For many college students, dorm life marks their first experience with independent living—a “home away from home.” While this time is exciting, it also comes with its challenges: How do you transform a single room into a space for work, sleep, and relaxation?
We reached out to décor experts for some helpful tips:
- Start by making sure you and your roommate(s) are aligned. “Have a conversation with your roommate to plan who’s bringing what,” suggests Lauren Phillips, associate editorial director at Better Homes & Gardens. “When everyone feels involved in the process, it can help strengthen your relationship.”
- Learn about the building and room you’ll be moving into. “Does it have a semi-private or shared bathroom? Are the walls cement blocks or plaster? Shop based on the actual space you’ll be living in,” Phillips recommends.
- Consider the pros and cons of lofted or bunk beds. “They may seem fun for the first few weeks, but by fall break, you’ll likely regret having to climb a ladder every night,” Phillips advises. She suggests raising the bed for extra storage underneath, and always bringing a mattress pad for added comfort and cleanliness.
- When it comes to storage, make sure to allocate space and budget for it. Focus on items like hanging rods that double your closet’s capacity, over-the-door shoe racks, stacking bins, and under-bed organizers to maximize space.
- Pack plenty of chargers and power strips with long cords. “There likely won’t be enough outlets, and the ones available will probably be in inconvenient locations,” says Emily White from Dormify, a website dedicated to dorm essentials. Consider furniture with built-in plugs or charging ports, such as headboards, bed frames, and tables.
- Keep it simple and budget-friendly. College isn’t the time to invest in high-end furniture. “With constant moving and the wear and tear of college life, your items will deteriorate quickly,” Phillips points out. “And unless you plan to use that bean bag chair in your first apartment or sleep on a twin bed forever, you probably won’t take much of your college furniture with you after graduation.”
- Create a cozy hangout space. Since you can stream content on other devices, a TV might not be worth the space. Instead, Phillips recommends a projector. “There are great mini or portable projectors that easily connect to your device, allowing you to set up a movie night in just minutes,” she says. For extra seating, consider foldable chairs, bean bags, and small ottomans (preferably with built-in storage) that can be easily stored when not in use.
- If you want a themed dorm room, White suggests some popular options, including “coastal beachy,” “music fan,” “outdoor/nature,” “‘70s era,” “coquette,” and “quiet luxury.”
- There’s no need to rush. Take your time before making major changes or decorating extensively. “You’ll discover how you function best in this new space during your first semester, so ensure your room can adapt to your needs,” advises Phillips.
