Dorm Shopping Tips: 10 Things NOT To Buy for College

When you go dorm shopping (especially at Target a.k.a the place to buy the things you never knew you needed and don’t) it’s almost like you’re in a state of euphoria. You’re all “Hell yeah, I’m going to college. I’m going on my own for the first time and I’m shopping for my dorm wow look at all of these things I definitely need this and this and maybe two of these…”

That’s basically how dorm shopping works. Based on my own experiences and the experiences of the college students around me, I’ve gathered some dorm shopping tips on things not to buy on dorm shopping. I know it’s often hard to resist the delightful promises of “useful” college items and things that match your color scheme, but I promise you’re going to save yourself a lot of time, space and money by following this guide.

In addition, I went through all of those pre-made dorm shopping lists that a lot of stores have and told you which things you don’t really need at all, so that’s fun. Basically this is a college packing lists debunked. Let’s do this.

1. Over the door shoe organizer

So many people bought this and didn’t even use it. With a lot of dorms it’s difficult to hang things over the door and also keep in mind you’re sharing this space with someone else–why should you get to use the door to store your shoes? In addition to that, heels, boots and other bulky shoes won’t even fit in it. Opt for a small shoe rack that can go under your bed or in your closet instead.

Psssst, if you’re curious for which shoes to bring to college see Shoes Every College Girl Needs.

2. An extra set of sheets

Honestly, you wash your current sheets, toss them in the dryer and then put them right back on. No matter how cute the second set is, you really don’t need them. Some packing lists suggest three sets of sheets. Unless you plan on literally throwing sheets in the trash and using all of your sheets to build some kind of toga and/or blanket fort, you don’t need that many damn sheets.

3. Cases of water

These are bad for the environment and they take up a lot of space. While it is good to be hydrated and to have plenty of water, I suggest investing in a filtered water bottle or two. It’ll save you money and space while also benefiting the environment.

4. A printer

If you’re really lazy, I guess you could buy one but generally the library has printing and sometimes it’s even free. Printers take up space and ink gets super expensive. Also, when you have a printer I guarantee anyone who knows you have it will ask you to use it. It’s like having a pack of gum in middle school; by the end of the day everyone’s going to be chewing your gum and you’re out the $1.50 that the pack cost.

5. Extra seating

You don’t need the super college-y, really cool bungee chair or bean bag chair. Your space is limited in your dorm and if you need extra seating, your friends can sit on your bed, desk chair or the floor. Of course, if you want a fun chair then go for it but keep in mind it’s taking up precious space. They also break frequently. I’ve seen a lot of bungee chair deaths throughout my college years, trust me.

6. Curtains

Some dorm checklists insist you need these, but most dorms come fully equipped with ugly curtains that you can’t change or cover. Check with your college to be sure, but 90% of the time you don’t need to buy curtains.

7. A robe

Maybe this is just me, but I never wore a robe and I didn’t know of many people that wore robes. You wear your towel wrapped around you to the shower and then wear the wet towel back to your dorm. A robe is just another thing to carry to the shower along with a towel and shower caddy. There’s not really a place for a robe in most dorm bathrooms, there’s typically a place for a towel and caddy.

If you’re someone who needs a robe and uses it religiously then that’s fine, but if you’re someone who doesn’t really feel strongly about robes and mostly wants one because it’s cute and sounds like a good idea, save the money and buy a cute towel wrap or set of PJs instead.

8. A floor lamp

You don’t have space. You don’t need this. You definitely do not need this. You might hate the overhead fluorescent lighting (we all do) but a desk lamp and string lights are a better alternative than a big floor lamp. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a dorm with  floor lamp in it, so please ignore packing lists that tell you it’s something you need unless your college’s dorms don’t have lights…which…that’d be kind of odd.

9. A space heater/heated blanket

You’re not even allowed to have these in almost any dorm and dorms are also heated unless you’re living in a really old, suspicious building. If you feel as though you’re going to get cold, pack a fuzzy blanket or some cozy socks instead.

10. Bed risers

Want one of the biggest dorm shopping tips? Ignore the packing lists that stores give you. They want you to buy things and spend money, they don’t actually care about whether you need the items or not. Most beds have built-in systems to raise the beds, but make sure you call your college and check before you choose to not buy these. Some older dorms might require you have bed risers.

If you want some essentials that you actually should buy, check out there 10 college dorm essentials under $10!