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How to create more privacy in your dorm

Sure, living in a dorm is fun! You finally gain some independence and get to have a space all to yourself. Not to mention you get to buy the cutest dorm decor, too, and decorate how you want. Still, you're also out of the comfort of your parents' place and might be living with a total stranger as your assigned roommate.

Although a lot of it is fun and games, sometimes you'll just really want your own space. Having privacy in your dorm is always a key ingredient to healthy living. Why? Because you’ll avoid conflict with your roommate and let’s face it, we ALL need some time alone to study, meditate, journal, and more.

With this in mind, I’ve cultivated some tips that’ll guide you toward obtaining the privacy you desire in your dorm room, no matter how close quarters it is.

MUST-HAVES FOR CREATING PRIVACY IN A DORM

USE CURTAINS OR BLINDS 

Curtains or blinds are great for blocking out light and creating a more private space. Either one can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed in your room, even when your roommate is around. Use a tension rod to hang them up or get a hanging canopy. Even curtain panels can be used as a great tool for separation.

HANG UP A TAPESTRY

A tapestry (like this cute one from Urban Outfitters) could be utilized as a makeshift divider and can create a sense of privacy in your room, even if you don't have a lot of space. Although they're normally used as dorm wall decor, they easily double as a temporary wall. 

PUT UP A SCREEN DIVIDER

Screen dividers create a separate space for sleeping or studying, which can assist you with focusing on your work or getting a good night's sleep, even if your roommate is being noisy. A good room divider also comes in handy if you move into a studio apartment down the road.

BRING A PAIR OF NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES

Noise-canceling headphones are great as you can use them to block out sound (this pair from Sony is Amazon's Choice). They'll help you tune out your roommate or noise out in your hall and focus on your activities, whether it be studying, writing a paper, or meditating. They're also great for listening to music or white noise. If you don't have a pair, definitely have earplugs on hand. This jar from Amazon comes with 60 pairs, so you'll always be covered.

TIPS FOR CREATING SPACE AND PRIVACY IN YOUR DORM

AGREE ON WHAT'S YOURS AND WHAT ISN'T

Sure, you could assume that all roommates are created equal and that they’ll be down to share every single little thing they bring into the dorm with you as you do, however, that’s not always the case. With this in mind, have a conversation with your roommate about what belongs to each of you. Label your items so no confusion arises either.

BE MINDFUL

Be respectful of your roommate's privacy and knock prior to entering their space. This is just a common courtesy, as it will assist with creating a much more harmonious living environment. 

BE AWARE OF EACH OTHER'S SCHEDULE

If you and your roommate discuss schedules for the semester, then you’ll be able to accommodate each other. Let’s say you focus on school work better at night and your roommate likes to go to sleep at a certain time, finding another location to get work done is ideal as you’ll be mindful of your roommate’s sleep schedule. With this said, step out to the library or campus life building to get work done so you don’t face conflict with your roommate regarding their sleep schedule or overall privacy!

SPEND TIME APART

Just because you live in your dorm together doesn’t mean you have to spend every single moment of your time together. Think about it as experiencing freedom as you do now that you are living apart from your parents. When spending time apart from your roommate, you’ll create boundaries, healthy space, and privacy.

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