The first time I stepped into Pittman 417, I knew exactly what to expect: plain white walls, cold floors, and a sad twin mattress that creaked every time you’d hop onto the bed. Unfortunately for me, I was not an interior decorator by any means, but with the help of my roommate, we turned a very drab room into “K&B’s Place.” It definitely took some time, like three days worth, but when we finished, it truly looked like a home.
What does this prove? If you’re a college student, it means you don’t need to be a licensed interior decorator to make your new dorm room a home.
Here are some ways you can make your dorm feel more at home:
Pictures, pictures, and more pictures!
I’m pretty close to my family, so it was definitely important to me to have a memories laying around my room that I could always look back on. Some of my pictures were small enough for me to attach to my wall, but I have bigger, framed pictures on my desk and next to my bedside.
Decorate your walls!
We went above and beyond – we went and got a easy-to-stick wallpaper from Walmart and covered our back wall with it, and now every time people walk in our room for the first time they can’t believe it’s still a dorm room. I also personalized my side of the room with a few pictures, lights, and canvas paintings (some of which were done by me).
Add a TV!
My roommate and I bought our first TV together, and we had to learn how to set it up all by ourselves. That was a very grown-up moment for us, but once we finally got the TV working, it felt like we had a true living room…a very small one. We placed a futon on the wall adjacent from the TV and created a blanket box that sits next to the futon.
If possible, create a bookshelf!
Reading has always been one of my favorite things to do. I’ve created space in my shelves for a few of my favorite books. I don’t get to read very often anymore, but it somehow makes me feel more comfortable that I always have the option to read. If you don’t like reading, place some familiar items like pictures or random knick knacks on your shelves anyway.
Get a rug/carpet!
It’s not that the cold, gray floors of Pittman aren’t nice, but if you’re someone who is used to walking on carpeted floors at home, adding a carpet to your dorm room will definitely make all the difference. Match the color of the rug with your bed, curtains, or headboard, and make sure it’s pretty soft and fuzzy!
Personalize as much as you can!
Our room truly is K&B’s Place! I bought wooden letters from a craft store, decorated them with glittery spray paint, and placed them right above each of our beds with a few Command strips. I am normally not the DIY type, but this was a super easy project that didn’t cost much!
Bring old items from your room at home!
I brought old pillows, a Bluetooth speaker, and houseshoes! The more old items you bring, the more your room will remind you of a home, and hopefully it will eventually become one!