So, do you have kids heading to college this fall? Are you excited, super proud of them, yet secretly very worried, but trying not to show it? It doesn't matter whether they're going to be a 9-hour flight away or only a 2-hour drive away, I'm pretty sure you're not alone!
As parents, probably the best you can do is just be there for them and keep your fingers crossed that everything goes well (and send money once in a while!). They probably won't appreciate you hovering over them, but I'm sure they'll definitely appreciate you helping them settle in and making sure their dorm rooms are as comfortable and homey as can be.
1. Add a couple of cushions to the bed
Credit: Charlota Blunarova
A dorm bed doesn't have to look boring. Pick out a few fun cushions in a mix of colors and textures, and voila, instantaneous personality! And if they have friends over, it'll be more comfy for them to hang out and lounge around (plus it'll be a nicer background for selfies).
We also know there'll likely be a few bumps here and there during college life. They may feel homesick, stressed out from all the studying, or frustrated because they're still trying to figure out who they are. I think having something to hug or something to shed a few tears into would give them some comfort as well.
2. Make sure to have an extra blanket or two
Credit: Darren Richardson
Blankets are also an easy way to decorate a dorm bed. Just have it folded up and placed across the foot of the bed or used as a bedspread. They come in so many prints, colors, and textures – the possibilities are endless. I think tassels would be really fun hanging off the edge of the bed. If you're an avid knitter or crocheter, you may want to make a blanket for your kid. They'll have something that reminds them of you and no one will know!
Blankets are also super practical. You never know when something goes wonky with the heating and the last thing you want is for your kid to be shivering. And if they're staying up late cramming, it'll be so warm having a blanket wrapped around themselves while studying.
3. Have a comfortable desk surface to work on
Credit: Aleksi Tappura
They'll probably spend a lot of time in the library with their friends studying as a group (although I have to admit, I personally wasn't very productive!), but I'm sure there'll be nights where they'll be studying in their dorms or having friends over to work on projects together.
Adding a large desk pad that does double duty as a mouse pad will make it much more comfortable to work on. Not only do they not have to fuss around with a separate mouse pad, but it creates a softer surface that will make writing or drawing much smoother. Plus, it'll cover up the dings and scratches that have accumulated over the numerous semesters.
4. Keep mess at a minimum with desk accessories
Credit: Markus Spiske
I'm not sure how it happens, but I'll start with a tidy desk and by the end of whatever it is that I'm working on, it looks like a disaster. Pens and sticky notes are the usual culprits. I find pencil cups work best for a quick clean up. Just stuff all the pens, pencils, and highlighters in them. Then a small box to throw in the sticky notes and paper clips.
I also love having a cell phone stand on my desk. I've lost track of the number of times where I had to rifle through all the books and papers on my desk just to find my cell phone. Also, I can use it to FaceTime or do Zoom calls with my friends and not have to constantly hold it steady.
5. Brighten up the room with plants that are almost impossible to kill
Credit: FloorTwelve
When your kids are off on their own and you're not even sure if they're eating proper meals, it's probably too much to expect that they'll take good care of their plants! But some greenery really does brighten up a room. Just pick ones that are super easy to take care of.
I highly recommend snake plants. Honestly, I think those can live through an apocalypse. My friend left hers at work when COVID shut down her office and she didn't go to retrieve it until 3 months later. It was still alive! Sure, it was looking a little peaky, but a few drinks of water and it bounced right back. Another one is cacti. Those thrive on neglect, so the more your kid forgets to water it, the better!
For all of you heading off to college this fall, I'm excited for you! Have a great time, learn lots, and good luck!
Products You May Like
Wharton Stainless Steel Food Container with Lid
CA$26 – $37
Waverley Ceramic Plate, Set of 2
CA$34 – $65
