering point for study breaks, parties, and the cultivation of life skills that extend far beyond their college years.
1. Cooking Essentials Set
One of the luxuries of living in a place with a full kitchen is being able to cook your own food rather than going to the dining hall everyday. However, you will need a variety of kitchen essentials to utilize your kitchen properly.
Fortunately, all the necessary essentials to cook and prepare delicious meals in your kitchen are in this 21-piece set from NutriChef, from pots and pans to baking sheets and cooking utensils.
2. Silverware
Silverware is an absolute must-have item for your kitchen. Without your basic set of forks, spoons, and knives, you’ll have a hard time enjoying all the awesome food you and your roommates cook in the kitchen. Also, having a reusable set of silverware means you won’t have to constantly go to the store to buy disposable utensils.
3. Dinnerware
Similar to silverware, dinnerware is a household essential that you’ll use quite a bit. It enables you to enjoy home-cooked meals and promotes healthy eating habits.
Dinnerware is also is very useful when hosting a party for friends or family. Whether you’re making a quick breakfast before class or having a fancy dinner party, your dinnerware will always come in handy.
4. Food Storage Containers
Food storage containers are crucial college apartment essentials. If you like to meal prep, they can help you maintain a consistent meal routine by allowing you to cook in bulk and store leftovers in your fridge, saving you precious time throughout the week.
This ensures you have home-cooked meals whenever you need one and reduces your reliance on junk food. Additionally, food storage containers help minimize waste by keeping your food fresh for longer periods, which is always useful for students on a budget.
They contribute to a clean and organized kitchen and keep your food securely stored away, preventing spills and messes.
5. Kitchen Knife Set
Kitchen knives are essential for preparing a variety of meals. With a knife set for your kitchen, you can cut, slice and chop anything from vegetables and fruits to meats and bread. No matter what type of meal or snack you’re preparing, a durable set of knives can always come in handy when you’re in the kitchen.
6. Trash Can
Garbage can build up pretty quickly in an apartment with several roommates. That’s why it’s smart to invest in a large trash can to put in your kitchen. This way, you and roommates will have a place to throw out trash instead of letting it accumulate throughout the apartment and cause unpleasant odors.
