Transforming Your College Dorm Room into Your Castle

Are you college bound this fall? If you are, this is going to be one of the most exciting times of your life. To start this amazing journey, it’s important to make your “home away from home” as comfortable as possible. Dorm rooms can often look like prison cells, so let’s get you motivated to create the “perfect dorm room.” 

No matter how you and your potential roommate decide to decorate your dorm room, organization is essential. This space has to perform several different functions including living, playing, sleeping, and most importantly, studying.

Here are some tips to consider:

• Since you’re most likely going to be sharing a space, if possible, get in touch with your soon-to-be roommate before school begins so you can discuss what to bring and what not to bring.  
• Bring only what you need — for example, you can always change seasonal clothes over school vacation. 
• Keep your room simple — less clutter means more space to live. 
• Remember all of the spaces you can use, such as under the beds (with bed lifters or cinder blocks) and hooks behind doors.
• Think up. You may not have that much space all around the floor area but you can always build up. A great idea for your desk is to place a hutch, or other organizational unit, on top to add more space.
• Contact your school to see what furniture is included and if you're able to create loft spaces. If so, you can by lifting your bed up high and placing your desk underneath for your study area.
• Do you know older college students? Talk to them about what to bring and what to leave home.

There are many places to buy the organizational items you’ll need for school. Stores such as Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and of course, my go-to, , carry everything from shower caddy’s, to plastic dressers you can place in your closet, to desk lamps.

I’m sure you’ll be receiving (if you haven’t already) a list from your college to help you get started. Take this list when you go shopping, be creative, and remember to stay organized.  

I wish you the best of luck. Study hard and have lots of fun.