Even if your room is the size of a postage stamp, you deserve to live in a beautiful space. It’s that simple. Starting college can be a stressful time, and transforming blank cement walls and a mini fridge into a personalized space can seem intimidating, you should make your room visually appealing because…

• A cluttered space can increase the severity of  mental health issues, like anxiety and depression
•  Your room can become a comforting space, which can help with homesickness
•  Designing your own space offers a satisfying outlet of self-expression 
•  Friends will want to gather in a calm, visually appealing, and organized space 
• A clean, decorated space is linked to increased productivity

How to Start

First, start by making a list of colors, textures, and special interests that are important and appealing to you. For example, if you’re a Breaking Bad fan, you might order a poster of an iconic scene. Then, taking inspiration from the poster, you can choose coordinating colors for your bedspread, rug, etc. Or you could choose broader themes like cottagecore, dark academia, or 70’s grunge on pinterest, and base your room design on one of the many perfectly curated masterpieces there.

Once you have a clear vision of what your dorm room will look like, it’s time to source all the materials and decorations you might need. Of course, you could do all that shopping at stores like World Market, Anthropologie, and Home Goods, but as a college student, I am more interested in cheaper, more unique items. Facebook marketplace is your friend. Search for rugs, picture frames, comforters, and other décor that align with your style. You can also look for vintage and unusual items at thrift stores. I usually have good luck finding pretty vinyl records, interesting posters and paintings, and decorative glassware at Deseret Industries, Savers, and Goodwill. When hanging up these decorations, make sure to follow your landlord or university’s requirements. Command strips are typically a safe option.

If interior design isn’t your thing, and you just want a minimalist room that doesn’t resemble a sterile hospital, you can definitely go the simple route. Pick a neutral color like gray, tan, white, navy, or brown, and one accent color for a throw blanket or pillow. If you aren’t interested in sourcing various wall decorations, search for a visually appealing tapestry on Amazon. For a fairly affordable price, you will be able to cover a lot of wall-space and your room will better reflect your personality. If you’ll be living in a shared space, coordinate with your roomie and plan the layout together. Make sure to stick to your side if it is a shared room and make joint decisions on shared spaces like the kitchen, living room, and bathroom.