1. Fabric, Blankets, and Pictures
Ignore the unrealistically sized bed for a moment and focus on the things around it.
First, you have the amazing fabric hung below the bed above the one pictured. I cannot tell you how many times the prongs form the bed frame above me have teased and abused my hair. I'm pretty sure I've lost half my hair to the bed above me. Not only does the fabric look nice, but your head and hair will thank you later.
Second, the amazing blanket on the bed. If at all possible try to create your own blanket, or have someone close to you create one. This makes your bed unique from others which is not something you can guarantee when you buy the great comforter from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. This is a personal testimony. My bed matches three beds down the hall, and many many more within my dorm alone.
Lastly, the photos on the wall. Now I don't have much wall space near my bed, or photos of friends that are printed off so this type of decorating is not for me. But I have seen room after room that has done a really nice job with this and it is always a great way to be reminded of your amazing life. It is especially good if you include a few memorable moments in your life where you decided to go to college or become something. This is so that when you are in your bed crying because you miss home so much you can look to those pictures and be reminded of why you are there in the first place.
2. Under the bed Storage
I'm not really sure where this person got their bed frame from, but they have really learned the importance of utilizing the space under their bed. I have found that those plastic storage units are my best friend. Especially when I find that my stuff continues to grow and grow. I don't even know where it comes from... Also, I have learned that the bins are not usually as deep as the bed frame and often leave a gap behind the bins. If you attach the wheels to the bins then you can slide them in and out fairly easy allowing access to the space in the back for long term storage.
This person has a lot going on for them in this room. But the best part is what they did with the space under their bed. To be completely honest this option may not be available for everyone. In fact, I have only seen it done a few times in a few different ways. It usually works best with the students who live close to the school, and have the ability to not have as much stuff at college because they can always go home on a weekend and get what they need. I have also seen it work for students who are really close with each other and don't mind sharing things like desks and dressers, as well as sleeping next to each other on two beds pushed together. Overall you have to have some space for things that usually go under the bed, fridges, dressers, plastic drawers, and other storage items. But if you have the space for it, a place to get away under the bed can be extremely relaxing and a great place to get away and study.
4. Laundry Money
Whether it's a decorative jar like this, or a blue piggy bank from Walmart, you want to create a way to collect change now. Especially quarters. In fact, I know of many of my friends who ask for quarters for Christmas. It sounds insane, but when you haven't done laundry for three months and you only have enough quarters for one load of laundry (if the washer and dryer aren't broken and do their job the first time around) you quickly learn the true value of a quarter. It could be the deciding factor between clean or crispy clothes. I have seen many situations where one student gave another student a five dollar bill (their lowest bill) in exchange for $2.50 (the most quarters the other student could find), and did not even expect to get the difference back. Because that is how desperate things can get. So start preparing now before it gets too late, and you start playing russian roulette with your whites and colors because when you're low on quarters separating is just not an option.
5. Lights Will Guide You Home
One of my favorite decorating items is Christmas lights. Live up your childhood dreams at Christmas time of lighting every inch of space with the bright twinkling lights that turn everyday things into magical creations. Okay, maybe don't go that crazy, but a little bit of light will go a long way. I have never put the lights on the ceiling, like in this picture, but many of my friends have. The say it's really great at creating a warmer color in the room then the lights that come with the room. What I have done is put the lights under my bed or the bed above me. My first year away I put the lights under my bed because my bed was lofted and I had a work space underneath. This gave more light for me to work with, but the light was not harsh like the main light in the room. My second year my room was a bit smaller so my roommate and I had to bunk beds. So I put lights under the bed above me so that I could have some light when the main light was off.
6. A Little Pick-me-Up
I have found that putting inspirational quotes around the room where you will see them is very helpful. I know it sounds incredibly cheesy, but when you have given it your all and you're completely out of energy you will find strength in these quotes.
7. A Loft Above the Rest
Lofts are an incredible way to save space if it is something you are interested in. You must keep in mind that this space comes at a price. You will have to climb into bed every night, even when you have no energy and all you want to do is collapse into bed. So make sure you are willing to pay that price.
However, I do want to point out that, unless your room is bigger than the average dorm room, the probability of having a couch underneath is not so probable. It's more probable that your desk and dresser will be underneath because there is no where else for it to go.
Also, another thing I found to be interesting is their choice in placing a bookcase behind their bed. If you can't see it, it is on the headboard side of the bed against the window. That's not that bad of an idea. It makes for a great headboard, and doubles as a place to put your books. As my mom taught me, things that have multiple uses are always best for college.
8. Get Creative
If you like to paint, or draw, make as much art as you can. It's the perfect unique way to decorate your room. It will make your room feel more like home, and make it stand out from the rest of the rooms on the hall.
9. Tape it Up
Though this looks like a good idea, please let it pass your mind. The truth is you might love it, but it will be a pain to remove later. And as a former RA I beg you not to do it because the reality is you'll just leave it behind in frustration, and your RA will either have to yell at you or do it themselves. It's just not worth the struggle.
10. Bunk it Up
This also looks like a blast. It saves a lot of room, and replicates your childhood dreams of the best slumber party ever. However, I beg you not to do it! It is an accident and expensive medical bill just waiting to happen. Not too mention it violates so many safety codes. Just stick to the normal, two bed bunk beds, and I promise you you'll have just as much fun.
Overall, college dorm rooms are all about creativity. The more creative you are, the better your room. At first the rooms will feel a little dull, and kind of like an insane asylum, but just bring a few lights, posters, and paintings, and it will feel start feeling like home in no time.
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