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College living that’s inspired by you

So much to do, so little time. It’s time to get everything you wish you had last semester, and turn your college space into a cozy home. With affordable, best-in-class storage and organization solutions it's easy to turn any college living situation into the perfect place to study, sleep, and make uniquely your own. IKEA has everything you need for college living.

College essay: meet your match.

There’s more to school than studying. There’s putting your spin on your space. You bring the vision, we’ll bring the rest.

Dorm room essentials

Staying on top of off-campus living

Change your space faster than changing your major. From smart storage to the wall shelf that holds everything, make your space work for you!

College apartment essentials

Extra credit: Your space, your way

Stay on top of the semester with IKEA! We've got a variety of storage and organization solutions that'll help you focus, and have fun.

Virtual and commuter student essentials

Your dream dorm

Let's make sure your dorm room matches the excitement you have about going to college. We’ve got lots of functional college furniture and all the other dorm room essentials that will help you get the most out of any dorm room, or at least your half of it.

Claim your space!

Keeping shared spaces organized and tidy can be challenging, especially when dealing with messier roommates. But with a little patience, and the right combination of doors, inserts, boxes and baskets, one KALLAX can work out just fine for two.

See all bookcases & shelving units
See all bookcases & shelving units

Your college essentials checklist

You’ve spent a lifetime preparing for this moment. This college checklist will make sure you don’t forget a thing.

View the checklist

Services to help you shop

Click & Collect

Buy online, pick-up in store and we will bring it to you.

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Financing Options

Finance your dream home with our credit cards. 

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Delivery

Shop from home and get it delivered to your front door.

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Taskrabbit Assembly

Find flexible and affordable ways to get your to-dos done.

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Set your apartment apart

Living off-campus at college gives you lots of freedom. That’s why we’ve got a huge variety of solutions to accommodate your college apartment needs, no matter the size of the space. Take full advantage of your newfound independence by building your ideal college apartment – maybe you’ll even impress your parents in the process.

Shop our college laundry & clothing storage starter pack 

Time for your room to graduate

College is a time for exciting new beginnings, and that should include your space at home. Get inspired and reimagine your room with lots of functional furniture and college essentials. Make your room feel like a brand new space – except for the good old home cooking, of course.

College co-working made simple with IKEA Kreativ

When living with roommates can pose new challenges. Finding great co-working and space-saving storage solutions can create a wonderful shared space for creativity and focus. Save time, money, and stress with IKEA Kreativ, our immersive design experience, and redesign your room in minutes without lifting more than a finger! 

Start designing

Clever ideas for organizing and adapting your space

Dorm room life means thinking creatively, using every inch of space in the best way for you. Use a coffee table for a dinner party, or make a feature of your clothes. It’s all good!

A SNICKRA storage board holds pens, pencils and a ruler. Other desk items sit on a pair of BERGSHULT/PERSHULT shelves.
Two RIGGA clothing racks laden with clothes and shoes underneath. A GAMLEHULT storage footstool sits next to it.
A BLECKBERGET swivel chair and LAGKAPTEN/TILLSLAG desk sit under a VITVAL loft bed. A SNICKRA storage board is on the wall.
A vanity with a mirror and LEDSJÖ wall lamps on either side. A ring light is on, with hair dryer and makeup storage close by.
A young man holds a bowl and leans against a SUNNERSTA mini-kitchen while talking to a friend. A NISSAFORS trolley is nearby.
A VEBJÖRN desk, FORSÅ work lamp and BLECKBERGET swivel chair are in a student room. A PLUGGLAND memo board is on the wall.
FRIDNÄS nesting tables are set up in a room for a simple dinner party using the stools and sofa as seats for four people.
A PLUGGLAND memo board hangs on the wall underneath a shelf. It holds pens, scissors, dried flowers and two feathers.

Furniture that multi-tasks as well as you do

If your student apartment is verging on the small side, then you need your furniture to be flexible. Be clever with a sofa that easily converts into a bed, without compromising on your style. Pro tip: underbed storage boxes are perfect for hiding blankets, pillows and throws when they’re not needed.

See all sleeper sofa & futons
See all sleeper sofa & futons

Make your college dreams come true with IKEA!

Seamlessly share your vision: Make it easy for family and friends to help make your dorm dreams a reality. With one click, share your list and watch your ideal college space come together!

Create or find a registry

Keep it in your budget

Make it happen with the IKEA Visa credit card

Learn more about how the IKEA Visa credit card lets you earn on everyday purchases towards IKEA rewards so you can get more of the things you love.

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IKEA Family

Join IKEA Family for access to discounted prices on selected IKEA products as well as workshops, and a free hot drink every time you stop in. Sign up now!

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Dorm room essentials

From picking a major to planning for Spring break, you’ve got a lot on your mind. So, take advantage of dorm room ideas to help you settle in, stay comfortable and live your best college life. By choosing the right dorm room essentials, you can express your sense of style while getting the most out of any space. Find space saving solutions that make living in a dorm more comfortable and organized.

Put watches, belts or jewelry on display while keeping them organized and within easy reach with open tabletop storage containers. Place makeup accessories in storage organizers with compartments that slide right into drawers or onto shelving. Keep seasonal clothes dust free and out of the way in smart under the bed storage that also makes moving that much easier. Shop College Underbed Storage

College apartment essentials

Whether it’s the kitchen, the living room or your bedroom, find all your college apartment needs to help you and your roommates stay organized and vibing together well enough to binge watch a series. Choose shelving, drawers, desks and cabinets with smart storage to help maximize your space. Then add the convenience of wall shelves and hooks to use even more of your space to hold hats, backpacks, phones, and other college apartment essentials.

Having a kitchen means you don’t have to settle for the dining hall and meal plans anymore. Stock up on kitchen essentials for your college apartment that can help you organize your kitchen, eat better and perhaps save money for your summer abroad. Shop College Organization

Enhance your study space

Studying and attending class from home can be much more productive and comfortable by creating the right atmosphere through home organization. Even better when you can adjust the vibe with stylish additions that help you stay focused and organized.

Virtual college students can enhance their at-home study space with the help of a wide array of organizational solutions that can be found at IKEA.

Stay on top of your schedule with a memo board to keep on top of all your important dates. Grow with a bookcase that keeps your room clutter free—choose a BILLY bookcase that you can add more storage units to as you pick up more collectibles, plants or art to personalize your space. Keep your desk tidy and neatly organized to reduce stress with stylish desk organizers. Shop College Desk Organization

Frequently asked questions about dorm room essentials

Where to buy college dorm essentials?

You can buy them online or at an IKEA store near you. Search online to find helpful ideas and schedule a delivery or pick-up with Click and Collect. Or, come into an IKEA store to see ideas for a variety of living spaces. 

How do you maximize space in a small dorm?

Maximize the space of any size college dorm room by using as much space as possible. That means hanging backpacks, coats and accessories on wall shelving and hooks; placing seasonal clothes in under the bed storage containers; using a shower caddy that sticks to tile via a suction cup. 

What are must-have essentials for a first college apartment?

College apartment essentials include all your furniture needs from a comfortable mattress with bedding to help you stay well rested, sharp desk lighting to help you see clearly, and a desk, shelving and wardrobe with clothes storage containers to help you maximize space and stay organized. And you’ll need a laundry basket and clothes hamper. No one tells you, but college requires many, many wash cycles to graduate.

How to decorate a college dorm?

With stylish, yet affordable wall art from IKEA that ranges from illustrations, to streetscape photography and minimalist metal decals in simple designs.