Whether you’re heading off for your first year at college or returning for another round, it’s an exciting time. However, dorm rooms are rarely described as exhilarating. In fact, they are often quite the opposite. Dorm rooms are usually small, cramped and lacking in any sort of personality. But there are ways to change that. With a few simple tricks — a few comfy bedding pillows here and some space-saving organizers there — you can transform your dorm room into a cozy and comfortable space that feels like home. Here are eleven ways to make your dorm room more comfortable:
Bring Your Own Pillows and Blankets
Pillows and blankets from home will make your dorm bed feel much more comfortable and familiar. Not to mention, higher-quality bedding comforters and other linens will help with getting a good night’s sleep, which is essential for college success. Enough reasons for you yet? We thought so. You’re sold.
You may like to read: Tips to Pick the Perfect Pillow for your Bedroom.
Personalize Your Space with Photos and Artwork
One of the best ways to make your dorm room feel like home is to personalize it with photos and artwork. Hang up some posters, put up a photo collage or frame your favorite artwork. This will help add some personality to your room and make it feel more like yours. It’s also a great way to show off your interests and taste to your roommate.
Use Storage Containers and Organizers to Keep Your Space Tidy
When living in a small space, keeping things tidy is essential. Otherwise, your room can start to feel cluttered and cramped. Use storage containers and organizers to keep your items organized and in their place. This will help free up some space and make your room feel more spacious. Before buying, ensure there’s a space for them in the room. Measure your drawers, shelves and the area under your bed and buy accordingly.
Also Read: 10 Modern Bedroom Wardrobe Design Ideas.
Bring a Lamp and Desk Light for Better Lighting
Dorm rooms often have terrible lighting, making them feel cramped and depressing. At worst, they’ll be brutally bright and fluorescent, which has been linked to an increase in eye disease in some studies. At best, they’ll be dim and yellow. Bring your own lamp to add some better lighting to your room. And don’t forget a desk light with adjustable brightness for studying.
Decorate with Fairy Lights
Speaking of lighting, fairy lights are a great way to add some personality to your space and make it feel cozier. They come in all colors and styles, so you can find the perfect ones to match your aesthetic. Plus, they’re really cheap and easy to find. You can string them up around your bed frame, above your desk, or even in a Mason jar to use as a bedside lamp.
Also Read: Best Grow Lights for Indoor Plants in 2022.
Get a Rug or Carpet to Cozy Up Your Room
Rugs are great for adding warmth, color and personality to a room. They can also help define your space and make it feel more put-together. A rug is a must if your dorm room has tile or linoleum floors. Which it almost always will. It’ll make the room feel cozier, deaden sounds and help you keep your feet warm in the winter. Get one that’s durable and easy to clean, as it’ll probably get a lot of foot traffic.
Also Read: How Rugs Can Change the Look of the Entire Room.
Get a Comfortable Chair or Bean Bag for Relaxing
A comfortable chair or bean bag will make your dorm room feel more like home. It’ll be a great spot to curl up with a book or take a nap between classes. And it’ll come in handy when you have friends over — they won’t have to sit on your bed or desk chair.
Make Your Bed the Most Comfortable Place in the World
Often, generic dorm room mattresses are uncomfortable and leave you feeling sore in the morning. But there’s something you can do to make your bed more comfortable. Get a mattress pad or topper to make it softer. Mattress pads are fantastic because they make your mattress more comfortable and protect it from stains. Getting enough sleep — that means seven hours or more per night — is essential for students who want to perform better on exams and maintain better GPAs. A comfortable mattress is key to getting a good night’s sleep.
Embrace Sheer and Blackout Curtains in Tandem
Dorm room windows are usually pretty bare, so hanging curtains is a great way to make the space feel cozier. Plus, it’ll give you some privacy (essential when living in such close quarters). We recommend getting both sheer and blackout curtains — that way, you can let in some natural light during the day and block out all the light when you want to sleep.
Bring Some Green into the Room with Plants
Plants are a great way to add some life to your room and make it feel more like home. They can help purify the air, improve your mood and even boost your productivity. If you’re not much of a green thumb, don’t worry — there are plenty of low-maintenance plants that are perfect for beginners. Just make sure you do your research before purchasing, as some plants are better suited for certain climates than others.
Work with Your Roommate(s) to Create a Joint Space
If you’re living with roommates, creating a joint space everyone feels comfortable in is essential. This can be as simple as setting up a TV area or game console in the common room. Or, if you have a bit more space, you could set up a small table and chairs for shared meals. If you’re living in a standard, two-bed dorm room, you can also try to create a cohesive look by decorating with similar colors and styles. The point is that you do it together so that everyone feels like they have a say in the matter.
Final Comfy Dorm Room Thoughts
You don’t need to break the bank, and you don’t need to do it all on the first day. Just take your time and add things as you go. The most important thing is that you make your dorm room feel like home — because, at the end of the day, that’s what it is. It’s a place where you can relax, study and spend time with your friends. So, make it a space that you enjoy being in.
