Decorating Your Dorm Room

Personalizing your university dorm room can be hard to do when there are so many rules you have to adhere to. For instance keeping the walls white, or not being able to hang pictures because they put holes in the wall or not being able to hang lights. These rules seem silly, but if you don't stick to them, you can get a hefty fine.

When it comes to your dorm room, it is important to be able to express yourself while obeying the rules put in place by your university and while there are many things you CAN'T do with with your dorm room, it is important to focus on the things you CAN do. 

Wall Decor/Tapestry

While you can't make holes in your wall, there should be a cork strip in your room that you can hang some pictures or decorations on. If there isn't, don't worry you can still hang things up with either regular tape or mounting tape. They come in all different shapes so you can hang virtually anything.  If you dedicate one wall (preferably a wall with nothing on it) to a tapestry, it gives the illusion that your room is larger than it actually is. 

Bedding

This is obviously something that you can add to your room that doesn't affect the rules. It can add a little bit of your personality to the room as well as color to make that white-walled square a little brighter. 

Bunk Beds

If your roommate is OK with it, turn your beds into a bunk bed, and make the room more loft like. The bunk beds give you both more space you can both share. keeping your desks separate, you two can invest in a couch and make the middle of the room neutral ground. Plus it gives you a project to work on with your roommate, allowing for some more bonding time.  

Lofting Your Bed

If your roommate is opposed to bunk beds, or you aren't fond of the idea, try lofting your bed. It will give you more space so you can either store things or make your own little chill zone. Feel free to add chairs or a futon underneath, or move your desk under there to add a little extra space to the room. 


Area Rug

This is another addition that makes your room seem larger than it is and adds a little warmth to it as well. Determine which roommate is willing to invest in the rug, or split the cost. Make sure you measure the space out first before you go purchasing a rug that doesn't even fit in the space you need it to. 

Curtains/Shower Curtains

Most dorm rooms come with a closet or two to hang your clothes in; some, however offer a large closet with no door to hang your stuff and let's be honest, when it comes to parent's weekend, you want your room to look tidy. Pick out a fabric you like and hang it over the area like a curtain, to conceal your belongings. Not only does it make your room look tidier, the curtain also adds your personality to the room.