August 19

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pieces of furniture that can provide storage options and not take up a lot of
room. Consider the unused spaces in the dorm room as well – places like under
the bed or on top of the dresser. Both are ripe for storage containers that can
hold various items.
THE LUXURY ITEMS
The above are the items that you need to live a basic existence. But a
Spartan existence, while budget conscious, isn’t really conducive to enjoyment.
There are a few other items to consider that will bring some vibrant qualities to
make the room feel more like home.
First and foremost, get a dorm-size refrigerator. Yes, as attested to by the
infamous “freshman 15” that most students gain in their first year away from
home, the catering at colleges is quite good. But you’ll also need some drinks
and snacks in your room for the wee, small hours of the morning, and a dorm
room refrigerator is the godsend that will help you get through some of those
times. Most small units start below $200, going up from there, depending on what
else you want. Keep in mind that space is at a premium and this isn’t a kitchen,
so plan for something that will provide a maximum of enjoyment in a minimum of
space.
In the old days, a television in the dorm was a luxury. Now, thanks to
streaming, most students can watch whatever they want on their laptops. Since
there are subscription costs for many sites, plan accordingly for what you really,
really need to watch.
Music can also be streamed from your phones, but consider adding to the
ambience with some wireless speakers that can pump the bass and the party
when necessary. Sonos and Logitech are two brands that are popular, but
review what’s out there on Amazon and adjust your budget accordingly.
Finally, consider a small area rug to give a touch of warmth to the cold, tile
floors that will undoubtedly be a part of dorm life. Small rugs can be found for
$100 or less, and they add considerable charm to your living space.
All of the above are something of an investment in your life, and four years
will go by pretty rapidly. If you’ve chosen quality items, the dorm room style can
become a part of your first post-college apartment. That’s when the real testing
begins.
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