With multiples of everything, and everyone in a college dorm room, it is hard for students to find areas to store all of their belongings in addition to a roommate or roommates' possessions. After all of the necessities and luxury items have been squeezed into the car, there are ways to make the most of the little space that is available in a dorm room.
First, if possible, look at a floor plan for the rooms in a student's residence hall or take a tour to see firsthand what accommodations exist. Some universities and colleges put sample floor plans for rooms of various sizes and capacities on their residence life or housing website to help students decide on what can be brought along and what should stay at home.
Downsizing Before Moving In
For example, if a student wants a personal printer, then think about potential homework assignments and potential activities. If a student is going into education and anticipates making handouts for potential students, then it may be an idea to invest in an all-in-one print center. However, if the student wants to conserve space or may not need to make as many copies, buy a basic inkjet printer and use the school's copy services or teacher resource center when the occasion arises.
Think in Dorm Sizes
Miniature items do not have to be limited to televisions and books. If a student wants to purchase a vacuum cleaner, look for a miniature with a collapsible handle that does not require vacuum bags. If a student wants a chair or a foot stool, look for a chair that can be collapsed in case more floor space is needed or look for a foot stool that has storage space inside.
For things that do not come in miniature, consider alternatives. If a student wants a shoe rack, consider purchasing a shoe holder that goes over the back of the door or a bin that can sit on the closet floor. Bulky items such as drying racks and large book cases not only take up a lot of space, but they are difficult to set up and remove at the beginning and end of the academic year. Instead, opt for more lightweight and smaller options, or find ways to have pieces serve more than one purpose.
Utilize the Space Available
If a student decides not to bunk or loft his or her bed, consider using bed risers to create more space under the bed that can be used for storage. These items are made of durable, heavy-duty plastic and can elevate a bed about six to twelve inches off the ground and are placed under the posts of the bed. With bed risers in place, a student can stack storage bins or store larger items under the bed when they are not in use, freeing up floor space for movement.
If possible, erect simple shelves to store seasonal items or luggage above doorways or in other out of the way places. Taking boards to span the tops of closets and other structures also provide storage space for storage tubs, luggage, musical instruments, and other lightweight but large items that cannot fit in many other places.
With a little ingenuity and thought, students can find many ways to create storage space in a college dorm room. Before attempting any project, however, always remember to check with the college or university's housing or residence life office to make sure the project is within the school's guidelines, rules, and regulations.
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