Dorm Room Essentials: Study & Sleep Better for College Students
Starting college is an exciting adventure, but moving out can be a bit overwhelming. You want your space to feel like home, but with limited square footage, every item you bring needs to be essential, functional, and comforting. Whether you’re a freshman setting up your first dorm or a returning student looking to upgrade, here’s some tips to create the best dorm room, transforming your small space into a cozy and restful sanctuary.
1. Better Desk, Better Studying
Whether it’s for homework or cramming for finals, your desk is where you’ll be spend a lot of time studying, so it needs to be functional and comfortable. If your dorm room already has a desk, try to invest in an ergonomic chair to support your back during long study sessions. To help keep you focused, organize your desk with designated storage for your school supplies. In one study, clutter was shown to impact wellbeing and mental health, interfering with learning and academic performance. Maintain an efficient and effective study space by keeping it tidy to minimize distractions, reduce stress and promote mental clarity.
2. Illuminating Lighting
As you’ll often be at your desk, a good desk lamp is crucial to studying and working. Swap in an energy-efficient LED bulb with adjustable brightness and color temperature to double-up as ambient lighting. Harsh overhead lighting in dorm rooms can be uninviting and stressful. Create a cozy atmosphere with additional soft lighting that don’t take up space like string lights or LED strips to add warmth and make it a more pleasant space to relax in.
3. Organizational Storage Solutions to Inspire
Dorm rooms are small, so smart storage is essential. Under-bed storage bins, closet organizers, and hanging shelves can help maximize your space. Where possible, utilize vertical areas for additional storage. Personal items that are used often should be placed in more easily accessible areas while seldom-used items like seasonal clothing or suitcases can be relegated to hard to reach spaces like the back of a closet. Keep your study materials, clothing, and personal items neatly stored away to avoid clutter and make your room feel more spacious.
4. Elevated Towels and Shower Caddy
Depending on the dormitory, shared bathrooms may be a reality for most students. Recreate a spa-like shower experience with towels that are plush, absorbent and most importantly, quick drying. To minimize mildew and odor, make sure to hang your bath towel after each use. For efficiency, find a portable shower caddy basket with plenty of compartments to keep your toiletries organized and easy to carry to and from the bathroom. Seek out designs that are waterproof, have drainage holes and constructed from durable materials like stainless steel or hard plastics.
5. Laundry Essentials for Wash Day Blues
As most dorms do not have in-suite laundry, try to find a hamper that is portable, especially for laundry pile-ups from inevitable procrastination. Hampers with wheels or strong carry handles can help with the load, especially when factoring in laundry detergent and spare change, ultimately making laundry days much easier.
6. Quality Bedding for Better Sleep
Sleep is crucial for students. Long nights of studying (and maybe a little partying) require restful sleep to recharge. But many students struggle with staying cool at night, especially in dorm rooms where temperature control can be tricky. That’s why investing in high-quality cooling bedding should be at the top of your list.
Designed specifically for hot sleepers, the Evercool® Cooling Comforter is the perfect solution to ensure you stay cool and comfortable throughout the night. Made from a proprietary cooling fabric, this comforter helps regulate your body temperature so you’re not waking up sweating. Plus, it’s incredibly lightweight and soft, making it the ideal addition to any dorm room.
Pair your comforter with Evercool®+ cooling pillowcases and sheets set to complete your sleep setup. The fitted and flat sheets are breathable and moisture-wicking, ensuring that you stay dry and cool. Naturally anti-microbial, Evercool®+ is woven with silver yarn for self-cleaning, helping to keep your bedding fresh for longer between laundry days. As pillowcases, they are perfect for acne-prone and sensitive skins, while also being supremely smooth for curly hairs. A good sleep haven will make all the difference, improving sleep quality and ensuring peak academic performance.
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7. Mattress Topper to Pad Your Bed
Dorm mattresses are notoriously uncomfortable, and they can make it difficult to get the restful sleep you need. A quality mattress topper can make a world of difference. Look for a memory foam topper that contours to your body, providing extra support and comfort. This addition will make your bed feel more like home and less like a temporary stopover.
8. Personal Touches
Don’t forget to bring items that make your dorm feel like your own sleep haven. Find high impact ways to style your room such as decorating the walls or existing surfaces while minimizing clutter. Skip decorative pillows and bulky items that aren’t used often, instead opting for photos of friends and family, artwork, or plants to help personalize your space.
9. Noise Cancelling Tips
Dorms can be noisy, with students coming and going at all hours. If possible, try using a white noise machine to minimize sudden, jarring sounds that can wake you up. For those staying with a roommate, a good pair of earplugs can help block out noise (like snoring), ensuring you get the sleep you need.