It’s finally time to go back to school, thankfully, ‘cause I was about to go crazy (sorry, mom and dad). Even though going back to school is amazing, going back to living in a small square isn’t the greatest. Whether you’re a freshman or returning to the dorm life for round two, here are some tips to help make your dorm feel like home -- even without your dogs and big bed.
1. Make your bed as comfy as possible
If you’re anything like me, you will spend a concerning amount of time lying in your bed, so comfort is key. Invest in a thick mattress pad, but be careful because if you or someone else (shout out to my girl Eileen) pees in your bed, there is no way to clean it. Also, you can never have enough pillows or blankets. There is no one around to yell at you for not making your bed, but on the rare occasions when you do having an extra blanket to use, it's a great way to make your neat bed last longer.
Check out Urban Outfitters for funny and cute throw pillows.
2. Mega-beds are a thing
This option only works if you don’t kick in your sleep or steal the covers. Going from a big bed to a twin is borderline depressing, so if you’re close enough with your roommate, the mega-bed is a great option. It’s easy, too -- literally all you have to do is push both of your beds together and there ya have it. Quick heads-up: this can get real weird if someone brings a guy back to your room.
3. Posters are cheap and effortless
If you’re not into decorating or crafting for your room, posters are a lifesaver. It is a great way to show off what you like that makes your bland white walls more fun. You can easily order them online or find them at stores for a reasonable price. The options are endless, too; you can hang up anything -- from your favorite TV show, celebrity, or, if you’re a guy, some hot, half-naked girl. Last year my dorm room featured Miley, Jon Snow, and One Direction -- great eye candy.
4. Avoid the unflattering dorm lighting
I don’t care where you go to school, I have yet to find a dorm room that has good lighting. Avoid this by getting a floor lamp to add some light into your room that isn’t fluorescent. Lamps can also add more decoration to your room, which is a great bonus. A desk lamp is a plus, too, not only for homework purposes, but when you’re putting on your makeup you will feel a lot better about the way you look.
5. Organization is important
Trust me you will save yourself from a lot of unnecessary stress if you stay organized. I spent a lot of time at my desk, and the library scared me for a while, so having organizers for my papers, pens, textbooks, etc. was very beneficial. It is also easy to find colorful or patterned containers to help brighten/organize your desk at places like the Container Store or PB Teen.
6. Photos are a necessity
Hanging up photos or having picture frames on your desk is a great way to decorate your room and help alleviate some of those homesick feelings you may have at times. Bonus: If you hang the pictures on your wall in a pattern, you’re bound to look artsy. It’s easy to do.
No matter how you choose to decorate your dorm, after a while it will feel like home. You may not think so at first, but you will be excited to go back to your tiny living quarters after long breaks and you will get sad when it's time to move everything out at the end of the year. Living in the dorms will provide some of your best memories in college, so enjoy!
