Our TeamLauren Smelker

Lauren Smelker

New York, NY

About Me

Lauren, Dorm Therapy's former editorial intern, is a 2025 graduate of LIM College, with a degree in Fashion Media and a double minor in Styling and English. She lives in NYC, but she grew up in a small Lake Michigan beach town in Michigan and always tries to soak up as much sun as possible when visiting home. Lauren can always be found with a book in her bag or her Kindle in her hand. She loves exploring new gluten-free places around the city and trying new recipes. Lauren discovered she has celiac disease as a sophomore, and is excited to write about dietary alternatives, particularly gluten-free options.

My faves

Reading, beaches, Noah Kahan, and reading some more

My education

LIM College '25, Fashion Media

Latest Stories

This Freshman’s Cozy Space Is Both Cute and Functional Dorm Decor

She has a hook for everything!

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

Sep 6, 2025

23 Easy Ways to Give Your Dorm Room an Instant Glow-Up Dorm Decor

Get ready to rethink what a gallery wall can be.

Alison Goldman

Aug 20, 2025

How I Managed Homesickness as an Out-of-State College Freshman College Life

When I was a college freshman in 2021, I moved halfway across the country from Michigan to attend school in New York. I loved the idea of living in the biggest city in America, but I was also an introverted, anxious homebody. My 700-mile move would turn out to be a great idea … eventually. But in the beginning, I experienced a learning curve of living by myself and the feeling of homesickness that followed. The first night I slept in my single dorm, I immediately began to miss home.

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

Jun 10, 2025

This Freshman Created a Content Corner in Her Cozy, Minimalist Dorm Dorm Decor

The Scandi vibes are so good.

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

Jun 6, 2025

This UT Austin Freshman's Dorm Room Made Her College Transition Easier Dorm Decor

Take a tour!

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

May 30, 2025

This Sophomore Used Vintage Decor to Create an Inspiring Room Dorm Decor

Take a tour!

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

May 23, 2025

The Anatomy of the Comfiest Dorm Bed Ever Dorm Decor

Yes, a comfy dorm bed *is* possible.

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

May 19, 2025

9 Things You’ll Regret Taking to College Your First Year, According to Seniors College Life

Learn from their mistakes.

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

May 17, 2025

A Penn State Sophomore's Single Dorm Is a “Cozy Little Sanctuary"Dorm Decor

It’s giving secret garden.

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

May 16, 2025

"Slow Decorating" Was the Surprising Secret to the Dorm of My Dreams Dorm Decor

Good things take time.

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

May 13, 2025

8 Supercute and Personalized College Items (I Love Them All!)Dorm Decor

We've got school spirit!

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

May 9, 2025

A Freshman Created the Easiest, Cutest Storage Hack in Her Tiny Dorm Dorm Decor

So smart!

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

May 9, 2025

A Senior's Maximalist Dorm Sparked Her Thrifting Side Hustle Dorm Decor

Obsessed with her dorm!

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

May 2, 2025

How I Finally Decided Where to Go to College After Massive Indecision College Life

National Decision Day is May 1!

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

Apr 29, 2025

This Freshman Upgraded to a Cozy Dorm Room with Vintage-Inspired Vibes Dorm Decor

That rug!

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

Apr 25, 2025

How a Freshman Created the "Best 'Guy Room' on the Floor"Dorm Decor

Take a tour!

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

Apr 18, 2025

This Freshman Created the Coziest Cottagecore Dorm Dorm Decor

It’s so multifunctional!

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

Apr 11, 2025

I Think This App Is the *Best* Way to Make Phone Wallpapers College Life

I can't even choose my favorite!

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

Apr 8, 2025

How an NC State Freshman Turned Her Dorm into the Ultimate Hangout Spot Dorm Decor

Take a tour!

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

Apr 4, 2025

I Have Celiac Disease, and I'm Obsessed with These Gluten-Free Pizza Bites Food & Recipes

I actually teared up a little.

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

Apr 2, 2025

The ONE Thing You Should Do Before Making a College Decision College Life

May 1 is National College Decision Day!

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

Mar 31, 2025

An MSU Junior’s Dorm Is Unrecognizable After This Wall Decor Hack Dorm Decor

Take a tour!

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

Mar 28, 2025

I Can’t Get Over the Cuteness of This Functional Wall Decor Idea Dorm Decor

BRB, running to get my own board to decorate!

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

Mar 25, 2025

This Texas State Freshman’s Dorm Is a Cozy Coastal Surfer Dream Dorm Decor

Take a tour!

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

Mar 21, 2025

2 Alternatives to That Stunning (but Sold-Out) Checkered Marble Tray from HomeGoods Dorm Decor

I love a good catchall tray. I keep one for my “out-the-door” essentials, one for my rings, and so many more throughout my apartment. I have at least 10 — but that’s normal, right? So naturally I was intrigued when I spotted the most aesthetically pleasing checkered marble tray from HomeGoods going viral on TikTok. Here’s the thing: It seems to be sold out everywhere.

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

Mar 18, 2025

This Stunning Viral Decor Item Is Finally Back in Stock Dorm Decor

Take my money.

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

Mar 17, 2025

An Ohio State Sophomore Wanted to Create a Stress-Relieving Dorm Dorm Decor

Take a tour!

Lauren SmelkerLIM College '25

Mar 11, 2025

10 Spring Break Items I Always Forget to Pack (but You Shouldn’t!)College Life

Follow this list, and you'll avoid an "oops!" once you get there.