SHOPPING | SEASONAL

6 Dorm Must-Haves That Won’t Break Your College Budget

Written by Lauren Vinopal | August 13, 2025

Here at Savvy, all featured products are thoughtfully handpicked by our section editors. When you purchase something from our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. One last note — any items listed below are in-stock with accurate pricing as of time of publication.

Going to college is a time of self-discovery, and one of those discoveries is that a textbook might cost five times as much as the shelf it sits on. Fortunately, Walmart has plenty of deals on dormitory essentials, like this three-tier bookcase on sale for only $20.78.

But for day-to-day dorm life, you’ll need more than a plastic bin to keep junk under your bed. The following Walmart bargains will help you get started.

Mesh Shower Caddy Portable Tote Bag ($7.88)

Mesh Shower Caddy Portable Tote Bag

You’re not living at home anymore, which means you’re taking your toiletries with you to shower or brush your teeth. This quick-drying Siaomo Natural Caddy Tote has eight pockets for all the body wash a young adult needs. The mesh tote can also be thrown in the washing machine and reused at the beach, gym, or grocery shopping.

Mushroom Desk Lamp, $19.99

Mushroom Desk Lamp

Shopping with limited funds typically means prioritizing function over fashion, but thanks to a $50 discount, this cordless and rechargeable mushroom lamp can help you study in style while keeping your desk a little less tangled.

Solid Down Alternative Comforter, $26.89 (Queen)

Solid Down Alternative Comforter

You’re going to need a lot of rest after all-nighters spent cramming for exams. Curl up under the affordable, machine-washable JUSTLET Comforter. (The queen size is slightly less expensive, but most dorms have twin beds, so be sure to check.)

Standing Floor Full-Body Mirror ($54.99)

Standing Floor Full-Body Mirror

It’s crucial to have a full-body mirror for an occasional reminder that you’ve been wearing the same pants for three consecutive days. With a massive $144 markdown, this arched BEAUTYPEAK Full-Length Mirror will leave you with cash to spend on fresh outfits.

Ergonomic Cross-Legged Swivel Chair ($104.69)

Ergonomic Cross-Legged Swivel Chair

The adjustable Pinmoco Ergonomic Cross-Legged Swivel Chair ($225 off with a temporary Flash Deal) has a unique two-level design optimal for “cross-legged, squatting, kneeling and other postures" — so college students can meditate, study, or just have better lumbar support while hanging out, even if you’re a decade or two away from worrying about back pain. Hey, $225 in savings will buy a lot of ramen.

Stainless Steel Travel Mug ($14.99)

Stainless Steel Travel Mug

You can’t sustain yourself through undergrad on coffee alone. Thanks to WaterTok, staying hydrated is cool again — and there’s nothing cooler than refilling 40 ounces with a JUSTLET Vacuum-Insulated Tumbler for a clearance deal of $14.99 instead of a Stanley for $35.99, which is way too much for a cup that you’ll just forget on the quad.

Sign up for daily deals.

Get personalized inspiration and exclusive deals from your favorite brands straight to your inbox.

We take your privacy seriously.
Read our Privacy Policy

Sign up for our newsletter