campus life

Storage

The storage units and accent lighting you buy for the dorms will also carry you through living in off-campus apartments and quite possibly your home after you land your first job. It's key to invest in high-quality, durable bins and stackable units. Even though your tastes will change, good storage will last for years:

Choose flat bins with wheels for under-the-bed storage. Use one to organize art and office/school supplies, one to keep snacks fresh, and another to collect memorabilia.


A 3-drawer or 4-drawer chest of drawers makes a great bedside table. Choose one with a surface space large enough to hold a lamp and alarm clock.


A cart with clear drawers makes it easy to locate objects and will match even if your color scheme changes later. Pack it full at the end of the year and it's easy to tote.


Stackable clear-plastic bins make closet organization simple and lower the chance of avalanches each time you open the closet door. Select sizes based on your storage needs.


To keep toiletries organized and your hands free on trips to the bathroom, choose a mesh-style basket with handle. The mesh design lets water drip out.


Lamps for task lighting and accent lighting give weary eyes a break from flourescent overhead lights and will last for years.


Consider multi-function lighting, such as those with designs that incorporate a clock and light in one or include compartments for storing CDs.
Decorating

Before you unpack, determine with your roommates whether to create an open, communal space by pushing desks and beds against the walls or to build smaller, separate spaces divided by desks and freestanding shelves. Add color with bedding, towels, small washable rugs and whimsical accessories. And tie together different color tastes with multi-colored area rugs.

Here are some other ideas:

Check whether your college or university allows lofts, which lift the mattresses to the ceiling and free up floor space below.


If noisy surroundings hinder sleeping or studying, consider bringing a small fan. The machine's hum will block out many sounds.


Give rooms some whimsy with a string of holiday lights— orange for Halloween, green and red for Christmas, blue and white for Hanukah—or find lights in your school's colors.


Static-cling plastic decals in holiday themes can decorate windows and mirrors.


White tile boards, available in 4 by 8-foot sheets in Lowe's lumber department, can be cut down and placed against a wall for spontaneous artwork with dry erase markers or as a message center for roommates.


source: http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=Organize/homeorg_campus.html&ln=ho