With fall semester just around the corner, now’s the time to stock up on college essentials. Notebooks, laundry detergent and ramen noodles might be on your to-buy list. But all of those items won’t help make your jailcell-sized dorm feel like home while you’re at college. Here’s some tips on what to bring to make your room feel cozy.
Extra lighting
Lamps and Christmas lights can add some light and warmth to your room. Often times, dorm room lighting isn’t always the best, and having an extra lamp for your desk will make your room feel more lively. Try Home Goods for fun choices.
Pillows and blankets
Pillows are great. And I’m not just talking about the one for your head when you rest. Bring some floor pillows, decorative pillows or a comfy back pillow for your bed. TJ Maxx always has a big selection of colorful options. Bring along your favorite blanket (and a few more) and you’ll be surprised how often you’ll use it.
Storage bins.
If your bed is raised, or you have a big, shelved closet, pretty storage bins will both hold all your small junk and make your room look polished. Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond have great options.
Rug
A small area rug will bring both color (and maybe even pattern!) and comfort to your room, especially if you have hard floors.
Scented plug in
Scent is a strong type of sense, so make your room smell heavenly with either a plug in or room freshener. Keep your room clean too to ward off that old-pizza or dirty socks smell.
Artwork and pictures
Pack along some artwork that inspires you, and reminds you of home. Stick up pictures of close family and friends on either a whiteboard or cork board with push pins. It’s the easiest (and cheapest) way to redecorate or revive a room without breaking the bank.
Stick on hooks
These are great for hanging up light coats, bags, scarves or even jewelry. Try organizing your necklaces by displaying them on removable hanging hooks. It’ll add some flare to your bare walls and help keep your chains from getting tangled.
Feel free to bring anything that reminds you of home (I brought a cool seashell I found on the beach by my house) but don’t go too wild! Most likely you’ll have a small room, so don’t overwhelm it with clutter.
