Top 10 Back to School Essentials for College Dorms

[ad#co-1]

See a list of the Top 5 College Dorm Rooms Essentials here –> Top 5 Dorm Room Essentials

Don’t mind Monday’s when they look like this ? Happy 4th of July! Last day to shop our 20% off sale with code FIREWORKS ?

A photo posted by dormify (@dormify) on Jul 4, 2016 at 6:23am PDT

1.) Bedding

Comforters, sheets, and pillows are essential for college dorms. Ensure you find out the size of the beds from the college or university before you buy bedding. (My son’s dorm has extra long twin beds, and that was essential when shopping for a sheet set!). They are often called ‘Twin Extra Long”. We love these extra long bed skirts to hide all of your stuff under your dorm bed.

Image via: Etsy – Dorm Room Bed Skirts

2.) Bath Linen

Bath towels – Washcloths, hand towels, and bath sized towels are crucial in dormitories and they can never use enough. (Considering they probably will do laundry once a month). Ensure you buy quality towels that are absorbent and can withstand the abuse of a college student. Trust me they will be used for more than just drying off from the shower.

3.) Shower Tote for College Dorms

Whether the dorms have communal showers or individual showers connected to the rooms, having all of your shower tote essentials in a tote or caddy is essential. Opt for a mesh one or a material that can dry easily to prevent getting mildewed and gross from moisture.

4.) Over the door mirror for your College Room

Full length mirrors are often forgotten but are essential to see your ENTIRE body. (Many college students seem to think all you need to see is your face!) Whether you opt for a full-length mirror that can hang on the back of a closet door, or you buy a framed variety that can hang like a picture, a mirror is often forgotten but will be used by everyone on your dorm room floor.

uptown girl ? click link in bio to shop

A photo posted by dormify (@dormify) on Jun 27, 2016 at 2:46pm PDT

5.) College Dorms Alarm Clock

Waking up in the morning, or even at night will prove to be essential in college. Ensure you have a good alarm clock that plugs into the wall and not run solely on batteries is brought to college. Don’t depend on just your cell phone or your roommate to wake you. Alarm clocks with multiple alarms can prove to be helpful, so you don’t have to reset your alarm for each new time. See ways to personalize your dorm room here.

6.) Hanging Clothes Organizer

Make the best use of your small closet with a vertical hanging organizer for your shoes, sweaters and foldable clothes. The hanging clothes organizer will keep all your belongings orderly and will help you cram more into your closet than you first imagined. Need more ideas to get your dorm room organized for cheap?

7.) College Dorms Laundry Bag

Laundry is one of the most dreaded chores to do at college (at home too!) Make the chore easier with a good laundry bag – multiple ones is a good idea. Ensure they have sturdy handles and rolling varieties may prove to be handy if your laundromat is within your dormitory.

Image via: Etsy – Hen House Originals – Dorm Essentials Laundry Bag

8.) Coffee Maker

Coffee, Tea, and water may prove to be the best drinks to consume at college (we won’t mention the alcoholic beverages). A coffee maker that doubles as a tea maker could become a college student best friend, late at night or early in the morning. Opt for a variety that has an alarm or even a travel sidecup like the Hamilton Beach coffee maker.

9.) Portable Laptop Desk Holder

[ad#co-1]

College students spend a lot of time in the bed… not just sleeping, but studying, eating and everything else. A laptop desk for writing, resting a laptop, or just having a flat surface other than your desk can prove to be essential. Creating a productive study area can be hard. This desk will help make life easier. These can be found at most houseware stores in the back-to-school area.

10.) College Dorms Floor and Table Lamps

One of the most underrated essentials for a dorm room is table and floor lamps. Whether you are trying to study, or need an extra light near your bed or sitting area, the overhead fluorescent fixture in the room will not be sufficient, and it will wake up your roommate! Opt for a few lamps that are versatile and don’t require strangely sized bulbs!

For more college dorm ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Dorm Room Decor: The Do’s and Donts for College

Do’s – to remember when decorating your college dorm

Dorm Room Essentials:

Dorm rooms are limited for space since students share rooms. Leave your extra clothes and accessories at home or go for them at a later date. For example, you can leave your winter clothes at home and get them during thanksgiving break as you drop off the warm-weather clothes.

Bring along a cute dorm room laundry bag too!

Image via: Etsy – Hen House Originals – Dorm Essentials Laundry Bag

Get Dorm Room Decor Ideas from our Burlap and Succulents Store:

Our Burlap and Succulents Zazzle store can give you ideas for bedding, pillows, blankets and throw blankets to make your dorm room look awesome!

Dorm Bedding – Choose fun patterns!

Buy bedding that will endure 4-5 years of college. You can get a synthetic down comforter which is perfect for all seasons and add style with a colorful duvet cover. Even when pulled up, a comforter makes a room look cleaner. Buy a machine-washable cover with a beautiful print that hides stains.

Dorm Room Decor Don’ts – Try not to do in your college dorm

Buy Small Accessories Immediately After Settling In

Don’t buy unnecessary accessories as soon as you move into your dorm room. While it can be tempting to buy cool items you may find that you don’t need some items after a while. Additionally, things go on sale sometime after school starts so it is advisable to buy then.

Dorm Wall Decor: Don’t Be Afraid of Color

There are many ways you can add color to your dorm room. You can use accent pillows, poufs, decals, or art. Even if bright colors aren’t your thing, try to choose accessories with happy tones that will brighten up your day when you’re missing your family or suffering from winter blues.

There are many things to consider as you go off to college and dorm room décor may be the last thing on your mind. However, it can make a big difference in your overall enjoyment of college life. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time in your dorm room, it is only fair that you make it a small haven. Follow the above decorating dos and don’ts and you’ll be sure to create a gorgeous room that impresses everyone who sees it. In fact, it will quickly become your pride and joy.

Can you share with us your dorm room decorating tips dos and don’ts?

How to Get Your College Dorm Room Organized

[ad#co-1]

Dorm room ideas: Double hanging racks

Closet space in dorm rooms is quite small and you really cannot install anything into this area. But, you can effectively double the space in your tiny closet with an hanging organizer. Simply, hook it onto the rack, and add a whole new row to store clothes. Also, be smart and put the unused space to work by hooking and over the door shoe rack. 

Organize your desk

A cluttered desk is uninviting and will constantly distract you from your work. So, invest in a filing cabinet to keep your important documents, papers, and receipts arranged.  Recycle old assignments, term and exam papers that are no longer required. Also, limiting the number of desk accessories you bring with you to college is a sensible way to maintain order. Finally, manage your book clutter by organizing them alphabetically or by color-coding them. For instance, put a blue label or covering on the books you use on Mondays, “Monday Blues.”

Check out our back to school binders and school supplies at our Burlap and Succulents shop!

dope ? | ? @nicolejanoff

A photo posted by dormify (@dormify) on Sep 12, 2015 at 6:58am PDT

Organized dorm ideas: Make your bed

When you live in a small area, the slightest visual disorder can make a huge impact on the appearance of your room. So, get into the habit of making your bed daily, even if it means only folding your quilt and arranging pillows. Try getting bed-in-a-bag sets that include sheets, comforter, matching pillowcases and more for a easier time making your bed.

Dorm Room Bedding Ideas

Don’t forget bedding and bed skirts for your dorm room bed! We love these dorm room dust ruffles that fit Twin XL beds and cover up all of your storage under your bed. Etsy Shop Dorm Room Bedding Ideas has patterns, colors, and different styles to choose from.

Image via: Etsy – Dorm Bedding Ideas – Dorm Room Bed Skirts

Get your Dorm Room Organized with Laundry bins

Don’t just throw your dirty clothes on the floor or drape it over the chair. Buy a lightweight, portable laundry basket or bag and toss it under your bed. Not only will it help you keep your dorm room uncluttered, it will make your laundry day much easier. Laundry bags are also a creative option. We like these laundry bags from Etsy Shop – Hen House Originals.

Image via: Etsy – Laundry Bag Ideas – Hen House Originals

Keeping your dorm space clean and tidy will make dorm life much more enjoyable for you and people around. So, follow these tips and get to work!

For more organization ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Save

Save

Save

Freshman College Dorm Room Essentials Checklists

College Dorm Room Essentials

As space is at premium at college dorm rooms, resist the urge to carry all your favorite clothes. Few pairs of bottoms, twice the number of tops, a jacket or a sweatshirt and few pairs of shoes should be enough. In order to carry weather appropriate clothes, it’s wise to find out the average climate for each season and pack accordingly. You will also have limited desk and counter space, so make sure to limit items like picture frames and anything else that requires a place to sit. Most likely you will be going back home during the holidays or your parents will pay you a visit, so you will have an opportunity to exchange items for the changing season.

[ad#co-1]

Comfort items

Comfort items make you feel like at home. While it’s advised to carry such items, you must limit them to the ones you use most often. Share the responsibility with your roommate of bringing stuff like television, fridge, dvd player, stereo and more. Before packing any item, think twice if you really need it. For instance, if you can set an alarm on your mobile, perhaps you don’t need an alarm clock.

College Checklist items:

Bedding

Mattress Pad – Twin XL for College Dorm Rooms

Laundry Bag

Shower Caddy

Desk lamp

Flash drive

Headphones can be a great help when studying and writing papers.

Moreover, if possible try getting a look at your dorm room or call the college authorities to find how big the room is and what all comes with it.

Ultimate College Checklist

When preparing for a life’s new journey, it’s highly possible to forget stuff like medications, first aid box, and important documents and papers. If you are planning to take your car along, do remember to carry your driving license, car insurance, and auto registration.

While you should try to create a comfortable living space, unnecessary items will only clutter your room and will eventually lead to a stressful environment. So, instead of trying to replicate your room at home, pack light and smart.

For more college dorm room ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Save

Save

Save

Being organized at college is very essential when you live in a dorm. Needless to say, you don’t have that much leeway in terms of renovation and makeover. You are bound to limitation especially if you’re confined by strict rules in your dorm room.

Organizing your dorm room is a must, unless you don’t care about your things. But the one of the best benefits in organizing your dorm room is the relaxing ambiance that it brings to your stay. So, whether you’re studying or working, an organized room will always be a lot of help.

Image via: Style at Home

[ad#co-1]

If you want some help, here’s how to organize your dorm room for less:

• Divide and conquer

In organizing your dorm room, you have to identify the space allotted for each item. Always consider the amount of space or simply divide them into zones that will cater things like the bed, cabinets, shelves and other room essentials. This will let you maximize the space you have in your room.

Image via: Pinterest

• Choose furniture that makes the most of your space

With limited space and not much room for expansion, you really don’t want to mess up with an inch of space available. This makes it very crucial to choose furnishings that are just right for its purpose. Well, bigger isn’t always better.

Image via: Houzz

• Look for hidden storage

You may not know it but there are several storages that hide in your dorm room. For instance, you have the back door for hanging your coat or cleaning materials, the bottom part of your cabinet for use as drawer and as well as your bed. These are just some of the areas where you can utilize for storage.

Bear in mind that your dorm room is your safe haven and a place for relaxation after a busy day. Always make it a priority to organize your room during weekends or whenever you’re free. It pays to be organized than having everything in disarray.

For more college dorm room ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

If you’re headed off to college or you’ve already started back you are probably wondering how to personalize your dorm room with just your style, right? Well here are some dorm room collage ideas from you! Take a look at these collages that take some of the best dorm room ideas and puts them into dorm room collections of decor, organization, and trendy solutions for making your college dorm room rock! Try making your own inspiration boards at Olioboard – like my past Olioboard Inspiration members or try Polyvore like these below examples.

Image via: As the Ocean – via Polyvore

[ad#co-1]

Living in a dorm requires a great amount of organization skills. This is because you are often restricted or have limited access to areas where you can modify. It’s not like your own home that you have the choice to do what you want to renovate at any given time. More often than not, dorm owner doesn’t allow major make over especially when it involves the majority of the areas in a dorm room.

Decorating your dorm room isn’t an overnight task. You have to plan ahead and consider several things before even starting to make your first step. This will lessen your time, efforts and expenses needed in decorating your dorm room. To help you out, here’s how to decorate your dorm room on a budget:

• Make your own artwork

Even if you’re in a dorm room, you have to add something that will represent yourself. To do this, you can create do-it-yourself artworks to show off your skills and at the same time enhance your interior. The artworks will definitely save you a lot of money. Also, make use of the available resources you have for the materials.

Image via: Poetic Princess via – Polyvore

• Spread out the curtains

What makes curtains effective is that it can create an illusion of a wider space for your room. But you have to hang your curtains from the ceiling down to the floor. This will definitely make your room look spacious. It will also create a beautiful highlight for your room interior. Don’t forget to choose the right color motif you want.

• Prefer multi-functional yet stylish furniture

How about a chair with storage function? This is like buying one item for a couple of purposes. You will not only save money but enhance the looks of your dorm as well. You can also have a bed with storage function at the bottom or a coffee table with drawers. These furnitures don’t compromise design over functionality.

Image via: Nahed-samer via Polyvore

You can actually do a lot of ways to decorate your dorm room. Just take some time to plan ahead on what to do and everything will go accordingly.

For more dorm room ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Going to college is definitely a great challenge. But living in a dorm room while you’re in college is another. You’re in a different environment away from your family and comfort zone.  That’s why you have to be ready emotionally, physically, socially and mentally to adapt to your new surroundings.

Living in a dorm requires a lot of preparations. More often than not, you have to do some makeovers in your dorm room to accommodate you comfortably and fit your things. But you don’t have to worry because you can do several things to cope with these challenges. Check out these 5 essentials for your college dorm room:

5 Essentials For Your College Dorm Room this Year

• Have a convertible work desk

This is not only saving you space but also money. Imagine having a work desk where you can do your assignments and then transform into a comfortable bed after. It’s like buying two furniture items at the price of one.

Image via: Zulily

[ad#co-1]

• Appropriate lighting

Proper lightings can make or break your day. You need adequate light when you study and a dim light when you sleep. It’s a good idea to have a dimmer setup in your dorm room.  Also, lights can create an illusion of wider space. Look to your local big box store or office supply store for a wide selection of office desk lamps.

• Comfortable bedding

You have to ensure that you always have a good sleep anytime you want. This will rejuvenate your body and recharge you for another day. To achieve this goal, make sure that you have excellent bedding. It would be nice if your beddings match the theme of your room. From sheets and comforters to decorative pillows and shams, think through the colors of your dorm room. Coordinate with accent rugs, window curtains and dorm colorful accessories.

Image via: Bed Bath & Beyond

• Use cardboard & rubber storage boxes

There’s no better way to organize your things than using storage boxes. The storage boxes are designed to cater almost all your dorm room essentials. Bear in mind to only store items that are used occasionally. Also, choose storage boxes that you can easily pile up over the top.

Use fabric, rubber or storage boxes to organize belongings

• School supplies organizer

It is very important that you can access and organize your school supplies quickly and easily. This will save you time and make your room look neat. With school supplies organizer, your things can be in top shape when needed.

Take note of these 5 essentials for your college dorm room to get a great start. Consider these things on top of your priorities.

For more college dorm room ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Easy Ways to Personalize your Dorm Room this Year

[ad#co-1]

Personalize your Dorm Room with colorful decor:

Most colleges won’t let you paint the walls, but you can always put a temporary wallpaper. They are easy to remove and require no special tools. Opt-in for your favorite colors or pattern to reflect your personality. Although it’s not essential for your wall décor to complement your roommate’s décor, it might be a good idea to pick colors that blend well with her/his side of the room.

Invest in accessories

Dorm rooms are generally small, with the bed being the largest item in them. So, use it to your advantage by making it a focal point. Pick up patterned or colorful bed sheets with a reversible comforter. The reversible option will help you to change the look easily. Finally, add a couple of matching throw pillows for that comfortable look. Make sure to pick the washable, durable brands that won’t show the dirt easily.

Add a rug for pretty dorm room decor

Place a washable rug in front of the bed to warm up the floor. Not only will it add more color and texture to your room, it will also create a place for you to sit on the floor. Use other decor in the room for inspiration for colors and patterns that add life to the room.

Hang wall art & pictures to personalize your dorm room

Decorating your dorm room walls with picture frames is an ideal way to personalize a bedroom. Stock up on frames in varying sizes and shapes and fill them with images that make you smile. Just remember not to use nails on the dorm room walls, instead use picture hangers that can be removed easily without a trace.

Use these tips to make your monotonous dorm room a little more habitable. But, remember to familiarize yourself with the dorm rules, such as no paint or nails on the walls, before you get started.

For more dorm room ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Easy Ways to Organize Your College Dorm Room

[ad#co-1]

Well, you don’t have to worry about being creative. There are so many creative ways that you can work on in your dorm room. You just have to do your research and implement the ideas that best fit your dorm room. To help you out, here are some easy ways to organize your dorm room.

Make room for more desks

More often than not, the majority of college dorms don’t allow you to bring in your own desk. If this is the situation, all you have to do is to re-arrange the desks against the wall to give more space to walk around. For instance, you can line them up together with a sleek desk chair. This should provide more space for your walkway.

Consider moving beds

This should be considered seriously. A sliding bed should give plenty of space around the dorm room. This will keep your beddings and other sleeping essentials nicely organize on the side of the wall. There are even sliding beds that can be transformed into a sofa when not in use. Take advantage of these designs.

Look for possible storage

Looking for a possible storage should help you organize everything. One of the things you can do is to use the back of the door to hang some of your bags or coats. Also, make use of your walls. You simply have to screw some hooks on the wall and use it to hang your jewelries like bracelets, necklace, rings or even your identification card. If you have an extra rack, you can nail it on the wall or the side of your cabinets to hold your magazines, brochure or books.

The above-mentioned ways should solve your problem in organizing your dorm room. Give these ideas a try and you will definitely enhance the way your dorm room looks like.

For more college dorm room ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Do you have duct tape and you want to customize your college dorm room? Duct tape now comes in more colors and patterns than you can imagine! The possibilities are endless, and your dorm room is a great place to start with personalizing your space.  Your duct tape can be a decorative material for your room interiors, walls, rugs and more!

There are quite a number of colors and sizes that you can choose for your duct tape. These varieties can be used for designing your interior. Believe it or not, your duct tape can turn out your room into a creative area at home or even in your college dorm room.

Image via: Your Hollywood Home

[ad#co-1]

Check out these creative duct tape ideas to decorate your college dorm room;

Nail-free picture frame on your wall

Some dorms don’t allow nailing something in your wall. This is to avoid damage brought about by pounding nails on the walls. But you know that wall without any portrait or artwork can be dull and boring. To solve this problem, use your extra duct tape to stick your portrait or artwork on the wall. You can actually make your duct tape look like a creative frame for these decorative items.

Decorate your walls with colorful duct tape

If you want accessibility and design combined in one decorative idea, this one is for you. All you have to do is to stick to the duct tape on your wall against the wall and form a treelike illustration. You also need hooks, pins or thumbtacks as hangers for your jewelries like bracelets, necklace and the like. If you just want an abstract design – place duct tape in random patterns on your dorm room walls.

Image via: Rei Moon

Decorative wall borders or moldings

This is a beautiful idea to enhance the borders and moldings of your room. You can combine different duct tape colors and sizes to achieve this idea. It’s one of the easiest ways to make use of wall borders to enhance your interior design. Also consider decorating your light switch plates with customized duct tape!

Image via: Serial Indulgence

You don’t have to worry about messing with the wall when you decide to remove the duct tape. This type of tape is designed to leave no mess when removed. Try the above-mentioned ideas and you’ll see the difference it can make to enhance the interior design of your college dorm room.

For more college dorm room ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

]]> https://stagetecture.com/creative-duct-tape-ideas-to-decorate-your-college-dorm-room/feed/ 0 52214