The Best Reading Light For Your College Dorm

 

Having a reading light for college is a game changer! By far one of the best aids for studying, reading, or just having another option for light at night. Reading lights are great replacement for lamps – which is so important to save space, especially in your dorm. Personally I used my light nearly every night, and I love not having to get out of bed just to hit the light!

This guide will go over why you might want to bring a reading light to college and the best options for a reading light in college.

 

Why do you need a reading light in college?

Reading lights have a ton of benefits! They are super functional and can make a space just that much more usable. They are great for studying or reading as well. Here are a couple reasons to consider bringing a reading light to college.

 

Dorm lighting sucks

Just being real here, the light in your dorm will probably suck. I think its best to bring one or two other options to light up your dorm. Also ambient lighting is way more aesthetic than overhead lighting. Oftentimes you are sharing a space with another person as well, so leaving the overhead on all the time doesn’t make sense if they are going to bed while you are studying.

 

Great for studying

You’re going to want a designated workspace for studying and a reading light can help create that. Our brains love habits and using your reading light while studying can create a habit to get you focused faster! Having a separate light is important to be accommodating of roommates and can be a great aid if it’s hard to see with the overhead.

 

Adjustable

Many reading lights are adjustable, meaning you can rotate them to wherever you need them. Some of them even change brightness and color! This is great to give you more options for how the lighting in your dorm looks.

 

Helps personalize your room

If you get a color changing reading light you can also use it as ambient lighting in your dorm! This is great when you have people over, or at night when you don’t need a bright white light all the time. This is a great alternative to string lights or LED lights that might damage your walls.

 

Basically, a reading light can be a really useful tool for college students, contributing to a comfortable and functional environment for studying and reading.

 

 

Things to look for when buying a reading light

If you’re buying a reading light you’re going to want one that fits your needs. It needs to be durable and wont fade, while still looking nice! Here are some things I look for when buying a reading light for college.

 

1. Lighting Type:

   • LED Lights: LED lights are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and produce less heat. They are a popular choice for reading lights.
   • Adjustable Color Temperature: Look for lights with adjustable color temperatures to adjust the brightness of the light to your liking.

2. Brightness Control:

   • Dimmable Options: A reading light with adjustable brightness levels allows you to control the intensity of the light based on your needs and the ambient lighting conditions.

3. Lighting Area Coverage:

   • Adjustable Neck or Head: Opt for a reading light with an adjustable neck or head, so you can direct the light exactly where you need it, minimizing glare and maximizing coverage.

4. Portable:

   • Compact Design: Choose a light that is portable and has a compact design, making it easy to move around your dorm

5. Power Source:

   • Battery Operated: If you want flexibility in terms of where you can use the light, consider a battery-operated reading light.
   • USB Rechargeable: Lights with USB rechargeable batteries are convenient and eco-friendly, reducing the need for disposable batteries.
   • Plug in: If you already know where you want your light, and have a outlet close by this is a great option so you don’t have to remember to charge your light.

6. Clamp or Base:

   • Clip/Clamp Attachment: If you plan to attach the light to a nightstand or desk, a clip or clamp attachment can be convenient. It saves space and allows for easy repositioning.
   • Sturdy Base: If you prefer a standalone light, ensure it has a stable and sturdy base to prevent tipping.

7. Price and Warranty:

   • Budget: Determine your budget and find a reading light that offers the features you need within that price range.
   • Warranty: Check for warranty information to ensure the product is covered in case of defects or malfunctions.

 

Taking some time to consider all these options will make sure you end up with the perfect reading lamp for your situation!

 

 

 

My favorite reading lights for your college dorm room

These are some great options for reading light to bring to college.

 

Bed reading light

This light is perfect if you’re a reader. It looks super nice and the gold detailing can go with any space. It’s also really easily located to turn off. You can even adjust where to point the light depending on how you like to read.

 

Here is a great bedside reading light for any home.

 

Sticky wall reading light

This is a super cute reading light! You can attach it to any wall or ceiling as a decoration or to use for your study space. I love how you can mount it anywhere so you can get whatever kind of look you want.

However, you want to be careful about it peeling the paint off at the end of the year, as your school might charge you. You also won’t be able to move it again, as it may not stick as well the second time.

On the plus side – it connects to your phone where you can set a timer for it, adjust the color, or turn it on and off. A huge plus!

 

Here is my favorite sticky wall light. It has three dimmers and three colors – I have one in my place and it is my favorite!

 

Book reading light

This is a more classic reading light. This is also the most affordable option, at only around 10 dollars. It attaches straight to a book with a clip and has several colors and brightness levels. It also is rechargeable!

One thing to note, the clip may be too small if you try to clip it somewhere besides a book. And, because of the price, it may not be durable enough to last you all year long.

 

Here is a great book reading light, its perfect for any book and the most affordable and easy to transport option.

 

 

This guide was all about how to find the perfect reading light for college. I hope you enjoyed! Check out my other posts for all things dorms and college.