Making your new dorm feel like home!

One of the big milestones in young adults’ lives is their first year of post-secondary education. It’s not just about all the new experiences and the large number of people you’ll meet; for many, it’s also their first time moving out of their parents’ house.

Even though some people always dream of moving out, the process can be pretty tough at first. Being away from home is challenging. The comfort of familiar faces is gone, you have to handle all your chores on your own and homesickness is bound to hit at some point.

However, despite all the challenges of moving out for the first time, living in a dorm provides unique experiences.

If you are a first-year student or a mature student moving to a dorm for the first time, there are ways you can ease the bad feelings of being away from your usual comforts. One key approach is making your new place feel like home. This can be challenging and sometimes discouraging because you’ll likely be living in a much tinier and more cramped room than you’re used to.

But, with these steps, you can make your new place truly feel like home. With tips, pictures and decorations, this list will help transform your new place.

Pictures, posters, art – fill up your walls

There’s nothing quite like home than surrounding yourself with people you love and your favourite paintings. That’s why you need to grab some painter’s tape and start hanging up pictures, posters and artwork on your walls.

Honestly, anything works here. Pictures with your family and hometown friends, artworks you painted back in kindergarten or posters of your favourite movie and band. Walking into a room filled with elements that are part of your life will not only make your place feel like home but also look like home. Home should be a reflection of who you are, and there’s nothing better than decorating it with objects that make you smile. 

Just remember, in a dorm, you can’t damage the walls, so avoid using hooks that could leave marks. Choose adhesive wall hooks from the dollar store or use painter’s tape to stick things on your walls.

Bring your room to life with plants

Don’t ever consider bringing your beloved pet to your college dorm – unfortunately, they aren’t allowed. But, a great option to add some colour and life to your room is by becoming a plant parent.

Having plants in your room isn’t just lively, it also offers health benefits. They can purify your air, boost concentration and productivity and reduce anxiety. Just make sure to water them and place them in a spot that gets enough sunlight throughout the day.

Some of the best bedroom plants are peace lilies and snake plants, but there are plenty of low-maintenance options to choose from. Taking care of a plant can be a rewarding activity, helping you adjust to your new environment as you watch your green companion grow.

Boost relaxation with candles and essential oils

I bet your home has always been a space where you could relax and de-stress after a long day. Creating a calming atmosphere in your dorm is essential to making it feel like home.

Imagine having two exams on the same day, returning to your dorm and not feeling relaxed. You don’t want that. So, invest in some candles, essential oils and a diffuser to make your space a destination to chill.

Pick scents that will help you relax such as lavender or Roman chamomile. Even better, find a candle with a scent that reminds you of home or your favourite season – these are perfect options for making your dorm feel like home. If candles aren’t allowed in your dorm, diffusers and essential oils can have the same calming effect.

Make your space the ultimate warm and cozy spot

Another way to make your dorm feel like home is by turning it into an oasis of comfort and coziness. Adding a few key items can create a safe space where you can relax and even do your schoolwork.

Start by filling your bed with lots of pillows, blankets and even plushies if you like them. They will add texture and a touch of comfort, perfect for snuggling up for a movie with roommates or studying more comfortably. Also, string some LED or warm lights across your room to really enhance its warmness and coziness.

Decide if you want to get blinds or curtains. Cutting out unnecessary natural light can be crucial in moments when you want to stay cozy. A comfortable bed combined with candles and essential oils equals a true spa experience in your room.

Keep it clean

This isn’t really a design tip, but it’s something you should always be doing: clean, clean and clean some more.

I know this is the enemy of a lot of students, but keeping your dorm clean will make your living-on-campus experience so much better. Living in a clean space even has health benefits like improved quality of sleep, boosted productivity and reduced stress levels.

If you’re living with roommates, the best thing to do is create a chores chart with them. Decide what chores need to be done and set up a cleaning schedule. This will help improve the experience for both you and your roommates, keeping the space clean and making it feel more like home.

These are some tips to make your dorm the perfect destination for warmth and coziness. But, decorating is just one step in making your new place feel like home.

When moving out for the first time, it’s important to put your finances in order, establish great communication with your roommates and plan what everyday essentials you need to buy. If you have a driver’s licence, don’t forget to update your address!

If you’ve been living in a college dorm for quite some time now and have other moving-in tips, share them with us @shareignite.

Feature image courtesy of Bradley Lembach via Unsplash.

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