Beyond the Packing List: Creating Intentional Sensory-Friendly Living Environments for College and "Adulting" Success

Everyone has sensory preferences that impact our daily lives....

Parents intuitively create sensory-friendly environments at home, aiming to provide spaces that foster comfort and well-being. That seemingly "arbitrary" decision to put Grandma's rocking chair in Sally's room or give Billy a beanbag chair for his birthday may be based on more than good intention- it may be deeper intuition at work related to understanding how to foster success. These decisions may strongly influence multiple aspects of the child's life from ability to focus to emotional self-regulation to relationships with other people. Sensory input, encompassing everything from visual stimuli to movement to tactile sensations, plays a significant role in cognitive and emotional development. Tailoring the sensory aspects of an environment to an individual person's needs fosters conditions that can be conducive to learning, relaxation, and overall health.

One of the fundamental aspects of creating a sensory-friendly environment is understanding the individual sensory needs of the individual living, working, and playing in that space. These systems include visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, gustatory, vestibular, interoceptive and proprioceptive senses among others. Each system processes different types of sensory input, and a balanced integration of these inputs is crucial for cognitive and emotional stability and overall function. A thoughtfully designed setting that addresses these sensory needs can significantly enhance focus, reduce stress, and promote wellbeing.

Homes often feature elements that cater to these sensory systems to create a calming and productive atmosphere. For example, quiet study areas are essential for minimizing auditory distractions and allowing for concentrated work for individuals who are sensitive to too much auditory input. Comfortable seating, which addresses tactile, vestibular and proprioceptive needs, helps in maintaining physical comfort, reducing fatigue, and providing the right amount of sensory input needed during prolonged study sessions. Additionally, the use of color on walls and furniture aids impacts the function of the space for the individual, providing calming or alerting input based on what is needed for them to best function in the space.

Sensory preferences are not cookie-cutter elements. They also shape the way people navigate their lives and environments. While one person needs to be wrapped in a blanket with a strong light over their book to focus, another person may do better reading in a hammock surrounded with sounds of nature and the feeling of moving air. By understanding individual sensory preferences, this knowledge becomes a superpower that can be used in decision making-creating possibilities for its consideration in novel settings, including residence halls, classrooms, and stadiums, facilitating continued success and emotional health during transition to college life and adulthood.

The "perfect" space is not always what you think!

As the start of the college semester approaches, many students and their families dive into the task of packing for "dorm" life. A significant portion of this preparation often centers around aesthetic decor. Published packing lists frequently emphasize the importance of matching bedspreads, color-coordinated storage bins, and trendy wall art and lighting. While these elements can create a visually appealing space, they often eclipse more practical considerations essential for a student's sensory well-being.

This focus on aesthetics is driven by a consumerist culture that prioritizes the visual appeal of a dorm room over its functionality. Retailers and social media platforms perpetuate this trend by showcasing perfectly coordinated room and suite setups, leading students to believe that such an environment is necessary for their college success on every level. However, this emphasis on decor can overshadow the crucial need for items that support a student's sensory needs, which are vital for their overall comfort and ability to thrive in a new, independent living situation as they establish new habits and routines and begin to "adult".

For instance, while a matching bedspread and curtains might create a cohesive look, they do little to address sensory regulation, especially for the student who loves to study on their soft blanket or bedspread. Items such as noise-canceling headphones, bed canopies or tents, alternative seating, soft or weighted blankets, and organizers based on individual preference can make a significant difference in helping students manage stress and sensory overload, increasing focus and success in their new environment. These often well-used items seldom make the packing list and remain at home, yet may play a critical role in creating the right sensory environment that results in higher academic, social, and personal success for the individual.

Practical sensory aids like blackout curtains may help regulate sleep patterns by blocking out light. Textured blankets can provide tactile comfort that reduces anxiety. Even simple additions like a white noise machine or a fan can create a more controlled auditory environment, which is particularly beneficial in the often noisy and bustling atmosphere of a residence hall. Switching out the provided rolling chair with one that does not move (or the opposite) may be a game changer in setting up that new study space.

In conclusion, while aesthetic decor can enhance the visual appeal of a dorm room, it is essential to recognize and prioritize known items that support sensory regulation. By shifting the focus from purely decorative elements to functional sensory aids, students can create a more balanced and supportive living environment that fosters academic and personal success.

Using sensory preferences as super-powers instead of barriers

Transitioning to college life can be a daunting experience for anyone, especially for students who strongly seek or avoid different sensory stimuli. Planning for a move to the residence hall on campus goes beyond the standard packing list and requires thoughtful consideration of their individual sensory needs. By selecting appropriate items and setting up the dorm room to support sensory regulation and organization, students can enhance their comfort, focus, and overall college success.

College campuses, recognizing the value in self knowledge and awareness, have long facilitated student growth through personality tests, profiles, and self-assessments. The more students know and understand about themselves, the greater their ability to use their strengths and address weaknesses to shape future endeavors. Students do not usually have insights about how their sensory systems drive their decision making, responses, and outcomes. Identifying sensory preferences empowers the student by giving them the knowledge and insights to better self-regulate across multiple environments, increasing overall accessibility and quality of life.

The role of occupational therapists in this process cannot be overstated for students who anticipate challenges prior to arrival on campus or notice difficulty performing needed tasks once they start classes, even if they have never needed help before. When existing resources on campus are not working for the student, occupational therapists can help students identify sensory patterns and preferences as they plan and pack for college, assist in space arrangement based on these needs, and facilitate the many changes in habits and routines that come with a move to a new space, setting, and level of independence, including managing time, self-advocacy, navigating social spaces and working with others, and more. They can also assist in the transition to college and career by identifying sensory needs across environments where students spend time both on and off campus. Some students experiencing difficulty have never had challenges before, and occupational therapists can quickly help them identify what "worked" in earlier years, re-integrating these elements so the student can more confidently navigate academic, social, and professional settings where they were having trouble. Sometimes just a couple of hours can make the world of a difference.

Real-life examples and success stories highlight the benefits of an intentionally planned sensory environment. One student, for instance, found that seeking a hammock on campus or using a rocking chair in the study hall gave her the sensory input she needed when they were reading detailed articles and chapters. Another student who struggled with focus during a particularly long class learned that carefully selected and discreet fidgets in their backpack and a gel cushion placed on their chair provided what they needed to remain attentive and engaged. Yet another student put a canopy over their bed to create a feeling of containment, making a big difference both in studying and sleeping.

By thinking beyond the standard packing list and incorporating sensory strategies that they are likely already doing at home, students can create a home away from home environment that helps them regulate their sensory needs, promoting academic and personal success along with an easier transition to a new place. With the right strategies and tools, the right components in the residence hall space can become a sanctuary for college students, fostering a positive and productive college experience.

For more information on packing for college from a sensory perspective, check out the sensory packing list on my website https://otoncampus.com/sensory-packing-list.