The ABC's of Dorm Decorating

Attitude


An important part of decorating is to have a good attitude. Understanding your roommate might not want the entire wall covered with posters of your favorite TV show can be difficult. However, a considerate attitude is beneficial for the foundation of a good roommate relationship.

Budget


College students tend to spend a lot of money, whether it’s on Mother Bear’s pizza or that overpriced book. Concentrate on necessities now so you have money left for things like non-dorm food later.

Color templates


Want something simple? Make a color template and go shopping. First, pick a color to be your base and then choose one or two other complementary shades. This way, the room will have variety and you narrow your focus when shopping.

Dorm amenities


Be sure to check what is already being provided by the dorm. There is no need to buy a vacuum or toilet bowl cleaner if they are provided down the hall.



Extension cords

In college, extension chords are a blessing. Locate all the plugs in case an outlet is hiding behind a bed or desk.

Feng shui


Want to try something different? Feng shui is the ancient Chinese method of decorating to achieve a positive energy and could help keep you relaxed.

Going green


Try making a statement when decorating your room by using energy-saving light bulbs or buying decorations made of recycled materials.

Heat wave


Bloomington has hot weather during the beginning of school. If there is not an air conditioner in your building, the top item on your shopping list should be a good fan.

Interchangeable surroundings

You or your roommate might want to change how your dorm room looks throughout the year. Keep this in mind when shopping. For instance, a TV stand now could be flipped on its side to create a bookcase later.

Jewelry


Don’t dig through a messy drawer to find your jewelry. Buy a cheap jewelry stand or box, fill it with your favorite pieces and put it on display to make a boring desk flashy.

Kitchen supplies


Have a kitchen in your dorm? Why not have a corner of your room set with cooking supplies such as utensils, food or a microwave?

Lights


Chances are you and your roommate won’t go to sleep at the same time. Invest in a work light for those late nights writing papers.

Midnight Madness


On Friday, Walmart is coordinating with IU to have a special event for students to buy discounted dorm items. Catch one of the buses outside the dorms to escort you on a shopping spree.

Names


Why not claim dibs on your space by putting your name on the wall? Whether it’s adhesive letters or a poster, having your name makes the space unique.



Oversized chairs

 
Furniture is a staple in college dorm rooms and is sold at all dorm decorating stores (Target, Walmart and Bed Bath & Beyond). Oversized chairs are great when hanging out with friends or doing homework.

Peeking at other people’s rooms

Walk down the hallway and check out other rooms. Seeing how others decorate could inspire you.

Quotes


Don’t know what to put on the walls? Post your favorite inspirational quote. When things get challenging during the year, it might be uplifting.

Roommates


If you and your roommate have different ideas on decorating – or simply don’t get along – try going through each step together. By combining your efforts, there will be at least one thing you have in common.

Square Feet


Keep in mind the size of your room before buying furniture. If you are buying large items, measure how much space is available before buying them.

TV


Spend a lot of time watching “Entourage” or  classic “Friends” episodes. Take a moment to create a special space for movie marathons. Just because there isn’t a lot of room doesn’t mean there can’t be a makeshift living area.

UPS


After the first weeks of school are complete, take the things that you “needed” but haven’t touched and ship them home.

Video games


If bringing a game station, make sure to lock it up. Residence halls aren’t liable for stolen items and since most systems are worth hundreds of dollars, it would be useful to invest in a rope with a lock and tie the system down.
Whiteboards


A dorm must-have is a whiteboard on the door. It’s a great place to leave a message for your roommate when you’re on the way out or to tell them to meet you for dinner.

Xylophones and other musical instruments

Do you play guitar, clarinet or another instrument? Use that passion as a theme for your room or find the nearest practice room in your dorm.

You


Most importantly, make sure your room displays YOU. Collaborating efforts with your roommate is important, but be sure the room is as much yours as it is theirs.

Zeal

Be courageous and try something new. After all, you’re the one who has to live with it.