Transform an impersonal space, and make it yours

There are few times in life that are more exciting than your first year in college. Parents may worry their heads off about the transition as their kids venture out into the world, and the young folk themselves may be nervous even if they don’t show it. One way to ease the stress is to concentrate on thedorm room.

Dorm rooms are not built to be shining examples of comfortable living. Their design has more in common with a cabin at camp, or even military barracks. So it’s no small challenge to make one feel like home.

Usually the room is tiny and cramped. Thus ‘dorm’ versions of furniture are commonly the compact, mini-sized product. Outlets and discount storesare chock full of this kind of thing every August as kids prepare for school.

Before you go shopping, you might want to check out this article that has some wise advice concerning your choices (for instance, “Dorm room furniture should be cheap, even if you have a big budget.”)

Obviously, you want to outfit the room with the most inviting furniture and accoutrements, within the given size restrictions. The room will come already equipped with several pieces of furniture that you’ll need to work around. Try to soften the hard edges and impersonal feeling with colors and textures, pillows and perhaps an overstuffed chair, and a throw rug or two.

Most kids take their dorm room walls very seriously. They’ll have certain posters or other hangings that absolutely must dominate their gaze (no matter how unattractive these may seem to parents.)  If, after indulging these, the room still lacks a certain something, a few wall stickers could be your answer. Don’t forget other necessaries like a chalkboard for messages to your roomie, a bulletin board, and a mirror.

Finally, while cheap-but-sturdy new items and made-for-dorm-room décor is a smart way to go, you can ease more smoothly into the new lifestyle if you bring along a few things that remind you of home.

Don’t worry if these items from home look a little odd in the sterile dorm environment. So what if your favorite curtains are a little bit too long for the windows, or if your beloved armchair is a little too large for the room? A thing or two that is uniquely yours will provide comfort and confidence, and they’ll be excellent conversation starters with your new friends!