For many students, moving into residence halls and living on campus has been a marvelous tradition that shapes college life on gorgeous campuses. Your room in your residence hall is the place you live and sleep. Although it can seem dingy, small, and could never really be like home, this is one place that can become a comfortable haven, where you can live how you like and establish a sense of independence. Also, it is a place ideal for decorating it with stuff you like, adding souvenirs and pictures, and getting yourself the coziest bed cover!
Unfortunately, campuses are shutting down and fewer students are moving into residence halls. More classes are shifting to online platforms as the pandemic continues to have an adverse impact on our lives and safety outside home. As a result, many incoming freshmen are having to miss out on this wonderful experience of living on campus and establishing strong and meaningful relationships.
But does that really stop one from thinking about decorating your room and making it feel like home? Well, you can decorate your dorm room with Google Sketchup and the 3D Warehouse!
But what is Google Sketchup?
Google Sketchup is a 3D Modelling software for drawing applications, such as architectural drawing, interior design, landscape architecture, film, and video game design. Secondly, the software allows users to build 3D Models of their choice. These could include buildings, houses, landmarks, and airports. In addition, users even design airplanes, fruits, and even 3D human figures! Some users also model buildings on maps that are exported to Google Earth as 3D Buildings. Google Sketchup is owned by Trimble, a company that delivers products and services that connect the physical and digital worlds.
Very cool!! But what is the 3D Warehouse?
The 3D Warehouse is like an online library where users can upload and share models they made and even download and view models they like.
How do we do it?
Step 1:
Begin by opening Google Sketchup on your laptop or desktop. If you don’t have Google Sketchup, you could download it for free. Then, you may open 3D Warehouse by going to “Window” and clicking “3D Warehouse.” The tab of 3D Warehouse will open, and you can look for objects and models using the search bar.
Step 2:
On 3D Warehouse, search for models of dorms where they have designed the room. One of them will be, “A Collection of College Dorm Rooms,” which will have dorm rooms designed for you. Open it and you will have the option to download it directly to Google Sketchup.
Useful tool: On Google Sketchup, you can adjust the views using the “Orbit tool” and the “Look Around Tool.”
Step 3:
After opening it on Google Sketchup, you can start decorating the room by importing objects from 3D Warehouse by repeating step 1.
The objects you choose can be similar to what you would have chosen to decorate your dorm in person and perhaps there might be some which you would like to have that you can have here!
While we miss the feeling of moving in in person, this is an opportunity to “move in” while we stay safe and yet enjoy the feeling of a dorm room while we stay home and practice social distancing.