Loving your dorm room

Make your room the way you want it to be. I often struggle to get everything together, cleaning painting and decorating and organizing. It sounds like so much to do! But here's a little motivation for us to love our rooms the way we want to.

Read more to get a pep talk for making your room the way you want.

This might seem obvious but your room should be a place that you enjoy being: a place for you to recharge and focus yourself. Do what it takes to make the room worth living in. You may have a lot of limitations on what you can change or how much money you can spend, but there are all sorts of amazing DIY projects that you can try.

• Make a list of your 10 favorite things about your room and 5 things you want to change

A lot of people will tell you what your dorm room should be like. Some will tell you it should be empty; others will tell you to cram in all of your belongings.  A lot of people will say that it's not worth the effort to decorate; a few will describe their parent's efforts to arrange their room. I'm not going to tell you what your room should be like. Please tell - or better yet show- me what you want your room to be like, what functions you want to do in your room.

• Make a Pintrest for cool dorm rooms and DIY projects

Make sure that your room serves the function you want it to. Arrange the furniture the way you like it. If you don't want to study in your room, go to the library to study.
If you want a decked out stereo system, set it up!

• Clean your room and get add photos of your top 10 to Pintrest

Whatever you want your room to be, it can be. It's just up to you to make it happen. So go and do it!

• As you look at how great your room is, start working on your DIY projects! 
• YOU CAN DO IT!

College Dorm: Dresser Top

Your dresser is something that you look at the start and end of your day. It's the bookend to your routine: Decorate and design it according to how you want to fill your day. In this post, I'll share how I design my dresser top.

Read more to develop your own dresser top

Flowers

I've written before about Fresh Plants and Flowers. I love to have a little bit of spring time always here with me; I also suggest having fresh growing plants on your dresser. They will clear out the air for your healthy breathing.

Jewelry and Organization

A beautiful jewelry box is more than just a way to store your pretty necklaces: It's a piece of decoration for you. Don't be shy to have more than one box. Play with the different designs that you love.

• The back black jewelry box is initialed for my first name. I love how the mirrors make the dresser seem larger, reflecting sunlight in the morning. It stores my medications and large bracelets.

• The golden jewelry box was part of a gift exchange; it was a vintage purchase from Etsy. I use it to store my hair barrettes. 

• The white jewelry box was also a gift. It is great for organization so it stores most of my jewelry. I love the two level tray that it has.

Etsy RagNBone Vintage Jewelry Box $18

Try browsing through Etsy to find a jewelry box that suits your needs and budget.

Decoration with Functionality

Of course you need some things that are just cute and gorgeous for their won sake. Sometimes you can incorporate functionality. Other times you just have to embrace decadence for its own sake. 

I love these little glass bunnies! They are so cute and they can hold my rings. I picked them up at Forever 21. I didn't really need them since I don't have many rings, but so cute I couldn't resist.

ModCloth bunny ring holder ($12)

If you loved the bunny, don't think I've left you without. ModCloth carries a similar bunny ring holder; this one is mirrored rather than glossed glass.

ModCloth umbrella ring holder ($12) 

This ring holder also caught my eye. Do you think I should get it? Are any of you tempted by it?

College Dorm Advice Part 3: How to Make and Maintain Your Bed

You have your closet set up and you have all your furniture.

If you checked out part one, you have your supplies for your bed. If not, run out and get them. Here's your list; I'll be waiting. Chat with your roommate to pick out some colors, then find a nice Target and have fun shopping. Make sure to get a design that you like!

The Basic List

• Foam Mattress Pad
• Pillows
• Pillow Covers
• Fitted Twin Extra Long Sheets
• Bed Risers
• Bed Comforter

Read more for more details and extra advice on what to buy from this list along with how to maintain your bed.

Bed Comforter

Here are a few different bed comforters that I like, with good reviews. Remember that there is no difference between twin and twin extra long in comforters. Just comforters though. So get whatever style you like! Bright colors will liven up your room. Light colors like white will make your bed and room look bigger; dark colors will make the bed seem neater and smaller.

• Do be careful that the comforter can be cleaned with a washer
• Make sure that the comforter will match what your roommate has
• Be careful that the pattern will be good to sleep on

Mizone Katelyn Comforter Set ($45 via Amazon)

Mizone Folklore Comforter Set ($50 via Amazon)

Florentine Teal Modern Comforter ($56 via Amazon)

Twin Extra Long Sheets

Size matters here! Twin sheets will not fit on your dorm bed if it is extra long! 

Check your dorm's webpage to see what size the bed is; most likely it is twin extra long but you should make 100% sure before purchasing.

• Get soft and comfortable ones
• Plain white sheets will be easy to bleach and wash clean
• Be careful of any skin allergies
• Cotton sheets will be easy to wash and dry
• Satin will gain you mockery but also soft skin

If you are getting a mattress pad, I would suggest getting two fitted sheets. I find that the two fitted sheets will keep the mattress pad from falling off.

Pillow Cases

Silk pillow cases are not just for the James Bond wanna-be. Silk pillow cases are really good for your hair and can even help will allergies.

Spasilk 100% Pure Silk Facial Beauty Pillowcase ($20 via Amazon)

Of course all other pillow cases are great.

• Wash pillow cases every week!
• Have an extra set for busy weeks
• Be careful of fabric softener for cases; they can give you acne
• Fragrance free detergent and air drying will best serve your pillowcases

Pillow

Now what to put in that lovely pillow case? This is something you might want to talk to your parents about: ask them what type of pillows you've been sleeping on your whole life. Likely, you don't know right now but would notice and dislike any major change. Try the pillows out in store to see what feels right to you. 

Read more about choosing the right pillow for you. Sleep for all is a really great site with some great advice.

If you want to try a little adventure, check out this buckwheat pillow. I'm thinking of getting one next semester. What do you guys think?

Organic Buckwheat Pillow ($35 via Amazon)

Foam Mattress Pad

This is where it gets serious. This could possibly be the most expensive part of your bed furnishings.

Mattress pads come in different qualities and different price ranges.

Consider what you need for your back:

• Do you prefer a hard or soft bed?
• What level of support do you need?
• Do you have any back injuries?
• 
  

Soft Mattress Pad ($45 via Amazon)

This is a low cost soft mattress pad. If you want to sleep in a soft pillow, then this would be a good match for you. The price is low which mean you may have to replace after a year or two.

Sleep Innovations 2-Inch Memory Foam ($66 via Amazon)

As you can see, we are starting to go up in the price range. This mattress pad is 2" of memory foam; this isn't enough for full firm support but will not be super soft. The reviews are very good.

3.0" Sleep Studio Visco2 Ventilated Mattress Enhancer ($88 via Amazon)

Getting a bit pricier, this mattress topper provides more support. As a memory foam it will have a bit of initial give, but will support you very well. Already you can see the difference from the cheaper foam: it is thicker and has ventilation for better support and circulation. Reviews for this were very good, lots of "I can't get out of bed!" comments.

This mattress topper does not come with a fabric cover and some have noticed a persistence of the "mattress foam smell."

3 Inch Thick, 4 Pound Density Visco Elastic Memory Foam ($120 via Amazon)

This one right here is my dream mattress pad. I'm seriously considering getting this for next semester and will review if I do.

On the high end of college mattress pads, this mattress is just shy of the sort of mattress pad recommended for people with back pain. The memory foam is just perfect; reviews refer to it as a cloud with support and best purchase. Amazingly positive reviews, especially considering the low cost and free shipping.

Spring and Winter Bedding

If you can, invest in blankets for the winter and spring, especially if you are in a place like Boston. Our winters fall to the teens, with tons of snow and ice, while the sweltering summers get up to the 90s. Most of MIT's dorms don't have air conditioning. We do have central heating, but different rooms end up with different temperatures based on windows and their location on the building. So my bedding can keep me from being frozen or from sweating, year round.

Having bedding appropriate to the season is really important. 110% worth the investment.

Pinzon Signature Zero-Twist Egyptian Cotton Blanket ($70 via Amazon)

A good spring blanket or for watching movies in common couches. Egyptian cotton has good breathability, which is a must for spring dorm rooms that don't have air conditioning.

Faux Fur Burgundy Microfiber Reversible Winter Blankets ($40 via Amazon)

One of my floor mates has this winter blanket and I envy her for it. It's so warm and comfy for the winter; it feel like a big hug from a teddy bear.

Northpoint Sapphire Sherpa Blanket ($45 via Amazon)

This is a good approximate for what I have; I adore this style of blanket for the winter in Boston. If it works up here in the north, you know it's good!

Because this blanket doesn't have as much fluffy fur to it, this blanket is a little thinner than the one above, but offers the same degree of warmth. So if storage is an issue, this will keep you warm while saving space.

Fresh Plants and Flowers

I love spring time. I love the way the weather warms up and then takes the time for little spring showers to cool down. We should all take the time to slow down. Going on long walks helps me to breath in that fresh air that gives so much life to everything. Keeping live plants at my desk really warms up my study space, but I sometimes want flowers along with my leafy green. I want to bring into my room more of the spring that is around me.

I've been getting cut flowers to keep in my room. Read more to see the flowers that I've been getting and hear about my experience.



I adored having these flowers in my room. I don't know what it is exactly about flowers that makes my mood soar, but there is something. If I could figure out what it was, I'd bottle it up and use it for every day.

I get flowers at either the grocery store or at the florist. Fortunately, I have coupons for the florist. For those of you worried about cost, most cut flowers last about for one or two weeks. By changing the water regularly with sugar added in, you can extend the flower's lifespan to a tad over two weeks.

My one warning would be that cut flowers have pollen in them. That might seem obvious, but if you have allergies it could be a problem, especially in a small room. Ask the florist which flowers don't have too much pollen.

Free Sock Organizers: Shoe Boxes

I have a ton of winter socks: long socks, fuzzy socks, wool socks, ankle socks. I didn't want to spend any money to organize them, so I wanted a free solution.

Shoe boxes are great to organize socks. They're the right size for socks and still short enough to fit into the drawers of my dresser.

For more crafty folks, the boxes can be covered in scrapbooking or other colored paper for extra decoration.

College Dorm: Under the Bed

One of the most important spaces in a small dorm room is also the most overlooked: the space underneath the bed.

If you have a roommate, stacking the beds can save space. Make sure that both of you are happy with stacking and can agree on who has top bunk.

Maximizing the use of space under a bed is really major. For me, I have saved so much space and can store my bulk purchases underneath the bed.

Storing under the bed

Depending on your bed frame, you may be able to lift up your mattress frame so that there’s more space under. If the frame doesn’t move, try out bed raisers.

Bed raisers can give you more space underneath your bed and come in nice colors. A cheaper option is asking after a few cinder blocks to lift your bed frame.

A few large sealed storage pieces can do you major favors. You’ll need large storage bins to store things for the summer; keeping them under the bed can add utility. I have three large blue plastic storage containers and a wheeled storage container. 

Check out this clear plastic storage container (Amazon, $52) or this large wheeled storage container (Amazon, $62).

Suitcases are great for under the bed, especially since carry ons are easy to fit. Filling a suitcase with out of season clothes or extra stationary doubles the use of space. You can see my purple carry on underneath my bed.

Storing over the bed

Amazon Clear Shelving $86

Make sure that it’s okay to mount things on the walls before moving ahead with any nails!

Check to see if your dorm or college has a shop. My dorm has a shop, stocked with wood and band saws, which means that building shelving is really easy and convenient.

Prioritize the shelving so that these are things that you will use when waking up and going to sleep but not things that will tempt you to stay up later.

Amazon Wire Shelving $55

Clear plastic or wire shelving is a good idea, allowing you to see all the things you're storing without being overly expensive. 

College Dorm Part 2: Organize your clothes

Before we start, take a moment for a bit of rest.

Enjoy your clean and fresh smelling room. This is where you're going to be spending your year!
You've got a warm bed and you're about to have a good place to set up and organize your clothes.

Unpack your clothes.

If you have a closet, now is the time to put your clothes in your nice clean closet. You most likely need to buy hangers. We all have preferences for hangers. The best of which are those felt ones or those with grips to prevent sliding.

I use these hangers from Amazon along with some from Bed, Bath and Beyond. A set of 50 hangers is merely $30.

If you have a dresser, figure out what drawer will be for each thing. Be sure to clean all the drawers quite thoroughly first. Dividers can be purchased or made due with shoe boxes.

Scent and Prevent

It's very important to prevent moths and other pests from getting in your clothes.

Get airtight containers for your seasonal clothes. Not only will it prevent moths but it will even save you space. As you'll see below, I keep my tights in an airtight container. Not pictured are the boxes of off season clothes that I keep on top of my closets.
Once the clothes come back in season, wash them again before hanging them up. With bleach and hot water is preferable, but the main purpose is to get the scent of plastic out.

Maybe even spring for some scent pouches for your drawers or drawer liners. I'd suggest getting cedar blocks to keep moths away and have a good scent ($21). Lavender is another option for keeping out insects.

I also use shoe boxes to store my winter socks; any sort of small box will do you well for organization. For the best is: they are entirely free.

Over the door hangers

These are a great space saver, especially for scarves, belts and towels. Before buying make sure that the over the door hanger will fit over your door. This one that I have doesn't fit over my door so I adapted to the situation: I fit it over my closet door.

Amazon ($25, $11 from left to right)

An additional tip: If your door hanger is a bit too large and wobbles, use tape to secure it or slide small pieces of cardboard to secure it, making sure that the cardboard is not on the side of the door frame.

Another option are command hooks. These are removable and bear great weight.

Door mirror

I'd also suggest getting a full length mirror for some where in your room. It seems quite difficult to sort out good quality from bad online, not to mention the difficulty of shipping glass. Some people do also leave mirrors when graduating so you shouldn't pick one up before seeing your room.

The best bet is to pick up such a mirror in Bed, Bath and Beyond or whatever local stores offer similar products.

Decorate your closet

Make your closet a place that encourages you to get dressed. I've put up art and a few cut outs from magazines to give me a bit of inspiration for outfits.

Organizing clothes like a store, keeping like styles of clothes together and even coordinating favorite outfits, can improve and speed up the process of getting dressed.

College Dorm Advice Part 1

You've just moved into a college dorm. This is so exciting!
You probably want to get unpacked as quick and possible and revel in the feeling of having your own space, possibly for the first time.

But there are a few things that you should do first!

Check your dorm information to see what you can do to your room. 

Can you paint the walls? Can you burn candles in your dorm? Are you allowed to smoke or have pets? Can you put nails in the wall? Are regular fairy lights allowed or only LED fairy lights?
These are all important questions before you even start unpacking.
For example, my dorm allowed painting so I didn't start unpacking until I'd finished painting my room.

Check to see what furniture is available for free.

Check to see what furniture each room is supposed to have. If your room is supposed to have certain furniture, you can ask for your dorm manager to get you the missing furniture.
Then ask if there is any extra furniture. Email your dorm or house master for this information. Lots of dorms have extra furniture for rooms. Ask floor mates if they have furniture they don't want or don't have space for in their room. Before exchanging furniture with floor mates, make sure your dorm allows moving furniture!
You may want an extra wardrobe if you have a lot of clothes, so ask about that.
My key advice would be to check to make sure your desk has all the drawers and that they work well, without jamming or any other problems.  If anything in your room is broken, ask the dorm or house master if they can replace it for free.

Now you have all your furniture. YAY!


Find out where you can get a vacuum.
Personally, I own a vacuum.
A lot of dorms these days have vacuums that students can rent for an hour or so. My dorm has several vacuums that students can rent.
If you're super nice to cleaning staff or the dom manager, they may let you use some of these cleaning supplies. A friend in another dorm has a good supply of paper towels and disinfecting air spray due to a well placed friendship.

Fresh smells.

If you're allowed to use candles, go for it! They smell great and are super relaxing. Make note of where the fire alarms are and how much smoke your candle is giving off. No one likes fire alarms. Be sure to put the flame out when you're out of the room.

My dorm doesn't allow candles so I have found a few ways around that to keep my room smelling good.
Get an automatic air freshener or get a wall plug in freshener.
Get a room spray air freshener.
Make sure that these two scents are the same or at least work well together. Both of mine are lavender.


Clean everything!

This is the most important thing to do! I don't care if your dorm has a cleaning service or if you've lived in filth all your life. You have to clean everything in your room! Move furniture and vacuum. Take out the drawers of your desk to clean. Wipe down everything with bleach and/or clorox. This includes your mattress. Most dorms have the mattresses in plastic covers so they are super easy to clean. You will be amazed by how much dust and filth there is.
I had to go over a lot of things multiple times because things were so gross!
Cleaning your desk, bed and closet are super important since you will spend so much time in these places. You may laugh at "spending time" in your closet but how often are you wearing clothes?

That's what I thought!

If you can, now is the time to paint your room.
I'll do a separate post giving advice on painting rooms.

Organize your furniture.

With everything clean, you only have to find the proper place for your furniture.
Once again, you may be able to have the dorm or house master arrange help with this.
If not, ask your floor mates for help, offering to treat for lunch in exchange for the help. This is a great way to meet people without it seeming unnatural.

Take note of where the plugs are! If you have plugs behind furniture, use extension cords. If you have cable or ethernet plugs, check where they are and make sure you have a cord long enough to reach your tv or computer.

I'd suggest having your desk in front of a window, if your room has any windows. You'll be happy for the natural light when studying.
Another good idea is to have a dresser by your bed, especially those of us who wear glasses.


Make your bed comfortable.

Remember to clean the mattress. So many people have slept on it and maybe not all of them have been as regular with showers as you prefer to be.

Your bed is a place you will be spending a lot of time in. Make it how you like.

Remember most college dorm beds are Extra Long Twin!

I would strongly suggest getting a foam mattress pad. These come in all different price ranges. I got a mid range one, about $50. That one has served me quite well these two years. People always say how comfortable my bed is so I think it was very worth it.
Do get one with a washable cover! Also, if you have a foam mattress pad with a cloth cover, I'd suggest getting two fitted sheets so that will prevent the pad from sliding off of you bed.

Also get comfortable pillows and pillow covers. I'd suggest a few firm and soft pillows. If you are a pillow enthusiast like me, get a body pillow. Again, if you can get a body pillow with a washable cover that would be best.
Silk and soft cotton pillow covers work best for easy washing and comfy sleeping.

Another suggestion would be getting bed risers. They are super helpful for storage. Things stay out of sight but are still easily reachable.
Your bed frame may be adjustable- ask if it is and for help, if you need it. My bed is quite raised so that it stores a lot of things underneath in large plastic containers.

One of the best purchases I ever made was of this from Walmart online. It even has wheels! Which looks a lot like this from PBTeen, but Walmart is a lot cheaper.


Decorative pillow people will tell you to get throw pillows and all that stuff.
Just make sure that you don't have too many things on your bed that it becomes a pain to make or sit on. Just because you were too lazy to make your bed before that 10 am class doesn't mean you won't have friends over to your room later in the day.

Moral of the story: Keep it simple enough that you can always have your bed ready for a friend to sit on!

Part two will explain the full process of unpacking and organizing now that you have a good grasp on your room.