How To Decorate Your Dorm To Feel Like Home

If you're wondering how to decorate your dorm to make it feel at home, we have some cute ways of doing that without breaking the bank!

Making the transition from living at home to a tiny dorm can be a big step for most college students. The transition of moving away from the only place you know is difficult, especially if you are an out-of-state student. However, there are several ways you can turn your new dorm room into a little space that still feels comfortable. Here are 10 ways to decorate your dorm to feel like home.

1. Make a photo collage of all your favorite memories:

Having a photo collage of your friends, pets, family, and other memories can bring a sense of familiarity to your dorm. Hanging photos along your wall, or gluing them into a frame, are all cute DIY ways to display these memories!

2. Bring decorations from your room back at home:

If you have a favorite tapestry or lava lamp that brings your room together, you should definitely pack them. Having décor from your old room will make you feel as if you’ve slipped back into your old bed, even if it’s hundreds of miles from home.

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3. Use air fresheners:

Decorate your dorm room with the sweet smell of vanilla cupcakes, pumpkin spice, or your favorite freshener! Unfortunately, candles are not allowed in dorms as they are dangerous, but there are many other options to get the same effect. Having a nice smelling dorm is more comfortable for you, and your guests!

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5. Invest in some string lights:

Buy some string lights and hang them on the walls with some approved tape. If you’re feeling funky you can purchase paper lantern string lights. Another personal favorite light: a Himalayan salt lamp. These trendy lamps give a beautiful glow and also have many health benefits such as reducing asthma, improving sleep, and increasing blood flow. Cool, right?

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6. Rugs, rugs, and more rugs:

Cold linoleum floors are both unattractive and uncomfortable. To solve this, buy a shaggy rug for your dorm! These rugs are adorable are are one of the best ways to decorate your dorm to feel like home. If you do purchase a rug, you may want to also invest in a vacuum, as the rug can get messy from time to time.

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7. Bring a Keurig:

Keurigs are a great way to make coffee, hot chocolate, or teas quickly and easily. Simply pop in a K-cup and you’ve got a cup of hot chocolate to snuggle up with while studying.

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8. Decorate your bed:

Your bed is the spot you’ll most likely be spending the most time in. To make your room feel more comfortable, invest in a bunch of pillows. A body pillow, fluffy blanket, and several throw pillows. Pillows are an easy way to decorate your dorm to feel like home!

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9. Incorporate some greenery:

Real or fake succulents are the perfect way to liven up your dorm room. Bring your favorite potted plant from home and you’ve got some cute desk décor. If you want to get extra creative, you and a friend could paint the pots with your own designs.

10. Have a pet fish:

Fish are often the only pet allowed in the dorms, but they can still make great companions. If your roommate is okay with it, having a pet fish is a great alternative for your furry friend. Many students go through pet-withdrawals in college and often wish for their dog or cat again, but having a new pet can ease that transition. Just be sure to regularly clean the bowl so it doesn’t end up stinking.

A Helpful Tip:

Meet as many people as you can: You can do everything in your power to make your dorm feel like home, but if you are still lonely it is hard to feel much comfort. On top of turning your dorm into a comfortable living space, you should also strive to meet others on your floor. Simply asking someone to hang out or watch a T.V. show is a great way to feel more at peace and at home in your new living space!