College and University Blog College and University Informations

Show Your Style – Count Your Pennies

February 5th, 2010 by Marti Ross

Your very own dorm room. Your home away from home. How will you go about making it "yours" something that reflects your personal style without breaking the bank?

Because your bed will be the biggest piece of furniture in the room and will be the focal point, plan to spend a bit more on a comforter that shows off your style. When picking a comforter, too, though make certain it's washable and hides the dirt. Speaking of your bed, will you bring your current one from home? Is it feasible to pack it and bring it with you, where will you sleep on holidays when you go home if your bed isn't there? Things to consider when thinking about your college dorm room sleeping space. Maybe you can get a futon from a used furniture store - something to double as a bed and couch.

As dorm rooms are typically not as large as your bedroom at home - and because you might be sharing that space, invest in plastic storage bins to hold clothes, office materials. Plastic storage bins can double as a dresser and be slipped under your bed or stacked in the closet.

You will be doing a lot of studying in your room, so make certain you have a place for your computer, whether you're using a laptop or a PC. If you have a laptop, invest in a laptop desk and you can work while sitting on the bed. If you can't afford a desk, fashion one out of a sturdy piece of wood and place it atop plastic storage containers (the containers can do double duty).

Saving money in some areas is all right but make sure when it comes to lighting your room, you have adequate lighting. Nothing is worse than squinting at the text in your books because the lighting isn't proper. Before you buy a light fixture determine whether you'll be putting it on a desk, or if you'll have lamp that affixes to the wall above your study space.

Remember, too, a place for your toiletries. You may have to use communal bathroom facilities so make certain to have a space set aside for your bathroom essentials and invest in something you can tote your items to and from the shower area.

You will likely be spending a lot of time in your dorm room, whether entertaining friends or studying for exams. Make sure it's a haven but don't go overboard on decorating. Keep in mind, too, that once the school year is over you will need to find a temporary home for your new belongings. Plan ahead.

Marti Ross is an education columnist whose interests include campus life, distance education, financial aid, and online degree programs.

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