Heading off to college and worried about making your dorm feel like home? This article rounds up the must-have items to turn a bland dorm room into a cozy, functional space—from space-saving storage hacks to gadgets that’ll make late-night study sessions a little easier. Think of it as a survival kit for first-timers and a refresh for returning students.

Editor’s Note: Dorm life can be a shock if you’re unprepared, and small comforts go a long way in easing the transition. This isn’t just about decor—it’s practical advice for making tight spaces work harder, which matters when you’re balancing classes, social life, and maybe your first taste of independence.