Setting up your college room can be tough, especially when you are going through so many other changes adjusting to college life. Living in a residence hall can be fun, but a dorm is not like your childhood bedroom. I asked Addison Smith, a sophomore in our Interior Design program, for her perspective on making residence halls a more comfortable environment. Here is what she had to say! 

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Whether you are heading back to campus for the semester or moving in for the first time, the cinder block walls and tile floors of your new dorm room might feel very intimidating. However, there are many ways to make your dorm room cozy, relaxing, and a home away from home! Through the interior design program at Anderson, I have learned that often the small details can make the biggest impact in a space, and the same is true for your dorm room. As you embark on this new adventure at Anderson, here are six tips to help make your dorm room feel like home!  

Tip #1 – Maximize the space to suit your needs and style best 

It can be helpful to consider what you want to use the space for and adjust the layout of your room accordingly. Do you want your room set up for studying? Maybe you have a dedicated study area and bring a hutch for your desk to store textbooks and school supplies. Do you want to have movie nights with your friends? Consider lofting your bed and bring a couch or futon for under your bed and set up a TV on your dresser.  

Tip #2 – Cozy bedding 

Do not forget that your dorm bed needs twin XL bedding. A duvet cover or extra blankets can be helpful for added warmth, and one or two throw pillows are a fun addition. However, too many throw pillows will quickly become an added hassle in your morning routine. Consider simple layering of designs and colors to provide visual interest. You and your roommate don’t have to match everything to achieve a cohesive look.  

Tip #3 – Organization 

If you choose not to loft your bed, maximize your square footage by raising your bed high enough to fit your dresser and/or fridge, as well as additional drawer storage, under your bed, and choose a nightstand or cart as a side table that optimizes storage. A long bed skirt can be used to hide the storage under your bed. Opt for vertical storage, such as cube towers, and do not forget to take advantage of over-the-door storage. An over-the-door shoe organizer can be used for more than just shoes (such as a curling iron, extra bathroom or cleaning supplies, etc.) and a few over-the-door hooks are often helpful for towels and bags.  

Tip #4 – Lighting  

Your dorm will likely only have a single overhead light. It is helpful to have smaller ambient lighting throughout the room, like a desk lamp, a clip-on reading lamp, string lights, LED lights, or any lamp with a warm, soft glow. This helps to cheer up the room and accommodate different activities in your space. Sometimes lighting is overlooked, but it is often one of the most important elements in making your dorm room feel like home, especially if natural light is at a minimum.  

Tip #5 – Rug 

A rug will help to keep your feet warm on chilly winter days and will add color, texture, and visual interest to the space. Rugs are a great way to tie the colors and theme of your room together. A rug also creates a cozy extension of your living area and is an inviting place for game nights, movie nights, or study sessions with friends.  

Tip #6 – Wall Decor 

For your walls, opt for large and lightweight pieces that can be hung with command strips for damage-free hanging. Choose decorations to bring interest, color, and texture to the blank walls, and incorporate personal touches from home, such as family photos or keepsakes. Pennants, banners, license plates, posters, jerseys, scripture prints, macrame tapestries, woven baskets, flags, and a photo wall are great inexpensive options to cover your dorm room walls.  

Also, remember to bring surge protectors for charging your devices, and some of your favorite snacks to stock your fridge and share with your new friends. Candles are not allowed, but bring a wax warmer or diffuser for seasonal fragrance in your dorm room. Ultimately, you and your roommate will both have unique styles that you will bring to campus, and this is an exciting opportunity to create a space that you both love.