How to Make a Dorm Room Feel Like Home

Heading off to college can be such an exciting time for your teen. But while the idea of living on their own is something your teen is probably looking forward to, I’m sure it’s also pretty overwhelming. Since you can’t be there to comfort them every time they’re lonely, why not help them bring some comforts of home along with them? Follow these simple steps to make their dorm room feel a little more like home.

How to Make a Dorm Room Feel Like Home

Don’t Skimp on the Bedding

Outfitting an entire dorm room can quickly add up. And while there are places you can cut back, bedding shouldn’t be one of them. Start by ensuring your college student’s bed is a place they can relax and be comfortable in by enhancing the uncomfortable mattress. In addition to using a mattress cover, you’ll also need a foam mattress topper {my son swears by this one and it smells like lavender}. Then, purchase some high thread count sheets, a cozy comforter, and a couple of fluffy pillows to create an amazing place to rest each night.

Decorate the Walls

Dorm room walls are typically dull and boring. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to liven up the walls without getting in trouble. Since you won’t be able to hang anything permanent on the walls, you’ll need to find alternatives for hanging your wall décor. Temporary decals and Command strips are simple ways to personalize a dorm room. These hooks can hold up to 16 pounds, so you can really go all out with some decorations on the wall. 

Get a Rug

Most dorm rooms have cold tile floors or dingy carpet, making it difficult to be comfortable in the space. Instantly warm up a room by placing a fluffy rug on the floor. In addition to making the space a little more comfortable, a rug is a great way to hide the ugly flooring in the room. If you choose a rug with a high pile, dirt gets hidden easily. And let's be honest, deep cleaning a dorm room isn't on anyone's top priority list. This rug would be perfect in a dorm room. And it's cheap enough to throw out at the end of the year if it gets trashed.

Add More Lighting

The florescent lighting found in most dorm rooms isn’t ideal. But adding a few different lighting options will instantly warm up the space. Start by adding a beside lamp for reading and late-night study sessions {this one has USB ports so you can easily charge your electronics}. Then, string up some twinkle lights around the bed for a little soft mood lighting --- perfect for relaxing after a stressful day.

Bring Home to the Dorm

No matter how many amazing decorations you add to the space, your teen is going to need a few comforts from home, too. Whether it’s a cozy blanket they’ve had for years, that soft bear they’ve had since they were a toddler, or a favorite coffee mug {this one has the perfect sentiment}, simple sentimental touches are one of the easiest ways to make the space feel more like home.

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