Summer‘s slipping away like sand through our fingers, and you know what that means—back-to-school season is sneaking up on us.
This is how to create the aesthetic vibe for your space, making it cozy and cute, and setting up the perf study corner where you’ll actually want to get things done. And, of course, we’ve got you covered with a list of those sneaky little essentials you might forget.
Think of us as your older sis, here to make your life way easier and your uni experience less stressful with this list.
Make your home away from home homey
Area Rug
Whether your dorm room is tiny or spacious, you need a rug. It transforms that cold, echoey space into a comfy haven. Plus, who wants to step onto icy floors first thing in the morning? Not us. This is perfect to make your room feel like home, and it’s cute ofc.
Where: woodculture.ae
Photo Clip String Lights
You’re missing home? Hang up some pictures of your loved ones. You can stick them to the wall or buy some clip strings with fairy lights to make it look even cuter.
Where: virginmegastore.ae
Fake Candles
Candles not allowed in your dorm? No worries. Opt for battery-powered ones for that warm, inviting feel.
Where: daisome.com
Throw Pillows
Want to make your dorm room super cosy and stylish? Grab some throw pillows. They’re not just cute accents—they give your bed that extra comfy boost when you’re Netflixing or chilling with friends. Plus, they add a pop of personality to your space.
Where: potterybarn.ae
Reed Diffuser
Hey, dorm life doesn’t have to smell boring just because candles are a no-go. Use these stick diffusers to make your room smell amazing and spruce up your space without breaking any rules.
Where: rawspiritual.com
Mood Lighting (Sunset Lamp)
Get yourself some mood lighting, ASAP. We recommend a sunset lamp. It’ll fill your space with the perfect golden glow. Plus, it doubles up as a good selfie light.
Where: azadea.com
Add these to your study corner will motivate you to *actually* revise
Pegboard
You’ve seen these pegboards all over IG. They’re perfect for pinning up your sticky notes, important reminders, fave pics, and all the to-do lists you’ll be juggling. Plus, it will keep your desk clutter-free and Pinterest-worthy.
Where: emaratshop.com
Tiered pen holders
Obv, you need work supplies. Pens, pencils, highlighters, markers, and whatever else you need to get those aesthetic notes. Well, you also need a place to keep everything cute and tidy. A tiered pen holder will 100% motivate you to make your notes way cuter.
Where: trendyol.com
Bookends
If you’re heading to uni, you’re gonna have a ton of books—trust us on that. Not only do they keep your books from falling over, but they also give your study corner some serious style points. Grab some aesthetic ones to keep your books organised and your space Insta-ready.
Where: westelm.ae
Mini desk drawers
If you’re looking for a desk that’s gonna keep your study game strong, you *need* mini drawers. These will help you stay clutter-free and on the way to A+s assignments.
Where: flyingtiger.ae
Light-up Clock
We don’t want you losing track of time, yk? And what’s better than an old, boring clock? A cute, light-up clock, ofc. Perfect to spice up your desk and tell you the time even when you’re studying late into the night.
Where:danubehome.com
Desk Lamp
When the sun sets and your dorm room lights are too intense, you need a desk lamp that’s practical. Pop one of these bad boys on your desk—voila. You’ve got adjustable brightness to suit your mood and study vibes.
Where: bloomr.ae
Space-saving items you need to fit all your stuff in your tiny dorm room
Rolling Organizer
You *need* a rolling cart in your dorm. This is *the* space-saving hack. These cuties fit anywhere and are perfect for all your toiletries, snacks, or whatever you want. Plus, they’re on wheels, so you can roll them wherever you need.
Where: ochomefurniture.com
Space-saving hangers
Okay, so every girl’s main problem is that we have too many clothes and not enough space. Well, the solution to that is getting space-saving hangers. This will give you the excuse and space to shop even more.
Where: panhomestores.com
Shower Caddy
Your bathroom needs some attention too. Whether you’re sharing or have your own, a shower caddy is a total need. Carry it with you to the shower or stick it on the wall for extra storage.
Where: next.ae
Underbed Storage Bin
Need a smart hack to hide all your extra stuff in your tiny dorm? Get under-bed storage bins – they’re literally lifesavers for storage and keeping your extra stuff neat.
Where: ikea.com
Ottoman Storage
We love nothing more than multi-use items. You need an ottoman storage in your dorm ASAP. Not only is it perfect for doing your makeup or hosting your friends, but it also has sneaky storage space when you open the top. You get a chic seat and a hidden stash spot all in one.
Where: crateandbarrel.e
Over the Door Storage Organiser
In your tiny dorm, you have to get creative with every inch. Don’t forget the door—it’s perfect for hanging shoes or all your random bits and bobs.
Where: ikea.com
The boring (but needed) things you can’t afford to forget
Water Bottle
Do we even need to explain this? You need this to keep your drink cool or warm wherever you are. We recommend you opt for an aesthetic Stanley.
Where: loch.life
Extension Lead
Oh, boy. You cannot forget this. You might not realize it, but you will not have enough sockets. Your phone, laptop, tablet, headphones, and whatever else? Yeah, they need to be charged. You need a couple of extension leads, trust.
Where: uae.microless.com
Blue Tack
To hang up your posters and pics on the wall, duh.
Where: aceuae.com
First Aid Kit
For emergencies, you know? Better be safe than sorry.
Where: myaster.com
Bathrobe
Well, you def need a towel, but it’s even better when it’s a robe. Sounds forgettable, but you really need to get this ASAP. It’s easy to forget but it will become your bestie on nights in or when you are romanticising your morning routine.
Where: cb2.ae.
Laundry Basket
Oh, yeah, you really need this. Seems useless and forgettable, but where will your clothes go when you need to take them to the laundry room?
Where: namshi.com
Command Hooks
If you feel like hanging anything on the wall, you need this. It’s easy to forget, but it’s small, affordable, and won’t get you in trouble with your dorm warden for applying theses removable hooks to the walls.
Where: homeboxstores.com
Slippers/Flip flops
You do not want to walk into the bathroom barefoot (but fr, pls don’t). But you also don’t want to shower with your normal slippers. Those will get soaked, and we def don’t want that. Many forget that bathroom slippers exist, and you literally need them.
Where: stevemadden.me
Duvet and Pillow Covers
This is an obvious necessity but easily forgotten. We recommend buying, washing, and ironing them at home before going to uni. Nothing is better than clean, fresh, smooth sheets that smell like home.
Where: ae.hm.com
Duvet
Uhm, you need a duvet for your duvet cover, of course. Oh, and you need this to sleep, so it’s basically the biggest essential.
Where: lamarvel.ae
Pillows
Sounds self-explanatory, we know. But hey, lots of people overlook the basics. This is why you need to save this list on your phone rn.
Where: homecentre.com
Need some besties ahead of the start of your uni era? Here are girl communities in Dubai to help you find your BFF.