In order for you to set up your new digs at Valdosta State as quickly and effortlessly as possible, Housing and Residence Life has shared their top 10 residence hall tips and tricks that will allow you to have a functional space in your new home.
Organize cords with binder rings.
Cable cords – they can truly be the best or worst contraptions. We all know that cable cords like to get tangled, and no one likes scrounging around on the floor to untangle cords or find the end of their smartphone or laptop cables. Binder rings can keep those pesky cords in place and organized on your desk. Simply thread the cord or connector through the handles and clip each one to the edge of the desk. Now, your cords are organized and accessible.
Use tension rods for more closet space.
It’s ok to admit it. You have a lot of clothes. You may or may not be able to cram all 400 pieces of clothing in your closet and drawers, but we’ve found a solution! You can hang a tension rod so that you have more closet space and another place to hang your clothes.
Hang your laundry bag.
The fewer things on the floor, the better. Instead of having a standing hamper, hang your laundry bag on the back of your closet door to save space and have all your clothes in a convenient location.
Get a storage footstool.
You might have already thought about getting some kind of footstool to get into your bed. If you’re going to have one, go ahead and find one that can store items. Strategic storage is key, and the more you are able to tuck away, the more room you’ll have in your new space!
Place a car vent clip on your fans or vents to have an instant air freshener.
It’s also ok to admit that your room doesn’t always smell like fresh daisies. Whether you haven’t yet taken out the trash or your wet tennis shoes from a rainy intramural game are the source of the unwelcome aroma, you’ll be able to use clip-on car fresheners to freshen up your room. Place clips on your air vents and voilà! Pleasant smells that aren’t fire hazards. It’s a win-win.
Keep a list of microwave meals.
You may not always make it to Palms or Blazer Sports Grill while you’re studying or hanging out with friends, so relying on microwave meals may become common. Go online and find easy, dorm-friendly meals you can make in the comfort of your own room.
Have a to-do list near your door.
Juggling school, work, and a social life can sometimes be a struggle. Have a whiteboard in your room, so you can keep up with your current to-do list. Make a note about anything that might slip your mind and get in the habit of checking it before you walk out the door.
Don’t buy stuff you think you’ll use that you currently don’t use.
“But mom, I NEED to have this decorative pillow and this Keurig!” – every freshman, ever.
If you don’t use it now, you probably won’t use it in college. Don’t clutter your room with things that won’t be a necessity to you! Minimalism is also key.
Bring a lamp for additional lighting.
Fun floor or desk lamps are always a good idea for your room! Who wants to get out of bed and go turn off the light when you can turn off the lamp right next to your bed? Having the perfect lighting can be hard in some of the residence halls, so find the right fit and bring it with you to #VState.
Use Command Strips (lots and lots of Command Strips)
Nails? NO WAY! Tape? Won’t stick. Tacks? No, thank you. Command strips? BINGO!
Command Strips will become your best friend. Whether you’re trying to hang a canvas, a tapestry, or even organize your hats/jewelry – command strips are the way to go. These nifty tools will get the job done and they won’t take paint off the walls when it comes time to move out.
Still have questions about on-campus living? Visit Housing and Residence Life’s website to have your questions answered.
