We have all been there before. You know, the day when it is finally time to spread your wings and move into that dorm or apartment you have been dreaming of all summer. But, then you get there and you are instantly frightened by the site: the smallest space you have ever seen that a human is expected to live in, stark white walls with rather interesting color stains on them and a bed that is as flat and stiff as the sketchy floor you are standing on. Maybe every college move-in experience isn’t actually that bad, but every dorm or apartment could use some sprucing up and personalization. Here are a few ways students can decorate their spaces while including functionality and organization.
The first and most important thing that every student needs to be sure to pack, borrow or buy is a mattress pad of some sort for those incredibly comfortable beds. I have found in my collegiate years that now is not the time or place for a regular sleep schedule. Whenever you do get a chance to squeeze in a little time with the sheep, it is necessary to have something somewhat comfy to relax on. A mattress pad will work wonders for you and will help get you the rest you need.
After you have your bed all set up and in order, you should examine its undercarriage. In other words, see if your bed sits high enough to fit storage bins underneath. If it does, then you are golden; if it does not, you can purchase bed risers for a small price at the local Walmart. The risers will add significant height to your bed frame, allowing boxes and bins to be kept underneath where they will be out of the way.
The next focal point of the living space is the floor. Often the floors will not be in great shape or will prove to be difficult to keep clean. If this is a problem you run into, decorative rugs are a great solution. They can add color and depth to a room as well as comfort and ease. If your rug is on a tile, wood or linoleum surface and slides, purchase a mat to put underneath it. This can also be found at the local Walmart.
Students often find that the lighting in rooms is either too fluorescent and glaring, or so dim that they cannot see their books to study. Implement the use of curtains and lamps. If there is too much light coming through the bulbs and the windows, dim it just a little with some curtains and add accent to the room. Curtains can be pricey, so do not be afraid to make your own using patterned sheets and a standard curtain rod. Buy your fabric or sheet and use shower curtain rods with clips on the end to hang your homemade curtains. If your space is too dim, lamps are always a great source of light and can serve as an accessory to any room. There are a variety of lampshades and bases at any store with home furnishings and can be found for a low price.
Finally, every college student should learn how to organize. This is a life-long skill that will be handy in any home or professional occupation you find. It’s time to use that space you made under your bed for storage. Take your clothes that are in season and put them in your closet or dresser or wherever you would like for them to be. Put your clothes that are out of season in bins and store them under your bed until it is time to switch them out. This will free up tons of space in your living area. Shoes can also be kept under the bed in boxes or bins to keep them organized and together. If you have a suitcase or travel bag that you use when you travel home, that should be able to be neatly stowed as well.
There are many options and ideas to explore when decorating your new space so that it can be as fashionable and functional as possible. Always remember to keep organized and decorate with purposeful pieces, and your area will become a comfortable home away from home.