There is an event occuring every four months for the past three years that I dread to death. No matter how much I try to avoid this task by procrastinating, it always seems to creep up every three months and three weeks. 

This task is Moving.

As a student, and particularly being in a co-op work program, I have been moving from Toronto to Waterloo to Toronto to Waterloo each semester since my freshman year. This is a lot of moving. Thankfully, my parents own a big white truck-like van that transports my entire room back and forth, but it's still quite the hassle!

So I think I can proudly declare that I am a off-campus residence queen. I know exactly what I need for studying, and for a perfect home away from home. Here are my top five essentials that I've learned will provide you with the most comfortable space you can have while studying for your courses.

1. A large desk. Ikea Jonas Desk with Pull-out panel, (C$179.00) 
Guaranteed your school library will be cramped, and come exam time, there will be no way you will be able to find a cubicle. Don't waste your time, spend less than $200 on a big sturdy black or white desk from Ikea and study at home! You have all the food you'll need, without spending money, and you won't even have to bother getting dressed to study! Make sure you desk is large, because nobody likes to work in a cramped environment. 

2. Compact Drawer Unit for your clothes. Ikea Lennart Drawer Unit (C$14.99)
Don't bother spending all that money on a new Wardrobe or Dresser. You only need a storage compartment, conveniently placed in your closet (if provided). Just learn to fold your clothes once in a while!

3. A Large Large Large futon bed. Ikea Beddinge Lovas Sofa Bed - Ransta dark Grey (C$279.00)
I'm only going to tell you this once. Get a futon. Think about it. With a normal bed, you need to purchase a separate mattress, head board, cover, and frame. Imagine all the hassle lugging it back and forth! What I did was purchase a futon. The mattress is foldable, and the frame is as well. All I do at the end of each term is fold it up, load it in the truck, and go home!

4. A swivel chair that you can...swivel in. Staples Cantilever Manager's Chair (C$99.99)
I don't know about you, but I like to cross my legs when I study. To do so, I'll need a large chair. I also like to swivel when I'm completely brain stuck, but that's just me. All in all, when you are watching movies, I mean studying, for large periods of time, you need a chair comfortable enough on your tushie to prevent soreness!

5. A Lamp bright enough that you can light up the room without having to turn on the actual light. Grand&Toy Catalina Lighting Swing Arm Desk Lamp (C$19.99)  
Dorm rooms have awful lighting. You will need one of these just to see your notes clearly. Guaranteed great spend!

I hope I was able to shed a little more light into your first dorm room decorating experience, whether it be for yourself, or a loved one. Would you consider anything else not on the list that is essential to the decoration of a college dorm room?