Setting up your college dorm room

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How to Set Up a Dorm Room for Your College Student

Setting up a dorm room with all the comforts of home - and none of the distractions - can be tricky, but it’s an important step in making sure your college-bound student is well taken care of. Whether they’re just starting school or need help with getting settled in, there are several easy things you can do to help them whip their dorm room into great shape. Think about pieces that can handle more than one job, as well as how to save space. There are many options on the market for furniture that doubles as something else, and you can get creative with things like over-the-door shoe organizers that can be used for storage.

It’s also a good idea to make sure your child has everything they need for doing homework and studying. Think about the details, such as noise-canceling headphones that will help them block out distractions while they’re reading. Also, remember that sharing a room with someone can be stressful for individuals who have always had their own space, so any items that reduce feelings of anxiety will be a good addition to the list as well.

Mr. Robertson's Corner shares a few tips on how to set up a dorm room for a successful year.

Look for Daily Deals

Stocking up on all the things your student needs for the school year can get costly. Not only do you have to worry about school supplies, but you also need to furnish their room and make sure it’s comfortable and distraction-free - and that can be a big task. One great way to cut costs is to look for daily specials, online savings, and coupons and promo codes. Often, companies will have big sales around back-to-school time; the week of Labor Day is a perfect time to look for deals. Just make sure you act fast since these sales are often updated hourly.

Get Organized

Dorm rooms aren’t known for being spacious, so it’s important to make sure your child has a way to stay organized. You can help by finding furniture that doubles as storage, storage solutions that can be mounted on the wall or hung from a door, and Business Insider suggests space-saving bags that can hold clothing or bedding that isn’t being used. Utilize any open space in a creative way to keep things neat. Combining form and function will make the room look comfy, cute and decluttered.

Clear Out Distractions

Living in a dorm room can be a difficult transition for someone who has never had to share a space before. In fact, even someone who’s used to having a roommate might find it challenging to learn how to study, do homework, and relax when there are a lot of distractions going on around them. Think about the details that might make your student’s life a little easier, such as a microwave, a comfy blanket, and a small fan. Having the ability to cook a meal without having to leave the dorm and stay comfortable will help your child focus on their priorities.

Plan for Bathroom Needs

Living in a dorm typically means sharing a bathroom with others, so it’s important to make sure your child has everything they need. A shower caddy, bathrobe, shower sandals or flip flops, and a good set of towels and washcloths are a great place to get started. It’s also a good idea to think about how they can easily do laundry; a lightweight bag or basket is perfect for hauling clothes to the laundromat, and of course, they’ll need detergent as well. The Spruce recommends strategically picking your laundry times and sorting clothes before heading to the laundry as ways to make doing the clothes a cinch.

Getting your child set up in a dorm room can be a big job, so don’t wait until the last minute to get it done. Start thinking ahead of time about what they might need and how you can help make their time at school successful, comfortable, and easy so they can focus on their grades.