If you can count on one thing, you can count on stores being ahead of the season. The leaves barely get a tinge of orange before Walmart puts out their pumpkins and candy corn. Then you start raking a few leaves from your yard and the Christmas decorations are obnoxiously blinking their multi-colored lights and annoying songs through the Lowe’s warehouse. This means that in the not-so-distant future, Target will display all their dorm decor, begging you to spend your graduation money on your new dorm room.
Your dorm room is a sanctuary: a home away from home. For many of us, it is the first time we can decorate our own space however we like. Take advantage of this opportunity! Your dorm room is not only the place where you will sleep, but it can also be a great space to invite friends over, have deep conversations with your roommate, and study for that big exam. So how do you create a dorm room that is cozy enough for a Sunday afternoon nap but also keeps you on track for your study goals?
Study Spaces
As a college senior, I consider myself a professional studier. Any professional knows they must divide tasks into different sections, so I’ve created assignment tiers for my tasks to help me identify the ideal study environment in my room.
- The first tier is reading or designing PowerPoint slides. These are simple tasks that I can accomplish with the football game on in the background and cozied up in my bed.
- The second tier is writing a discussion post or completing a worksheet. For this option, I will go to my desk and make sure I have lo-fi music to maximize my productivity.
- Finally, I have the “lock-in” tier. This is when I have a massive paper or exam to study for. This calls for all distractions to be eliminated: no music, no clutter, and the door locked.
By breaking up my schoolwork into different categories, I can maximize my productivity.
Lighting
Lighting is the key to making your dorm room feel homey. The bright, cooler-tone built-in lights in your dorm room are perfect for checking for trash on your floor before room checks, but, if you are like me, it’s not good for much else. I would recommend buying lamps and fairy lights to create a warmer atmosphere. I can’t remember the last time my roommate and I used the “big lights,” as we call them. The fairy lights are also perfect for staying up past your roommate’s bedtime. Their soft glow allows you to see, but also lets your roommate sleep in peace. A desk lamp is also a good option. Scattering a few light sources around the room will help your room feel more like home.
Bring the Outside In
When my roommate and I first moved into our Printy Hall room, I remember that our first must-have furniture purchase was a plant table. We went to Ikea together, awkwardly making small talk, and purchased a small white table that we covered with succulents. Bringing plants into your space provides fresh air and a feeling of cleanliness to your room. Plus, succulents and cacti are simple to keep alive and are easy decor items to purchase. If you want, you can even buy a fake plant instead … I won’t tell!
Get Cuddly
The advantage of studying in your dorm room is that you can get as cozy as you want. I have a fluffy blanket, fuzzy socks, and my favorite Packers sweatshirt that I pile on when I’m reading for a long book report or studying with a Quizlet. Also, get a tea kettle or coffee maker. I always find a beverage makes a study session so much better.
Get Rid of the Clutter
Your dorm room desk can easily become a catch-all: dirty dishes, your curling iron cooling off, and a random brochure from the career fair all jumbled together in a big pile. In my busiest weeks, my desk looks like a tornado tore through all of my belongings. To keep your dorm room cozy and productive, keeping out clutter is a great place to start. Clean your desk off each night to put away belongings you don’t need in your room. You will be living in close quarters with others, so your brain will feel freer when your room is clean.
Music
When I study, I alternate between different music choices. Especially early in the morning, I opt for chill lo-fi or jazz to keep the mood light. Other times, I listen to instrumental rock to ratchet up the intensity, especially when I’m on a tight deadline. Whatever music you listen to, find a way to set that up in your dorm room. My record player has been a great addition to the ambience, and my roommate set up an extra monitor to play a fireplace loop for cozy vibes.
With these tips, I believe your dorm room setup will help you have a warm, cozy, and productive environment for an awesome school year academically and socially!
Name: Maggie Fipps
Major and Year of Graduation: Journalism, class of 2025
Favorite Study Spot: Berg Balcony
Favorite Music Artist: Lizzy McAlpine
Favorite Quote: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
What do You Like to do in Your Free Time? Watch Packers football, thrift and read!
Favorite Bible Verse: Isaiah 26:3-4
Tags: #advice, #helpful, #personal, #residencehalls, #student, #studentlife, #students, #tips
Posted in: College Life, Experience, Lifestyle, Organization, Practical Tips, Student Guide, Student Life