1.Add a comfy throw pillow
There is nothing cozier than a warm, fuzzy blanket to curl up in after a cold walk from class. Adding something as simple as a blanket will add more warmth and homey-ness to your dorm. For those moments when you miss sitting on your couch watching a movie at home, cozy up with your new fluffy blanket and binge watch a few of your favorite Netflix movies. You’ll feel right at home.
2. Use a diffuser
Essential oils aren’t everyone’s “thing”, but they are a relatively inexpensive way to add some soothing smells to your dorm. All you have to do is buy a small diffuser (some are just $10 at Bed Bath & Beyond), buy one or two of your favorite scents (I suggest lavender), and plug it into your wall. It’s exactly what you need to keep you “cool, calm and collected” while cramming for that exam.
3. Buy a flameless candle
Since real candles aren’t permitted in dorms, buying a flameless candle is the next best thing. They are small and don’t take up a lot of room, but still give off the same warm glow as your favorite candle at home. Pair this with a diffuser (for the scent), and you’ve got the whole package!
4. Bake cookies
This one is harder and more time permitting, but you (and your friends) will be so glad that you decided to do this. Keep it easy by buying premade Tollhouse cookie dough from a close by supermarket or grocery store (and do your best not to eat all the cookie dough)! Most people don’t know this, but almost every dorm building has a kitchen somewhere, so scout yours out and get baking!
5. Have a tea or hot chocolate bar
If you have access to a microwave, you can totally pull off having a warm mug of tea or hot cocoa to enjoy after a long day of studying. I keep my drink packets lined up on a tray with toppings (honey for tea; candy canes and marshmallows for hot cocoa), that way it’s easy to get to, plus it looks cute on display. This is something your friends and visitors to your room would love to be offered.
6. Wear fuzzy socks and pajamas
It can be annoying to have to wear shower shoes and flip-flops every time you go to the bathroom in your dorm, but having a new pair of fuzzy socks on your feet when you’re at your desk or in your bed will make you feel a little cozier. You won’t have to walk around feeling the coolness of your concrete floors when you’re wearing your new, plush socks. And hey, it can be fun to slide and glide around your room!
7. Find time to read for fun
This is something that I wish I could do at school, but always feel guilty if I’m reading something for fun instead of using that valuable time to do homework (and sometimes… when I do have free time, I don’t want to spend it doing more reading – I’m sure you can agree)! However, I love reading during the summer and always feel good after I finish a new novel, so the little time that I do take to read at school (usually on a weekend afternoon) brings me back to that peaceful state I’m at in the summer. Whether you chose to read a magazine or a book, the point is to just take time to do something for yourself – your well-being is the most important thing!!!