Trendy and Functional Tech for College Dorm Rooms • #CollegePrep

What's #CollegePrep, you ask? Long story short, you're getting 8 amazing posts, back-to-back, that are meant to prepare you for this upcoming college semester! Whether you're an incoming freshman or returning upperclassman, you don't want to miss these tips, gift + packing guides, and true heart-to-hearts. (Remember to bookmark the new #CollegePrep page for easy access).

With this new series, I finally created a College Community Newsletter for my loyal readers! If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe here to stay “in the know” with popular college-related resources and future content. 

With all of that said, we’re kicking off this special month talking about trendy (but functional) tech for college dorm rooms. Let’s get to it, shall we?

Keep in mind, this post is brought to you by Amazon with the use of affiliate links. Trust me when I say that I wouldn't steer you all wrong with this list. Most of these products have been personally purchased or bookmarked in my personal "must-have" Amazon folder.

Yes, I do have an Amazon problem. No, we don’t need to talk about it.

Moving on…

the basic stuff

This Belkin Swivel Surge Protector + USB Charger is perfect for the side of your desk or bed that requires multiple outlets for lamps, clocks, and charging stations. 

This 1TB Portable External Hard Drive (by WD) saved my life when I started accumulating tons of large files and folders with research papers + projects that I couldn't part with. Simple USB drives (or cute ones like these Stitch and music note options) are great to start, but larger hard drives come in handy for paper-heavy majors. 

I've been a Roku Streaming Stick fan since sophomore year of college when I moved into my apartment. Without cable, I knew that I needed a smart TV or all-in-one streaming hub to house Netflix, Hulu, HBO, or Amazon Video and this, my friends, was perfect. 

As a fellow student who hates ironing (and hardly had time), steaming my wrinkled clothes became an easy morning routine. Take advantage of a small device from your local store (like Target or Wal-Mart that usually have great selections), or invest in something like this travel-sized URPOWER fabric steamer!

I'm not sure this Keurig Classic single-serve coffee maker needs an introduction or explanation. It's simple...Coffee. (Since I'm not a serial coffee drinker like the mass majority of students, I do know the power of a good chai and hot chocolate on a cold day). 

Although I'm sure many dorm halls don't allow certain appliances (like hot plates), I had the luxury of using a portable Electric Induction Cooktop (with rapid heating) during my junior and senior year while living in a dorm. This was a life-saver for me, someone who never had the patience to go to some cafeteria for food every day, and a great resource to still cook without a full kitchen. 

the functional stuff

I recently filmed an amazon haul for my YouTube Channel and featured this ArtNaturals Diffuser! With a bluetooth speaker and alarm, and the option to purchase a set of essential oils, this became the ultimate stress-reliever. 

With plenty of different options for a speaker, like this Anker Soundcore bluetooth version, it's important to find one that is wireless with superior sound quality. Hey, you never know when you'll need that perfect study break jam session! 

If you remember, like me, the iHome wave that spread across the world in middle school, then you understand the hype with this brand. Not only is this version cute (and functional, of course), but it changes color with bluetooth, radio, and a charging station. 

If you love keepsakes and beautiful memories, this HP portable photo printer will be the most Tumblr purchase you ever make! Is it just me or do I sense a cute social media photo wall opportunity? 

This Amazlab LED Lightbulb is the perfect reading light for those late nights on the computer! Simply plug the lightbulb into a USB outlet and get to work, or enter into a YouTube deep dive, looking like the genius you are. 

With the many responsibilities that required my laptop to travel with me everywhere I go, this Amazon Basics ventilated laptop stand was more than necessary when I was forced to finish working at a location that didn't have a proper desk or table. 

I know, I know...This fridge looks adorable but WAY too small. Well, it is. If you're set on purchasing a decent-sized fridge then please do. This electric Cooluli Mini Fridge, on the other hand, is perfect for the corner of a desk or under the bed to conveniently hold those small cans or bottles of water!

the cute stuff

I mean COME ON. This ACED 3D Printed LED Moon Lamp is the cutest and most Tumblr item on this list. Although I never purchased this while in college, I plan on shamelessly investing in this light for those quiet nights when my self-care routine is in full effect. 

If you follow me on social media, you've probably seen a few of my Instagram stories with an orange hue from my beloved Himalayan Salt Lamp. Even if this light looks like a boring rock, the vibes and health benefits make the investment guilt-free!

If you need an extra bit of decor that is 100% customizable, consider buying a letter box or this Cinema Light Box! With a color-changing function and 200+ letters to write whatever you please, you'll love that extra pop of personality. 

Remember that HP photo printer from the functional section? These LED Photo Clips String Lights are the perfect display for those special college memories. I must admit...I wish I searched for this sooner after using ugly thumb tacks to hang my photos. Oh well. *adds to cart*

Yeah, you could use your research paper to fan yourself when it's hot OR you could make an impulse purchase and buy an adorable handheld fan like this OURRY portable version with a desktop stand. Want to be extra and take it a step further? Buy a mini fan with bunny ears because #YOLO. 

Ever find yourself thinking about getting a speaker in the shape of an emoji? Yeah, me neither. Again, #YOLO. (Plus, this JAMOJI Kiss Wireless speaker is another shameless Tumblr moment). 

No, adding a record player into a cramped room isn't always the best option. Yes, players like this Victrola Vintage suitcase turntable (with bluetooth) fill the room with a different kind of vibe that regular speakers can't provide. 

I remember seeing this Momma Pig USB hub online and knew I had to have it. With 3 different USB ports, you're able to plug this adorable tool into your computer to work or keep the ports safe with piglet plugs. 

the shameless splurges

Let's start with the most ridiculously cool splurge, shall we? Although this Nostalgia Toaster Oven isn't the most expensive item on this list, it boasts an amazing opportunity to make one knockout breakfast with the coffee maker, griddle, and toaster functions. 

This Philips Wake-Up Light alarm clock is what dreams and nightmares are made of! How incredible (yet inescapable) would it be to wake up to an actual sunrise and be lulled to sleep by a realistic sunset? *still hits snooze ten times*

Are you still trying to find a TV that won't break the bank? Do you have a bare wall available? This full HD LED Video Projector would be an actual in-home cinema experience! *Imagines epic Game of Thrones watch party*

Although I love my HP photo printer (mentioned above), I'm jealous of Kodak's new Mini Shot Digital Camera! Can you imagine taking a high-quality photo, printing it out, and hanging it on your string light wall within ten minutes? Yes please. 

That's all, for now, my friends! I hope you all enjoyed this mega shopping list (that, of course, doubles as a gift guide).

Remember to bookmark the #CollegePrep page for future reference and share this post to spread the love!

Want to enter into the official #collegeprep giveaway? Join the community for entry and more college-related content you'll love! 

This is about to be one exciting month on TheMakaylaLynn...

See you all soon,