With this school year coming to an end and hopeful incoming college freshmen starting to shop for their first time living alone, there is a lot to consider. For those people that are about to embark on the “dorm life" journey, you're in for an interesting ride. The truly hardest part about living in a dorm is the space factor- there isn't a lot of space, at all. That being said, there are so many hacks for saving space, cooking without a kitchen, and decorating- amongst other things.
Dorm living is what you make it, so take these pointers and make the best of the multi-purpose room that you're about to live in for the next year. Here are the top six easiest hacks to keep in mind while you shop for college living this summer:
1. Organizers, organizers, organizers.
Whether it be desk organizers, closet organizers, or over-the-door organizers, all of these essential items will change your life in a dorm. Not only will they help you keep your room clean and company ready at all times, but it will also maximize your storage.
2. Microwave cooking
Did you know you can cook literally almost anything in the microwave- or in a mug?! Yeah, neither did I until college. So, make sure you get yourself a microwave and a mug. You're welcome.
3. Stock up on Command Hooks
In most dorms, you move out after one year. You will also most likely get charged if you messed up your room in any significant way during that year. Therefore, to make your room feel like home without damaging it, buy Command Hooks!
4. Utilize under-bed storage
Dorm beds are 100% the worst. However, you can raise them really high which gives you more storage space. Honestly, the majority of your storage will be there, so make sure you raise your bed as high as you can, buy some bins and multi-use furniture pieces (possibly ottomans that double as a seat/stool and storage) and thrive with as much space as you can.
5. Kitchen utensils/vessels
So, I forgot to bring bowls and utensils to college. While it's great cooking everything in a mug, there are times you want a nice bowl of cereal, so you definitely need a bowl and a spoon. You'll probably also need a can opener and some plates. You'll wanna bring a reusable water bottle for your hikes to class. Look in your kitchen before you move out to grab the things you wouldn't think to take otherwise, really. That's my best advice. However, do not take the "everything but the kitchen sink" approach, if you know what I mean.
6. Get a shelf to attach to your bed
Trust me on this one. As a college student living in a dorm, you will essentially live out of your bed. You will eat in it, sleep in it, study in it, and probably even cry in it. Therefore, you need all the essentials within arm's reach. A little basket/shelf type item that attaches to your bed will allow you to have whatever you need without jumping out of your very high bed.
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