Adding lamps, comfortable seating and personal photos can soften up a stuffy dorm room.

Moving into college is exciting and overwhelming, and learning how to fit your entire life into a single dorm room can be a challenge. One minute you are unpacking bags; the next, you are taking in the unfamiliar room filled with untouched furniture and bare walls, pondering how to make the space feel like your own.  

Dorms may seem cramped, bland and far from homey, but by adding a few personal touches, you can transform your room into a cozy, comfortable space — a home where you can make lasting memories far beyond those four walls. 

Moving to a new place, whether you travel across state lines or just a few miles can evoke a range of emotions, especially homesickness. I suggest placing framed photos of friends, family and pets on your desk, walls or shelves. Seeing the familiar faces of your loved ones can provide comfort in stressful or lonely times. 

Iam not a morning person. I like to snuggle deep into my sheets and comforter while simultaneously hitting snooze. That is why I think it is so important to make your bed as comfortable as possible by investing in soft sheets, a puffy comforter, fun decorative pillows, or even a couple of stuffed animals to remind you of home. My favorite stuffed animal is one that looks exactly like my dog.  

Although dorm rooms come with a desk chair and lofted bed already provided, adding extra seating is another fantastic way to make your room feel more like home. A comfortable beanbag or a pullout futon not only provides variety, but creates space for relaxing, studying, or just hanging out with friends. During my first year, my roommate and I both lofted our beds, putting a TV under one and a small futon under the other. This setup turned out to be one of my favorite spots on campus, especially for movie nights, which reminded me of when I spent time with my family lounging on the couch at home.  

My roomate and I hung fairy and Christmas lights all over the room, so we did not have to be blinded by the harsh flourescent lighting. Adding several types of lighting, such as a desk lamp, a floor lamp or even string lights like we did, made the space feel warm and cozy.  

It never hurts to add small comforts, such as posters of your favorite musicians, playing songs reminding you of home, or even eating your favorite snacks.  

Adjusting to college and making your dorm room feel more like a home can take a while, but following these tips above can help!