If you live in university housing, maybe you got lucky and live in one of the newer, nicer buildings, but, most likely, that’s not the case. If you’re one of those who don’t live in the most updated accommodations then you know that winter can be a rough time. To help out, we’ve put together some essentials for preparing and surviving winter in your dorm (even if it hasn’t been renovated since your grandma was in college.)

Throw Blanket

A fuzzy fleece throw blanket to pile on top of your bed, or even bring with you to the library (no judgement, we’ve all been there) can be super helpful, especially if you have a drafty dorm room or you and your roommate have different opinions on how to set the thermostat.

Mini Humidifier

There is nothing worse than being pelted with desert-like heat all day, and it’s sure to dry your skin out quickly. A mini humidifier is allowed in most dorms, and can help soothe that pesky cough or dry rough patch that cold, dry air can aggravate.

String Lights

When winter hits, it means less daylight, and that makes  dim dorm rooms feel darker and drearier. The lack of light can even make you feel less energetic and sleepier, which is not helpful if you’re trying to be productive and slug through chapters of reading. Stringing up fairy lights all around the top of your wall helps disperse light throughout your room and keep a cheerier atmosphere.

Portable Fan

This might seem counterintuitive since it’s chilly outside, but you won’t have total control over your heat, and that means it’s easy to get overheated, especially when you’re snuggled up at night. It’s always nice to get some fresh air moving.

Quality Thermos

Getting up early for class is hard enough, why make it harder trying to fit in breakfast? It already takes extra motivation to get out of your warm, cozy bed, so having the ability to take a warm cup of tea, coffee, hot cocoa, or even soup with you makes braving the cold a less painful.