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7 Tips For Staying Warm In Your Dorm

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mass Amherst chapter.

Is your dorm an icebox? Do you think it’s warmer outside than inside? Do you sometimes leave water bottles on your desk and have them freeze overnight? Okay, maybe the last one is a little extreme, but let’s face it: dorms can get chilly. So here’s what you can do to combat the cold.

Rearrange Your Blankets


That plush blanket that you layer on top of your comforter may look nice, but it’s not doing a whole lot. To maximize warmth place it over your sheet and under your comforter. As a bonus, you don’t have to worry if the blanket matches your color scheme since it’s not going to be seen. Plus on the coldest of nights you can still pile additional blankets over your comforter.

Rethink Your Sheets


Pack up your cotton and consider trying fleece sheets to keep you warm. This is an especially great tip for anyone who feels more comfortable sleeping in shorts regardless of the season. If you think fleece could get too hot during the night you should consider lying on a fleece blanket instead. At any point you can pull the blanket out from under you and toss it aside when you get too toasty.

Say Yes to Socks


Not just any socks though, fuzzy socks. These cozy gems come in all types of colors and can instantly warm your feet. Better yet, they’re not just for dorm lounging. Any pair of boots can become warmer and cozier if you wear fuzzy socks with them.

Slip in to Slipper Boots


Slipper boots are a great alternative to slippers because they cover more of your feet and keep you warmer. They’re like UGG boots for indoors. Plus many have padded bottoms so you can walk to the bathroom or downstairs for laundry without having to change shoes.

Pick a Poncho


Or choose a shawl so long as it’s fleece or some other warm material. They may not be the most stylish, but since they go around your neck and free your arms they are ideal for doing work at your desk or lounging in the common room. Wearing one is a lot easier than toting around a blanket and since they’re longer they cover more than a sweatshirt would.

Give in to Gloves


Wearing gloves inside can have some major benefits. Though not practical for work, they’re still useful during downtime. Before you begin your Netflix date put some of your favorite lotion on your hands, slip on the gloves, and enjoy. You’ll keep your hands warm and as a bonus the lotion will moisturize your skin keeping it soft all winter long.

Hats Off to Hats On


No one said you couldn’t wear your favorite beanie inside while you’re hanging out or studying. Stylish, cozy, and able to hide the worst hair days your hat is an essential part of your outfit. Just because you’re in your room doesn’t mean you have to ditch it.

So as it gets colder keep these tips in mind. Good luck Collegiettes!

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Kristen Mouris

U Mass Amherst

Kristen Mouris is currently a senior English major and Campus Correspondent at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is also serving as Associate Editor of English Society's literary journal, Jabberwocky. She is originally from Falmouth, MA. Her interests include hunting for new music, writing, and reading movie trivia.
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