So you’ve applied to college!? Your next big feat is probably going to be thinking about dorm ideas! Some believe dorms to be these tiny, space-sucking, claustrophobic closets…turns out there are TONS of ways and opportunities to best maximize your own personal space! It’s been common in my room as well as my suitemates and fellow hallmates to buy matching room decor. Trust me, it truly makes or breaks a room and looks so incredibly cute when it’s all one designated pattern.

Dorm room: My roommate and I went for the general “colorful” color scheme. And we love it! It’s bright, it’s happy, and literally EVERYTHING goes with it. At OU you have the option of lofting your beds, bunk beds, or keeping them on the floor (which I highly suggest if you don’t like being squished against a ceiling). I do know people who have lofted beds though, so if it doesn’t bother you I say “Go for it!” It’s actually one of the many “space savers” dorms allow. But my roommate and I have plenty of space in the middle of our room with our low beds, so try something and if it doesn’t work out the beds can be changed ANYTIME. And there is tons of space underneath for clear bins of extra clothes, toilet paper, laundry detergent, etc.

 My suitemates also found a GENIUS way of saving space! They have stand up racks that hang over their beds. Their color scheme is pink and cheetah — extremely fierce, right?! And they have shelves on the racks that store bins, lamps, picture frames, scarves, etc. and you can even hang a mirror on the side of it like the picture at the right. In their room, one closet is turned (an attempt at more extra space) and it works for them! Guys…the furniture is MOVEABLE! Do it the way you want, because it’ll be your room for the entire school year!

A side tidbit, I happen to love my roommate and suitemates! That’s a common fear for many so here’s my advice: find groups on Facebook!!! They ARE out there and are usually titled something like “[Insert University] Incoming Freshmen Page.” You just have to look for them.

Bathrooms: Standing toilet shelving is PHENOMENAL! We have somewhere to put our extra paper towels, extra toilet paper, soaps, our iron, and our wonderful little caddys that carry everything essentially necessary for our girly needs!

Underneath the sinks there is perfect amount of space for drawers and bins! These are great for hair products, toiletries, curling irons/flat irons, make up kits, etc. Now fellas, I have no clue what your morning procedures are when you get ready in the mornings (you probably don’t use half as much as we do) so you have unlimited amount of space to use at your own risk.
  Lastly (for now) shelving for desk supplies and book storage is fantastic as well. Where else are you going to put your books…under your desk on the floor? Ewww, no — I don’t think so! Drawers can store staples, paper clips, index cards, bags of connection cables/electronic hookups, and the fantastic books necessary for your upcoming Sooner education! And that, right there at the bottom, is my room safe! It fits AND charges laptops up to 16″ in size, and you can store random things like your spare car keys (if you bring your car), emergency cash, iPods, and whatever other valuables you consider. The choice is all yours in college! So with all this information at your fingertips, I truly wish you all the best and cannot wait to see/meet you when you step onto the University of Oklahoma’s wonderful campus!
Adios mis amigos!
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Comments

5 Responses to “Dorm Tips & Advice”

  1. Mariah on April 22nd, 2012 4:20 pm

    Hi Ashley,
    I will become a sooner in the fall and I was wondering where you got your safe? And how much did it cost?
    Thank you,
    Mariah Cumings

  2. AshleyB on April 22nd, 2012 10:24 pm

    Hey Mariah!
    Believe it or not I actually was able to order my safe through OU’s University and Student Services website! It was quick and easy!
    http://www.universityandstudentservices.com/universityofoklahoma.html Just follow that link and you’ll find many more options of services offered here for dorm students as well as the wonderful safe. I’m glad I could help!
    Ashley

  3. Brantley W on September 19th, 2014 2:12 pm

    Hey Ashley I m going to become a Sooner in the winter and i wanted to know how i can change up my room and also i can’t wait to see you on campus.

  4. AshleyB on February 16th, 2015 2:12 pm

    Hi Brantley! If you don’t mind the height, lofting the bed can be a really great space saver for dorm rooms! You can fit a little futon underneath or a couch or even your desk and dresser drawers. That allows for much for open space in the rest of the room to fill with additional furniture or guest beds, etc. You can also place your desk at the head or end of your bed facing away, so it gives you a “headboard” gives you extra wall space! Also, long/large rugs are great on that cold tile!

  5. Allisin Martina Millwee-Begue on August 23rd, 2015 11:23 pm

    I’m looking at the different types of dorm rooms and I really like the loft bed but I was wondering how high they are?

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