With the spring semester upon us, it can’t hurt to consider upgrading your living space. After all, if you are a homebody, investing in your dorm can pay dividends in boosting your quality of life.
Plants
Adding some green to your space is a great way to make it feel like home. Luckily, there are many great plants that you don’t need a green thumb to grow! Popular options include succulents, spider plants and — if you’d like something unique — lucky bamboo. These require little sunlight and water to flourish, making them perfect for even the busiest students.
When purchasing plants, consider how much sunlight they must receive daily, watering schedule and potential toxicity to pets.
Portable speaker
The right music can turn any chore into hours of fun. That is why a portable speaker is perfect for your dorm. From using it during study sessions to showering, a good quality speaker can be perfect for any jam session.
A notable feature to consider when purchasing is whether the speaker is water resistant enough for your daily needs, alongside sound quality and size. Specific recommendations include Soundcore, Echo Dot by Amazon, and JBL.
Fragrance diffuser
Everybody loves a great-smelling home. Whether it’s returning home after a long night or inviting friends over — a well-thought-out scent can be like a signature perfume for your dorm! Whether you opt for plug-in air fresheners, reed diffusers or even an essential oil diffuser, this is a great idea for those interested in spicing up their dorm this year! Timeless scents that I recommend include lavender, sandalwood, cedar and jasmine.
Air purifier
The Nashville summer for those with pollen allergies can be burdensome. Even if you do not suffer from pollen allergies, a stuffy room is still tiresome. That is why it could be smart to invest in an air purifier that can help you filter allergens and allow you to get a good night’s rest with clear sinuses. A purifier can also be great for pet owners, helping remove dander shed by their furry friends throughout the day.
Dehumidifier
Continuing on the theme of Nashvillian weather, humidity in the summer months can make any heatwave feel just that much worse. That is where a dehumidifier comes in handy. Lowering the humidity of your living space can make it more comfortable once the temperature rises, allowing you to rest easier even during heatwaves.
Laptop set-up
This is for my fellow laptop owners. If you study in your dorm often, consider upgrading your setup. A major concern about using a laptop at your desk is that you oftentimes have to strain your neck downwards to see the screen. This can end up causing you discomfort after enough time, leading to you developing tightness in your neck. This is why I strongly recommend buying a quality laptop stand — and if your budget permits — an external mouse and keyboard. A mouse and keyboard can easily fit into a backpack, allowing you to use them on the go!
If you opt for the keyboard and mouse, consider purchasing rechargeable Bluetooth devices for on-the-go convenience and ease of use. Also, consider whether you’d prefer a traditional or vertical mouse for your day-to-day work.
As our semesters become more chaotic, our living spaces don’t have to. Consider these upgrades the next time you plan to upgrade your dorm!
