dorm essentials
what do you need for your dorm?
Moving into a dorm and designing it can be very intimidating, especially since there is limited room for you to express how you want to live, not to mention your annoying roommate. Not to mention how temporary the living space is, but that doesn't mean that just a couple posters on the wall is your limit. To make this transition a little easier I'll give a step-by-step playbook on how to let your creativity express itself.​
1. Color scheme
For a dorm to look presentable with what your university has given you, there is a necessity for a color scheme. Make sure most (not all) of the items and linens you purchase follow some type of color scheme that expresses your kind of vibe.
2. Budget
As a college student your wallet will be thanking you when you buy things that still give spending room for food, spending time with friends, and - possibly the majority of your money - alcohol. Make sure that you aren't buying things that ar out of your price range but still create a nice space for you to live in.
3. Practicality
I'd bet that on your search for dorm decor, you've come across a couple item that you might think you need, but definitely do not. A lot of my spending in college was surrounded by giving myself very particular situations that I might use them in. I promise you, you won't ever use them.
Lighting
When you move in, you will find how atrocious the overhead lights are in your dorm. They are typically bright LED lightbulbs that give you headaches and make you hate your space. Lighting is a key factor when it comes to making you comfortable in your room. Here are a couple products I've found that I really could've used when I was starting out in college.
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The lamp specifically has a low light and can set the mood for just about any situation. It also comes with multiple plug-ins so you can charge your phone, laptop, or anything else that you might need near your bed.
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A lamp that changes colors is always a great addition to your dorm as well. You never know what color you're feeling, and being able to change it in an instant can set the mood for the day.
Bedding
Having the right bedding can be crucial for several reasons. It allows you to personalize how you want your part of the room to look. Along with that, it's important to keep your bedding clean for hygiene. When I was in a dorm I wouldn't clean my sheets and blankets nearly enough and would have lots of acne because of it. Having a bed that you genuinely like can also be beneficial for your well-being as well.
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This twin size set comes with everything you will need, including a fitted sheet, bed sheet, and 2 pillowcases.
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A comforter is essential, especially if you live in a colder part of the world. This comforter is sleek and allows you to put a cover on it if you want to change the colors around.
Toiletries
Whether you have your own personal bathroom or a community bathroom, there are many items involved with toiletries that are essential to living in a dorm. Here are a couple ideas and products to help you narrow down your decision. Another thing that is absolutely essential is a trashcan!!!
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A shower caddy can help you organize your bathroom items while keeping them in one place. Walking to the shower with a handful of loose soaps, hairbrushes, makeup, and other things is never a fun time. This one specifically also allows you to hang it anywhere you would like to keep it from cluttering your room.
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SOFT TOWELS ARE A NEED. Trust me on this, a set of nice towels will change your life. They can improve your skin health and give you so much more clarity when getting out of the shower. Just make sure you don't use these for cleaning up spilled beer!
Art
The art on your walls are possibly the most important aspect of making your crappy dorm room feel like a home. These can be great conversation starters, or simply present the vibe you would like to portray when someone comes over. I would suggest getting less nice posters considering they will probably not be treated very well over time, and you won't be in the dorm for too long.
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A flag like this is always a safe bet, it takes up some room and can be quite humorous when you walk in and just see something as dumb as this.
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If you're looking for something a little more classy, a set of framed pictures is always a good go-to.