Moving into your first college dorm [1] can feel overwhelming and stressful. The best way to make it feel like home is by setting it up in a way that feels authentic and comfortable to you. So, if you're looking to shop for new piece, you've come to the right place. We turn to Urban Outfitters because the retailer just dropped its latest collection of dorm-friendly picks [2] that are perfect for anyone headed back to school.
Ahead, we curated a list of our 14 favorite pieces to shop from. From cozy and affordable pillows to space-saving products, there's no doubt these will all come in handy and complete the room. They're also great if you're just looking to spruce up your space, too. We're particularly in love with a fleece lap desk that makes it so easy to work from just about anywhere, a pretty mirror that's shaped like a cloud, and a stress ball you can give to someone who needs the gift of self care [3]. So, what are you waiting for? Don't wait until the last minute — keep reading to snag your favorite finds before it's too late.
A Functional Calendar: Dry Erase Calendar Message Board
If you're someone that likes to have a physical calendar where you can see the most important tasks for the day, you need this Dry Erase Calendar Message Board [5] ($16). It's affordable, works for any month of the year, and comes with a gilded frame. Plus, it's magnetic, which is so useful.
A Useful Cart: UO 3-Tier Rolling Storage Cart
My mom made me buy a cart just like this in college, and it was one of the most useful purchases I've ever made. It was my storage for makeup, cleaning essentials, and even books. This UO 3-Tier Rolling Storage Cart [6] ($79) is supremely versatile, and such a great way to pack a lot of storage into a small space.
A Lap Desk: UO Printed Lap Desk
Let's face it, sometimes you just want to work from bed or the couch. That's where this handy UO Printed Lap Desk [7] ($31, originally $39) comes in. We love that it's lined with fleece, so it's super comfortable to have on your lap. There's also a long slot for your phone or tablet.
A Desk Organizer: Terrazzo 4-Part Organizer
This Terrazzo 4-Part Organizer [8] ($20) is such a handy organizer for your desk. It has four containers, so you could store pens, pencils, highlighters, and desk accessories like scissors or white out. Plus, how pretty is the terrazzo pattern? Each one is individually made, so they'll be totally unique.
A Cute Dish: UO Icon Catch-All Dish
Not only is this UO Icon Catch-All Dish [9] ($10) adorable, it's also super useful, particularly for dorm living. Since you're in a small space, it's essential to be super organized, and these little dishes will help ensure that everything's in its rightful place. Use one for your keys, one for your headphones, or whatever you need most.
A Table Lamp: UO Ansel Glass Table Lamp
Having good desk lighting is essential, and this UO Ansel Glass Table Lamp [10] ($99) is not only bright, it's also stunning. We're obsessed with the green color, but it also comes in six other colorways. This lamp is made of handmade glass, so it's super special and unique.
A Wall Mirror: Frameless Icon Wall Mirror
If you've got space for some kind of vanity, or place to get ready in the morning, you need a good mirror. This Frameless Icon Wall Mirror [11] ($69) is a great option to have. We love the whimsical cloud design, but it also comes in a flower shape.
A Place For Photos: Icon Photo Clip Banner
It's essential to make your dorm room feel as cozy and comfortable as possible, which is why we love putting personal touches everywhere. It doesn't get much more personal than photos, and we're obsessed with this butterfly Icon Photo Clip Banner [12] ($14). It creates the perfect aesthetic.
Extra Seating: UO Washed Corduroy Floor Pillow
Any way to get some extra seating in your room is a very good thing, and this UO Washed Corduroy Floor Pillow [13] ($49) does just that. The cozy pillow is a great floor seat, and it's also easily storable if you need extra room. Plus, at under $50, it's affordable.
A Cool Alarm Clock: Mahli Himalayan Salt Sunrise Alarm Clock
If you're like us, you're on your phone all the time, so any chance to get off the technology is critical. We like this Mahli Himalayan Salt Sunrise Alarm Clock [14] ($38) because it allows us to stay off our phones for one extra second in the morning, and plus, it's so aesthetically pleasing. The Himalayan Salt makes this piece super calming, and the LED light it emits helps mimic the sun.
A Full Length Mirror: UO Cassie Leaning Floor Mirror
When I moved into my dorm, the first thing I purchased was a full length mirror. It's a necessity for college days and nights. This UO Cassie Leaning Floor Mirror [15] ($169) is super pretty and stands on it's own, so you can use the back of your door for more storage.
A Comfortable Pillow: Amped Fleece Boo Pillow
It feels like this Amped Fleece Boo Pillow [16] ($79, originally $99) is on every dorm bed in the country, and for good reason. It's comfortable, allows you to sit up in bed while you're working, and is made of cozy fleece. Plus, there's even a pocked for your phone!
A Stress Reliever: Super Nee-Doh
College is stressful, you don't need us to tell you that. For days when studying is too much or you're missing home and need a stress reliever, you'll be so happy to have this Super Nee-Doh [17] ($17). You squeeze it and knead it to your hearts content; it won't lose its shape.
A Useful Laundry Bag: Mushroom Flower Laundry Bag
Having a designated space for dirty clothes is critical. We like that this Mushroom Flower Laundry Bag [18] ($49) is really large, plus it has both a drawstring and side handles, so it's easy to carry to the laundry room. Plus, the mushroom and floral details are so cute!