Posts published on June 8, 2017
8 Ways to Organize Your Dorm & Maximize Space
BY BRITTANY KERLIN
When you move from home into a dorm, you might be overwhelmed at the lack of space you have. You are probably used to having a lot of room to move around and spread out your stuff. This will not be the case in a dorm room, and you are going to have to share that space with a roommate. So, you need to find ways to organize your dorm room and make the most out of the little bit of space you have. Here are some ideas you might like.
Hang More Clothing
You can hang a lot more clothing by slipping pop can tabs over the hooks of your coat hangers. The second hole in a tab can be used to hang another coat hanger. You can keep doing this and have three or four items hanging from one hanger on the bar. This is a great way to keep your clothes organized, and make space in your closet for more items.
Hang Your Shoes
If you keep tripping over your shoes, it is time to find a better place for them. Get yourself a hanging shoe organizer. That way, you can hang your shoes on the back of a door so they aren’t in the way, and you will always be able to find the shoes you want when you want them.
Get an Ottoman
Another piece of furniture that can perform multiple duties is an ottoman. Look for one that has a removable top so you can use it for storage. Ottomans can be used as footstools, extra seating, storage, etc. You can even use an ottoman as a night table, simply by placing a tray on top.
Use Double-Duty Tables
Look for items that can do double-duty. For instance, you can get a small coffee table that has a lift-up top. You can use this as a workspace, and then open it up for storage. This type of table can have multiple functions, including being a small dinner table. Go online and search, “what is 5S methodology?”, and you will learn more about organizing any space.
Use the Bed Legs
There never seem to be enough electrical outlets or charging stations for your electronics. You can add both by placing special, tech-friendly bed risers on the legs of your bed. Each riser has an outlet and a charging station, and it will lift your bed a few inches off the floor so you can have more storage space underneath.
Use Under-Bed Storage
Take advantage of that extra floor space beneath the bed. Get yourself some plastic drawers or rolling carts that will fit into this space, and use them for extra clothing, books, and other items. Plastic containers are recommended because they are easy to clean, as well as being lightweight and easy to move around.
Use Command Hooks
One of the greatest inventions to come along in the last few decades is the command hook. You can now hang anything on the walls, without leaving any marks or holes. You can even use command hooks to hang curtains around your bed for added privacy. All you have to do is place the hooks on the ceiling, and hang some curtains or fabric from the hooks.
Use a Room Divider
You can add to your storage space, and get a little bit of privacy, by using a room divider. A great option is to use a shelving unit that is open on both sides. That way, both you and your roommate can take advantage of the space. Place the shelves between your beds, and you have close access to your items, and a “wall” between you for privacy.
Brittany Kerlin is a library assistant / technician. She enjoys writing and elearning.
Study Smart: Get More Work Done in Less Time
Tips For Students on How to Get More Work and Revision Done in Less Time
If you really want to get the most out of your college experience, you need to learn how to study smart instead of studying hard. You have probably been taught all of your life that the only way to get through college and have great grades is to study hard. This is not always the best advice to listen to. There are actually all kinds of things you can do that will help you to get a lot more done, but you won’t spend nearly as much time doing it. This includes studying and revision. Here are some tips that will help you to get more work and revision done in less time than you are spending on it now.
- Set the Right Environment
The environment around you can play a huge role in how well you are able to get work and revision done. You need a study area that is comfortable, quiet, and free of distractions. Make sure that you have good furniture that is comfortable for sitting for long periods of time. Get rid of the clutter and tidy up the area so you are able to be a lot more productive. When your study area is organized, it is much easier to organize your thoughts.
- Listen to Music
While it doesn’t work for everyone, a lot of students find that they are able to concentrate better when they have music playing in the background while they are studying. Not only can music help you to relax, it can help some people to increase their concentration and productivity. It can also help to drown out background noise that you are unable to do anything about, such as noisy roommates, appliance noises, etc. Some music choices are better than others. Instrumental music is best, because you won’t end up getting distracted by lyrics.
- Take Things in Rather than Remembering
Instead of trying to remember every little thing you are being taught, try taking it all in instead. You can structure the information which is going to help you to remember in the long run without having to do any memorization. “This is referred to as “depth of processing”, and it involves reorganizing information, such as making notes from notes, thinking about how other things relate to your study material, practicing writing down answers,” says an Steven Sweat, a prominent injury lawyer in Los Angeles. This is going to make things stick in your memory.
- Take Long Breaks
It is a good idea to space out your practice sessions, and the longer the spaces, the better. When you study something, take a long break, such as 24 hours, before looking at it again. You will find that you actually begin to score higher. Studies show that those who leave 24 hours or more between their first five tries and their second five tries tend to achieve the same scores as those who put a lot more time and effort into their studies. So, taking breaks will make things easier, and your marks will be just as good as the person who always has their nose in their books.
- Give Yourself Rewards
Start getting into the habit of rewarding yourself at regular intervals while you are studying. For example, when you complete a chapter, have a bite of one of your favorite foods. Or, go for a short walk and get some fresh air before returning to studying. Or, you can take a couple of hours off and watch a movie. The rewards don’t have to be huge, but you will find that when you set rewards for yourself, you have something to look forward to, even during boring study sessions.
Bio:
Martha Karn develops online educational courses and writes for students.
