Many Accessories to Consider
All of us at WIRED have sophisticated desk setups that make working from home easy. You don’t have to go that hard to find a bedroom, and you probably have plenty of space to spare anyway. See our full guide to working from home for more options, but these are some of our favorite desk accessories to consider—and some additional options for your bedroom.
Photo: Kat Merck
Aecooly Chic Touch Control Desk Fan: I tested this fan all summer last year for our guide to the best fans, and my friend’s son took it to school his freshman 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 is the size of a suitcase, it’s USB-C rechargeable, and it’s quiet enough (36 decibels low) that it won’t bother your roommates or interfere with studying. – Kat Merck
Pamir Ivory Washable Rug: I love this washable rug because it’s durable, looks great, and is super easy to clean. A rug is one of the easiest ways to make a room feel older, and this one won’t break the bank.
AmazonBasics 3-Tier Utility Cart: I use this cart in my kitchen, and I’m about to buy another one for my bathroom. It’s easy to assemble and makes good use of vertical storage space. Use it to organize school supplies, toiletries, accessories, and anything else that takes up space in your bedroom.
BenQ ScreenBar LED Computer Light: Wired editor Julian Chokkattu swears by this desk lamp, which only works if you have an external monitor on your desk. It hangs above 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 bottom storage case: When former WIRED columnist Medea Giordano lived in a small NYC apartment, she placed four of these bins under her bed to hold all the clothes her closet couldn’t hold. The same tack works well for college beds, which usually have enough space underneath. These cases can hold seasonal outdoor clothing, shoes, and anything else you may need, such as party wear. Amazon has many similar options.
Dalykate Backpack Laundry Bag: One fact of dorm life is that you may need to lug your dirty laundry down several flights to the laundry room. This hamper has a pocket to hold your laundry and backpack straps for portability, and it’s not as big as a laundry basket. That’s what WIRED editor Julian Chokkattu uses to get to his laundry.
Crocs Classic Clogs: You need bathing shoes. Trust me when I say that you don’t want to deal with athlete’s foot in a college dorm. These Crocs are my favorite for shared showers—they’re not hard to get in, they’re easy to get off 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 great, but this light clip from Govee is more fun. You can easily adjust colors and brightness using a smartphone app, and you can dim the lights to fit the space.
Basic Cleaning Products: I didn’t realize how much stuff I was forgetting when I first moved into my dorm. Be sure to remember household essentials, such as laundry detergent, paper towels, dish soap, disinfectant wipes, and washcloths. You may also want a small broom and dustpan.
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