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Buying guide: How to Setup Your Dorm for Under $400

College is undoubtedly one of the hardest financial circumstances many people will find themselves in their lives. Most people have no applicable skills yet and are expected to both live and become educated on the same salary as a high schooler. Thankfully, there are ways to have a great college experience without having to pay as much as you might think. Dorm rooms are a great example. Once you start thinking about everything you need, the cost can reach into the thousands if you aren’t careful. You are trying to condense an entire house into a half room. It can be tricky. Thankfully, we’re here to help. We have created this list of 12 dorm essentials that will let you live comfortably in college without breaking the bank. In fact, all of these dorm supplies total less than $400. That’s pretty great, considering you are getting an entire mini kitchen, bed settings, and a complete desk and computer setup for that price. And the best part is: it’s all available with free 2 day prime shipping!

A fridge

A fridge is a dorm essential. While ramen might not go bad, the rest of your food will. Although it may seem like a good idea to stash all your food in snow banks, it probably isn’t very practical. You can spend upwards of 300-400 dollars on a nice dorm fridge, but we were able to find an excellent example on Amazon for just $134.

Total: $134

A microwave

The second dorm essential is a microwave. Let’s face it. You’re probably not going to be able to drag yourself all the way to the cafe every time you get hungry. No one is going to interrupt a cram session with a basic need for sustenance. A microwave is really a must-have for any dorm, but can probably be removed from the list if you only plan on using the meal plan. We found a great microwave on Amazon for only $50.

Total: $184

A desk lamp

A desk lamp is another frivolous purchase that you will be thanking yourself for for years to come. A good desk lamp can last you your entire college career. Everyone knows the struggle of trying to study by the light of your cell phone, but thankfully you won’t be able to empathize as you live the high life with your amazing desk lamp, which also has a built-in usb charging port for your phone or iPad. $24

Total: $208

An alarm clock

I doubt that anyone will argue that an alarm clock is not a necessity. Unless if you are Gandhii, the chances are that you will not already be up by the time you need to be. That is why man invented alarm clocks. While you could scar yourself with the harsh metallic screeching of a $6 Walmart alarm clock, for only another $5 you can get this beautiful alarm clock that also tells you the temperature, humidity and forecast, although we can’t guarantee that you’ll care so early in the morning. $11

Total: $219

A mirror

A mirror is a seldom considered yet incredibly important aspect of a dorm room. Whether you have a meeting with a professor, a date, or an interview for a job, you want to make sure that you look good. This mirror that we found comes in 6 square panels, so that you can put it wherever makes the most sense in your dorm. You can put it on a wall, on the inside of the bathroom door, or literally anywhere else, and it is totally customizable to fit. $26

Total: $245

Pillows

This one is pretty self explanatory. We are not cavemen. We like pillows. Here is a nice set of two for $18.

Total: $263

Sheets

Again, a pretty obvious one. You need to make your bed and at least seem civilized to everyone else. I personally never liked sheets, but our society tells them that we must have them, so we do. These ones are very nice microfiber sheets with 1800 thread count. You will be the envy of all the introverts who count thread sheets at your parties. $30

Total: $293

Comforter

Just like sheets, you’ll want something to cover you and keep you warm while you sleep. This comforter should do that and not really much more. Comforters aren’t really that exciting. $25

Total: $318

Speakers

Even if you don’t listen to much music, you are going to want speakers. Listening to videos or tutorials with earphones will end up making your head hurt after a while. When you’re alone in your dorm you’ll be able to play a video in the background, watch Netflix, or find another way to use your speakers. Be creative. I actually have these and I can vouch for their sound quality. They even come with a nice little dial that you use to turn the volume up and down. $40

Total: $358

Key hook / shelf

Okay, I’m going to be honest. This one isn’t really a necessity, but it is really cool, and it put us right up to the $400 limit so I figured I’d include it. It is a floating shelf with a strong magnet on the bottom. You can put your keys on the bottom, and your phone or a small potted plant on top. Put it by your door if you trust the people in your dorm or by your desk if you want to keep a closer eye on it. $20

Total: $378

Coffee Machine

We are back to the essentials now. Even if you hate coffee or tea with a passion, you need a coffee maker. Whether you need to stay awake to finish a paper, have something hot to splash on your annoying neighbor, or just have a soothing aroma in your dorm, a coffee maker is an absolute necessity which should not be taken lightly. This one costs $17.

Total: $395

So we outfitted our entire dorm for $395! Obviously you might also want a backpack or some other things specific to your own tastes, but this is a pretty great starter pack. Everything that you need to survive your first few years of college is included!

If you have a little extra money, you can also check out our guides 10 Great Hobbies in College, 10 Best Dorm Accessories, and 12 Cheap College Hobbies.

These prices are current as of the writing of this article, but may change with time. By buying these products with our links, we are paid a commission, which we use to run the site. Please show your support, if you decide to purchase one of these items, by using our link to do so.

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