Decorating your dorm room will go a long way toward making it feel like home.
Also, going away to school gives you a chance to break out and express your
individuality. Decorating your room can be as good a means as any of doing just
that.
Stuff to Buy
There are a great many things you can buy to fill
your dorm room with. In fact, there are many dorm-specific items available,
including furniture, organizers, and
appliances.
What you're able to buy for your room will depend, in large part, on the size of
your room, so take this into account before you do any shopping. Here are some
things to think about:
- Furniture – There's a lot of great dorm furniture you can buy if
you've got the space for it. Futons and beanbag chairs are popular choices and
can make your dorm room a lot more comfortable.
- Appliances – Mini fridges, microwaves, water boilers, etc.: All of
these can make the absence of a kitchen a little less noticeable. In many cases,
you can even find these items in unique designs, helping to bring a little more
character to your room.
- Bed linens – Sheets and comforters come in all sorts of designs and
colors.
- Area rug – An area rug can bring a softer look to the usually bland
color of dorm room flooring.
- Posters – Posters are a staple in most dorm rooms. Look for your
favorite movies, bands, or other artwork. You can even create your own posters
online and print them out or have them mailed to you.
- Lighting – In addition to being practical, good lighting can make
your room feel a lot warmer.
Bring Things From Home
There are many good reasons to bring
décor from home for your dorm room, not the least of which is that it can save
you a good deal of money. At the same time, being surrounded by familiar things
may make you feel a little more at home.
Any of the items mentioned above
can be brought from home, but you should also consider bringing a few, more
personal items as well. Photographs, in particular, can make it feel as though
your friends and family aren't so far away. If you have any other personal
effects (like stuffed animals or other
knickknacks)
that won't take up a lot of room, bring them along as well.
Painting Your Room
The best way to completely change the feel of
a room is to repaint it. Depending on your school's rules you may or may not be
able to paint your dorm room. In the very least, you'll probably have to return
it to its original color at the end of the school year. If your school does
allow you to paint, try to get creative. Go beyond just solid colors; consider
painting with textures or even designing a mural. Just be sure that, once you
decide how you want to paint, you double-check that it's ok with building staff
or other authorities.
TIP: Make sure you consult with your roommate(s)
on any major changes to your room, such as painting. Remember: they have to live
there as well.
Your dorm room truly can be a canvas on which you can express
your creativity. As long as you're following the rules put in place by your
school, you can make your dorm room your own. Decorating your room will likely
be a lot of fun and can make you much more comfortable living there throughout
the school year.
