Take a Deep Breath: Dorm Room Essentials for Improved Indoor Air Quality

For students, back on campus means back to sleep deprivation, back to roomies, back to coughs, colds and germs.

As parents of college-bound kids, you have your hands full. As college-bound adults, you also have your hands full. But no matter who you are, good health is key to a great experience and making campus life go smoother. We already know that air purifiers can: 

• Remove allergens
• Filter harmful chemicals
• Lessen pet dander and dust
• Remove mold spores from the air
• Help with asthma
• Remove airborne disease (like Covid) 

The simple fact is, when you’re healthy, you’re happy. You’re productive. You have more energy—you’re vibrant. By creating a healthful living environment, you can take a giant step towards an enriching collegiate experience, one filled with meaningful learning experiences, epic soul-searching journeys, newfound passions—and at the very least, a passing grade in oceanography. 

Let’s dive into some ways you can turn dorm life into 

the good life with some dorm room essentials. But before we do, here’s one last quick bit of advice: Don’t take classes before 9 a.m.—there’s nothing that can save you from that horror. 

Oxygenating Plants

Indoor plants not only look great in your living space, but they can also purify the air surrounding us. Through phytoremediation, plants absorb harmful pollutants and toxins. Then during photosynthesis, they release oxygen leading to a better balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air. By dropping a few peace lilies in your dorm space, you can improve air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory issues. Plus, you’ll have a new plant pet to care for! 

Regular Cleaning 

This is a bit of a no-brainer but keeping dust, allergens, and pollutants off of surfaces, carpets, and upholstery will keep your air cleaner. Break out the feather brush and vacuum and get rid of contaminants that can cause allergies and respiratory problems. By eliminating them on the surface, you keep them from becoming airborne and entering your lungs.

Added bonus: regular cleaning can reduce mold, mildew and harmful bacteria that can also negatively affect your immune system. But remember—always opt for non-toxic eco-friendly products to ensure you’re breathing clean air not just cleaning chemicals.  

Air Purifiers

If you want cleaner indoor air, grab an air purifier. Coway’s line of air purifiers not only removes harmful airborne pollutants but can also filter airborne viruses including SARS-CoV-2. And if you’re looking for something made for the dorm room, look no further than the Airmega Aim, a 2-in-1 fan and air purification system in a single unit designed to free up space in smaller areas. And the best part—the Airmega Aim can cleanse the air in a 492 square-foot room in just one hour.

Living in a larger dorm suite or shared apartment? Coway has air purifiers like the Airmega 400 that can suck the bad stuff out of the air in any sized room so you can upgrade your health and well-being even if you’re living off spaghetti and carne asada burritos. 

Proper Ventilation 

Yes, it’s wise to keep bad air out—but sometimes the air inside is worse than it is outside. That’s because indoor pollutants and allergens can become trapped, leading to stale air and a high concentration of harmful airborne substances. By opening a window and increasing airflow, you can move bad air out while also dispersing airborne contaminants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Beyond that, proper ventilation helps regulate humidity, lowering the risk of mold and mildew.

“But what if I live in a humid/wintry region?” Exhaust fans and ventilation systems can help maintain proper airflow and improve air quality—just make sure to check with your RA before doing any major construction! (Or maybe just go with an air purifier).

It should come as no surprise that physical and mental well-being can have an enormously positive effect on your college experience. When you feel good, you have more energy, more focus, and you’re more prepared for the challenges of each day. By creating a healthful indoor environment inside the dorm room and inside yourself, you can get the most out of your education while enriching your life—and that may lead to you just being able to make that early morning class.

Learn more essential tips and tricks for improved air quality on the Coway blog.