As someone who has made it her personal mission to learn everything I could about dorm life via online lurking before I started university, I deem myself qualified to bestow upon you, lovely reader, all that I have learned—from those initial videos back in the day to my current personal experience of living in one. From logical space-saving tips to creative ideas to spruce up your room, I've got you covered.
Why a good dorm room matters?
A good dorm room, in my opinion, is a college essential, as this could be the space you spend most of your time in. Investing a little time and effort into doing up your room to feel like it’s yours (well, and your roommate’s) goes a long way toward helping you settle down and feel as at home as you can get. If done right, a good room can boost your mood, productivity, and comfort.
Maximising space and Essentials
The most essential thing to know is that you need to maximize your space, so storage solutions are your best friend. Bring storage bins and containers to put under your bed to store whatever you need (cough*snacks*cough). Bring more boxes for under your table (cough*more snacks*cough). Collapsible storage cubes to put into your wardrobe will also help you utilize your space better.
Snacks aside (though, honestly, never put snacks aside), you’ll be surprised at how quickly the little things pile up when you live independently. If you don’t have a place for everything, your room may end up looking a little like a hazard zone (and let's face it, nobody wants that).
The second—and more obvious—thing you’ll need is bedspreads, pillows, and blankets. Though our university very kindly provides us with a bedspread and a pillow, it’s always nicer to sleep in your own sheets and with your own pillow (or in my case, pillows). There’s something very comforting about having a piece of home with you as you live away.
Other essentials you may need include (in no particular order): stick-on hooks, a laundry basket, lint rollers, an umbrella, tissue paper, cleaning wipes, air freshener, microwave-safe plates, bowls, and cups, spoons and forks, dish soap, an extension cord, toiletries, and a table lamp (trust me on the lamp).
A nice, big water bottle is also a must to motivate you to drink water (because, as it turns out, it’s very easy to forget—take it from me).
Something else my roommate and I found necessary after a little while was a shoe rack. However, I’d suggest waiting until you’ve been living in your room for a bit and discussing it with your roommate. This way, you can split the cost and avoid taking up too much space with your things right off the bat.
You might also want a kettle in your room, but this isn’t exactly a necessity since Krea has hot water dispensers everywhere, as well as a microwave in the common rooms for all your heating needs. That said, it is very convenient to have a kettle in your room for those inevitable midnight noodle cravings. Whether or not you bring one really depends on your preference—and your space, because let’s remember, you won’t have much to work with.
Making it your own!
Now that we’ve covered all the sensible aspects, let’s talk about livening up your space.
First off, lighting matters more than you know. Bring strip lights, fairy lights, or sunset lamps to put up in your room. They completely transform your space into a great place to relax or hang out with friends (I say this as the friend with the hangout room).
Another good touch is putting up posters and pictures on your walls; it's a small addition that brings so much character and familiarity to your space.
A cherry on top? Add some life to your room with a small plant on your table. A real one if you’re up for the commitment, or a low-maintenance fake one if you’re not (vibes don’t discriminate).
A great way to make your room more cohesive is by discussing these decorating aspects with your roommate—or at least having some idea of what the other plans to do. This way, your sides can complement each other rather than clashing in complete disarray.
Creating the perfect dorm room doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive. It’s all about blending functionality with personal touches to make the space feel like home. So grab your fairy lights, stock up on snacks, and maybe invest in a shoe rack (eventually). With a little effort, you can turn that tiny dorm into your own.
Written by, Lorelle Aradhana.
I really loved this one! Very interesting read!