Dorm life: It’s a trademark of the college lifestyle, a world unlike any other. Decorating a dorm room can be challenging. It's more than just a place to sleep.....it's a study hall, an all night diner, a game room, a space in which to socialize and yes....to sleep. Most universities provide students with a bed and mattress, desk, chair, dresser, and if you're lucky.....bookshelves, a blank slate. This can be somewhat intimidating to students and their parents, but not to worry. There are ways to spruce up your dorm room, inexpensively, so that it doesn’t look like a cell from Sing Sing. You can not only make it livable but quite charming. Turning this space into a 'home away from home' will help you feel more at ease while you are away at college. Each university has very specific rules about what a student can or can’t do to his dorm room, so make sure to find out what they are before you get that paint brush out.
Living in a dorm room …. What can I say? It's a rite of passage and I loved every minute of it! Here are a few ideas to make your transition from home to college a bit easier.
Although you may not be thrilled about sharing a small space with a roommate, you can make the most of the situation by creating a homey, cozy atmosphere. Get your roommate on board and create an area that you will both love and can be comfortable in. Create a room where you enjoy living, laughing and socializing with good friends and most importantly study.
- Space is limited in a dorm room, you may sit on your bed when you are studying and using your computer. Invest in a nice set of sheets. Buy pretty ones. That way, when your bed is unmade (always?) it will still look pretty. Buy a reversible comforter for your bed. When you get tired of one side, flip it over and you will have an entirely different look going on. You are getting two-for-one!
- Affordable decorative throw and floor pillows are an easy way to add color to a drab room. They can also be used as seating or lounging for friends.
- Lighting is essential because you need to see all of those words that you are going to be reading. Get a desk lamp that provides good functional lighting. String some rope lights around the room, it will really help your room look bright and cheery.
- It's a safe bet that your space will be limited so make the most of your tiny area. There are different ways of popping-up your bed and creating extra square footage below. You will save space and gain quick access to whatever you need.....when you need it.
- If you have access to some cheap carpeting....USE IT! Placing carpet in the room is going to make the area cozier and warmer. You and your friends can sit on the floor and visit, eat or even study, comfortably.
- Hang a mirror on the wall. Mirrors reflect light and give the illusion of there being more space than there actually is.
- Peel and stick wall decals require no tools and are easy to hang. These budget-friendly dorm decorating accessories come in a wide range of styles. Assorted picture frames, the New York or London skyline, even erasable chalkboard and so many more. What a great way to liven up your space and make a statement about yourself.
- Add some live plants, remember to water them, or maybe some artwork – your own? You can take a favorite photo and have it blown-up to poster size. How about cheery curtains? It is cheaper to purchase an extra set of sheets and make your own. They will match your bedding and look more uniform.
Make it memorable! You'll be glad you did.
ENJOY!
the domestic curator ~ ronda
I LOVE the dorm room ideas...too bad my girls are not in college anymore!!!
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding me??? I tried to find a picture of Kristin and Heather's room while they were at JBC...it was so pretty. I did find a few ideas for E's room next year!
DeleteFUN!
DeleteGreat tips regrading Dorm Life. You provided the best information which helps us a lot. Thanks for sharing the wonderful information.
ReplyDelete