As a freshman, living away from home can be scary, and living in a dorm can be absolutely terrifying. The best way to conquer dorm fears and homesickness is with a comfy, cozy, well-decorated “home away from home.”
Though a stylish room can seem like the most important aspect of dorm decorating, it is extremely important to keep convenience and storage in mind. In other words, don’t deck out your room in a million picture frames and paintings at the beginning of the year only to realize what a pain it is to take them all down at the end of the year.
I can understand wanting pictures of familiar faces surrounding you, but space is very important. I recommend either buying a giant picture frame with multiple spaces for photographs or a cork board. A couple of extra frames is fine, but on move out day you do not want to deal with the hassle of individually removing 15-20 frames and paintings (this was me May of 2013).
Clothing storage is always an issue to be wary of. If you’re like me and you simply can’t bear to part with even one top and feel the need to take everything, and I mean everything, with you, remember these:
1) Space-saver bags. Though the infomercials are silly, these things are lifesavers, especially if you’re from out of state and need to store bulky winter clothing.
2) Extra closet. Yes, an extra closet. I bought one for about $40 on a dorm website and it was my best dorm purchase. Dorm closets tend to be tiny and these closets don’t take up that much space for the amount of use you get.
3) Stackable, flat containers. You want flat containers so they easily slide under beds. These are great for not only clothing storage, but food and miscellaneous storage.
Remember when shopping for a residence hall room, anything that utilizes space is a must. Besides the clothing storage lists above, try to buy futons with drawers underneath, ottomans that open for bedding storage, and things that can stick to walls and closets to hold stuff.
Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten the importance of fashion. Pick out bright bedding. Fluorescent lighting can make the dorm seem like a hospital and bright colors will help combat this. Also invest in a curtains, rugs and lamps. You will be surprised at just how much these three pieces will warm up a room.
Here are a few more things that I recommend you bring/don’t bring:
Things To Bring: Microwave and fridge (coordinate with the roommate), a couple throw pillows, desk organizer, jewelry organizer, printer, three-drawer storage container and a shoe rack.
Things Not To Bring: Excessive decorations without function, too many books other than textbooks, too many throw pillows or blankets, etc.
Finally, don’t stress too much about how your dorm looks. Go out, meet people and enjoy everything Carolina has to offer.
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