Moving out of the dorms and into your first college apartment? Make sure to pick up these essential items as you start shopping!
Making the move from dorm life to apartment living is no minor adjustment. Sure, you’ve been living more independently than ever before for the better part of a year — or longer! But there’s a new level of freedom that comes with moving out of on-campus housing and into a place that feels a step closer to being grown up.
While it might seem like the biggest transition comes with the change of space, it’s really the things you’ll be putting into that space that will make the move feel more meaningful.
Whether you’re upgrading from plastic storage to something more aesthetically pleasing or buying new furniture for the first time, Bed Bath & Beyond has you covered with all the essentials you’ll need to make your apartment feel like home.
But wait — there’s more! Bed Bath & Beyond makes it easy to find everything you need for your first college apartment with a variety of convenient services exclusive to students. Keep their College Apartment Checklist handy as you shop online, then use your university email address to sign up for a College Savings Pass that gets you 20% off every purchase you make. You can even schedule a pickup time close to campus for an ultra-convenient shopping experience from start to finish.
Items to Upgrade
Bedding
Say goodbye to the XL twin for good! If your apartment comes furnished, you’ll likely be sleeping on a full-size mattress. Once you pick out a bedding set, make sure you grab a mattress topper — a pillow-top or egg crate are always great options that deliver on cloud-like comfort — and plenty of pillows. If you’re supplying your own furniture, Bed Bath & Beyond has plenty of options starting under $200.
Storage
While moving into an apartment after living in a dorm does give you more square footage to work with, you’re still probably sharing your space with a roommate or two. That said, it’s definitely time to upgrade from plastic drawers under the bed to a storage system you won’t have to keep hidden away. Cubby-style shelves are always a great go-to since they offer the option to hide some things in convenient collapsible bins and keep others out as decoration.
Lighting
It’s unlikely that your first college apartment will sport anything beyond recessed overhead lighting, so if you prefer adjustable or low lighting, you’ll definitely want to budget for a few lamps on your shopping list. Bed Bath & Beyond has options for just about any personal decor style, whether you’re looking for a desk lamp, a floor lamp, a table lamp, or a combination of all three!
Wall Art
Listen, I’m not saying that your dorm art has to go — there is a good chance you’ll come to that conclusion on your own — but I am saying that there are new ways to consider showing it off. Even if you’re bringing all your old artwork with you to hang on the walls, take some time to get their measurements and find frames to hang them all in. If you’re in the market for new wall decor, Bed Bath & Beyond has so many great pieces to choose from that will fit in with any style.
Cleaning Supplies
When you’re living in a dorm, you’re only responsible for keeping a small space clean, so you can get away with having minimal cleaning supplies on hand. But when you move into an apartment, it’s time to upgrade to more serious home care. A combination vacuum mop can be a lifesaver for spills and messes, and a reliable under-the-counter trash can is a must when you’re cooking in your own kitchen every day. And of course, you can’t forget a vacuum!
Items You Didn’t Need — But Will!
Cookware & Tools
I’ll admit it: I didn’t cook much in college, even in my apartment. But I also never bothered to buy the cooking supplies I needed to make even the simplest meals. Suffice it to say, even if you don’t think you’ll need all of it, a solid set of essential cookware and tools can make a huge difference in whether you actually cook for yourself in your first apartment. This set comes with everything you need to make classic dishes, and this knife set will help you prep for all of them!
Bathroom Organization
One of the best things that comes with moving out of the dorms and into an apartment is no longer having to haul your bathroom essentials in a shower caddy every day. Now that everything is going to have a permanent home, that means you’ll need somewhere to keep it all contained in your bathroom. If you’re sharing your bathroom, this under-the-counter storage bundle is your best bet. You’ll also benefit from countertop organization that maximizes space and storage.
Window Treatments
If you’ve never slept in a room outfitted with blackout curtains, you haven’t truly slept. These days, there’s no reason not to have them on all your bedroom windows — there are so many stylish options to choose from! The heavy material keeps the pesky light out when you’re trying to relax, and you won’t mind actually looking at the curtains during the day when the light is hitting them.
Throw Pillows & Blankets
A bigger bed means more space to accessorize and put your personal touch on your space. Plus, who doesn’t love an ultra-comfy couch to come home to after a long day of classes? An assortment of small and medium throw pillows can add a pop of color and personality to any common room or bedroom, and you’ll never regret adding an oversized throw blanket for something soft to curl up on the couch with.
Ice Cube Maker
If you’re moving out of a typical dorm, you probably didn’t have a freezer. Moving into an apartment, you probably won’t have an ice machine — not to be a total downer, but even if you do, it might not work all the time. An Ice Cube Genie makes it easy to guarantee perfect ice cubes whenever you need them. All you need to do is add water and pop it in the freezer!
Tool Set
While you don’t have to worry about making any big repairs when you move into your first apartment, you’ll probably run into a few instances where tools will come in handy. You can go for something as simple as this 14-piece tool set, but if you really want to be prepared for anything, spring for the 130-piece set. Trust me, you’ll be glad you got it.
Big Move
Going from on-campus dorm living to your first college apartment is a big move — literally! Have fun making the space your own with the decor and accessories that express your personality. When you shop at Bed Bath & Beyond, you know you’ll find everything you need in one place, and the best part is, it’s stuff you actually like.
