No, your dorm does not have to be messy, stinky, and ugly. Here’s how.

As many of you readers are prospective students, I imagine there’s a large contingent reading this that is planning to move out of their family homes and into college dorm rooms for the first time this upcoming summer/fall. First of all, congratulations!! This is a very exciting and formative time…and if you’re anything like me, it can also be a stressful and terrifying one. 

Maybe you’ve been haunted lately by images from movies and TV that make college dorms out to be all about displaying partial nudity, molding pizza left on the floor, and mounds of dirty laundry being the statement piece of every room. And, hey, if that’s what you’re into, you’re in luck! Doing very little and letting entropy do its thing will naturally allow you to achieve this…unique aesthetic. If this is more the stuff of nightmares for you, you’re also in luck. It takes almost just as little effort to have a dorm that is clean, smells good, is comfortable and pretty, and a place you’d be equally proud to have your parents or newfound friends visit. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be set!

[Note: if you are asking yourself what makes me qualified to give such advice, ahem. Time for me to not-so-humble brag that, one, my roommate and I had a very beloved and popular dorm amongst our friends our first year, and, two, I washed my sheets, bedding, and towels weekly. If this doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will.]

Rule Number One: Basic cleaning supplies

Although other internet advice may encourage the purchasing of a Swiffer or a small vacuum cleaner, I have found these simple, cheaper alternatives to be more than sufficient. All you need for a clean room is an all-surface cleaning spray, a few washcloths, laundry detergent, and a small dustpan and broom for sweeping up dust. Wiping down surfaces and mirrors every week or so can be surprisingly relaxing, and a monthly sweep will make all the difference in keeping dust from accumulating and your floors from getting gritty. Doing laundry weekly is also super easy, and very worth it. Don’t forget to wash your sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, towels, and other linens! A bonus cleaning supply could be a linen/room spray. Since most dorms don’t allow candles, these can be lovely to spray into one’s closet and over one’s bed to add to the sense of cleanliness and comfort to a room. I’m personally partial to citrus scents for this effect. 

Rule Number Two: Ambient lighting

The absolutely most important element (following cleanliness, obviously)!! Most dorms are equipped with overhead lighting that, you know, is functional. But listen close, children. Overhead lighting is our enemy. I want us to say this in our sleep. As alternatives, keep your window blinds open during the day, letting daylight in, and only use ambient light to augment it if need be. For ambient lighting, with a combination of a lamp and some string lights it’s difficult to go wrong. I’d recommend getting a cheap lamp from a thrift store, where you can mix and match its base and lampshade for a funky combo! Way better than a new, sterile desk lamp, and it’ll accomplish the same function if you need to study late. The string lights, of course, are decorative, but can be useful for moments when you need just enough light to navigate the room without waking your roommate, or generally want a more diffuse light for vibey reasons. Trust me, if you take away anything from this blog, it should be to dread overhead lighting, and become low-key religious about ambient lighting in college. I promise it pays off.

Rule Number Three: Comfortable seating and sleeping

For this rule, it’s best to know yourself well. Many people find dorm mattresses uncomfortable, and choose to buy mattress toppers, which can be quite affordable, and sleep is always a good investment. Personally, I knew that I would be comfortable with a low quality mattress, so I didn’t go for one. But there’s some other easy ways to make your bedding and seating (often one and the same to be honest) comfortable! Of course, choose a bedding set that you like, aesthetically and texture-wise, but also make sure to get one or two decorative pillows/cushions. These can be useful for supporting your back or bum when sitting at your desk, as a makeshift seat when friends come over, or for extra support when you’re sleeping. Another option is a floor pillow! I had one last year that tucked easily under my bed when not in use, but served its purpose when it came out for movie nights and social events. So, if you find one for a good price, snatch it up! 

Rule Number Four: Have warm beverages on hand

Whether you are a coffee or a tea lover, trust me, future you will appreciate having an electric kettle. Especially if you are planning on attending college in a wintry place (like January in Ohio--brr), this can make all the difference. Coming back to your dorm to take off your shoes, wrap yourself in your blanket, and make yourself a cup of tea (or coffee, for those of us who are…less sophisticated)? There is no greater bliss. Plus, you get to offer people a warm beverage when they visit, which truly… breaks the ice! Pun oh so intended. It’s both a lovely self-care gesture and a lovely social gesture. What could be better?

Rule Number Five: Use your wall space to display what you love

Now, you may have detected that I am listing these in descending order of importance. Using your wall space for decoration is by no means essential, but it does help the space feel like…you. You can look around and be surrounded by the art that inspires you, the people you love, the accomplishments you are proud of. Some easy and cheap options: printing out pictures from your phone is super fast and cheap at most drug stores! Print out 8 to 15 photos, and you have an instant wall collage. You can put up some of your own art, or that of your friends. A calendar or weekly planner could be useful, too. My favorites? Postcards often have really cool designs, and are really cheap--see them as mini posters! And tea towels often have the cutest designs,  and can be hung up with some Command strips like wall hangings/tapestries. I got a sweet one on depop!

I hope these Five (college dorm) Commandments serve you well, dear reader. Good luck and wishing you the best of new home spaces this upcoming school year!

-Daniela