Speaking of the dorm life, I figured I could show you all what my new home looks like, along with what I think are essential tools to have in your dorm. The things I list are in no way required for you to have for college, they are just my take on what I think is important to make your dorm feel homey and comfortable, and also functional.
"The Office"
Yes, I am endeavoring the journey of the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. Thanks for noticing. |
I have been supplied with the world's smallest desk. Therefore, I have to make very good use of my space. My desk typically consists of a large desk organizer, a box of tissues, my laptop and mouse, headphones, some books, a desk lamp, a small mirror and make up brushes. I know a mirror and make up brushes are irrelevant to have on a desk, but, much like the desk, I have limited space and that's where those things fit.
I also have a large bulletin board hanging behind my desk. It is covered with pictures of those who are near and dear to my heart. There is a large calendar to record when important assignments are due, special days of the year are coming up, and other specific appointments that must be attended. I think the calendar is so important for keeping yourself organized throughout the year. I also write on mini sticky notes as reminders and put them on the calendar. It's really satisfying to rip one off the calendar when you've completed that task!
What I find to be important in a work space is a desk lamp. I will tell you now, that the lighting in my dorm room is down-right pathetic. There are two lights, which are on the same side of the room. We also have a window that shouldn't be considered a window... it's so small. The desk lamp is an easy solution to a dark room, making completing assignments much easier.
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"The Bedroom"
The bed is an essential to the dorm life. It is the place where you wake up to endure another stressful day, where you finally lay to rest at two o'clock in the morning after studying for a test, it's really the only place that you can call your own.
I think it is so important to invest in a really good mattress pad. I also have a memory foam pad that really increases the comfort of the mattress. Along with a comfortable mattress, I have a large plush pillow that forms to my head so I'm always supported. I also brought a large bear to cuddle with because... why not?!
Along with comfort, it's good to have a stylish bedspread. I know mine seems quite boring at the moment, being navy and white, but with neutrals like this, I now have the option to spice it up with some fun pillows! I will do that as soon as I can be bothered to leave my bed.
I don't know about you, but I am a night reader. After a long, tiring day, I slowly climb up the ladder to my lofted bed and read. It's a good way to take my mind off of things, and it also helps me to fall asleep. I bought a bed lamp that clasps to the sidebar of my bed. It works terrifically when I want to read and my roommate wants to sleep!
Going along with the "limited space" theme, my closet is half the size of my closet at home. Not being pre-informed of this, I brought a myriad of clothes ranging from t-shirts, sweaters, blouses, tank tops, jeans, capris, shorts, and leggings. My mother (bless her soul) brought this miraculous invention: a hook with 5 hangers. With this tool, I was able to deposit the lot into the minuscule closet. It's truly a lifesaver!
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"The Living Area"
Oh the wonderful living space... on the ground... not in the air. There is truly a difference. The futon is an exceptional place to relax, watch some tv, surf the web, do other things... okay, moving on. As you can also tell, we store our shoe supply underneath (you have to work with what you got). It really is nice to have it when girls from down the hall want to hang out and you don't want them on your bed.
Because I'm still lacking the room to store my sweatshirts, I purchased a miniature ottoman so I can chuck them in there when they're not in use. It's also great for when guests arrive and want somewhere to sit, or they can put their feet up. There are also pockets on the side for extra storage. What should I put in those?
Don't freak out that we have candles in our room. We are fully aware that we should not light them. They are just a nice way of making the place feel more at home, and they add a bit of character. They also double as air fresheners because of the strength of their fragrance.
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Futon-Donated
"The Kitchen"
This is undoubtedly my favorite part of the entire room because... well... I love food, like, a lot. Like, if I didn't have food in my life... I would die. Okay, Amanda, get back on track... you're embarrassing yourself.
Okay, I have a basket full of snacks such as pretzels, nuts and chocolate, Ramen noodles (the ultimate food for college students), and Luna Bars. Any little snacks like that are nice to have while I'm studying and need to hold myself over until dinner or if I wake up in the middle of the night and I'm starving.
I'm not sure why I'm showing you these but I just wanted to reassure you we have a fridge and a microwave. To be honest, there isn't a lot in the fridge, but the one thing I do love is the Pür Water Filtration System we have. It's nice to be able to fill the jug up with water from the sink and be reassured it's clean when you consume it. I'd rather not die because I'm trying to be healthy and it backfires.
Next to the snacks is my baby, the Keurig, which is a must. I am not an insane coffee drinker, but I do like the occasional cup of Joe. I mostly drink tea or use the hot water for oatmeal. Regardless of your intentions with it, it's just a handy appliance to have in the dorm.
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That's my room for you! I know it was really long, but regardless of the size of the room, there is still a lot that puts making a dorm into a comfortable living environment. I hope you get some ideas of what to put in your dorm, or maybe even your apartment/home. Do you have any tips/tools that will help me with my college experience? Let me know in the comments!
xx Amanda
Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore
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