College Dorm Must-Haves for Decor, Beauty, Fashion, More

Balancing life away from home with a new class load and a buzzing social cal can be quite the adjustment. That's why we're here to help you get your ducks in a row — dorm style — with the latest tech accessories, study-ready snacks, decor hacks, shower caddy must-haves, and, of course, stylish threads to help you look good during it all. Get ready to conquer the four-ish years ahead with these campus essentials.

Campus fashion is all about mixing casual, affordable basics and standout separates. Get the best of both worlds with these affordable, statement-making finds. And to keep your style cred strong, upgrade your look this back-to-school season with an array of fall prints and patterns (think plaids, dark florals, and stripes) and an endless supply of shoes with major throwback appeal. Top your closet off with the ultimate essential — classic denim (aka Mom Jeans) — for a capsule wardrobe that will have the whole dorm buzzing.

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Heading to college is nothing short of exciting, but the idea of fitting all your favorite beauty essentials into a cramped dorm can be anything but. To cater to all your skincare, haircare, and makeup needs, turn to our roundup of back-to-school beauty buys that fit snugly in a shower caddy. If you find yourself feeling inspired by your studies, get creative with these beauty hacks that use school supplies. On the days when you’re craving a salon-level mani without time for a solid study break, thank your lucky stars for these easy nails-art kits perfect for the girl-on-the-go. And, when the stresses of balancing work and life start to sink in, just remember that you’ve got this, and take solace in a little self-care Sunday beauty routine.

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College life is so much sweeter when you have a lounge-worthy dorm room setup. And we've got all the inspo you need to turn your home away from home into a comfy and stylish abode you won't ever want to leave. Start by picking a decor style with these three trendy dorm ideas. Then grab those campus essentials from IKEA and Etsy. Add that finishing touch with this easy (and dorm-friendly!) DIY gallery wall. Top it all off with a motivational poster and you’re well on your way to living your best co-ed life.

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When your dorm cafeteria is serving up unlimited access to breakfast cereals and *gulp* a soft-serve ice cream machine, it can feel impossible to say no to all the temptations, especially when you need ALL THE CARBS to keep your late night study seshes going. To stay fueled (on a budget), turn to this DIY trail mix recipe that has most of the good-for-you stuff with a sprinkle of fun (i.e. CANDY) and keep caffeinated with a bulletproof iced coffee recipe. For those days you really can’t lift a finger from your notes, turn to these healthy store-bought snacks or hit up Trader Joe’s for some high-protein Keto noshes.

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Half the battle of rocking the school year is looking like you know what you're doing. Having the essential tools — desk goodies to match your colorful and stylish lifestyle, functional *and* beautiful school supplies to keep you motivated, and all the tech to keep up with your growing class and social schedule — help you stay organized and ready for anything dorm life throws your way. And while there is no guidebook for navigating this new world of firsts, these must-haves will help you start off on the right foot.

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Illustrations by Marisa Kumtong/Brit + Co

Featured photo via Getty