January 21, 2011

Tips for Soundproofing Your Dorm Room

Many new college students are heartbroken at the thought of not being able to play music in their dorm rooms without being a terrific annoyance to their neighbors. Even though your dorm wall might be cinder block constructed your sound will travel or worse you'll hear your neighbor blasting Miley Cyrus, which will certainly lead to your need to soundproof. Even if you don't play a musical instrument or have any loud hobbies, it's still always better to know that you have audial privacy. Most colleges are very strict about what you can and cannot do/alter in your dorm room, so trying to soundproof your dorm room can be a challenge. Fortunately, where there is a will, there is a way. There are several things you can do to make your dorm room more soundproof. Here are some ideas you can try out.

Furniture as a Buffer

One of the easiest ways to make your dorm room more soundproof is to arrange your furniture so that it blocks in sound. Try to move your dresser, desk, and especially your dorm bed close to your walls. Ideally, you want your furniture lined up against all your walls. This will help keep sound from escaping. Your dorm bed is especially thick, and is great for absorbing vibrations.

Wall Covering

The most important part of soundproofing is increasing the thickness of your walls. There are several ways to do this. The first thing you should do is check with your dorm advisor about wall adhesives and fire codes. Most dorms allow some form of wall adhesion. It may be possible to only use sticky wall putty for example, but even this stuff is strong enough to hold up some materials. You can cover your walls with heavy drapes, hang acoustical panels, or hang mass loaded vinyl. Any of these things can be very effective and require little adhesive if done intelligently. The best kind of wall covering however, is foam or fabric covered cork board. Cork boards are usually made for thumbtacks and hanging paper notes, but once covered with foam or fabric, they make amazing sound absorbers. Another great thing about using cork board is that it does not violate fire codes, and you can usually buy cork boards that are meant to be hung from walls. When covering your walls, don't forg et to install covering for your door as well.

Floor Covering

To soundproof your floors, your best option is a super thick rug. Rugs and rubber mats are amazing sound absorbers and don't violate any dorm room rules. You can pile on as many thick rugs as you want in your dorm room. It is best to use even three or four layers of thick rugs over large rubber bathroom mats. Rugs and rubber mats work by minimizing echoes and reverberations. Not only will you soundproof your dorm room, you will also have a comfortable, cushioned floor.

Window Covering

It is vital that you come up with some way to soundproof your windows. An easy thing to do is to install removable window coverings. These are window screens that attach to the inside of window frames with velcro strips. Sometimes you can use "storm window screens" that are usually meant to protect windows from extreme weather. They are amazing because they reduce up to 35% of noise, and can be found in any home-improvement store.

Whatever methods you try, it is important to keep in mind that everything you do to your dorm room must be undone. DO NOT make permanent alterations, as this can result in irreparable damage and heavy fees. Experiment with different materials on small areas of your room first before going through your whole room. This will save you time and money. Eventually, you will find something that is effective as well as dorm room legal. Good luck!

January 15, 2011

Creative Dorm Storage Ideas

When you move into a dorm room for the first time, you might be disheartened by the lack of storage space, but don't let first impressions fool you. A dorm room may appear to be cramped at first, but with a little innovation and courage, you will find creative ways to store your things. It's all a matter of widening your perspective and using what is available around you creatively.

Underbed and Bedside Storage

The dark, mysterious space under your bed doesn't have to be so scary anymore. In fact, the space under your dorm bed is perfect for storing things. If you're worried about your stuff getting dirty or lost under there, you can always use an underbed storage bag to hold and protect your things. Underbed storage bags are made to fit perfectly under dorm beds and usually have zippers that easily open and close for easy access to your stored belongings. Underbed storage bags can hold linen, clothes, and just about anything else that you want to keep out of view. There are also small bedside storage bags that are made to hang from your bedside panel. These smaller storage bags contain pockets that are meant to hold nightstand items such as cell phones, small clocks and books. You can also keep a flashlight in it for late night bathroom trips.

Zip Up Bean Bag

You can buy bean bags with zippers and double their use by turning them into storage space. You can de-stuff your bean bag, and re-stuff it with extra linen, clothes, or anything soft that you want put away. Another great space saving thing about the zip up bean bag is that it can be emptied and collapsed when not in use. Bean bags are easy to move and you can even bring them to other dorm rooms for movie nights. As long as you don't mind the bean bag being just a tad lumpy, you've got yourself an easy and multi-purpose seating product that is practical in many ways.

Multi-Layer Hangers

Multi-Layer Hangers do wonders for closets. With one of these, you can hang three or four pieces of clothing on one elongated hanger. These hangers are made to hold multiple pieces without taking up more space, allowing you to store three times the amount of clothing in one closet. Some can be used as single hangers as well and connected with other hangers when the need arises. You can also use multi-layer hangers to hang coordinated outfits.

Makeshift Table Top

If you have extra full boxes just lying around your dorm room, you can turn your pile of boxes into a makeshift table top. Simply stack your full boxes on top of each other. Try to form a square or rectangle shape, drape a throw or small blanket over the top surface, and voila! You have a table. This really works if you have enough boxes. You can use your table top to hold lamps, books, laptops, and whatever else you can think of. Use one or two boxes to make yourself an extra nightstand, or use many boxes to build a full table. Throw a dinner party in your dorm room with a temporary makeshift table and be proud that you have the amazing ability to turn clutter into furniture.

January 6, 2011

Tips for Sharing a Dorm Room with a Stranger

Sharing any small space with a total stranger can be stressful for anyone. Sharing a small, multi-purpose living space with a total stranger is just crazy. Too bad it's what millions of college freshmen face every single year. You're new to the school, so chances are your new roommate will be your first social connection. It's not unusual to become friends, though it is perfectly fine to just treat each other civilly. Sharing your dorm room with a new person can be awkward at first, but it is important to remember that this is an opportunity to practice the art of compromise. Here are some tips on how to share your new home.

Create Personal Space

The first thing in question when moving into any new territory, is personal space. Depending on how your dorm room is set up, you may have a common area, a bathroom, or simply rooms with beds. Whatever the situation is, be sure to communicate kindly and clearly about what space each person will need. Try not to take up more than your own share of the space. Maybe one person has more possessions than the other, but that is no reason to hog space. Try to consolidate and think of space-saving ideas. Try to divide the room equally. Consider purchasing a room divider or changing wall. These help create a sense of privacy in small rooms, are usually collapsable, and relatively easy to handle. Just having that small divider can make such a difference in perspective and create a feeling of more privacy.

Learn Your Roommate's Schedule

Everyone is going to run their days differently. The best way to not clash agendas and habits is to discuss each other's schedule. Learn when your roommate likes to study, have quiet time, or likes to go to bed. Try to coordinate with one another in a way that gives you both what you need. This is where the art of compromise comes in handy. Chances are, even after college you will be living with roommates. Learning how to compromise and live peacefully with different people will make you happier in the long run. You may also decide on some dorm room rules. For example, a rule like "no loud music after 10 p.m." makes it clear to all parties that quiet time is necessary. It may be wise to write down your schedules and place them where they are visible. This will help you both plan your day around each other. Placing a dry-erase board in a conspicuous place and communicating by writing daily messages can also help in coordinating schedules. It is also good to remember that college campuses usually offer libraries, cafes, lawns, and other areas you can go for personal time outside of the dorm room.

Create A Cleaning Schedule

Different humans have different habits. You may consider yourself a relatively clean person, but your roommate may have a whole different definition of "clean." Fortunately, the best way to get around opposing cleanliness standards is to create a cleaning schedule. Alternate responsibilities and make sure to have a check list of when chores are completed. Try to make the schedule as clear as possible to avoid confusion and arguments, and always do your best to contribute your part.

Be Friendly

You don't have to be friends with your roommate, but you can always be friendly. Being kind, honest, and open-minded will show that you deserve respect because you give respect. Be considerate and honest to your roommate. Chances are you will receive the same courtesy. If there are things that you can share in the room, share them if you want to. Trying to find common interests with your roommate can help break the ice and allow for more open communication. No one will blame you if you do your best to make the situation work. Finally, sometimes it may be necessary to admit that some combinations just don't work out, and you can always apply for a room change with your school. There is no pressure. After all, it's not a marriage, it's just a few semesters.