Winter quarter got you down? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. While you might not be able to control the gusts of wind outside or the curve on your last Econ exam, something entirely fixable that can brighten your day is the look of your dorm room or apartment. A few simple changes can give you an entirely new perspective and, hopefully, spread some cheer. While the weather outside is frightful, your little nook on this campus doesn’t have to be. Here are a few easy, inexpensive ideas to update your living quarters.
1. Photos
Photos are cheap, easy to obtain, and remind you of fun times. Feeling homesick or nostalgic of high school? Haven’t called your parents in a while? A photo from graduation on your desk might make you feel a little better while you’re doing homework late at night, or a family picture might remind you to Skype mom and dad later this week. Even if you don’t have a color printer, you can easily print photos at CVS (in Kimbark Plaza on 53rd and Kimbark, accessed by the 172 and the East shuttle) or Walgreens (in Hyde Park Shopping Center, on 55th and Lake Park, accessed by the 55, East and Central shuttles). At both stores, for same-day prints you can either bring in a USB with photos or upload pictures directly from your computer onto their websites. At Walgreens, one-hour photos are available. Both stores’ photo interfaces also allow you to sync directly from Facebook. Each frequently run specials; for example, on CVS’ website right now, you can order 40 4×6 prints for only $5. They also both have mobile applications (easily downloaded from the App Store) where you can upload and order prints of photos directly from your smartphone library or your Facebook account.
For some fun, hang the photos on your wall in cool designs, like this heart. Check out Pinterest for fun photo arrangement ideas.
2. Furniture
You don’t have to go out and spend a fortune on new duds, but something small, such as a new throw pillow or vase, can easily change the look of a room. A fun pop of color on an item – even on a $3 wastepaper basket from Amazon Prime – adds something exciting to a drab space.
For a completely free pick-me-up, try re-arranging your furniture in the room. Maybe you can switch the position of your bed and desk. Maybe you would sleep better under the window instead of next to the wall. If you live with a roommate, coming up with new arrangements makes for an exciting rainy Saturday afternoon. If you live in a dorm and there is a piece of furniture you don’t want in the room anymore, the facilities management team is usually happy to take it off your hands and put it in storage. Just send them a work order to let them know. Also, you can try lofting your bed if you haven’t before for a new perspective and some more storage space. If your bed doesn’t loft naturally, you can order a lofting kit for around $10 from Target or Amazon Prime.
3. Organization/Cleaning
Sometimes, simply cleaning up can create a whole new look in your space. Put scarves and belts on hooks or hangers, clothes you don’t wear as often in baskets under your bed, and line up your shoes. Use Clorox wipes to disinfect common areas and Febreeze to clean the air (it can get so stuffy this time of year!) Don’t forget to clean your sheets every so often; the busy college student often forgets this, but there is nothing like coming home to a fresh set of sheets. Even if you’re only sleeping four hours every night, nothing beats the feeling of laying down on clean linens.