More accessories to consider

All of us at WIRED have complicated desk setups that make working from home easier. You don’t have to go all that hard for a dorm room, and you’ll probably have just as much room left. Check out our full guide to working from home for more options, but here are some of our favorite desk accessories worth considering—plus a few more options for around your dorm room.

Photo: Kate Merck

Aecooly Chic Touch Control Desk Fan: I tested this fan all summer last year for my best fan guide, and my friend’s son took it to school for his first year at the University of Colorado. It’s going to be hot for a week, and this fan is not only powerful, but its 8-inch body fits in a suitcase, it’s USB-C rechargeable, and it’s quiet enough (36 decibels on low) that it won’t disturb roommates or interfere with studying. – Kate Merck

Pamir ivory washable rugs: I love this washable rug because it’s durable, it looks great, and it’s super easy to clean. A rug is one of the easiest ways to make a room feel more grown-up, and it won’t break the bank.

AmazonBasics 3-Tier Utility Cart: I use this utility cart in my kitchen, and I’m going to get another one for my bathroom. It’s easy to put together and makes good use of vertical storage space. Use half of your dorm room to organize school supplies, toiletries, accessories, or whatever else is taking up space.

BenQ Screen Bar Computer LED Lamp: Wired editor Julian Chokkoto swears by this desk lamp, which only works if you have an external monitor on your desk. It hangs at the top of the screen and illuminates your workspace. Best of all, it takes up zero space on your desk!

Monoprice Extra Wide Length Microfiber Desk Mat: This mat is soft and doubles as a mouse pad, perfect for students who use a separate keyboard and mouse.

Ikea Skubb Underbed Storage Case: When former WIRED reviewer Media Giordano lived in a small NYC apartment, she put four of these storage bins under her bed to hold whatever clothing she couldn’t fit in her closet. The same technique works well for college beds, which usually have plenty of room underneath. These cases can hold off-season clothes, shoes, or anything else you might need, like party supplies. Amazon has a A bunch of similar options.

Dalykate Bag Laundry Bag: A fact of dorm life is that you may need to carry your dirty laundry down a few flights to the laundry room. This hamper has a pocket to hold your detergent and bag straps for portability, and it’s not as bulky as a laundry basket. It’s what Wired editor Julian Chokkoto uses to get to his laundromat.

Crocs Classic Clogs: You need a pair of shower shoes. Trust me when I say that you don’t want to be dealing with athlete’s foot in a college dorm. These Crocs are my favorite for shared showers — they don’t move, they’re easy to get out of when you’re balancing on one leg to wash your feet, and they dry quickly, too. Alternatively, you can go with a dedicated pair of flip-flops or slides. And don’t forget a shower caddy for your toiletries!

Govee RGBIC LED Light Strip: String lights are cute, but this light strip from Govi ​​is a lot more fun. You can easily adjust colors and brightness using a smartphone app, and you can dim the lights to suit the space.

Basic cleaning supplies: I didn’t realize how many things I was forgetting when I first moved into my dorm. Make sure you remember the household essentials, eg Laundry detergent, Paper towels, Dish soap, Disinfectant wipesand clothes. You’ll want some too. Broom and dustpan.

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