Step one in turning a dorm into a comfortable home: recruit a parent who has an eye for decorating.
My mom has helped decorate my room each year of college, and my dad is the go-to for move-in tasks like hanging frames, assembling the futon, and the heavy lifting.
Welcome to my room! (All of my door decorations were made by other RAs.)
I’ve shared dorm tours for my first and sophomore years, so it felt natural to do one for my junior year as well. Living in the dorms as a junior feels different: some friends have moved off campus and I’m still here. As an RA I appreciate the proximity to class, the library, and friends, but that makes it even more important to make the room feel like home. Here are the ways I’ve done that.
1. Tons of pillows and soft blankets
My futon becomes a cozy spot with lots of pillows and a fluffy comforter or soft blanket, especially in winter. I like the look of a couch overflowing with pillows — the turquoise bird pillows I added this year are playful and brighten the space.
A thick foam topper on the thin dorm mattress makes a huge difference for sleep quality.
2. Personal items and meaningful decor
One wall started blank but over the year three creative friends added artwork that fits together perfectly. I also keep a memory box with letters and notes from friends, and my bulletin board is usually covered in current photos and reminders.
My 20th birthday last year with my “jogs, blogs, & dogs” collage. She knows me so well!
3. Lots of pictures
Pictures are one of my favorite decorations. From picture collages to magnets on the mini-fridge to photo coasters, my room is dotted with snapshots of good times and close friends. Being surrounded by those memories makes the space feel warm and familiar.
4. Cozy mood lighting
The overhead light is a harsh fluorescent strip, so I rarely use it. I open curtains during the day for natural light, and at night I rely on two lamps for warm, comfortable lighting that makes the room feel relaxing.
5. A pleasant scent
I use an essential oils diffuser so the room smells inviting. After a long day I change into cozy pajamas and turn on the diffuser, usually with a calming scent like lavender.
6. Basic kitchen supplies I actually use
There’s no room for a stand mixer, but I keep pots, pans, basic spices (salt, pepper, cayenne, curry powder, garlic powder), olive and grapeseed oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. With those staples I can make salad dressings, roast vegetables, and cook simple meals. I also keep glass Tupperware for packed lunches, plastic sandwich bags, and parchment paper for roasting.
7. A few extras that make life easier
Online shopping has been a lifesaver, especially when parking or transportation makes errands hard. I use Amazon Prime for convenience: fast delivery, easy access to essentials, and often better textbook prices than the campus bookstore. Prime Student offers a free six-month trial and a discounted annual rate after that, including free two-day shipping and Prime Video streaming.
My most recent Amazon Prime haul
My recent Prime haul included kitchen items like a lunch thermostat, water filter replacement parts, powdered peanut butter, parchment paper, a stability ball for studying, and a stack of textbooks. I order textbooks through Prime for the speed and price — ordering last Thursday and receiving them Saturday gave me time before classes started.
So tell me…
Are you an Amazon Prime user? What small touches make your dorm, apartment, or house feel like home?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are my own.