By SARAH BRASHEARS
Features Editor
I have been waiting on the gorgeous weather of spring to arrive for months. The feeling of the warm sun on my skin, longer days to enjoy outside, and a fresh start of every cool, breezy morning. While spring is mostly enjoyed in your home and familiar back yard, dorm life during spring can be just as unique as an experience! It is a time of transition through exams, spring break, and beautiful outdoor weather activities. Let’s take a look at how one can embrace the spring season fresh from your home away from home.
Refresh your dorm space
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your living space and create an environment that boosts your mood! Now is the perfect time for freshening up your living space. Here are a few ideas:
Swap out your warm, cozy, heavy blankets for light, colorful ones!
Go get fresh flowers or plants that are running spring time sales! Succulents are my favorite, mainly because they are easy to care for.
Organize your desk or shelves to create a clean, clutter-free environment! Add some new photos or your new plants to make it feel new and fresh.
Hang up new posters or artwork that represent the energy of spring! Bring the exciting feeling of outside, inside.
Maximize outdoor time
With warmer weather, it is important to take advantage of outdoor spaces to recharge and socialize! Here are some of my favorite spring time activities: Go to the park or open grassy area on campus to study, relax, or hang out with friends. Plan a picnic with your suitemates. Grab your favorite snacks, drinks, and a blanket and go outside to enjoy the cool breeze. Join the intramural sports, take a group of friends on a walk or to play pickleball, or play various other outdoor games like frisbee or volleyball!
Host an outdoor movie night with a projector on the lawn!
Get ready for spring cleaning
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your house – it can give your dorm room a fresh, organized vibe. Let’s look at a few ideas to spring clean your dorm to come back to after spring break!
Clean out and clean up around your desk, closet, and under-bed storage.
Donate the items you no longer need or wear, from old clothes to unused school supplies!
Deep clean your entire space! Wipe down all surfaces (even the ones you don’t often see, such as the top of the closet), vacuum, do all your laundry, and change your bed sheets.
Set up a cleaning schedule to keep your space tidy throughout the second half of the semester!
Spring activities from the dorms
Dorm communities are important in the last semester of the year! Be the one to help host events and activities during the spring to keep things lively.
Host or join spring themed movie nights or game nights in the dorm lounge.
Have a DIY night – decorate flower pots, make bracelets, or create spring themed decorations with your roommates. Plan a spring-themed potluck with your roommates and try new recipes together!
Take advantage of spring break
Spring break is a chance to recharge, whether you’re staying on campus or travelling! If you are staying on campus, plan a staycation with friends – organize group activities or day trips tp explore your city. Use the break to relax, catch up or get ahead on assignments, or enjoy a hobby you haven’t had time for during the semester. Consider volunteering or getting involved in local events during break, making the most of time off!
Celebrate spring with friends and roommates
Spring is a popular time for socializing, and the dorm can be a great place to form lasting memories with your peers! Host a springtime dorm party with a light, festive theme (think floral, pastel colors, and fresh lemonade). Take a group of photos together to capture the memories this time of year. Try cooking a seasonal recipe together, like a fruit salad, spring rolls, or a light pasta dish.
Springtime is a time of renewal and fun, and living in a dorm doesn’t have to be confined to four walls. Take a part in the activities around you! If there aren’t any, plan some. Take time to refresh your living space and yourself, and make lasting memories within your community!