Five Essential Decor Items to Transform Your Dorm Room Into “School From Home”

College students are spending more time in their dorm rooms and apartments now more than ever as universities around the country are switching to online learning. Sitting at an uncomfortable, school-provided desk in your bedroom is not an ideal situation. However, many of us face this reality as we navigate our way through the COVID-19 pandemic.

We compiled a list of items that will take your workspace and turn it into school from home.

1. A reed diffuser: Most universities don’t allow candles in dorm rooms because of open flame hazards. The next best thing? Reed diffusers. They’re easy to use, smell wonderful and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It’s been scientifically proven that certain scents can promote feelings of serenity and peace, two things we all need a little bit more of these days.  Here’s one of our favorites, Golden Hour by P.F Candle Company. 

2. A Pinterest-inspired photo collage: Pinterest may be one of the greatest websites ever created. It’s a constant flow of inspiring content, full of photos that are sure to keep you motivated during long hours spent at your desk. A wall collage provides a fun and inviting backdrop for your Zoom meetings or something inspiring to look at when you’re brainstorming. The collage seen here is in one of our writers’ bedroom!

3. A stylish yet effective desk organizer: While living in a dorm room, you learn how to utilize space to its fullest potential. This Urban Outfitters desk organizer is perfect for holding pens, pencils and everything else you need while taking up hardly any of your precious desk space.

4. A tiny succulent: A little green never hurt anybody! Succulents are incredibly easy to care for, require minimum sunlight and add a pop of color and life into your room. We suggest aloe vera, a plant that has many medicinal uses! Find it in your local greenhouse.

5. Comfortable chair pillow: Arguably, we may have saved the best for last. The idea of sitting for hours on end is painful, but add in the fact that you’re probably sitting on a hard, wooden chair from the 1990s and it makes the idea unbearable. Investing in a comfortable plush blanket or pillow that you can drape over your chair can make all the difference. Check out this one on Amazon.

Did you transform your dorm desk into an awesome space for online classes? Tag @theedgemag on Instagram to be featured.