Create Your Cozy Dorm Casita: College Must-Haves for the Perfect Home Away from Home

Moving away from home to go to college can be as nerve-wracking as someone reading your chat with your BFF. While you may be ready to move out on your own and skip the weekly carne asada, when homesickness sweeps in, you just want to be tucked in by abuela at your casita. 

Resident Gen Z mitú staffer Daniela knows this feeling all too well. Even though she was dying to live away from home and live that college life, three months in, sadness kicked in. 

“Suddenly, I just needed my parents, the smell of arepas, and I didn’t want to share a bathroom anymore,” she shares. 

Thanks to some retail therapy at Amazon, Daniela found a way of turning her dorm into her new home. With everyday low prices and great deals on a wide selection of products, you can stock up on your college wants and needs without breaking the bank. Plus, college students and young adults ages 18-24 can try all the benefits of Prime with a six-month trial at amazon.com/nuevostudent, then just pay $7.49 per month or $69 per year.

And, of course, she put us on to all her favorite items and what you ACTUALLY need in your dorm. 

A speaker for every moment

Every Latina needs a good speaker to blast their fav artists, from Karol G to Juan Gabriel. The JBL FLIP 5, available in all your favorite colors, will do the trick. 

“The amount of people I put on listening to Karol G because of this speaker… A LOT,” she says. “It would go everywhere with me: pre-games, communal bathrooms, my walks to class. It made an impact.” 

You can also combat late-night study sessions with these stylish wrap-around sunglasses that look great whether you’re heading to lectures or just vibing in the dorm. 

Looking good also makes EVERYTHING better

Start by creating the perfect get-ready space in your room. 

You don’t need much, but make sure you’ve got the basics down. Daniela recommends starting with a cute mirror with good lighting, a makeup headband, under-eye gel pads (for all the late-night study seshs), and a heatless curling set. 

Stock up on a nice moisturizer kit to keep your skin soft and smelling great, whether you’re relaxing at home, hanging out with friends, or in class. As our tías always say, you never know when you might catch someone’s eye.

Daniela’s mom taught her the importance of maintaining good skin and hair care routines. She recommends the Rizos Curls Styling Starter Kit and Cicatricure Gold Kit combo for an effective yet simple regimen. 

The Rizos Curls kit has everything you need to define your curls and eliminate frizz, helping you feel confident and put-together even on your busiest days. Consider adding thermal rollers for an extra polished look.

Finally, ensure your outfits are wrinkle-free with this press travel steam iron, and never get called out for sending home a wrinkly pic.

Personal touches that reflect your culture

Making a space feel like home means making sure it looks and smells inviting, and for Daniela, creating a space that was a reflection of her true self was a must. 

For her, this was hanging Firefly Bedroom Fairy String Lights, perfect for creating a warm, cozy atmosphere that reminds you of home. “[It] actually made it so fun for when friends came in–and I would give out my favorite Colombian lollipops, Bon Bon Bums,” Daniela shares.

Last-minute musts for that homey feeling

Now, if you really want to make your dorm feel like home, you have to keep the right accessories around. For one, some comfy pillow slippers to use in the bathroom, or a cafecito-scented candle that reminds you of those mornings with the family at home.

Don’t forget an arepa maker—because nothing cures homesickness like the taste of home. “I made arepas almost every day, and it felt like a little piece of home was with me,” Daniela shares. Add the harina P.A.N to cart and make sure you’re always prepared to make this simple and tasty comfort food.

We know that staying on track at school while updating your shopping basket can be a tall order, but no worries—Amazon’s got you covered. Check out their “Off to College” guide at amazon.com/offtocollege for these and more. 

Between classes, settling into your new space, and likely missing the comforts of home, it can feel overwhelming at times for any new college student. But no worries! Amazon’s got you covered with all the essentials to make this semester your best yet. 

From dorm decor that just screams “you,” to study snack favs, trendy accessories, and the latest tech, you’ll find everything you need to thrive at Amazon. Level up your college experience by checking out amazon.com/offtocollege – your one-stop destination for an amazing year ahead. 

Suerte, friends!