Let’s face it: college housing/apartments can be so bare and sterile. And after the initial excitement wears off, it basically feels like a prison cell. They can be small, lack space, have no personality, and are kind of drab all around. But… all that means is that it’s a blank slate to work with! Now decorating can be overwhelming and sometimes begin to add up, so here are a few ways to make your temporary living space feel more of a cozy home away from home!
Flowers:
Flowers are an amazing way to add color and life to a room, and they don’t have to be expensive! You could get a $6 bunch at HEB, or even a couple, and arrange them together as a beautiful addition to your room. The vase could be a literal glass from your kitchen or there are a ton of cheap vases, or you could even ask your parents if they have one they’d be willing to spare.
Bring some touches from home:
Whether that’s a pottery piece you made in your high school art class, your favorite books, a fluffy childhood stuffed animal, or a candle that’s always burning in your childhood home, all these are great ways to bring a little bit of home to your new place.
Add photos
Making a photo collage or hanging them on string lights, photos are the best kind of reminders to bring warmth to a place. CVS is always having deals going on, you can print out like 20 of your favorite photos, put ’em up, and have them always bring a smile to your face. Photos, not your thing? No problem, just cover those bare walls with anything. I have all my hats hung up, which is both functional and easy on the eyes.
Bedding
The bedding you choose can really set the tone for your room (seeing how much space in these small rooms the bed takes up LOL). You need it anyway, might as well get a cozy one that you’ll be happy to come back to after a long day of classes. Add throw pillows and even throws to your bed and living room, and it will change a lot more than you think. It’s also an effortless way to set the tone for the color theme.
Warm Lighting
It’s more of a choice, what type of lighting you like, but I prefer soft white, something that warms up the place. So switching out the bulbs or your desk lamp for the preferred type makes a huge difference that you’ll notice every time you flip the switch.
Seasonal Changes
You could try the target $1 section and pick out a thing every season! So pick out something cozy for fall, scary for Halloween, festive for the holidays, adorable for Valentine’s, and so on!