It can be really hard to leave everything behind for college. Whether you’re leaving your home state or not, it’s still a completely different environment than you’re used to, with new people to meet and places to explore. It can feel incredibly intimidating, and it’s natural to miss the familiarity of your loved ones and friends. Something that I haven’t seen as many people talk about is missing your room itself.
My room back home was a shrine to everything I’ve ever loved. Movie posters covered the walls, string lights curled around the bed posts, and every flat surface was home to adorable trinkets and piles of books.
It’s safe to say that I was absolutely devastated when I had to pack everything up. I looked forward to getting to decorate my dorm, of course, but I knew it would take time and effort to make my new space feel as delightfully comforting as my room back home once did.
Here are some of my tips on how to create a cozy dorm space for yourself.
- LIGHTING
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It sounds incredibly basic but, adding a few different light sources can really make your space feel less like a motel room and more like a home. I’m the type of person who cannot stand most overhead lighting. If the big light is on, I’m going to turn it off in favor of something that’s less harsh on my eyes. That’s where fun lamps and string lights come into play. Even just adding a small light (I have a cute Miffy one on my bedside dresser) can really improve the look and feel of your dorm.
- WALL DECOR
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This is my favorite part of decorating any space. Blank walls can be really depressing, and who doesn’t love to cover their space with reminders of things they love? There are many ways you can get cheap posters online, and you could print out photos of the important people in your life. Having physical reminders of the fond memories you share with the people you love is sure to help with homesickness, as well as make your space feel more like you.
- THROW PILLOWS AND BLANKETS
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It can be really tempting to do schoolwork curled up in bed, but how productive is that really? I’ve found that keeping extra blankets in my ottoman is very useful for when I need to sit at my desk and work but want to feel warm and cozy. There are also so many fun throw pillows out there that are sure to add personality to your bed or any chairs you have in the dorm. They also make sitting at a desk a lot more comfortable.
- SNACKS
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Yes, this can become a bit of a dangerous one if you’re not careful, especially if you’re the type of person who snacks a lot. But keeping comfort food around can be a great way to make a space feel more like home. Plus, you can even get some seasonal treats and invite some friends over for a movie night.
- SWEET SCENTS
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Okay, so you can’t technically have candles in a dorm. That’s alright! There are still other ways you can keep your space smelling nice. Reed diffusers or room mists can do wonders in refreshing your area. Nobody likes a musty dorm room, and having nice-smelling aromas in one’s room can have great benefits.
Keeping all of this in mind, your dorm is sure to feel cozier in no time!
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