Tips for Making Your Dorm Room a Dream Room
Author: Sheila Johnson | Posted on: August 26, 2021
If you are like many young adults, your college years are the first time you’ll ever truly have to think about your needs. From bedding and electronics to doing your own laundry and creating your own space, you are now responsible for your surroundings. With these new responsibilities come new experiences. One of these is getting your new room set up. Here are tips on how to make your dorm a place of respite — and the envy of everyone in your building.
Your Space
Dorm rooms are notoriously small. At best, you can hope for about 200 square feet and a single roommate. Even though you will spend most of your time away from the place you now call home, it should reflect your personality and sense of style. This starts with bedding. You will most likely have a twin-sized bed. Ideally, it will be a loft-style with a built-in desk and storage underneath. You will need to bring lighting, such as a clip-on desk lamp.
Your comforter or blanket and sheets should be cozy, washable, and easily changeable. If you can find them, buy sheets with side pockets. The pockets will come in handy for storing your phone, keys, wallet, and other small items that you don’t want to leave out in the open.
Next, you’ll want to separate your side of the room from the rest. If the room is large enough, a room divider can give you a sense of privacy; for smaller rooms or areas that tend to stay brightly lit, consider a bed tent. The My Modern Met blog suggests Privacy Pop.
Study Guide
Another important consideration is making sure that you have the right gear to be successful during the academic year. This should include a computer — laptop is ideal – tablet, and printer. These are likely going to be your most expensive new acquisitions, so keep an eye on deal aggregator websites that collect the best discounts. This is more efficient than searching individual retailer sites.
Noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy if you find it difficult to study with distractions. Look for a set that fits tightly but comfortably around your ears. Another piece of tech that can maximize your space is in an eReader. Double-check during the admissions process that you will be able to get most of your textbooks in a digital format before spending $130-plus on a device.
Odds and Ends
There are dozens of other items that you’ll need in your dorm room. Dishes, utensils, and drinking glasses are optional, but they will come in handy even if you plan to do most of your eating in the cafeteria. A small microwave and individual refrigerator, meanwhile, will help you satisfy late-night cravings. Unless you are one of the lucky few with a private bathroom, you will also want a small waterproof shower tote, a bathrobe, and flip-flops for the shower. If possible, connect with your future roommate(s) and coordinate who will bring a television, streaming media device, and music player.
This is not a comprehensive list of everything that you will need. Depending on where you go to school, some items may be provided. You may also have a larger room that allows for more furniture and further personalization. It will take time to transform your dorm room into the perfect space, and only you can define what that means.
Article courtesy of wellsheila
Image courtesy of Pixabay