Dorm rooms come as is and there is little room for creativity. Do not despair, there are many great things you can do to transform your room into a palace bedroom instead of the typical jail cell.
Linens
• Many dorms have maids to do weekly laundry but I would ask to forgo the beautiful linen that is supplied and invest in your own. Buy bed sheets or bring them from home that are soft and are in the blue and green tones. Also bring in your own pillows.
• Have a bedspread or comforter on your bed. Since the bed also serves as a seating area, you can be outrageous with the colour and design.
Your bed acts as a couch and you do not want the energy of your friends sleeping with you every night. Some of them may have nervous energy that will keep you up while others may be angry and leave a little of their anger on your bed. Each night remove the bedspread from the bed for a good quality sleep.
Have a bedspread that is uplifting and a little busy. Dorm rooms are a place to study, sleep and socialize with friends. If your bedspread is warm and inviting it will have you sleeping instead of studying or socializing.
Change your room according to the seasons. Example: Big comfy blanket on the bed in the winter versus light linen in the spring.
Walls
• Walls are usually cement and painted white or beige. Many of the schools have a do not paint rule. That’s okay spruce up the walls with fabric and artwork. The wall that you stare at while doing your homework should be light with art that is inspirational but not too busy. The wall by your bed should have soft linen hanging from a drapery rod or photos of peaceful nature scenes.
• Lighting is key. Usually you walk in and a big overhead light goes on. Invest in a light by your bed and a night light. When you return home at 11:00pm opt for turning on the night light and bed light to get ready for bed.
Scent of the Room• Dorm rooms seem to have a stagnant odor even if the door is constantly closed and the windows open. Place easy to grow plants in the room and learn the tricks of aromatherapy. Scent the room with lemon/orange during the day and spray lavender across the bed at night to quiet the energy in the room.
Organization
• Your dorm roommate may have unique living habits. Block off their side of the room with a screen, a few plants or a beaded curtain.
• Keep the clutter to a minimum. Leave a lot of your personal stuff at home. Bring versatile clothes and store your out of season clothes under the bed.
• Organize your desk to allow for easier studying and to keep you motivated to the task on hand.
• Place an eye catching sculpture on your desk that is visible from the door. You will gravitate to your desk and not the bed.
College living is about studying and having some room. The dorm rooms are set up for you to have a single life. Single chair, single bed with one pillow. To counteract, place two pillows on the bed, have two similar objects displayed in the room, or display 2 plants together.
