“It takes courage to let go of the familiar and embrace the new.” Heading off to college or decorating your first place is very exciting! It can also be very stressful and overwhelming. You want your room to be comfortable and perfect, but you may have constraints that will limit what you can do–money, hand me downs, parent expectations, etc. I put together a general list of items to consider for your dorm room. Check with your college’s residence hall to determine what they provide and what specifically you will need.
- General Items: Bedding, pillows, futon, carpet, fan, microwave, desk lamp, pictures of family/friends, laundry detergent, laundry bag/basket, clothes hangers, storage bins, silverware, plates/bowls, can opener, broom/dustpan.
- Electronic Items: Computer/laptop, printer, television, headphones, power strip, extension cords, ethernet cable, chargers, alarm clock, microwave, small dorm refrigerator.
- Personal Items: first aid kit, shower caddy, shower shoes, bath robe, towels and washcloths, thermometer, hair dryer, flat iron, curling iron, steamer, personal care items, clothes, shoes, jackets, umbrella.
- Items typically not allowed: Toasters, toaster ovens, electric frying pans, grills, air fryers, crock pots, space heaters, halogen lamps, candles.
Dorm Room Decor
Decorating your dorm room or apartment is a way to express your personality and style. Here are some budget-friendly options to decorate with a boho chic vibe. Commissioned links below.
Rug: BSTLUV Modern Shag Area Rug, Fluffy Fur Rug, Plush Moroccan Bedside Carpet, Boho Rug,4×6 Rug, White/Beige. Current Price: $30.68. (price subject to change)
LINK: https://amzn.to/3CXv5gP
Wall Art: Boho Wall Decor Aesthetic Canvas Wall Art for Bedroom, Beige Aesthetic Wall Decor for Home Office, Living Room, Bathroom, Framed 12X16 inches Geometric Nature Mid-Century Modern Wall Art with Sun Moon Star. Current Price: $29.99. (price subject to change)
LINK: https://amzn.to/3CZcQYf
Bedding: ENJOHOS White Twin XL Comforter Set – Boho Bedding Twin for Teen Girls, 3 PCS Tufted Comforter with Pom Pom Design for All Season, Lightweight Soft Microfiber Cooling Comforter with 2 Pillow Cases. Price: $36.99. (Price subject to change)
LINK: https://amzn.to/3PHSkTq
Sheets: Bare Home Twin XL Sheet Set – College Dorm Size – 1800 Ultra-Soft Microfiber Twin Extra Long Bed Sheets – Deep Pockets – Easy Fit – Extra Soft – 3 Piece Set – Bed Sheets (Twin XL, Heathered Pebble). Price: $34.99. (price subject to change)
LINK: https://amzn.to/3NL9htU
Throw Blanket: BOURINA Throw Blanket Textured Solid Soft Sofa Couch Decorative Knitted Blanket, 50″ x 60″ Mustard. Price: $21.99. (price subject to change)
LINK: https://amzn.to/3NXuEJE
Throw Pillows: Set of 2 Faux Leather Throw Pillow Covers, Modern Brown Outdoor Cushion Covers Decorative Pillowcases for Couch Bed Sofa (18 x 18 Inches). Price: $15.98. (price subject to change)
LINK: https://amzn.to/3pAdBUA
Decor: Der Rose Set of 2 Succulents Plants Artificial Fake Plants for Living Room Bathroom Bedroom Aesthetic Home Kitchen Decor. Price: $14.99. (price subject to change)
LINK: https://amzn.to/3rc1RYS
Mirror: Beauty4U Beveled Edge Full Length Floor Mirror, 59″ x 16″ Free Standing Hanging or Leaning Body Wall-Mounted Dressing Mirror for Bedroom, Bathroom, Gold. Price: $69.99. (price subject to change)
LINK: https://amzn.to/3JO4rL1
Chair: PASAMIC Saucer Chair with Folding Metal Frame, 100% Cotton Handmade Round Cozy Chairs, Exquisite Moon Chair for Bedroom, Living Room Décor Beige. Price: $79.99. (Price subject to change)
LINK: https://amzn.to/3OaanRn
Decorative Lights: Twinkle Star 200 LED 66 FT Copper Fairy String Lights 8 Modes LED, USB Powered with Remote Control for Christmas Tree Wedding Party Home Decoration, Warm White. Price: $14.59. (price subject to change)
LINK: https://amzn.to/3K6TDrN
Dinnerware: FOODLE Wheat Straw Dinnerware Sets for 4 – Lightweight & Unbreakable Camping Dishes – Microwave & Dishwasher Safe – Perfect for Picnic, Dorm, RV – Plates, Cups and Bowls Set – Great for Kids & Adults. Price: $36.99. (price subject to change)
LINK: https://amzn.to/3pwZHCJ
Towels: TRIDENT 6 Piece Bath Towel Set for Bathroom – 2 Large Bath Towel, 2 Hand Towel, 2 Washcloth 100% Cotton Soft and Plush Highly Absorbent, Soft Towel for Hotel & Spa – Silver Grey. Price: $49.99. (Price subject to change)
LINK: https://amzn.to/46BiwVV
Coffee Maker: Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker, Dusty Rose. Price: $99.99 (sale price drops to $59.99. Price subject to change at any time.)
LINK: https://amzn.to/43aFFvE
When you are decorating your dorm room, apartment or home, be practical and realistic. You will not be able to buy all new things. Use what you have already and add some new pieces to modernize and freshen up the look. Color schemes should be complementary but not matchy matchy.
Also, coordinate with your roommate(s)! You each will want to express your own style and that’s ok. Share your ideas with your roommate. Coordinate who will bring what (futon, rug, microwave, tv, refrigerator, etc). A dorm room is typically quite small and space is limited. Be open to new ideas and compromises as well.
I will end with a great quote from Michael Josephson: “Take pride in how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don’t forget to enjoy the journey.”