It’s come the time for you, whether a freshie still waiting to step onto their college campus for the first time since you decided to attend, or a seasoned senior ready to have the best year of your college life, to go back to school. And that, my friends, means move in day. You walk into your dorm-single, double, or triple, and you gasp. The walls are a cold cinder block, the carpet hard and faded grey, and when you switch the light on, it makes a buzzing noise and blinks furiously.
First off, your school will have a list of the “dos” and “don’ts” of what you can do in/to your room. Candles are usually the biggest no-no, so if you love your scents, pick up a glade air freshener in “Cashmere Woods”–hands down the warmest, coziest one. Your school may have sent you all of this info in a welcome packet, and if you’re returning student you know it already. For those of you new to the dorm life, Bed Bath and Beyond supplies students with a packing list and the “don’ts” for every school. Check with your Resident Assistant if you have any questions.
Decor
You see a sign up in your residence hall. “POSTER SALE! NEXT TUESDAY FROM 11AM-4PM” Don’t give into it! Resist the temptation! Don’t be just another owner of the same “Pulp Fiction” poster hanging on a wall! Design your space to be a unique reflection of you: a cool, funky space (or cute, tidy, and chic) where all of your friends love to hang out, drink a beer, and plan out the evening’s escapades.
On the Walls
Think about what kind of space you want your room to be. Do you want it to remind you of home? Do you want to embrace you school’s location, history, etc? If you get homesick, make a photo collage on your wall of pictures that remind you of home. You can even get a wood cutout of your home state to put up. If you want to get creative, get a wood cutout of the state (or country) your school is in as well. The two can sit happily side by side, and you can string photos or lights in between. Try getting a vintage poster from a big athletic game to show school spirit, and if your school is on a cool landmark like Route 66, you could get (or make) a sign for that as well. If you’re an athlete, get your favorite jersey framed and hang it up. Like records, love music? They look awesome on a dorm room wall. If you like quotes, you can pretty much get anything you want custom made on Etsy. Go for gold foil for an extra fun pop.
Some people prefer Command strips and hooks for hanging. But if you live in a hot place like Southern California, sometimes removing the strips at the end of the year can take off drywall and paint. Take a look and see if your school allows push pins to be put in the wall. Some don’t, but you may be surprised to find that your school does! Push pins are the simpler, cleaner option, so if you can use them, you should!
Texas Wood Cutout | Dorm Quote | Route 66 Sign
via blueisstyleblog
For The Windows
Get a tension shower rod that you can put any cute curtains on, and stick it in your window in front of the window treatments (often those blinds that the college provides). DIY tip: if you want to make your own curtains, go to your local fabric store and pick out your favorite print. cut holes in the top, and put in some hooks like you might see on a shower curtain. Voila! It’s an easy way to brighten up the space and make it your own.
Tension Shower Rod | Chevron Curtains
Lights, Lights, Lights
The kind and quality of lights you have up in your dorm room makes a huge difference on the atmosphere of the space. Some dorm rooms may have gorgeous lighting, it’s true, but others have those flickering fluorescent lights that bathe the room in a sickly hue and hurt to have on for more than thirty seconds. Invest in some string lights, preferably those bright enough to light up your entire room at night. Make sure everything is fire safe and, of course, allowed by your college.
Clip String Lights | White String Lights | Green String Lights
DIY Ideas
Here are some DIY ideas for your room that are both decorative and functional. Enjoy!
Having a few little succulents in your room can be fun–you’d be surprised how much plants can really brighten up a space. This DIY shows you how to plant your succulents in tea cups. You can match the teacups to the colors in your room, or go a little rustic and put the succulents in small tin buckets or mugs. Want to get a little wacky? Put googly eyes on your succulents–it’ll make you laugh every time you see it!
via tattooed martha
Get creative with bulletin boards. Some dorm rooms come with bulletin boards pre-installed on the walls. Unless they’ve been recently replaced, or the room is new, they probably have a few gaping holes, rips, or tears. Find a print you love at a craft store, and cover the bulletin board with it. This will add a fun pop of color to the space, and immediately will make the room feel less empty and more like your own space. If you like this idea but your room doesn’t have a bulletin board, you can buy a simple bulletin board at a craft store and hang it yourself! P.S. instead of hanging notes and pictures on your fabulous board, hang your jewelry, keys, etc!
via annetheadventurer
Sometimes the desk furniture your college provides can feel stark and unwelcoming. If you love to study at your desk, you can make an easy peasy desk collage. Start by getting a clear desk pad at any office supply store. Next, find a cute patterned paper (or fabric)–even black or white will do–that you want to be the background. Cut it to fit the clear mat, and then slide photos, notes, and other paper knick knacks you’ve collected under the plastic.
via alittletipsy.com
Mason jars, mason jars, mason jars! The blue ones are a particular favorite. Put some peonies and daisies in one for a colorful vase. Tie ribbons around one in your school colors, and stick your pen collection inside. This DIY even shows you how to turn mason jars into an organizer for whatever you may need!
via inmyownstyle
via DIY Playbook
Hanging some patterned clipboards on your wall is a great way to get organized, and it looks good too! Clip papers you need to turn in to a professor, forms you need to get to your Resident Assistant, tickets for an upcoming game, or a note from your mom.
via gurl.com
Your “Must Haves” Shopping List
Last but not least, here are a few trusty essentials you want to have by your side. If your school allows it, invest in an electric tea kettle. If you’re an avid tea drinker, this little contraption heats water so quickly, and beats having to put a cup of hot water in the microwave. You’ll love heating up a cup for study sessions!
Grab a mirror to live inside your room, especially if you have a shared bathroom situation. For a soft light to study by, get a table lamp that can light up the room if your eyes are tired of your fairy lights. Put your laundry on wheels (if you have space!) so you’re not dragging a heavy bag of dirty clothes all the way to the laundry room. Get a favorite mug, and one to share, and while you’re at it, a travel mug to take to class. A Brita Pitcher will give you yummy filtered water all year long!
Mirror | Table Lamp | Laundry Bin | Best Day Ever Mug | Polka Dot Mug | Brita Pitcher
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