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Daughter & Dad Duo Create Her Awesome “College Dorm” Van Conversion


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Jocelyn knew the cost of college housing is expensive, and after going down the campervan rabbit hole, she wanted to jump on the bandwagon. Although most parents of 20-year-olds might discourage a nomadic future, her dad supported her endeavor and the two of them converted a commercial van into her home on wheels!

He admitted the build-out would have gone faster (and better) had he just done the work himself (since he works in construction), but Jocelyn wanted to be a part of the entire process, and he agreed to learn to work with her. The end result is a home soaked in Jocelyn’s personality and a father’s love!

Check out the video tour with Allison of Tiny Home Tours below, and follow Jocelyn on Instagram here.

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#VanLife College Dormitory Alternative: DIY Build

A five gallon galvanized tub from Tractor Supply became her sink.

She covered a burlap sack in epoxy to create a custom counter!

The duo used reclaimed pallet wood wherever they could.

Here’s Jocelyn, getting comfortable with power tools!

VIDEO: 20 Year Old Builds Stealth DIY Camper Van

Highlights:

  • Commercial van turned college dorm
  • Jocelyn (age 20) and dad (construction worker) outfitted the van
  • Lots of pallet wood and reclaimed materials in the van
  • Hanging closet space
  • Comfortable bed with garage space underneath
  • Propane stove under cool burlap bag countertop

Learn More:

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Our big thanks to Allison for sharing! 🙏

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Natalie C. McKee

Natalie C. McKee is a contributor for Tiny House Talk and the Tiny House Newsletter. She's a wife, and mama of three little kids. She and her family are homesteaders with sheep, goats, chickens, ducks and quail on their happy little acre.
{ 13 comments… add one }
  • jerry dycus
    September 11, 2020, 9:49 am

    Way to go Allison!! Rent is too dam high and this is a great way to afford college by cutting expenses. And as Colleges have gyms/showers it fits in well. Though I’d have built in a shower, toilet.

  • Jane Ward
    September 11, 2020, 12:08 pm

    Awesome conversion! I have family that are struggling with dorm costs and renting apartments in college towns that jack up the price. This is a fun alternative!
    Besides the sink where do you shower? And do you carry a portapotty when “roughing it” and if so where do you keep it?

    • Natalie C. McKee
      September 11, 2020, 12:50 pm

      I was curious about that too, since I imagine she’ll need some kind of shower/toilet set up once college starts.

      • Marsha Cowan
        September 11, 2020, 3:38 pm

        Wow! Really exceptionally great conversion! Pretty, unique, and cleverly done. Love the counter top and the frig roller. You will be very comfortable in this home while going to school.

      • James D.
        September 12, 2020, 3:10 pm

        Colleges usually have shower facilities or nearby gyms that do and always have public restrooms… So depends on her access…

        • Jane Ward
          September 13, 2020, 10:03 am

          I did that for 8 weeks in grad school living in a converted van. It was nice to have the facilities but difficult where I was because it was the 2nd snowiest year On record! I ended up buying a galvanized tub and a solar shower that I filled from my tea kettle and used it in my doorway on my knees then wiped up the mess after! Yes that was more of a pain but I didn’t freeze my hair off after showering in the gym! Lol

        • Natalie C. McKee
          September 14, 2020, 8:02 am

          Wow Jane you were a trooper!!

        • Natalie C. McKee
          September 14, 2020, 8:15 am

          Very good point, James. I was thinking the dorm wouldn’t let her in, but the gym should!

  • Susan Harter
    September 11, 2020, 12:42 pm

    Wow! You and your dad make such a good team! Wish I had had that kind of relationship with my dad. I actually have a tiny house, my tiny Robin’s Nest that was just featured a few days ago on tiny house talk. I also have an RV but have lately been drawn to van builds. I like yours better than any I have seen! I’m a wood, metal, recycle, rustic type person and you did it right! Wish I had taken off on trips instead of college because I got married and never used what I learned. The memories you are making now will last a lifetime! Congratulations and enjoy your van and you life! Great job! Susan Harter

  • Kurt
    September 12, 2020, 6:18 pm

    I love the idea of using eye hooks for hanging jewelry. I bet Jocelyn is the envy of her classmates.

  • Theresa Perdue
    September 13, 2020, 3:11 pm

    I love how cozy her van feels. I too think you should have at least a portapotty (a 5gallon bucket?) for emergencies but maybe she just wasn’t comfortable showing us that. On the whole I am excited for her as she has a bright future with that brain set.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      September 14, 2020, 7:57 am

      Ya my parents have a 5 gallon bucket set up in one of their mini-campers. Not a bad system altogether.

  • J
    August 21, 2021, 4:44 pm

    Long after she finishes school and is on her way in life, she will never forget working with her dad. Really cool 😎

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