Dorm life: making it feel like home
Penn State Behrend became a home away from home to nearly 1,200 students this semester. These new students come from 32 different states and 24 different countries. It is a daunting thing to move across the country—or the world—and start a new life here in Erie, Pennsylvania.
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One of the largest challenges incoming freshman can face is adjusting to dorm life. These 15.5”/11” rooms with cinder block walls are not the most inviting. Learning to live with a complete stranger is uncharted territory for most and can be hard to adapt to. Being without family pets, familiar sounds and smells can make anyone feel alone. Despite the scariness of this new experience, there are steps that can be taken to make the room feel like home.
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One simple way to bring home to the dorm room is by bringing pictures of friends, family and pets. Places like Walgreens and Walmart have reasonable prices for 4x6 pictures. If purchased online, it is very easy to find promotional codes with coupons up to 40 percent off. Hang these pictures above the desk to have something to look at during those long nights of studying.
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After studying, what else does anyone want to do but turn into bed? A mattress cover can give peace of mind since dorm beds have a new owner each year. Bring the comfiest blanket from home to wrap up in. Bring your childhood stuffed animal to snuggle up with because, let’s face it, everybody has at least one they still hold onto.
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Organization is extremely important when sharing such a small space with another person. Utilize the space under the bed to store clothes, shoes and food. Plastic totes come in all sizes and are perfect to keep things tidy under there.
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Wall space can also be a huge help. Be sure to use dorm-approved hanging methods, such as command strips, to secure things on the walls. Hooks are perfect for jackets and caps, which frees up space in the closet for clothes that need to be hung.
Speaking of clothes, do not save all the laundry for the first visit home. Having dirty clothes lying around is not a good idea and can be upsetting to a dorm mate. Pick a time that works to do a load each week, bring some studying materials or a laptop and stay on top of laundry!
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Since candles are not allowed, invest in an aromatherapy diffuser. Amazon sells them for as low as $12 and essential oils are inexpensive and last a long time. Scents like lavender and vanilla are proven to reduce stress and help with sleep, two things needed to survive college life!
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Moving into the dorm does not have to be as scary as it seems. Simple, affordable items can make even the smallest space feel like home.
