Help Make Your Grad’s Dorm Feel Like Home

About 3.2 million students are expected to graduate from high school during the next few weeks, says the National Center for Education Statistics.  After leaving the nest, it’s normal for a bout of homesickness in the first few months at college. But dormitory life doesn’t have to cause angst for those students who choose it. To ease the transition, here are five thoughtful graduation gifts to make their college housing experience feel a little more like home. Don’t forget: A comfortable student is a productive one.

Comfortable Bedding Is Sound Sleeping

Know the size of the mattress before you buy bedding, as dorm beds often are not the standard single size you’re used to. Contact the campus housing office and clarify the exact measurements and thickness to avoid an expensive mistake. Common sizes are twin and twin extra-long, says dormsmart.com. Comforters, blankets and bed skirts should match as well.

Light Up Their Life

Bright lighting makes for good grades and a harmonious living relationship. Floor and gooseneck lamps pinpoint the lighting, so your teen’s roomie can count sheep peacefully. Clip-on lights are perfect for studying at night and can be easily affixed to the bedframe.

Help Them Study in Bed

There are certain dormitory essentials to keep bedside. Whether it’s a smartphone, glasses, laptop, a college textbook, a quick-snack candy bar or even a bottle of water, a bedside caddy with pockets is the answer. No need to disrupt the studying routine when everything is within arm’s reach! And don’t forget extra phone chargers and USB plugs so they can easily move around the room to get comfortable.

Living Clutter-Free

Decluttering doesn’t get much better than with a large old-fashioned steamer trunk. You’d be amazed at how much you can fit in there. In a pinch, the trunk doubles as a footrest or end table. Get a laundry basket with a lid for dirty clothing. And don’t forget a hamper for clean clothing – it frees up valuable drawer space in those ever-so-tiny dormitory dressers.

The Cart Comes Before the Fridge

Mini-fridges are a staple of dorm life, but make sure you buy a cart with drawers as well. You can put the fridge atop it with space underneath for groceries. Some colleges also offer a free refrigerator or rental availability, so check with campus housing before making a purchase.

While graduation may bring a few tears as you envision your grad moving away from home, you can follow these tips to create a home away from home that will keep them comfortable and on task. If you need inspiration, check out these other ideas at pinterest.com.