The Ultimate Guide To Dorm Room Living + Everything I Wish I Knew Freshman Year
2. Use A Planner
Get a planner and ACTUALLY use it. You are going to have so many dates and deadlines to keep straight that you might just lose it if you don’t have a planner to keep you organized. Write down homework deadlines, research paper due dates, and even block out designated times to study. Once you start using one, you’ll never leave your dorm room without it. Trust me it will become your best friend.
1. DECK OUT THAT DORM
One of the first things you’re going to think when you move into your dorm room is… “wow… this is it?” Of course on the college website and the campus tours student living always looks so GLAMOROUS. Butttt… when you actually see your dorm room without all those simple finishing touches like curtains, a bed set, a rug, or even a television, it can start to feel REAL lonely, REAL quick! So my next thing I wish I knew was to GO ALL OUT with decorating your dorm!
This is where you are going to spend the majority or your time. So, it is very important that you feel comfortable and at home in your dorm room because it can definitely affect your daily mood and your motivation overall. Deck it out with everything that makes you happy. You can put up some pictures of your friends and family, and make sure to bring a few things to keep that remind you of home!
3. Get A Tumblr or Water Bottle
Throughout campus there is always a fountain to fill up or you can even fill up using your own water filter before you head to class. But, never get caught without something to replenish your drink and quench your thirst. Let’s be honest, those vending can get pretty pricey!
4. Get A Mattress Topper
I wish I would have known to get a mattress topper my first year at college. It would have saved me from so many restless nights. The bed in your dorm room is not going to feel anything like your comfy and cushy bed at home. So getting a great mattress topper that’s super soft and on the thicker side will have you sleeping like you never left home. I even know some friends that doubled up on their mattress topper for extra comfort and they didn’t regret it one bit!
Here’s some of the best mattress toppers you can use!
5. Storage, Storage, Storage!
Having a decent amount of storage is essential in keeping your dorm room neat and tidy. In most dorms the beds are able to be raised up high enough to place storage bins or even a small dresser underneath. Storage cubes are also very popular to help keep things separated and organized!
6. Leggings For Days
The first couple of weeks at your new school, you’ll still be making new friends and meeting your professors. It’s typical that you’ll want to dress the part to make a good impression on your new peers. BUT, eventually it will all become second nature. You’ll know everyone in your dorm, and you’ll be on first name basis with some of your professors. When this time comes, getting dressed will start to seem like more of a chore if you’re STILL getting glammed up for every single class.
At this point, LEGGINGS will be come your best friend! There always super comfy and you can wear them with literally everything. They are so convenient because you can dress them up or down! Imagine getting out of class and needing to hit the gym and you don't even have to change because you are already set to go! Leggings don’t have to be bland and boring so check out Victoria’s Secret PINK, Fabletics and Savage X Fenty for SUPER stylish loungewear, cute enough for the classroom!
7. Roku or Fire Stick
Campus cable sucks. It usually is only a random basic cable package and it doesn’t have a lot of channels. When you and your roommate want to have a movie night, it can be a hassle to pull up the movie on your laptop, plug in the charger, connect an HDMI cord, and place your laptop securely near the tv to avoid a cord disconnecting. So, to eliminate all of that stress I suggest getting a ROKU or a FIRE STICK. No chargers, no tangled cords. Just plug it in your tv, connect to Wifi, and enjoy!
8. Always Have A Lanyard Wallet
These little things are LIFESAVERS. They hold EVERYTHING. Dorm keys, car keys, student ID, drivers license, cash, cards YOU NAME IT! College is already stressful so being able to keep up with all of yours essentials is a MUST!
