Necessities for Decorating Your Dorm Room at the Drop of a Hat
1. Do Research.
Nowadays everything can be done on the internet. Most colleges have whole sections of its website dedicated to student housing. Some even include pictures and information about the dimensions and amenities of each room or the standard room in a building. Finding this information can definitely give you an advantage in planning and buying for your dorm room. You will know ahead of time roughly how much room you’ll be able to play around with and what you’ll be able to fit in the (most of the time) small space. If you’re not interested in looking online, you can most likely call student housing and speak with someone in their offices. Trust me, this knowledge does help.
2. Focus on color and comfort when it comes to your bed.
Don’t be scared of color, it’s your best friend! Whether it’s a comforter that’s polka dotted, a throw blanket that’s lime green or bright neon pillowcases, your bed needs something that catches the eye. For the most part you’ll be spending a lot of time sleeping, lounging and studying on your bed, as well. Don’t buy bed clothes that aren’t comfortable and enjoyable to you. (A featherbed and down pillows are a good choice when looking for luxurious, homey comfort.) If your bed is boring and uncomfortable, you’ll be miserable.
3. Invest in curtains, magnets and posters. You won’t regret it.
You want your room to have personality and life. One of the ways to accomplish that is to buy decorative items that may be overlooked when you’re buying the necessities. My recommendations would be to buy magnets and lots of them. For the most part, many colleges allow students to have refrigerators. Instead of looking at a boring white refrigerator for an entire year, invest in letter magnets. This way, you and your friends can communicate in fun, silly ways. Also, don’t forget posters. Buy some relating to your favorite movies, actors, actresses or music. Don’t leave your walls bare, you’ll get bored. In addition to magnets and posters, don’t forget curtains. They’ll keep the light out when you want to sleep and they’ll spruce up the room.
4. Stay organized.
It’s important to keep everything organized in a small space. There are many ways to do so. I tend to make a mess of my dresser drawers at home and when I’m away at college. I’ve found keeping things neatly folded already saves me a lot of space and time. Also, don’t forget under the bed storage (if available) and hangers if you have a closet. These spaces can be filled with shoe racks, portable drawers and plastic organizers. These will help you utilize the space in the best way possible.
6. Feng Shui!
Dorm Room Feng Shui: Find Your Gua, Free Your Chi by Katherine Olaksen, Elizabeth MacCrellish and Margaret M. Donahue is a great way to make your room work for you. Plus, it’s also a fabulous way to use your room to your advantage and make this coming school year the best one yet.
7. Make it feel like home.
Don’t be afraid to bring things from home. I know people that have brought entire record, CD and DVD collections as well as lucky trolls and family pictures from home to college. The things that make you feel comfortable and happy in this new and strange place this coming fall are a plus when you may be feeling a little homesick. Just a glimpse at a stuffed animal or picture might cheer you up when you’re feeling down!
8. Go to these stores right now.
Places like Wal-mart, Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Linens & Things and Ikea all have furniture and other necessities that are cheap and fun. Visit their websites or the stores for more information.
Most of all, have a fun and safe school year!
