A high school senior’s to-do list is all too familiar: SAT, ACT, college visits, college and scholarship applications, all in addition to your normal schedule of activities. But all that admissions stuff only takes care of one aspect of college. Remember, you have to actually live there.
Have you thought yet how you’re going to turn the room that had a striking resemblance to the prison cell you saw on last week’s Law and Order into a livable—more importantly, lovable—environment?
Your dorm room isn’t just a place to sleep. It’s also your dining room, study room, gathering place and party center. It can’t be dull and boring. But the admissions office didn’t likely include the instructions for a fabulous dorm room in your acceptance packet. Here are a few simple steps to turn your college cell—er, room—into your home without packing your whole house.
Step 1: Cut a rug.
Covering the floor should be your first task. Otherwise, it is difficult to move the furniture and all your stuff around to get the carpet in. Why carpet? A tile floor tends to get cold in the winter, and it isn’t comfortable for visitors to sit on. It also makes your room look more like home. It doesn’t have to be new carpet—in fact, use some old carpet scraps to make you feel more at home. You can also cover the floor with small carpet squares to add color and creativity.
Step 2: Cover those walls.
Those cell walls need some life. You can hang posters of your favorite singers, athletes, a little Anne Geddes or just a simple tie-dyed sheet to add some life, color and comfort. Create a wall of fame with your favorite supermodels or magazine ads. That’s an easy, fast and cheap way to hide dreary walls. The more you cover, the less your room will look like a dungeon. Use tape, tacks or sticky tack to keep walls decorations hung. You can also take up space by covering a wall with bubble wrap, corkboards, marker boards or paper to write quotes on. Use your imagination.
Step 3: Move the furniture.
If your room is the same as everyone else’s, it won’t feel like your room. College is about expressing yourself any way that you can. If you leave the room the way it was originally, it will have an institutional feel. You can loft beds to make more room if the college allows, or just rearrange it to create more space. If you get bored with the arrangement, work with your roommate to rearrange it again.
Step 4: Make it smell.
How about a comforting smell for a comforting atmosphere? It’s relaxing to light a stress-relief candle or put out some fresh potpourri. It gives your room an inviting aroma after a long day. A few plants or fresh flowers can also brighten up the room and give it a pleasant smell. You may have to care for them a little, but it is well worth the time. Even artificial flowers or unlit candles can add a splash of color. This isn’t just for girls—guys can have candles and plants, too.
Step 5: Don’t forget the faces from home.
Keep pictures of all your high school pals. They make easy decorations and can brighten your day. Also, a few pictures of the family could make you feel like you are at home again. A few picture frames, a corkboard or a little tape will do the trick. You can also put up pictures of your new friends as the weeks progress to make your room feel like your new home. Keeping connections with people at home is important, but so is expanding your horizons.
Step 6: Add a personal touch.
If you collect things, bring a part of your collection for your room. Bring a figurine, a framed piece of artwork, a collection of concert tickets or even a little box of collectibles to put on your desk. Also bring a few personal mementos that define you. If you have a stuffed animal or something you cannot live without, don’t be afraid to bring it. But remember you have to share this room, so don’t bring everything you own!
Step 7: Brighten up the place.
Bring a warm and colorful comforter to add to your dream world. Also, some bright lamps may help shine a little light on all those subjects. Anything from slippers and blankets to desk lamps and curtains make your room fun and colorful.
Step 8: Talk to your roommate.
Decide what you want to bring, and discuss it with your roommate. The two of you need to find what you have in common. Not everything has to be approved by your roommate, but it’s nice to have a common theme in the room. If you both love black lights and have some cool stars for the ceiling, then do it! Just make sure you both feel comfortable and at home.
Your dorm is your own personal space. With a little time and creativity, you can make it your favorite place on campus!
