We all know how Michigan weather can complicate our lives. Even in spring, there is the possibility of snowstorms and crazy inclement weather. Tons of layers, wet snowy shoes, chilled hands and ears. We don’t often think about the adjustment the weather means for dorm rooms.  

This is my second year living on campus and here are some things that have made a huge difference in residential living for me, particularly in the winter and spring, that I wish I knew about last year.  

Shoe Mat

First, a shoe mat. I know that sounds a little weird, and when my mother first handed me one for school this year, I was a little skeptical, but I love it! It is a little black rectangle mat I keep right next to the door to set my shoes down after I return to my room after tromping through snow banks, enormous puddles, and muddy grass. It also helps prevent making the carpet in our room wet and dirty.

Something as simple as a shoe mat in the Michigan spring can make such a difference in the cleanliness of your room.  

Coat Rack

This might not be the perfect fit for everyone, but if you have space, I definitely recommend thinking about a coat rack. I got one for Christmas, a little wooden tree that I can hang up various college student essentials. I use it for my purse, keys/ID lanyard, and several coats (we still might need a winter coat because it will probably snow again, knowing Michigan), but you also might need a light jacket or a rain jacket. The coat rack was simple to assemble but could easily be taken apart to bring back home in the spring. It saves space in my closet as well since I don’t need to fit my coats in there.

Plus, in case you have people over, there is a place for them to set their coats while you spend time with them.  

Hot Drinks

The perfect items to fight back against cold Michigan winters and chilly spring days are hot drinks! Whether you have an electric kettle or a mug to put in the microwave, heating water and having a drink to warm yourself back up can be a much-needed pick-me-up. I have an assortment of packets such as hot chocolate, tea, cappuccino, and even vitamin C.

There’s nothing like sipping something warm from a mug when there are lots of snow, puddles, mud, or freezing wind gusts outside!

Lamps

My roommate and I use lamps every single day, winter or not. In the winter and early spring, the natural light fades much quicker, but the big lights in the dorm rooms can be a little scalding. Between the two of us, we have three lamps that create a cozy atmosphere to study and chill in the evenings.  

There are so many different types of lamps to find one that works for your room. There even are sunlight lamps that imitate the sun and serve as natural alarm clocks. Also, during winter, sun lamps can be a very encouraging reminder that spring is coming.  

Conclusion

Living on campus during the semester, particularly in the winter and spring in Michigan, holds its own challenges with coats and boots, cold and darkness.  Being aware of unique dorm additions that help with the cold seasons can help keep your dorm room warm, cozy, and clean.

 

Written by SAU Marketing student Gina Vander Kodde.