Getting ready for college means more than just getting signed up for your classes and picking up your books. It also means that you need to start thinking about other things you are going to need, like furniture and decor for your college dorm room. College is going to be your home away from home, so you have a few things to consider when it comes to purchasing what you’re going to live with during this time of your life.
Consider Your Roommate
There are many things you need to know and learn when it comes to sharing a dorm room, like respecting your roommate’s time and space. You can set up rules of the dorm room with your roommate once you meet each other, but there are some things you want to consider when it comes to fitting all your belongings in that room and keeping it tidy.
Make sure that you have items that you can use to keep your part of the room clean and organized. That means have trash cans, maybe a filing cabinet, and a night stand with drawers. Make sure that all of your belongings have a place.
Consider Your Space
Dorm rooms are fairly small as it is, and you’ll be sharing it with someone else. That means that you want to own as many space saving pieces of furniture as you can in order to stay organized. Look at great room dividers and wall shelves for holding your books, entertainment items, and more.
If you are used to sleeping on a queen bed at home, keep in mind that your dorm room bed won’t be that big, so you can leave all of your extra throw pillows at home. You won’t be at college indefinitely, so remember that it is OK to leave some stuff at your parents.
Consider Your Bank Account
In order to save money on your dorm room needs and furnishings it helps to know what you’ll need ahead of time. Once you have a list of your dorm room must haves you can start shopping, and not worry about going over budget as much. If you simply shop without a clue you’ll likely spend more.
Take some time to research prices on the stuff you need, and start early. You may find ordering something online is the cheapest route, but it will take longer to get to you. Don’t be afraid to do price comparisons either! You’ll be spending enough on books and college in general, it helps to save on furniture.
College is a time for learning about yourself, exploring your future, and getting ready for the unknown. You don’t have to make it about stressing over decorating your dorm room, if you just know how to save and assure that you get exactly what you need to survive those college years.
