Here you are. You’re moving into your new dorm in school. You’re pumped and beyond excited to set all of your things up. You get in there and you’re taken back – housing must have messed something up. They put you in a shoe box, not a room! We’ve all been there. Most housing options in colleges are not very huge, and they most likely will not be as spacious as your room back home. But have no fear! There are quite a few tips and tricks that you can do in order to make the most out of your shoe box – eh, I mean dorm room. Well, without further ado, let’s get started.

1. Play around with lighting

The regular fluorescent lighting of a dorm room can seem very impersonal and almost industrial, which is why Christmas lights are becoming much more popular in dorm rooms. Unfortunately, a string of lights won’t completely help the lighting issue in your room, but more light will give the illusion that your room is much larger. Also, if you have a large window in your room, keep that bad boy open! Natural lighting always makes rooms and areas seem much bigger than they actually are.

2. Go for light colors

Darker colors make rooms seem much smaller, while brighter colors make rooms seem much larger. Those off-white walls in your room seem very dull, so why don’t you add some color to them? They will make your room look much bigger and spacious immediately! I personally use a light blue color scheme in my room and it makes my dorm rooms look much more spacious. Use removable wall decals to brighten up your walls. Darker colors are great as accent colors, but be sure to not overdo it.

3. Add in mirrors

It’s a little known fact that mirrors are great for making the room fuller. Mirrors will bounce the light around the room and create the illusion that the room goes on forever. These are very much optional, but mirrors will definitely make the room seem bigger and plus, a full size mirror is exactly what you need to make sure that you aren’t going to your 8 a.m. class looking like a mess.

4. Watch out for clutter

The easiest way to make a room seem small is to add some clutter to it. Don’t bring unnecessary things with you; leave it all at home. And with what you bring, just make sure that you’ll be able to put it in your closet or underneath your bed.

5. Loft your bed

If you are able to, set your bed for one of the higher settings. If your bed isn’t adjustable, you can purchase bed risers as well. This makes it possible to put some of your furniture underneath your bed in order to have some room. Depending on how high you set it, you can add in your dresser, along with your desk. This will definitely add some space in your room.

6. Compact & multifunctional furniture

Ottomans are great purchases which I would definitely recommend getting for your dorm. Not only are they good for an extra table, chair, or foot rest while at your desk, but you can also put your additional things inside of it. And when you do not need it, you can just push it underneath your desk or bed, and you’re all set.

I would only hope that these tips and tricks are able to help and assist you with your new journey into your new dorm. Good luck and have fun!