As you take the next steps into adulthood, it feels as if the world is your oyster. You have people to meet, life-changing classes to take and a dorm the size of a single car garage that you share with a complete stranger.
Luckily for you, there are plenty of functional ways to decorate your dorm that remain stylish enough that you can almost forget you live in a shoebox with finicky AC.
Use all your space
One of the best ways to make your dorm feel bigger is to utilize space that’s already there. I recommend placing at least some of your storage underneath your bed, which creates less visual clutter and more open space in the floor plan.
To make it look even more high-end, you can opt for a bed skirt, which goes for about $15 on Amazon. This is especially good if you want to hide some of your less aesthetically pleasing items (such as a shoe rack, hamper or the Miami-issued dressers).
Don’t forget about vertical space as well. The ceilings in most dorms are decently high, so investing in vertical shelving is a must. I recommend some sort of over-the-fridge unit; that way you can create an entire kitchen space in less than a square foot of your room.
Make different spaces
Speaking of kitchen space, a great method for making your room feel larger is to create designated spaces.
Yes, this means keeping your studying spaces separate from the comfort of your bed. I know better than anyone that the sweet siren song of that twin XL mattress can completely disrupt your workflow.
Maximize your desk for productivity. Add a cup of pens and pencils, a calendar of upcoming deadlines, pictures of women you can’t disappoint.
Add extra seating however you can, whether that be a storage ottoman, a comfy folding chair or even a beanbag or futon for more permanent seating.
Let there be light
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If you’re like me and fear the dreaded overhead light, I strongly recommend finding some fun lighting of your own.
I got a set of string lights, and it completely changed the vibe of my dorm. You won’t think about it much in the fall, but as soon as winter hits and it gets dark at 4 p.m., you’ll rejoice in coming home to warm, cozy lighting.
You can also find a good number of fun and funky lighting options decently cheap, and it does wonders to give your room personality.
Let your personality shine
Lastly, the best bit of advice I can give someone is to make your room your own. I set aside the wall nearest my bed to decorate with photos from home, notes from family and friends and things I gathered throughout the year.
It became a conversation piece when new people came into my room, and an amazing way to remember both my accomplishments and the people I’ve gotten to share them with.
All said and done, this place is your home. Fill it with whatever brings you joy.
Elise Hanna is the Digital Media Editor and a sophomore strategic communication major. Alongside writing, she is involved in Kappa Alpha Pi and enjoys the Detroit Lions, the Muppets and learning about the Watergate scandal.
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