Seeing all the Instagram worthy pictures of college dorm rooms on social media can tempt us to want to redo our own rooms. Although we may want to to make our rooms aesthetically
Pleasing, we may not want to break the bank and risk our new space being less t functional. Not to worry, I have a few recommendations that will help touch up your room while providing a functional usage.
Essential Oil Diffusers
I lived in the dorms for three years and my essential oil diffuser always got compliments from my RA and fellow friends. With a quick search on Amazon, you can find one as low as $15. Here is an oil diffuser that is similar to the one I have. Essential oil diffusers not only release a constant stream of fragrance into your room, they also provide calming mood lighting and style. They come in a range of colors and styles. There are ones that look like flower vases, and even one that is shaped like a cute little dumpling! The options are endless. Pair your essential oil diffuser with a set of your favorite scents like lavender, citrus, or lemongrass and you’re good to go!
Dorm Slippers
Some of you may be familiar with shower slippers to wear in community showers, or maybe you take off your shoes before you enter the house back at home. Having a pair of dorm slippers can prevent dirt from being tracked in by your shoes and save you cleaning time. They also provide a general feeling of comfort when walking around your room. I don’t know about you, but I need arch support when I’m walking around. Having a fluffy pair of slippers feels great after a day of walking to classes.
Brita Water Filter
I never used a Brita Water filter before I moved to college, but I wish I knew about it sooner. Brita water filters are a great way to save money on buying plastic water bottles and filtering your water. Tap water in general doesn’t taste the greatest and we’re all trying to cut down on single plastic usage. You can get an extra-large Brita Water Filter for $30 on Amazon. All you have to do is buy the individual water filters for the Brita and replace them every 6 months.
Portable Projector
This item is one of the more expensive items on this list, but it is worth it. If you are an avid movie watcher or gamer, then this product is for you. Many of us are used to watching movies, Youtube videos, and playing video games on our TVs at home. Unfortunately, most dorm rooms don’t have enough space for a full entertainment system. Watching media content on your computer and phone can get tiring and cumbersome. It is even harder when you want to watch something with your friends during a movie night. projectors can range from $50 to $200 but will typically cost you around $120.
Stepping Stool
This one goes out to all of my short people. I’m 5’2 and getting up on those lofted beds can be a struggle some nights. I even had a roommate that would need to get a running start before jumping into bed because the bed was too high. This is a simple item that can save you energy from doing some acrobatics just to get to sleep. You can get a stool as low as $10.
Fake Flowers/Succulents
Not all of us have a green thumb, and depending on dorm rules, real plants might not even be allowed. But that doesn’t mean you can’t let some greenery into your space. There are plenty of real looking and feeling flowers and succulents out there. Buy a pretty vase of your choice and a bunch of fake flowers to match it. Or buy cute succulents that can sit on your windowsill. All the beauty without the responsibility of fearing plant death.
There you have it! 6 must-have items for your dorm room that make it aesthetically pleasing without sacrificing functionality. It’s important to make sure your space is a space that you’re comfortable in. It can be hard to transition from a room by yourself to a shared room with a stranger. You don’t have to sacrifice looks for functionality. Always remember that you can have both.