Decking Out A Dorm Room On A Small Budget: Start With The Essentials
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College is an incredible time in one’s life. For many, it’s their first time away from home and to feel like they have their ‘own place’ to decorate, entertain, play loud music, etc. As one gets older, the importance of knowing how to decorate and maintain a budget becomes clearer. However, as college students will learn, it’s always good to start early and combine theory with experience. The following room implements will help you keep comfy and maintain money in your pocket.
Futon
A dorm room is an interesting space to decorate. Like a studio apartment, you have to balance where you sleep with where you ‘live’ and entertain. Therefore, implements that serve multiple purposes are advantageous. A futon serves as a comfy place to rest your head as well as an area to sit and relax, watch television, and talk with visitors. Maintain it as a couch until after hours, then pull it out to a full horizontal position and get some sleep.
Bean Bag
Today’s bean bag chairs have evolved from the small, circular implements made popular in the sixties. Today’s bags are larger, come in more colors, and can be used as a chair, sofa, foot rest, etc. Moreover, bags are affordable, easy to ship, and fit well with just about any type of space, large or small. Lastly, you can carry your chair into a friend’s dorm room or down the hall to the common area. See a wide selection at ComfySacks.com/kids.html.
Cork Board
Some people are visual learners, so as a student, it can be useful to keep track of due papers, chores, work schedules, etc on a cork board. Plus, since you’re pinning items to the board and not the wall, you won’t have to worry about damaging the room and owing money at the end of the semester. Keep on top of your courses, social life, and busy college life by posting reminders, notes, etc.
Mini Fridge
Let’s face it; eating at the cafeteria is not always convenient or preferred. However, unlike your stay at home, you don’t have the luxury of raiding your parent’s fridge, but you can invest in a mini fridge to fit into your dorm room to maintain your favorite snacks and beverages. It’s a convenient way to make sure you stay hydrated and well fed without having to venture too far from your room. Couple the fridge with a microwave and you have yourself a mini kitchen!
Laptop
Most universities have computer labs for students to use. However, the labs are not open around the clock and depending on the time of day, you may need to wait or reserve a computer. However, investing in your own computer allows you to work whenever you want. Also, with multiple entertainment options, such as Netflix and Hulu, the computer can serve as a ‘television’ too.
Area Rug
Most dorm rooms are not carpeted, so it’s likely that floor is going to get cold. Plus, you may not like the color of the floor and won’t be in a position to do anything about it. However, you can purchase one or more area rugs, which will add warmth and more of your style to the dorm room.
Power Strip
Today’s college kid is equipped with multiple devices – smartphones, laptops, DVD players, iPods, etc. However, depending on when the dorm room was built, it may not be equipped with enough outlets to power all your devices. Even if your room does have a number of outlets, they may be in inconvenient corners of the room. That’s why you need a power strip to address all your devices. Be sure it’s protected from power surges that could potentially damage your devices.
Disinfectant Wipes
Cleaning is a chore; that never changes regardless of one’s age. However, if you want to make a good impression with guests and stay free from sickness, you’ll need to occasionally clean your room and disinfect door handles, etc. Plus, with scores of college students coming in and out, it’s likely that someone will be harboring a cold. Disinfecting and cleaning your room will ensure that you stay free of germs so you have more time to study and party.
Reversible Comforter
Your futon will serve as your bed and your couch, but you’ll need something to cover you and keep you warm while you sleep. Plus, a reversible comforter will give you more decor options beyond the color and texture of your futon. Impress your friends with a change of decor and keep yourself warm and toasty at night.