Anyone who has been to college can tell you that one of the most challenging things about being a student is finding the motivation to stay organized. With so much to do and so little room, it’s hard for any student to keep everything in order. Plus, many students share their apartments with roommates, further complicating this task. Whether you’re attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor or the University of Washington in Seattle, these college apartment organizing tips will help you stay on top of things.
Design a space that fits your learning style
To maximize focus and productivity, design your study space to align with your kinesthetic, visual, or auditory learning preferences. Consider portable materials (kinesthetic learners), clear and ample desk space (visual learners), and extra seating for study groups (auditory learners). Regardless of your learning style, you should keep essential tools and papers no more than two touch-points away – so avoid clasped folders within drawers and closed containers inside closets. – School Habits
Invest in tools and devices that help you stay organized
No matter where you choose to live, the bedroom space (your private space) is likely never as large as you want. To maximize the space, focus on elements that make it feel bigger, tidier, and easier to find things when you’re in that inevitable rush to leave for class, take a final, or head out with friends. So grab a bedside caddy, honeycomb drawer organizer, a large dry erase wall calendar (and of course the Command Strips for that and anything else you hang), bookshelves for your desk, S-type closet hangers, and cube shoe racks. Lastly, buy that ever-so-important extendable wall outlet with USB plugs for all your electronics. – Grocapitus and Multifamily University
Create a calm, relaxing space so you can focus
No matter how small your college apartment is, focus on creating a purpose for each area in your control. Set up a workspace where you can complete work regularly, and your mind will start to focus on work the second you sit down. An organized and tranquil bedroom will also help your body know when it’s time to relax and unwind. – Prepped and Polished
Use a jewelry organizer to make getting ready a breeze
Get a hanging wall jewelry organizer. Vertical storage is so important for keeping things organized in a college apartment. These are an absolute game-changer when storing and displaying your jewelry collection. Not only does it prevent your necklaces and bracelets from getting tangled, but it also displays all of your jewelry so that you can see everything you own at once. When you’re getting ready for the day, you can easily compare and try on different pieces to see what looks best with your outfit. – Cassidy Lucille
Donate clothes you no longer need
When it comes to decluttering your clothes in college, my favorite college apartment organizing tip is to keep a basket or bin in your closet to fill with items to donate. Go through your wardrobe every season and add anything you don’t wear into the basket. When it’s full, bag up the clothes and donate them to your charity of choice. – College Fashion
Dedicate an area of your apartment for productivity
Help separate your personal life from your school life by setting up a workspace to be only used for school work. You can keep this space and your entire college apartment organized throughout the year by following a simple and easy cleaning routine. For example, Mondays could be laundry day, Tuesdays could be kitchen cleaning day, and so on. – The Olden Chapters
Add plants to your college apartment
If you want to create a more relaxing environment, try adding plants to your college apartment. Plants add color and life to any space. They also help with air quality by filtering bad odors from the air. Adding plants into your space can help with depression as well. Best of all, plants are easy to grow in any apartment. You don’t need much space or special equipment. All you need is some dirt, water, sunlight, and patience.
Here are some tips on how to start growing plants:
- Start small. It’s better to plant one type of plant than many different types. This way, you can keep track of what needs to be watered and fertilized.
- Choose a sunny spot. The sun provides light which is essential for healthy growth.
- Water regularly. Don’t wait until there is no moisture left in the soil. Regular watering ensures that the roots have enough moisture to grow properly. – Higher Edition
Use a hutch to create vertical storage
Does your desk come with a hutch? If not, maximize the bedroom’s vertical space by purchasing one to create a study or homework zone where textbooks, supplies, notebooks, and more can live. It puts essential items front and center, providing you with a visual prompt that it’s time to get work done or to bring the right materials to class. You can also line the hutch’s shelves with magazine files to store books and supplies for each class. – Order Out of Chaos
Minimize kitchenware to prevent unnecessary clutter
Keep dishes and other cookware you own to a minimum. If you have 17 glasses for 4 people, it’s inevitable they’ll be left out and in the way – and trust me, no one will voluntarily do dishes until all the clean ones run out. An easy way to approach this is to have a ratio of 2 cooking utensils (cups, plates, spoons, etc.) per person. – College Life Made Easy
Get creative by using a shower caddy as a desk organizer
A shower caddy can be useful outside the shower as well. You can hang one over your desk and use it to store your stationery supplies. – Small Space Pros
Create storage space under your bed
Using the space under your bed as storage can be incredibly helpful. Consider buying storage containers that fit underneath your bed, or purchase a bed frame with built-in drawers. You can also elevate your bed using risers to hold spare cleaning supplies, refills of toiletries, non-perishable snacks, and school supplies. Having these items out of sight creates cleaner spaces while still being accessible when you need them. – Let’s Get Preppy, Cass Lake Front Apartments
Reuse glass jars to keep food items organized
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to organize your college apartment kitchen is reusing glass jars. Just bought some milk or finished a container of salsa? Peel off the label and put in your favorite pastas, nuts, or other pantry staples. – Hey Its Camille Grey
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