12 deals on dorm essentials — bestselling pillows, popular caddies and more, from $13

Popular doesn't even begin to accurately describe Amazon's No. 1 bestselling pillows, which also happen to be Yahoo reader favorites. They have more than 159,000 five-star reviews — that's a lot! Filled with a plush-down alternative, they're designed for back, side and stomach sleepers. 

One shopper wrote: "I swear, these pillows are made of heaven and pixie dust — firm but soft. I've also noticed I sleep much better throughout the night — I'm usually up by 8:30 on the weekends, but the first night I slept with this, I was dead to the world until 10 a.m.! I thought the clock was wrong, for sure, but no; it's just a really good pillow."

Finding sheets that fit those extra-long twin beds in college dorm rooms is tricky, so grab this ridiculously popular set while it's 55% off. With more than 238,000 (!!) five-star ratings, these "hotel-quality" sheets are extra soft and cooling.

In addition to the dark gray hue shown here, there are more than 30 other colors, and many are on sale.

"These sheets wash and dry beautifully," said a happy snoozer. "There is a double-line embroidery that runs the width of the open ends on the pillowcases that adds an extra touch of elegance. Very soft and breathable."

Considering how much college costs, you'd think the mattresses would feel less like cardboard. Sadly, the beds in most dorm rooms aren't known for their comfort, so a plush mattress pad is key. This bestselling waterproof pick promises to protect against dust mites and bacteria.

More than 212,000 Amazon shoppers (seriously) gave this thing five stars, and many say it really does repel liquids. "Completely waterproof, nothing gets through this," one shopper wrote.

If you like the idea of a one-and-done purchase, this bed-in-a-bag is the way to go. It includes a comforter suitable for all seasons, as well as sheets, pillowcases and a sham.

There are several colors to choose from and shoppers say the bed linens are comfortable and cozy. 

"This was a nice surprise on a quality bedding set. I wasn’t sure how it would look or feel. It looks great. It's been a few days and the fabric is soft on the skin. The comforter is about the right thickness to give me warmth but not trap heat. Very happy with this set," one customer wrote in their review.

The ultimate no-no when it comes to showering in a shared dorm bathroom? No bare feet! Germs abound in those wet spaces, so waterproof slip-ons are the way to go.

This under-$20 pair has a grippy texture on both the insole and outsole to keep slips at bay. Small slits on the bottom allow water to pass through with ease.

Said a shopper: "Better than expected. I shower at my health club/gym frequently and these are ABSOLUTELY the most water-resistant slippers imaginable. All my previous ones took too long to dry out — these dry instantly!"

You could try to balance your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, loofah and towel in your hands when you're headed to the shower, or you could invest in a caddy. We suggest the latter!

This option — nearly 50% off — is a great choice; the mesh allows it to dry quickly, plus there are tons of pockets and compartments for goodies.

One college student said it's "Great for dorm life. The shower tote is lightweight and easy to carry, making it convenient for travel or trips to the communal bathroom in a dorm or gym. The handles are comfortable to grip, and the tote can be hung on a hook or shower caddy for added convenience."

It's bound to happen. The one night you need to study for a big test will be the same evening your roommate wants to talk on the phone to everyone in their contact list. The solution? Noise-cancelling headphones, of course.

This top-notch over-ear model has plush memory foam padding for extra comfort and a wireless connection that allows you to move around without needing to unplug and reconnect. Upwards of 56,000 Amazon shoppers are hooked, citing the long-lasting charge and noise-cancellation among their favorite features. 

This self-proclaimed "broke college student" had a lot to say about the design. "Very sleek without looking excessively minimalist like some more expensive pairs... And I adore how the cups rotate!!! It makes hugging people when they’re around my neck a lot more comfy for both parties, and overall makes them look better when you don’t actively have them on your ears..."

Staring at bare white walls for the next nine months? No way! Use 3M's popular damage-free hooks and strips to decorate the space with pictures, posters, canvases and more.

This variety pack hangs 19 pieces up to 15 pounds each. The handy doodads work on painted walls, metal, tile, glass and laminate and finished wood surfaces.

"Fantabulous," reported a savvy shopper, who used them for everything from "holding up a magazine rack to Christmas decorations."

Multiply the number of outlets in a dorm room with one simple purchase — this surge protector that includes eight traditional power plugs and four USB ports.

Fans say it's durable and functional. "Never again have an outlet blocked by a massive chunky plug!" one customer raved. "This power cord lets you strategically place your plugs so you cleanly use all of the outlets without a struggle. Even when three or four of your electronics have super chunky oversized plugs."

Another person wrote, "[This is a] great extension cord/power strip! I wouldn't consider this a travel cord because it is large, but it is perfect for our living room! We are able to plug in multiple items without battling overlap. I like the different types: traditional, USB and USC."

Not all dorm rooms are spacious enough to fit a nightstand. That's where this genius clip-on tray comes in. It easily attaches to the side railing of the bed and can hold a water bottle, a smartphone, a book and more.

The shelf is available in gray and white and comes in two sizes. The normal size can support up to 25 pounds and the plus size can hold up to 35 pounds.

"So helpful!" said a student: "I got this for my dorm and wasn’t really sure if I would actually need it. It’s so helpful, and I’m so glad I bought it! It’s super sturdy, so I don’t have to worry about things falling. The cup holder works great! The little clip-on pocket is nice for holding my charger, AirPods and phone. It even has little spaces to hold your charging cords."

Late-night study sessions and all-nighters require a personal desk lamp that won't disturb a roommate who's trying to sleep. We like this dimmable LED model — Amazon's No. 1 bestseller — with five lighting modes, USB charging ports and an auto-off timer.

One fan explained, "I love that this lamp has a long light that is able to illuminate a broad section of my desk without having a spotlight feel. Whether reading, working remotely or lighting a video call, this light is perfect for my needs and looks sleek!"

Tiny dorm rooms are notoriously tight on space. The workaround? Risers that elevate your bed so you can stash stuff underneath it.

This bestselling set of four can be adjusted to three heights and supports up to 1,300 pounds. Choose from five colors.

"Bed risers are usually so expensive, but I decided to try these because of the price," said a customer. "They’re sturdy and easy to use. The box comes with 8 risers that can be stacked for added height. The color didn’t matter to me because they were going under my bed. Overall, it was a great product!"