Taking the path of higher education often means leaving the nest, at least while school is in session. A new adventure is exciting, but living in an unfamiliar environment takes an adjustment period. Creating a cozy dorm room can help with the transition — and we have tips to help students and their parents prepare the perfect space.

Dorms vary drastically depending on the building and university, but even the most minimalistic setup typically serves as both a bedroom and an office. Creating purposeful zones in your living area and multifunctional space helps keep one activity from blending into another, which is especially important for sleeping and studying. Lounging in bed for school or scrolling on social media lessens its association with sleep and makes it more difficult to drift off.* Instead, organize a desk and bookshelf, reserving space to complete coursework. Most dorms provide basic furniture, but you can upgrade the setup with an ergonomic chair and employ comfortable seating to reduce the temptation of using your bed during the day.

Setting up a workspace helps create a functional dorm, but what about making it cozy? Overhead lighting is harsh, tile floors are cold, and bland walls make a room feel less like a relaxing retreat and more like a cinderblock cell. Opting for a table lamp and string lights helps bring warmth to the space and using textiles like rugs and tapestries minimize the effects of the hard surfaces. Fabric dampens the impact of echoes, creating a more pleasant acoustic environment; meanwhile, plants liven up the place, and pictures bring in happy memories from home. A little decoration goes a long way in a small room, but a comfortable home base is essential. Dorms are excellent for quiet study time, making the investment in pleasant living quarters well worth the effort.

The final piece to the puzzle is perfecting the sleeping arrangements. You need proper rest to retain information, meaning good grades go to those who go to bed. One-of-a-kind comfort is our specialty, and we have plenty of products to help gain the most out of a sleep setup. Dorm mattresses are often thin and hard, making a topper the perfect solution to add a bit of cushion. Sheets are the next component to consider. If you opt for a cooling topper, we recommend choosing bedding that’s light and breathable since it will work better with your topper to dissipate body heat. Limiting disruptions from your new environment is key, and the combination of a sound machine with a sleep mask blocks unwanted sounds and light that may invade the room. A supportive pillow brings it all together, giving your head the perfect resting spot for an excellent night’s rest after a tiring day of studying.

Embarking on a journey of education is an exciting change. Whether you’re a parent or a student, ensuring everything is prepared helps make the transition as smooth as possible. Being away from home can take a bit of an adjustment, but curating a cozy dorm opens the door to comfortable new beginnings.

Sources:

*Insomnia Sleep Disorders