While it might have been a few years ago since I graduated (7 to be exact), I still distinctly remember that proud feeling of unpacking and setting up my dorm room with all my favorite things.
It's the first time you feel real independence, and can set about decorating a space that truly reflects who you are. Aside from all the sensible buys on our college dorm room checklist, like mattress toppers and microwaves, I think it's super important to spruce up the room with stylish finds that make you feel more at home – but don't cost the earth.
Thanks to Amazon and their purse-friendly prices, I've managed to put together the ultimate starter pack of dorm room decor all for under $200. Yes, that's total. From beautiful bedding to your very own single serve coffee machine, here's everything I'd be packing up if I were heading off to college this summer.
Decorate Your Dorm Room For $200
Of course, you're going to need stylish bed sheets. Bedsure sheets are made from rayon which is naturally antimicrobial. And let's face it, that's going to be handy for college where you'll be doing less regular laundry than at home.
These throw pillow covers are brilliant as they can simply be slipped off and machine-washed if they get grubby, while still adding a cozy feel to your bedscape. I love the vintage-inspired florals.
At a whopping 44% off, this Keurig single-serve coffee maker is causing quite the stir in the H&G office. I love the cheerful mint hue and the fact that it accommodates a travel mug so you can take coffee to class, but be sure to do your research and read our edit of the best Keurig coffee makers.
Wall prints are a tricky one. Of course, they're going to bring so much charm to your plain bedroom walls but just be sure to use a damage-free way of hanging them up. I highly recommend ordering some Command Strips from Amazon too.
Having your own towels is a must, but why subject yourself to plain white? These cute checkered hand towels come in green, red, yellow, or blue in a set of 4 and they're sure to cheer up your night-time routine.
Portable lamps are a genius invention. With no cord twisting annoyance or need for a close socket (dorm rooms are terrible for having sockets in actually useful places), it can simply be recharged and moved around as you please.
While this dorm room starter pack is of course missing some important college essentials (plates, oven gloves, toilet roll) it is simply a great reminder that college isn't just for surviving but for thriving. We all want a space that feels restful and like home to return to after class, and, thanks to Amazon's bargains, you can be sure to inject some personality into your dorm without breaking the bank.
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