Settling In: Tips and Tricks for Dorm Decor

One of my favorite parts about moving back to school is decorating my room. For me, dorm decoration is a lot more personal than my room back at home. Knowing that I have to move back out and pack up my things in about eight months is kind of daunting, especially when I tape over 60 pictures of my friends and family on my wall. But this also makes it more fun than decorating my room at home. My four walls in Dean this year are not permanent, neither was my room in Rebert last year, and neither will wherever I live during my next two years.  

This year I am rocking with a plant and earthy theme. I have the same ivy-string lights from Target that many other girls have along with other random fake plants hanging around the room. Dorm rooms have the reputation for feeling dreary and gross, so adding greenery has been a way to spruce up the overall boring, one window room.  

Last year I started a collage wall of all the things I accumulated from the year. As a decently sentimental person, I can never throw out anything handwritten or something that I know someone put time into for me. So, for example, I kept every card my mom sent me, notes my friends left me when they dropped something off, and even a $90 Taco Bell recipe (don’t ask questions). Instead of letting these items hide away and collect dust in a drawer all year, I decided to put them on display on my closet door facing my bed. I saw each thing every day and it acted as a reminder of all the good in my life. This was especially helpful when I had a long and stressful day and just needed a laugh. I know that is incredibly cheesy, but it’s true.  

This year I am continuing my collage wall. So far there are two cards: a picture of me and one of my friends, and a paper plate. There is no rhyme or reason as to the arrangement of the collage wall, nor do I have anything planned out. I just add something to the collage when it feels right. Instead of my closet, this year my collage is on a wall above my desk. I can look over when I’m doing work, watching a movie, or getting ready for a night out and see some of my favorite things made by my favorite people.  

Things like these types of collages or other assortments in everyone’s rooms is one of my favorite parts about college. Everyone makes their rooms so unique, and it truly becomes an expression of themselves. Some may opt for the more put together, clean vibes while others may decide not to stick to a theme. Decorating your room may be stressful and take a while, but I think it’s one of the best ways to express yourself and show off all the different parts of yourself.