Meet Alex, a first-year engineering student who just moved into residence at the University of Waterloo. With a penchant for minimalism, Alex is more focused on coding projects than interior decorating, resulting in a bare dorm room that’s more “tech lab” than “home.” While navigating the challenges of transition, they often forget the essentials, leading to moments of confusion, such as the one reflected in their comment about furniture. Alex is determined to create a space that inspires innovation, even if it starts with a bare room and a laptop.