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32 Things To Solve All The Dorm Problems You Haven’t Even Thought About Yet
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BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More If you got to college and were like, “Oh yeah, I have to feed myself now,” add this rice cooker to your cart ASAP. I’m a resident writer on the BuzzFeed Shopping team covering a variety of topics in a fun and mindful way, including travel, home, beauty, gift guides, and anything that’ll add just a bit of whimsy into people’s lives. This attaches to your bed rail with two clamps, but if you don't have a bed frame rail, you can check out the BedShelfie Slide! Promising review: "My son really liked this for his upper bunk college bed. It provided a strong flat surface. It was a little thicker, so he was able to hook his phone cord onto it and have a water bottle and an iPad on it. Good storage. It was very stable and didn't droop or jiggle around. All his friends called their moms and ordered one. We bought this item in the black color, and it always neat and clean looking." —Real Estate Diva Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three styles and in black and white). Just be sure to remove the putty slowly once you're taking everything down to avoid ripping any of your posters. Promising review: "This product is amazing! I personally used it to hang posters on a very uneven brick-type surface. I only had to use four small squares to hang each poster. I also used it to display medals on a project. No residue when I pulled it off. Even came off the poster without leaving a trace or tearing the material. I highly recommend this for any project. Great for rental properties or dorm rooms where damage needs to be minimal. There is no damage when using these!!!" —Tracey Get a pack of 84 squares for $9.89+ (available in larger packs). As a dolly, it can hold up to 150 pounds. Check out a TikTok of the dolly trolley in action. Promising review: "My daughter moved into a third-floor dorm. We bought this for her to take things up the stairs. The bag is a generous size and holds like four Walmart bags' worth of groceries. Without the bag, it works for band instruments, and we even bungee corded her dorm refrigerator and rolled it up the stairs. It's really rugged and easy to use. I might buy another one to keep here at the house." —Amy Law Get it from Amazon for $93.12 (available in black and blue, and a version with normal wheels). Promising review: "We needed something to take the place of a dresser in a small guest room. This fit the bill perfectly. I was pleasantly surprised. I expected it to work fine, but it works great. It is sturdy and slim, yet provides a lot more room than we thought it would. I would recommend this to anyone looking to add storage to a bedroom without all the space of a dresser." —Sara Get a pack of three from Amazon for $35.95 (available in black and white, two sizes, and in a five-pack). Btw, each pair comes with four ear tip sizes to ensure a good fit. Promising reviews: "Cannot recommend enough if you're in a dorm. My roommate is kind of noisy at night, making it difficult for me to fall asleep. I am sort of a light sleeper, and these have improved my quality of sleep. I don't wake up at random times during the night because they are making noise. Do try all the sizes on. I had a couple of times where they fell off while sleeping, but once you know your size and insert them well, they don't bother at all." —Mia "These earplugs are so good!! They are so comfortable! Made from silicone, so they are flexible and fit great. I’ve slept with them in all night without issues. The noise canceling is fantastic! Now, does it block everything? No, but I think that’s a good thing for safety reasons. They do block my husband’s chainsaw snoring, and that is exactly what I needed them to do." —melanie98837 Get it from Amazon for $24.95 (available in four colors and in a more ~stylish~ design). It also has timer controls and can be used for 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or continuously. BuzzFeed Shopping editor Maitland Quitmeyer uses this: "I bought this little guy before a trip this year — and I am in love. I keep it on fan 1 (there are *three* different fan sound options), and it helped me sleep better in hotel rooms — and even a bit better next to a very loud snorer. I used it every night (for eight hours at a time) on a two-week trip, and I only had to charge it *twice*! And if you prefer, there are also several auto-shutoff timer options too." Promising review: "I was certainly skeptical regarding this sound machine. I mean, how could this little round thing produce big noise? Well, I'm here to tell you it does! I was astounded that after I had charged it up and turned it on the huge sound that came out of this! I enjoy the fan noise the best. I read the reviews beforehand, and most were very positive... so I know I had to try it out as I don't go anywhere without my every night plug-in (big) noise machine...but that one is bulky...and I needed a smaller one for travel. The other wonderful thing about this little baby is that it is rechargeable! You don't need an outlet to use it unless you are charging it up. The directions were a little... well, let's just say there wasn't much to the directions...but if you have any common sense, it won't take you too long to figure out how it works. Just buy it! Especially for travel!" —T. Bellati Get it from Amazon for $15.18+ (available in 12 colors, three styles, plus two-packs and packs that come with a travel case). Sink Topper is a small biz that specializes in this product. Promising review: "Great for messy teenagers. Cool item for my teenager's bathroom. She likes to lay her hair/makeup stuff on it so she can keep her other bathroom decor on the sides. When she's done she puts what she was using under the sink and folds up the sink tray so it can slide under the sink as well." —Melina Get it from Amazon for $26.39+ (available in two sizes and seven colors). Promising review: "We purchased this for my daughter to take to college. She has a laundry basket for gathering dirty laundry, then she puts what she's taking to the laundry room in this bag. She also carries all her dirty laundry home in it and cleans laundry back to school. The pocket on the front looks flimsy, but it has carried her box of fabric softener, stain sticks, and assorted mesh bags for five months with no rips or tears. The drawstring works well to keep everything contained, and the straps and bag are very sturdy. This has been a great purchase, and I have a feeling that it's going to last for a long while." —DaisyGirl Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in 11 colors). Promising review: "It’s an extremely solid ottoman and much more substantial than expected. I ordered it for a dorm to be used as a step stool to a lofted bed and it will be so sturdy for that, the lid seems like it’s made of wood. The surprise is how much more expensive it looks. I’ll be ordering two more in blue for the living room. The first was pink, and I’d say it’s the perfect blush color. Some may think there’s not enough storage, it’s pretty narrow, but I’ve never expected a small round ottoman to hold much." —Christina Get it from Target for $54+ (originally $60; available in three colors) — and check out all of Target's college essentials. It also has 10 brightness levels to choose from and three different lighting temperatures. Promising review: "This light is both adorable and functional. It is my daughter’s favorite dorm room purchase! The bright white mode gives enough light for the whole room while studying and the colored light modes make for cozy relaxation. The clip is super strong and stays in place. The bendable “stem” allows for light at any angle. The price is great, especially for the good quality product received. We highly recommend it!" —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in three colors). Promising reviews: "High-quality item. This is the second light we purchased so that my husband can have one. I like to read in bed and this has become an essential tool for me to focus light where needed. I use on high and it lasts about four hours. You could also use it in dark spaces to focus light hands free." —Raymond Petke "Bought this for my daughter who is an avid reader and she loves it. She uses it at college every night so she doesn’t have to get up and turn off the light after she is done reading and ready for bed. It’s comfortable around her neck or she angles it next to her. Great battery life and love being able to adjust brightness." —Shelby Mascione Get it from Amazon for $18.98 (available in two sizes, five colors, and as a two-pack). This makes enough rice for about one to two people. Promising review: "This rice cooker is amazing. It’s perfect for my dorm since I’m the only one using it, but it cooks my rice perfectly and it so easy to use." —Josie Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in blue and white). Promising review: "We just moved into a new apartment, and the cabinets were too high up for either of us to reach. We needed a two-step stool because one wouldn't be enough. It is sturdy and easy to store since it folds up really thin, so we can store it without it being too much in the way. Definitely recommend this product to anyone that needs a boost! Worth the price 100%." —Macey Monaghan Promising reviews: "Ordered this to help free up drawer space in my small bathroom, and it has saved so much space so far. It doesn't look cluttered on the countertop, and the grey matches my bathroom color. My other family member got the green one and is also very beautiful." —Mackenzie "I use this in my dorm to hold my skincare. It’s VERY sturdy because I have so much skincare on the last rack alone, so it is very spacious! It doesn’t slip around, so it’s reliable and easy to use!" —Legit Colleen Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in four colors and two- or three-tier styles). You'll need some AA batteries, and if you prefer, can also get reusable cleaning pads like the ones pictured above. Promising reviews: "Home care essential. I have wanted a Swiffer Wet Jet for years. I honestly don’t know why I never got one. I have been mopping traditionally since forever, but this is a game changer. I love the ease of use over traditional mopping, but most importantly, I love that I’m not using a germ-infested mop. Once you go Swiffer Wet Jet, you can’t go back!" —Denise C. "Very easy to put together. Recommend for college dorm floors! They get dirty fast." —Jocelyn Each charge lasts about 20 minutes, and it also has a washable dust bowl! Promising review: "Have two of these in my house and bought one for my daughter in college. No substitute for a full-size vacuum, but great for keeping up with dog hair, yard grasses, kitchen crumbs, etc." —K. Kinder Promising review: "I live in a dorm and ran out of space for my flats and sneakers. I was able to put this on my closet door to gain more shoe organization! I have size 11 shoes and these fit great. I put one shoe in each pocket. I would fit two in each but it doesn't hang as well. I put two sandals or flip flops in each. I have had no problems or complaints :)." —Sarah Jaworski Get it from Amazon for $10.97+ (available in six colors and with large or extra-large pockets). Each filter lasts about two months, filtering 40 gallons of water. Promising reviews: "As a broke college student, clean water was essential. I love this, it is my most valued asset in life." —Amazon Customer "Originally bought this for my college dorm when my roommate suggested we get one. I loved it for that year and continued to use it now that I live in an apartment. I hope to use this pitcher for as long as I can! Its size is ideal for one or two people (not so much a family). Refilling is easy, and you need to buy a new filter every couple of months, but that is expected. Great buy." —Morgan Get it from Amazon for $28.33 — and you can stock up on filters here. Promising reviews: "I purchased this air purifier for my dorm room and after using it for a couple of months I could already tell the difference. The air quality greatly improved and I can now wake up without a stuffy nose." —Lea "My student uses this Levoit air purifier in her dorm, and it’s been fantastic! It’s the perfect size for a small space and runs quietly, so it doesn’t interfere with studying or sleep. The 3-in-1 filter system really helps keep the air fresh and clean, and the fragrance sponge is a nice touch as she adds a few drops of essential oil for a light, pleasant scent. Compact, efficient, and easy to use. We highly recommend for any dorm or bedroom!" —Deb Thornton Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in black and white). Promising reviews: "Hands down best shower shoes! Comfy, great support, non-slip, I do NOT trip because the soles are so thick, they don't slide off while wet and walking back from my shower area down the hall from my dorm room, and don't make a squishing sound when walking. They do run a half size large... Size 7 is size 7.5. However, being a half size larger actually made them more efficient." —Stormy W. Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in women's sizes 4–16, men's sizes 3–14, and 14 colors). Promising review: "College essential. This is a core college send-off shopping list item. It is well constructed and organized. And it is big. I mean, if you filled every pocket, you'd have 95% of what you need on a trip to the bathroom in a dorm, and it is so big that filling it can make it heavy. My daughter said it is great, but for nighttime wash up, she needs only a few things, and so might want a smaller version. But this one does what it is supposed to and it does it well." —progo Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 11 colors and in a two-pack). Promising review: "Nice, sturdy, cute little storage boxes that stack well. I used these boxes to organize my craft room cabinets and shelves." —Liz Get a set of six from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in 10 colorways and a pack of 12). It also has a 45-degree angle plug, meaning it won't block the other outlet. Promising reviews: "Essential for my apartment with minimal sockets! I’m able to charge all of my devices at once. I also appreciate how long the cord is." —Blair B "Get this for a dorm room!!!! With all the different equipment and charging outlets students need these days this charging cube helps in all areas! Keeping them organized and fully charged. We love how it sits flat on the table and [is] easy to access on all sides [since] the cord is nice and [thick] and won’t get tangled. Everyone needs one of these if you have a lot of gadgets." —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three colors, six lengths, and three cord styles). Pro-tip: They're also super handy for travel. Promising review: "Essential for college students. These bags are well-made and have different zip seals and seals where you vacuum out the air. They are very helpful for when I have to travel, as I can fit two weeks' worth of clothes in a carry-on suitcase, as well as reduce the amount of space I need in a storage unit. In addition, the customer service is great. One of my bags developed a small tear, and they sent me a replacement, no questions asked." —HeroicMattias Get a set of six from Amazon for $25.99 (available in various sizes and packs). Promising reviews: "I was expecting these to create space, but I am blown away by how easy they were to use and how much they opened things up. My closet went from packed to bursting, and I was not able to even remove items to wear, let alone see what they were aside from a glimpse at a sleeve, to having room to add even more items and being able to see what each item is. They: - are easy to use -created 30% more space -don't have to be opened back up to remove items." —M. Stokely "These are working wonderfully. Have a college kid home — able to move him and his clothes in quickly with these, and will be able to move him out quickly as well when his break is over. He will be taking these with him to college as his dorm room closet is not very big." —Claudia Get a pack of ten from Amazon for $21.17+ (available in three colors and in a pack of 20 or 30). Promising reviews: "I really like this makeup mirror! The built-in lighting makes such a difference when I’m doing my makeup, especially when the lighting in the room isn’t great. The mirror is a nice size for a vanity without taking up too much space, and it looks sleek and pretty sitting out. It makes getting ready so much easier and gives my vanity a little upgrade at the same time. Definitely happy with this purchase!" —Amy Cusick "This mirror is great! I used it every day in my dorm." —fatima Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes and in black or white). The set includes four 3-inch risers, and four 5-inch risers, which can be used together or separately. Promising review: "I bought these to raise my daughter's college dorm bed so she could have storage underneath. These risers are very sturdy and we raised the bed the complete eight inches. They are very easy to use and I would purchase again." —MommaRoots Get a set of four from Amazon for $20.89+ (available in five colors and a set of nine). Promising review: "These storage bags are fantastic. I live in a small apartment where storage space is at a premium. I use these to store my Costco toilet paper and paper towels so I don't need to make as many trips to the store. It keeps them in pristine condition and out of sight. The handles make them easy to pull in and out, and they fold up nicely when not in use. I'm thinking about getting two more since four will fit under my queen bed." —Kimberly Dorn Get a two-pack from Amazon for $10.19+ (available in three colors, with an upgraded firm side wall, and in packs of four). Promising review: "I live in a dorm, so this was essential. It held up really heavy objects such as my backpack that was filled with books." —Ple "I'm in a dorm so unless I want even more fees I am using these. They do their job and none of them have fallen yet, in fact, these have stuck to the wall better than the command strips did (make sure to clean the wall and to let it dry for a minute instead of being a dumbo like me). These work well and have removed well so far, though when you try to pull the hook up from the middle part it is a little difficult at first so I would remove that before you stick it to the wall and then place the hook back on it!" —Moe K. Get a pack of seven from Amazon for $12.99 (available in larger packs). Promising review: "Purchased for [my] daughter's dorm room, it's great for all her little snacks and drinks while away from home. Seems to keep everything at a good temperature, and seems to be quiet, which is a plus." —JNH Romine Get it from Amazon for $136.99+ (available in seven colors). Promising review: "Perfect to hold my son’s toiletries and laundry supplies in his dorm room. Compact, utilitarian and wheels roll super well! Love the hooks that hang off the top shelf for added storage. Fairly easy to put together. Would purchase again — an excellent purchase!" —Hammies4ever Get it from Amazon for $26.89+ (available in five colors, a two-pack, and a slim or wide design). While weighted eye masks have even less evidence than blankets do and very well may be placebo, they’re a similar concept to weighted blankets. You can read more about what weighted blankets help with and how from Cleveland Clinic. And since it comes with two, you could even gift one to your roomie! Promising review: "Love these. These are soft and very comfortable, and they seriously black out every bit of light. I love them. I would highly recommend. I’ll probably never sleep without them again." —AJ BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says: "I bought these at the last second for a flight when I lost my way more expensive sleep mask, and can safely say "good riddance" to that old pair — I love this version way more. It's perfectly contoured so it doesn't rub my eyes or mess up my makeup if I'm traveling, the weight is satisfying without being distracting, and it adjusts super quickly and easily without every getting caught in my hair. Also the pink is just absolutely precious, so my little Glinda x Barbie heart is most pleased to show if off." Get a pack of two from Amazon for $16.99 (available in three sets). BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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