1. A Rug
Chances are, freshman year you will be in an average double with two beds along the walls and minimal floor space. Rugs can completely transform that space, making the room feel bigger and brighter. You can pick a light color or fun pattern and add as many matching decorations you want until your room feels homey and your own.
2. Fans (and a lot of them)
To be frank, when you first move into the antique BU dorm buildings at the end of August, it’s hot, and even warmer if you are on one of the top floors of a dorm (heat rises or whatever). I recommend getting multiple fans for your room. A rotating floor fan in addition to desk fans will keep air cycling through the whole room. These also come in handy if the heating system gets too warm in the winter, or if there is an unusually warm day at an unexpected time.
3. Power strip + lots of chords
You will have more things to charge than you even expect. If you have ample outlets and extra chords they will definitely come in handy. I recommend keeping extra chords for all of your tech in your backpack as well for days when you’re on the go.
4. Cart
Freshman year, I used a white rolling cart as both a nightstand and snack storage. It was the perfect place to keep my phone nearby during the night as well as little things like chapstick and lotion. The cart has open layers so when my friends came over they were free to grab snacks from the inside. If we wanted more floor space, I could also easily roll it into the corner.
5. Speaker
A speaker is obviously a dorm essential. My roommate and I like to listen to music while we do homework and we also love an occasional dance party (especially right before an exam). If you get a waterproof speaker, you can also liven up your showers with some music.
6. A Diffuser
This was a last minute purchase for my room, but ended up being one of my most used dorm pieces. If you take anything from this list, it should be this. I was terrified of my dorm room developing the classic dorm stench, especially when I was first making friends and inviting new people over to my room. With a diffuser, you can add any scent you want and make your room smell amazing.
7. A Mini Vacuum
Avoid the constant hassle of renting a vacuum from the dorm, and bring a small vacuum of your own. You can easily take care of little messes like crumbs and lint and easily improve the look of your room.
8. Dish drying rack
When you come back from the shower, your shower caddy and shower shoes are still soaking wet. To avoid mold growing and wet messes, I have a dish drying rack to set my stuff on after I get out of the shower. The more places in your room that are dedicated to specific things, the easier it is to put everything away and keep your room tidy.
9. Laundry bag with straps
Carrying your laundry bag to the laundry room is a humbling experience. I have a laundry bag that cinches at the top and has straps on the back so I can easily carry it down to the laundry room.
10. Dorm Shoes
I was always a barefoot indoors kind of person, but in college that is out of the question. I recommend having a pair of slip-on shoes that you can easily wear around your room and building (to the bathroom, mail room, dining hall, etc.). A pair of slippers, Crocs, Birkenstocks or clogs work super well.