Dorm Tips

• Don’t know what to bring to college? collegepackinglist.com
• Looking for a poster? Go to allposters.com
• If you have a poster that you really like don’t hang it over your bed. People are going to be sitting on your bed and leaning up against your wall and your poster will not be in great shape by the end of the year.
• Don’t buy any extra furniture or too many decorations until you actually see your room and how much space you have (get measurements!). 
• I suggest moving in as early as possible so you have time to get your room in order before classes start. Once you’re swamped with work and going out you’re not going to want to devote as much time to your room.
• Want cool string lights to hang in your room? PartyLights.com
• Looking for removable wall decals? wall-pops.com
• Try Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or estate or garage sales if you’re looking for cheap decor (that you will most likely have to refurbish)
• Command strips are great for hanging posters, picture frames, etc. on the wall and won’t take the paint off when you remove them. Command hooks are great too.
• Urban Outfitters has some great stuff in their apartment section if you’re looking for quirky things to furnish your room with.
• Throw pillows are a must. They add color and a homey feel to your room and also protect your pillow from all of the people who will be sitting on your bed.
• Storage ottomans are great for extra seating and (obviously) extra storage. And you can push them under the bed when they’re not being used.
• Definitely get bed risers. They’re essential for storing all of your stuff whether it be winter clothes, food, luggage, plates/silverware. In such a small room you’ll need all the extra space you can get.
• Get a bamboo plant to brighten up your room and give you something living to take care of. They don’t need much water or sunlight. It’s perfect for a dorm room.
• Deciding whether or not to loft your bed? While it does give you a lot of extra space they’re really more of an inconvenience than anything. If you’re planning on coming home drunk, taking frequent naps, entertaining friends in your room, doing homework (or anything else) on your bed I wouldn’t advise it.
• I don’t suggest buying a wire wastebasket for your room. You never know when you might come home “sick” from a party and won’t be able to make it to the bathroom in the middle of the night. You’re better off having something impenetrable.
• Don’t stress if you don’t have a TV in your room. You probably won’t use it that often. And someone else on your floor will have one where you can get together with your friends to watch shows. On my floor we had Jersey Shore and Glee nights. And there’s always Hulu.com.
• You don’t have to limit yourself to looking for Twin XL bedspreads. Full size will also fit and cover all that stuff hiding under your bed.