New year, new semester, and new dorm? Christmas break is finally over, and it’s time to buckle down once again with the start of the spring semester. One of the best ways to start off the semester strong is to clean up your dorm room and redecorate. Even if you can’t seem to find time between the rush of syllabus week, there are several simple and inexpensive ways to revamp your space without missing out on all the fun.
1. Lights
One of the most drastic changes you can make to a small space is to hang some lights! If you live in an older dorm with higher ceilings, this may take a bit more time and a small ladder, but the benefits are so worth the time! Buy some clear Command Decorating Strips to hold the lights without tearing up the walls and paying fees when you move out. Colored lights, white lights, or decorative string lights all work great, and they create terrific ambiance.
2. Pictures
Personally, one of my favorite ways to fill up empty wall space in my dorm room is to hang my favorite pictures or make collages of my semesters. Buy a trifold poster, like the ones you might have used in middle school for science or history fairs, and cut it into the three parts (two equal parts and one large part). Print out your favorite photos and use modge podge to adhere them to the poster board. Apply another layer on top for a glossy finish. Voila!
3. Flags
Do you have a large wall space that you just don’t have the time to decorate? One of the simplest ways to fill it is to purchase a flag. They come in all sizes, and you can even buy Notre Dame flags in the bookstore. If you travel often or went abroad last semester, invest in a flag that reminds you of your experience. It’s a fun personal touch that tends to start conversations.
4. Dry Erase or Chalk Board
Invest in a small dry erase board or chalk board, and use it to write notes to your roommate, write important events, or even to write inspirational daily quotes. There’s nothing more exciting than waking up to a “Good Luck on your Calc Exam!” note your roommate left for you on the board. If you are feeling ambitious, you could even make a calendar on the board. Decorate it seasonally by month with different colored markers.
5. Motivation Wall
If you are into motivational quotes or images, dedicate a wall to tape these messages onto and wake up to inspiration every day. Make it a running project and tape up photos that inspire you academically, artistically, or creatively. Find pictures that remind you of your goals and add them to the collage too. Soon you’ll have a beautiful space you can’t steer your eyes away from!
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Image courtesy of author