More Accessories to Consider
At WIRED, we all have complex office setups that make working from home easier. You don’t need to go that hard for a dorm room, and you probably only have limited space anyway. See our complete guide to working from home for more options, but here are some of our favorite desk accessories worth considering, along with other options for your dorm room.
Photography: Kat Merck
Aecooly Chic Touch Control Desk Fan: I tested this fan all summer last year for our Guide to the best fansand my friend’s son took him to school for his freshman year at the University of Colorado. It’s going to be hot during move-in week, and this fan is not only powerful, but its 8-inch-tall body fits in a suitcase, it’s USB-C rechargeable, and it’s quiet enough (36 decibels on low) that it won’t disturb roommates or interfere with studying. —Kat Merck
Robust Pamir ivory washable rug: I like it washable mat because it is durable, it looks great and it is extremely easy to clean. A rug is one of the easiest ways to make a room look more grown-up, and this one won’t break the bank.
AmazonBasics 3-Tier Utility Cart: I use this utility cart in my kitchen and am about to purchase another one for my bathroom. It is easy to assemble and makes good use of vertical storage space. Use it to organize school supplies, toiletries, accessories, or anything taking up space in your half of the dorm room.
BenQ ScreenBar LED computer lamp: WIRED Editor Julien Chokkattu swears by this desk lamp, which only works if you have an external monitor on your desk. It hangs above the screen and illuminates your workspace. Best of all, it doesn’t take up any space on your desk!
Monoprice Extra Large Microfiber Desk Mat: This mat is soft and doubles as a mouse pad, which is ideal for students who use a separate keyboard and mouse.
Storage case under the bed Ikea Skubb: When the former WIRED critic Medea Giordano Living in a small apartment in New York, she stored four of these storage bins under her bed to hold all the clothes her closet couldn’t hold. The same solution works well for college beds, which usually have ample space underneath. These cases can hold clothes, shoes, or anything you might need out of season, like party favors. Amazon has a a bunch of similar options.
Dalykate laundry bag: One of the realities of dorm life is that you may have to carry your dirty laundry down a few floors to the laundry room. This basket has a pocket to hold your detergent and backpack straps for portability, and it’s not as bulky as a laundry basket. This is what the WIRED publisher Julien Chokkattu he heads to his laundromat.
Crocs Classic Clogs: You need a pair of shower shoes. Trust me when I say that you don’t want to deal with athlete’s foot in a college dorm. These Crocs are my favorite for shared showers: they’re not difficult to get in, easy to remove when you’re balancing on one leg to wash your feet, and they dry quickly, too. Alternatively, you can opt for a dedicated pair of flip flops or slides. And don’t forget a shower trolley for your toiletries!
Govee RGBIC LED Light Strip: Fairy lights are cute, but this Govee light strip it’s a lot more fun. You can easily adjust colors and brightness using the smartphone app, and dim the lights depending on the space.
Basic cleaning supplies: I didn’t realize how many things I was forgetting when I first moved into my dorm. Make sure you remember the household essentials, like Laundry, paper napkins, dishwashing detergent, disinfectant wipesAnd washcloths. You might also want a little broom and dustpan.
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