With Family Weekend coming up I figured that my dorm essential this week would have a little bit more of a personal touch. Having things in your dorm that remind you of home or just make you happy are pertinent to making your dorm even more of your space. This week’s two dorm essential are a family photo and anything that makes you feel a little closer to home.
Number 1: Family Photo:
Family Photos are something that brighten up a room and pull people’s interest. Family Photos are also a great way to get conversation started. For example, if someone has a photo up in their room and you stop by for a visit, ask them why the photo is important to them or maybe what was one memory they have from that day. Last year I had a really special photo of me that was always sitting on my desk and the first week of school I had many of my hallmates ask me these questions and it was really refreshing to have people ask me these questions and I was able to make a lot of friends by just this simple interaction. Family photos also just give you a taste of home. As midterms are approaching it can be really stressful and it can feel that sometimes we just want to go home. Having this picture in a visible space allows you to look at it and remind yourself that the people that are close to you are not so far away.
Number 2: Your Own Personal Item
This item is a little harder to recommend as it will always be different for different people but here are some that I have seen around other peoples room. Stuffed animals are usually a good choice and they are soft and warm which makes them very nice for hugging and cuddling when things get a little tougher. Other options include motivational quotes or more pictures with your friends. Each of these items can help make your room feel a little bit more like home and can allows you to have a reminder that even through the toughest time and homesickness you can get through it. My favorite personal items are stuffed animals, actually I have many of them and they happily sit on my bed. I also enjoy motivational quotes because it really allows me to stay positive and motivated throughout the semester. Personal items are, as the name suggests personal, but I do hope that this can help guide you in finding what works for you.