I have long been obsessed with dorm design. As a college student who commuted, I would visit friends’ dorms and mentally rearrange them for maximum function and cuteness. So when my niece went to UMass and asked for my help with her dorm, I was thrilled. Through assisting her with three different dorm rooms and now helping my own daughter in college, I’ve learned a lot about creating efficient and stylish dorm spaces.
Here are some very important things to keep in mind when decorating a dorm:
1. Read the School’s Policies Carefully Every school has different policies regarding what you can hang on the walls, additional furniture, appliances, etc. Make sure to read the do’s and don’ts thoroughly to avoid any issues on move-in day.
2. Plan Ahead for Essentials Don’t wait until move-in day to purchase essentials, especially in a college town where items can quickly sell out. If moving cross-country, consider using Amazon Lockers to ship items ahead of time. Services like College Boxes can also be useful, but be cautious with delivery timing to avoid the busy move-in period.
3. Be Budget-Conscious Dorm items will get heavily used, and most schools have twin XL mattresses. Consider what will happen to these items after four years. Towels, sheets, and plastic dishes often won’t last beyond college. Save money by opting for budget-friendly options.
4. Avoid Over-Decorating I’m not a designer who will recommend peel-and-stick wallpaper, upholstered headboards, or custom storage furniture. Dorm rooms are temporary—used for about seven months a year. Instead, use colorful pillows, bedding, and lightweight artwork applied with mounting putty to brighten the space.
5. Plan for Post-Graduation Everything in the dorm has to go somewhere after graduation. It’s disappointing to see perfectly good appliances and furniture end up in dumpsters at the end of the year. While some students sell their items, many do not. Some schools are better about organizing donations or sales, my daughter got her microwave this way, but often items end up in your garage or the dumpster.
6. Shop Second-Hand I’m not a fan of thrifted soft goods, but plates, flatware, and cookware are easy to clean and affordable at thrift stores. Facebook Marketplace often has great deals on gently used appliances.
7. Shop the Sales For items you need to purchase new, look for sales. Every retailer, whether brick-and-mortar or online, offers discounts on dorm essentials. Timing your purchases can save you a lot of money.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can create a functional, stylish, and budget-friendly dorm space that makes college life more enjoyable.
Below are some of the items that are great for creating a comfortable dorm room, from the bed to the floor and walls. As I mentioned before, make sure you know your school’s policy for wall hangings, especially what type of adhesive to use. Command strips are great but some schools do not allow them and there is definitely a specific way to remove them without damaging the wall. I have also listed three different types of lamps, this is not a mistake. Overhead lighting is very harsh and having a light for reading in bed (clip-on) a light for relaxing (bedside) and a light for studying (desk) are worthwhile investments.
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DORM ESSENTIALS
