10 Mini Upgrades to Make a Shared Shower Feel Luxe (Actually!)

Showers have always been more than just part of my daily routine: Standing under the stream of water and having a few minutes to be alone with my thoughts is a form of therapy for me. But when you’re living in a dorm with a shared bathroom, all of a sudden that shower can feel a tad bit less relaxing. I’ve spent so many mornings hauling a shower caddy down the hall to a communal bathroom complete with fluorescent lighting and the background noise of other students going through their daily oral care routines — which doesn’t exactly scream self-care. Even now that I live in an apartment, setting up a spalike shower can be tricky with roommates and landlords to keep in mind. 

But after living in both a dorm and an apartment, I’ve found a few small ways to upgrade the shower experience. These are simple, affordable add-ons that can make any shower feel so much more luxurious, without angering any RAs or losing your security deposit. 

From lugging a shower caddy down the hall to squishing back to your room in shower shoes, it’s not exactly easy to make your dorm shower routine feel indulgent. But it is possible! The key is focusing on portable, affordable upgrades that won’t bother the people around you. 

Shower steamers are one of the easiest ways to instantly upgrade your dorm shower game. Place a tab on the floor of the stall but away from the stream of water. As your shower stall fills with steam, it will release a soothing aroma. They come in all kinds of scents, like calming eucalyptus and lavender, or more energizing options like orange or peppermint. You can find shower steamers at stores like TJ Maxx or Target, or on Amazon for under $10. Plus, they’re compact and easy to store in your dorm room or stash in your shower caddy. To be considerate of your fellow dorm dwellers, use a steamer when there are fewer people in the bathroom, or just give your dorm mates in the bathroom a heads-up and make sure they’re cool with it.

Investing in a soft, absorbent towel makes stepping out of the shower far more comfortable. Whether you choose a lightweight microfiber towel, a highly-rated cotton option for extra softness, or a Turkish towel for quick drying, having a towel you actually love can make every shower feel better.

Winter weather and dorm water can be tough on your skin, which is why shower oils and in-shower moisturizers are such game-changers. These products hydrate your skin while you’re still in the shower stall, eliminating the need to apply lotion afterward in your shared room. Brands like Sol de Janeiro, Saltair, and Dove offer affordable moisturizers that can instantly elevate your routine. They leave your skin feeling smooth, require minimal effort, and are easily stored in your shower caddy.

A robe is an underrated dorm essential. Wrapping yourself in a cozy robe as soon as you step out of the shower adds so much warmth and comfort to your routine, especially during the colder months. Just hang it on the back of your door and grab it before heading to the bathroom.

Moving into an apartment gives you more freedom than dorm life, but it doesn’t automatically mean your shower will feel more luxurious. While you can’t make any permanent renovations, these renter-friendly options go a long way in creating a more spalike vibe in your apartment bathroom.

Changing your showerhead might sound intense, but it’s actually surprisingly simple to install and not too expensive. Renter-friendly options like the Croix Showerhead filter out chlorine and heavy metals, which can be better for your hair and skin, while Sproos! offers super-colorful options, and the Jolie showerhead went viral on TikTok a while back. Just be sure to check with your landlord or management company, and if they say it’s okay, let them know you’ll keep the original and reinstall it before you move out. Before you make the swap, double-check that your showerhead is compatible with your shower and follow a tutorial to correctly make the switch.

Finding a shower curtain you love to look at can make even a quick rinse-off a more joyful experience. Plus, it’s a fun way to inject some color and personality into your bathroom. There are so many cute options available, from boho floral patterns, to bow-dotted prints, to translucent bold colors. Search around and find one that speaks to you!

Almost as important as the shower itself is what you step onto as you get out, which is why a nice, absorbent bath mat is key. This Threshold mat from Target is super highly rated and comes in tons of colors, while Urban Outfitters has some kitschier styles for sale. Whichever you choose, a nice bath mat helps create a more personal shower space, and gives your feet a soft, comfortable place to land post-shower.

Whether I’m listening to some soothing lo-fi music or belting it out alongside Frank Ocean, music is essential to my perfect shower experience. A waterproof Bluetooth speaker allows you to bring your music or podcast directly into the shower, and this one comes with a handy clip so you can hang it from your shower rod. If you have roommates, just be mindful of how loud you have the volume, especially if it’s early in the morning or late at night. 

When creating a spalike environment, lighting is key. The concept of a shower lamp — or a waterproof cordless lamp you bring into your shower — went viral in 2024 and it’s such a cool way to add some extra ambiance to a standard shower. You can find all kinds of fun options on Amazon, like this mini one with a green base. Of course, no level of luxury is worth a safety risk, so keep it out of the stream of water (perched on a shower shelf or in a nook is great) and turn it off when you get out. 

Hanging eucalyptus from your showerhead is a natural way to make your bathroom smell amazing every time you shower. You can usually find it for sale at Trader Joe’s or your local flower shop. As the steam builds, the natural oils are released, creating a calming, refreshing scent that can help open your sinuses and promote relaxation. Plus, it just looks really pretty hanging in your shower (you’ll just have to replace it every so often when the aroma wears off).