IKEA: Move-In-Must-Haves Everything You Need To Know About Making Your Dorm Feel Like Home

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Move-in Advice

Whether you’re an incoming freshman living in the college dorms or are moving to an off-campus apartment for the first time, there’s a lot to remember to pack. But, you don’t want to get so caught up shopping for sheets that you forget about the other items that are going to help you create a comfortable space that feels like home.

Editor: Emily Murphy • Designer: Audrey Wu This is a sponsored feature. All opinions are 100% our own. © Her Campus Media 2023

Pulling an all-nighter isn’t so bad when you have a great study space.

There’s nothing better than coming back to a cozy dorm after a long day of classes.

GLADHÖJDEN Desk

MÖJLIGHET Headset and Tablet Stand

MALSKÄR Swivel Chair with Pad

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Your friends will love coming over thanks to these comfy additions to your dorm.

Make your dorm uniquely yours by adding your bold taste and personal touches.

As much as you value your parents' advice about dorm life – and as much as they want to help – there are just some things that are either outdated, not applicable to your situation, or can’t be answered by doing an online search.

IKEA®

Check out some of these must-haves ahead of move-in day so you can be ready to turn your bedroom into a place where you can study hard, be cozy, and become uniquely you!

OLDERDALEN Nightstand

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BERGHEMLOCK Twin Duvet Cover

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OLDERDALEN Nightstand

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BUSKBO Armchair

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YCKSELE LÖVÅS Sleeper Sofa

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KLASSRUM Rug

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EKLUGGMAL Cushion

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BILD "Spring Day" Poster

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ÄRTBUSKE Vase/Watering Can

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VARMBLIXT LED Mirror Lamp

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Thanks to IKEA, you can find everything you need for college living, from the basics to furniture and decor that perfectly reflect your personality.

“Don’t rush off your parents when you’re all moved into your dorm! Cherish their company because you will have plenty of time to be on your own in college, so pose for all the cheesy photos and embrace their presence.”

Daniella G., Florida International University

“Staying organized and keeping a clean environment makes it easier to host friends and do homework in your dorm without feeling the burden of being [in a messy] room. From buying extra storage shelving, a portable backpack hamper, and even a storage ottoman, find what works best for you in your space to make sure your belongings have their place.”

Jade B., Pennsylvania State University

“When moving into a smaller space, organization is key! Make sure you have a place for everything. It is really helpful to get containers, bins and labels to avoid clutter! Messiness is the last thing you need when you don't have a ton of space!"

Katelyn N., University of California Riverside

So, we rounded up the best advice about move-in day and dorm living from current college students to help you feel confident before creating your new space!

“Most dorm rooms have fluorescent lights which aren’t exactly ideal. I loved having a desk lamp, and something really fun was getting a ring light! A ring light or standing lamp can add so much to a room and give you other options than those harsh fluorescents.”

Laney C., UNC Chapel Hill

Daniella G.

Florida International University

Jade B.

Pennsylvania State University

Katelyn N.

University of California Riverside

Laney C.

UNC CHapel Hill

Whether you’re studying for midterms, doing your homework, or writing an essay, this desk will fit perfectly in your dorm, and will be the place you accomplish your long to-do list. Add a desk lamp to make sure you have plenty of good lighting while you’re working!

Do you have an online lecture you like to watch from your tablet? Or maybe you like to hang your headphones on it so you always know where they are. Either way, you need this headset and tablet stand for your dorm room!

If you prefer to study in your dorm room over studying at the library, then you’ll need a comfortable seat. With this padded swivel chair, you’ll be able to work hard for hours! Place a cushion on the back of your chair to upgrade the comfort level even more!

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Sticking to a good bedtime routine is key in college. So, get everything you need for a good night’s sleep on your nightstand – like a book to read before bed, your water bottle in case you get thirsty in the middle of the night, and an alarm clock to help you wake up for that early morning class.

This comfortable chair is perfect for video chat dates with your hometown bestie, curling up with a good book, and catching up on your and your roomie’s fave TV show at the end of a busy week. Drape a blanket over it and add a couple of plush pillows to really make it cozy!

The only thing better than getting into bed at the end of a long day is getting into a bed that you love. So, get this silky, matching duvet cover and pillow case, and make it extra comfortable with a fluffy duvet insert!

Do you host weekly movie nights with your floormates? Then you *need* this rug! It’s not only super cute and will perfectly match the other decor you have in your room, but it’s also great to have when you have extra visitors who need a place to sit comfortably on the floor.

If your new study partner (who also happens to be your new bestie!) is too tired to head home after a late night study sesh, then this sleeper sofa is the perfect solution! It’s also machine washable, so to keep it clean, just throw the cover in your hamper when you’re doing laundry.

When you aren’t resting on this cushion in between classes or using it as a decorative pillow on your bed to match your blanket, this cushion acts as a great place for your dorm visitors to sit and relax on.

Your mirror selfies are about to get an upgrade with this unique mirror that doubles as a lamp! Create a soft, cozy atmosphere by spreading warm light around your dorm, and control how much light you want with the dimmer.

If you want to show off your fun interior design taste, then you definitely need a statement piece like this to put on display! It will be the first thing someone sees when they come to your dorm, and is a great backdrop for your social posts. Don’t forget to frame it!

Most dorm rooms are pretty plain when you first get to campus – so brighten it up with this statement decor that acts as a vase and a watering can! No matter what you use it for, it’ll add the pop of color to your room that you’re looking for.

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