Realty Executives Space Coast
https://www.realtyexecutives.com/blog/top-5-dorm-decorating-tips
Your first year at college is one of the most exciting times in your life! Whether you are moving into the dorms at a nearby campus or moving across the country to try a new city, it’s important that you try to make your new home fit you and your new adventure. Of course, we all know dorms can be pretty tiny, plus you most likely will be sharing the space with another classmate. To be able to make the most of the room while staying comfy and productive, follow some of these tips for dorm decorating.
Color Theme
Just like with any space in a traditional home, you will want to think of a color scheme for your dorm. This will help you pick bedding, lamps, desk furniture and more. If you want a more simple look you can go with more neutral colors. If you have a more outgoing style, maybe a brighter color is better for you to liven up the space, such as yellow or bright blue. Can’t pick just one or two colors? Patterns are always a fun way to bring more personality into the room and can bring in several cohesive colors at once.
The Right Work Space
As much fun as it is to focus on the social aspect college life brings, it’s also important to remember…you’re there to learn! To make that easier and more efficient, you want to make sure you have a nice, neat work space in the dorm. Most dorms will provide you with a desk so don’t worry about having to buy one. But keep in mind, you will have to go out and find a comfy chair and a good lighting set up if that is not provided. Remember, you might be having to work with the lights off if your roommate is sleeping but you still have work to do, so lighting is very important.
Wall Mirror
A must-have accessory for dorm living is a wall mirror! There are plenty of affordable versions at any retail store that you can easily hang up on your door or hide in your closet and just take it out when needed. Most dorms only have shorter mirrors and most likely will be used by multiple people, so it can be difficult to get ready and be on time. With a wall mirror you can have a better view of your whole outfit and not have to worry about others’ schedules.
Photo Wall
Even if you go to a college closer to home, it’s easy to get home sick when you first move out and have to adjust to a new environment, all while meeting tons of new people and keeping up with coursework. A good way to bring some pieces of home with you and to remind you of the great support you have during stressful times is a photo wall. You can print out memorable moments with family and friends in different sizes or colors and hang them on one of your walls. This is also a much more affordable option when it comes to finding wall decor.
Hidden Storage
As mentioned before, dorms are small- no way getting around it. But there are so many options to make the most of small space and utilize hidden storage areas. The best option is always under your bed. There are different sized containers that are made to easily slide out from under the bed frame while keeping everything clean and organized. If your bed doesn’t allow for storage underneath, look to your closet and see if there’s anyway to reduce the amount of space your clothes use up, which will make room for more belongings.
Although you might not realize it now, that small dorm will become your home away from home and oasis. So no matter how you choose to decorate, just make sure you feel comfortable and it will all come together.
Moving can be stressful for all members of the family, but especially your kids. No matter the age, kids can have a difficult time adjusting to a move, especially once back-to-school season rolls around. Since summer is the most popular time of year to move, starting a new school after moving can be challenging, so here are a few tips for helping your kids feel less alone when starting a new school this fall.
Be a helpful listener
Your child’s reaction to moving may be exactly or entirely different than what you expect, so keep an open mind, be positive, and above all, be a good listener. Your child should know that you are there for them no matter what. Talk about the move frequently and share what that means when it comes to starting a new school, and listen to how your child is feeling about the changes.
Go for a sneak peek of the school
Giving yourself a sneak peek of your child’s new school can help not only your child adjust, but you as well. Once you figure out which school your child will be going to, take them on a walkthrough of the campus, checking out the classrooms, cafeteria, recess area, etc. Test out the morning drive or bus route, walk around the school hallways to get a feel for them, and start talking about what it will be like for your child to be a student there. This will make it easier on them once the first day rolls around and they already know what to expect.
Talk to the school’s staff
During your sneak-peek visit or before or after, talk to your school’s staff when enrolling your child about what they might be feeling or going through. Ask the school’s staff what resources they may provide for new students to help them adjust and feel more at ease when they first start. You can even get in touch with your child’s teachers to let them know how your child is currently feeling about the move and ask if they can help your child feel more welcome as a student.
Don’t set unrealistic expectations
No matter what, your child will adjust to moving to a new school in their own way, so don’t set unrealistic expectations for them. Keep the discussion open, especially within the first days and weeks of the school year, so your child can always come to you if they are having any issues with their new school, teachers, classmates, or the change in general. Remember how you felt when you were a kid and try to sympathize as much as possible. But still make the change fun, since it’s a new opportunity to make new friends in a new place.
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