Author: Maggie Cammaroto

Alright I’ll say it. The world is crazy. We all have to-do lists, deadlines, commutes, social lives, social media, and on, and on, and on. When life is this hectic, we need somewhere we can recuperate, our own little sanctuary that feels safe & peaceful. But when living as a student abroad, out of a suitcase, and with roommates, creating sanctuary can be tricky. Well we’re here to tell you it’s not! Here you’ll find some simple ways to turn your dorm into your safe space.

Fill your space with things you love

Marie Kondo, ‘the queen of decluttering’, provides a simple method  for getting rid of half the stuff you own: “keep only the things that spark joy”. This is a good rule of thumb when we’re thinking about which objects we want to see everyday. Look around your room. How does your room make you feel? Objects that light you up when you hold them are very powerful. Place these items in plain sight. Things that don’t quite tickle your fancy but need to be kept can be stored out of sight in drawers or cupboards.

Consider smells

Imagine this: you walk into your friend’s place and you’re instantly hit with a strong odor of leftovers and dirty laundry. Do you feel like you can relax and enjoy your time? You’re probably more focused on not barfing rather than the funny story your friend is sharing.

Smell is actually the strongest human sense. Have you ever gotten a whiff of something that brought you back to your childhood summers? Smells can be strongly evocative of certain places, memories, and feelings.

So what do you want to create with the smell of your room? Essential oils, incense, and candles are all ways to bring in curated scents to your space. Try diffusing peppermint essential oil in the morning and lavender essential oil at night. Or burn your favorite candle as you study. But first be sure to check with your dorm’s safety regulations!