Living in a residence hall in New York City is definitely an experience, and it’s one I’ve come to absolutely love. Marymount dorms do not look like what people generally picture when they hear the word “dorm”- but what do I know about “traditional college”? Instead, us MMC students live in suite-style apartments with multiple roommates. We still have only have a standard bed, desk, dresser, and closet, but what you do with that is entirely up to you.
Whether you’re thinking of going to school in the city or you are just here to get inspired for your own dorm, here’s some insight regarding how I approach the daunting task of organizing a dorm.
Being the super meticulous person that I am, I’m a bit obsessive when it comes to arranging and putting together a space, so it helps to think about one section at a time. Given the furniture provided to Marymount students, I’ve broken things down into the bed, desk/dresser, and closet areas.
The Bed
Some people are lucky enough to get to choose if they want a lofted bed or not, which allows for even more creativity when putting together a space, but not everyone is so fortunate. Whatever your bed situation is, be sure to start with a duvet cover (easier to wash than a comforter) that will coordinate with the rest of your belongings and add multiple throw pillows to make your twin bed feel more luxurious. It’s also a good idea to put lights near your bed not only for mood lighting but for reading and doing homework.
Desk/Dresser
In college, your desk is your vanity, kitchen table and workspace all in one- so it’s a good idea to keep it organized. Because of its many purposes, try to keep your desk cleared off so it’s always ready for use, and gradually add more decor like posters and pictures to keep you inspired while powering through coursework. As for the dresser, stuff as much clothing in there as possible and keep things like makeup and accessories in decorative organizers. Turning storage into a display keeps things looking pretty without going overboard with decor.
Closet
Making a dorm-sized closet work was something I was worried about before starting college, but I’ve learned that fitting everything you need is totally possible if you’re strategic and tidy. I brought felt hangers and a curtain to make my closet feel more glam and personal. I also brought a hanging jewelry organizer, kept my shoes on the floor, and stored my hats, bags, and sweaters on the top shelf. I found that the key to keeping a small space both cute and functional is staying organized and not overdoing it with decor.
After a year of dorm life, I’ve realized that I actually like living in a small, contained space because I have only what I need with me, with no room for anything else. Plus, being the neat freak that I am, nothing is ever out of place. Decorating a dorm really helped me figure out my style and how to live without a lot of stuff.
I recommend not over packing for move-in day because I found that it’s much easier to get yourself set up and then add more decorations and storage as needed. Being in the city, you can hit up places like Bed Bath and Beyond and TJ Maxx for dorm necessities anytime.
So don’t be afraid to start small, especially when you don’t know what your space looks like because MMC dorms aren’t your standard two-person dorm room. With a little creativity, you will learn to rock your small space like a pro!