Living on your own is one of the most exciting things about being a college student. It’s fun to have people over and use your space, until it starts to leave your room with unwanted smells.
We all know how it is to wake up the next morning to the odor of beer and half-eaten pizza — or wine, if that’s your thing. Regardless, our rooms can get smelly very easily, but there are simple and cheap fixes. Not only will these items make your room smell better, but many different scents have also been proven to improve sleep, memory and even alleviate stress.
Fresh Flowers or Plants (RH)
Many people seem to forget about or underestimate the power of keeping fresh flowers or plants in the house. If you pick the right ones, they can have a strong, lasting scent. Lavender is known to help with sleep, while fresh mint is said to be food for memory and focus.
The Classic Candle
It's possible to find an affordable candle in almost any smell you could dream of. Candles add scent, but also a touch of warmth when lit. Some great places for candle selections include Bath & Body Works, Hobby Lobby and Target. What’s better is these stores are always having sales, so you can usually end up buying a candle for only a few bucks.
Some of my favorites are Pumpkin Cupcake and Eucalyptus Spearmint, both of which are from Bath & Body Works. The Eucalyptus Spearmint is a stress-relieving candle.
Incense
Incense usually has a wide selection of smells to choose from that vary depending on where you buy. Incense is a little more aesthetically pleasing than just a bulky candle, so it can double as decoration. You can find tiny vases and incense holders that come in a variety of unique shapes and designs. Loose Lucy's in Five Points has a wide selection of incense and holders.
Homemade Room Scent
Believe it or not, it’s simple and quick to make your own natural scents right at home. You can create endless combinations from whatever your favorite smells are. All you need is a pot of water and a bunch of your favorite flowers, fruit, spices, etc. Once everything is added in, all you need to do is boil the water. The heat brings out the smell and it’ll float throughout the whole house.
Coffee Beans (RH)
For all the avid coffee drinkers, your coffee beans come in handy in more ways than just your morning brew. Fill a small bowl with beans and stick a tea light inside. Once lit, the smell of your favorite roast will fill your room, keeping you feeling energized and alert.
(RH) = Residence Hall Friendly
