by Judy Zabriskie

Created on: February 03, 2009   Last Updated: December 19, 2009

First let me say that I do believe my son has created the “perfect” dorm room – at least for him it is perfect – for me, not so much!  He has managed to recreate a perfect blend of his two rooms at home (his bedroom and his study/playroom) into his tiny space in the dorm.  This is truly his piece of home away from home and that is what the perfect dorm room is all about.

The room came with a bed, dresser, and desk and not much more. This was the perfect palate for my son’s newly created home away from home.  As a nightstand he uses his mini fridge on top of which he has placed his lamp from his desk at home and his alarm clock from home, giving him just the right amount of space in which to pile his junk receipts (which I hope he discards occasionally).  We purchased an twin extra long mattress topper (egg crate), mattress cover which was padded and sheets along with a specially made dorm sized comforter set and new down pillow to complete the bedding.  The bed was raised with the help of bed raisers purchased at Bed, Bath and beyond and under it he stores his black steamer trunk full of God knows what treasures.  An area rug was brought from home and placed on top of the dorms indoor/outdoor standard carpeting to make it more “homey.” He did purchase a space saver which fit perfectly within the cubby they call a closet and into that he places most of his clothing which does not fit within the tiny dresser provided.  Because he has 2 computers (one desk top for playing those essential on line games) and the other a lap top, you know – the one for school work or the purpose he is there, the desk serves as a repository for the desk top and his lap, oddly enough his lap top!

A small TV (19 inch flat screen) was “borrowed” from my office and placed atop his dresser for his viewing pleasure and because he has an I-pod he has a docking station which connects directly and wirelessly through his computer speakers as we would not want him to be without his tunes, so to speak.  A few posters and mementos were taken from his rooms at home and bestowed upon the cinderblock walls in the room and a white board from my office also confiscated and placed behind the door in a strategic position next to a hook that holds his bathroom. 

When walking into his dorm room there are clothes strewn all over the floor, papers next to the desk, on the floor, of course and books everywhere.  It is like walking through a maze, just like home.  His hamper on wheels is stowed in the closet and all his laundry detergents and cleaning agents stowed in the shared bath he has with the room next door.  He has taken his beloved and cherished Wii with him but only uses that in the lounge area of the dorm because one can’t possibly play games on a 19 inch screen! But it shares a coveted place on the closet floor along with shoes, books, extra computer equipment and whatever else needs to be stowed away. 

So, all in all, his perfect dorm room is a combination of his two rooms at home complete with the mess and mayhem he has left behind! Truly the perfect space for my somewhat less than perfect son, but it suits him to a T.

Learn more about this author, Judy Zabriskie.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.