How to make your dorm room feel like home

Story by Raven Wuebker | Photos from Pexels

The transition from home to dorm room is only one of many things to change when entering college. Since your dorm is your new home, it's important to feel comfortable in your new living space--- even if that means you have to share it with a stranger. Here are a few tips to make your shared space feel like your personal home away from home.

Get a rug

If your dorm room is anything like mine, then the floor is freezing in the mornings. A small rug beside your bed will give you something soft and warm to step on--- not only in the mornings, but also when you return to your dorm from the shower. This will make your dorm feel more like homey and warmer.

Pillow top for your mattress

What the dorm beds lack in size can be made up for with comfort. Buying a pillow top for your dorm mattress not only gives you something more comfortable to sleep on, but also something new. Although dorm beds are not too old for sanitary reasons, putting a mattress topper gives you peace of mind about the bed you’re sleeping on for the school year. Who knows, your dorm bed could be as comfortable as the bed you left back home.

Air freshener

The air in the dorms can become stale after the room has been unlived in after a while. When picking out which air freshener you like, try to get one that reminds you of home. This way you will have a familiar smell that will bring you comfort, even in a new surrounding.

Air Humidifier/ Fan

As previously stated, dorm rooms can become stuffy due to air being poorly circulated. Having an air humidifier or a fan can keep your dorm room cool and comfortable when returning from class.

Make it Personal

Adding things to your room such as posters, flags, lights, blankets and memories of home will help you adjust to your new life living in a dorm. Making the space yours will give you something to look forward to at the end of the day.