With post- Fourth of July sales going strong and back-to-school displays popping up in stores, we’re in the mood to shop. Hopefully recent high school grads are too! But before you start buying everything you need for life on a college campus, take a look at the latest trends in dorm essentials, decor, and more. 

A Smarter Backpack

Goodbye lockers! Without a convenient storage space just steps away from the classroom, college students will need to invest in a great backpack. Classic brands like North Face and Jansport are still popular on campuses, but there are sleeker, more modern designs emerging–complete with the latest technology. This year we’ll be seeing a lot of Smart Backpacks that allow you to charge their devices on-the-go and provide plenty of security with tech-savvy locks and security pockets. And thanks to improvements in materials, there are now hundreds of water-resistent and waterproof options. Companies are also getting creative with their designs, so you can easily convert their everyday bag into a hiking pack or carry-on luggage. This is great news for new college students who might not have the space in their dorm room to store suitcases. 

We like designs like the APBags Travel Daypack. Not only are there designated spaces for just about anything you might need to carry, but there’s also a cool hidden safety pocket. The bag features a compression lock and ID system. Register your bag online, so you can easily track if it lost or stolen. And the best part? The backpack easily transforms into a crossbody or messenger bag! 

The Smart Nayo Backpack is a great option for those who might want to take their bags to the great outdoors. It’s waterproof and includes a compass! If you’re looking for something a bit more colorful, check out the Himawari Travel School Backpack. There are over twenty hues to choose from.

Self-Cleaning Water Bottle

Backpacks aren’t the only accessory getting a technological makeover. Water bottles are too! Companies like Larq have designed bottles that clean your water AND the the actual bottle you’ve been carrying around campus for days…or even weeks. We’ll spare you the scientific details for now. All you really need to know is that with the touch of a button, you’ll have purified water and a bacteria-free bottle. This is perfect for dorm-dwellers who might not think to give their accessory a good scrub–or have easy access to a kitchen sink. Our pick is the uber popular granite insulated PureVis bottle.

Shelfmates

You might have the roommate, but have you gotten a shelfmate yet? For the past few years, Bed Shelfie has been a popular option for undergrads in need of a nightstand-alternative. With a few clicks of a clamping system, you can lock the small tray into the side of your bed and voila! You suddenly have a convenient space for your laptop or late- night snacks. 

But if the trendy Bed Shelfie isn’t your style, check out Easy Eco Life. Their line of self-adhesive wall shelves has received thousands of positive Amazon reviews in recent months! We like that there are so many different sizes and configurations to choose from, and the shelves take less than a minute to mount. They might not offer the surface space of a Bed Shelfie, but they can help you keep your most important go-to items safe and organized.

Sustainable Bedding

You may have already ditched plastic straws and grocery bags, but there’s another trendy way to make an environmental impact. Change your sheets! A lot of undergrads are opting for organic cotton and bamboo materials that not only reduce landfill waste but also make for a cozier night’s sleep. 

In recent years, sustainable bedding has been limited in color and size offering, but the The Company Store sells extra-long organic cotton twin sheets for dorm rooms, along with matching duvet covers. And there are quite a few trendy colors to choose from! For those who don’t mind splurging on bedding, check out Buffy. Their sustainable products are so great that they’ve just won a major Architectural Digest award. But beware! Buffy’s recent surge in popularity means that a lot of products are sold out.

Shower Shoes

Okay, so shower shoes are typically ugly and down-right gross, but they are a must! Luckily, there’s a few new options designed to make walks to the communal bathroom less icky. Funkymonkey promises to be anti-slip, and according to reviews, they really are! These self-draining slip-ons are also all the Amazon ‘rage’ thanks to their comfortable material and quick-dry design.

A ‘Stand Up’ Work Space

If you’re going to spend hours on your laptop researching and writing, you might as well be comfortable. A laptop stand can help you convert just about any space in your dorm room or the library into a work area. 

There are thousands of ergonomic options available, but a ‘stand out’ for us is Revo’s multi-purpose stand. Its adjustable features give undergrads the option to perfect their posture while sitting; transform any surface into a standing desk; or efficiently lounge while pulling an all-nighter.

Dorm Room Decor

Throw pillows and pictures aren’t technically essential, but if you’re looking to make your dorm feel feel more like home and less like a small-cinderblock room, then you’ll want some decor. We know some students hang a few simple posters while others go ‘all out’ with over-the-top interior design. Whatever your style, consider incorporating some of the biggest trends of 2022:

• Custom wall collage kits: Even though photo collages have always been a dorm room staple, this year we’re seeing some cool custom kits that take the concept a creative step further. These sets let you use your personal photos or choose from themed images to make a truly original wall statement. 

• Plants and vines: Swap out the strand of twinkle lights for a more natural look. One of the biggest dorm room trends emerging right now is real and faux plant accessories. Hanging macrame planters, ivy garland, and wall planters can add a pop of color and life to any dorm room. 

• Neon signs: A classic look is back in style. Just about every website, from Amazon to Dormify to Target, has a collection of neon designs to brighten your dorm room. But before you order, check out your college’s residential life rulebook. Many schols have a ban on neon signs for safety reasons. 

  Happy shopping!