How To Make Any College Space Feel Like Home
Moving to college is exciting, overwhelming, and maybe a little bit terrifying… You’re stepping into a whole new world, surrounded by new people, new routines, and probably a space that looks more like a plain, lifeless box than an actual home. But the good news is your dorm or college apartment doesn’t have to feel like a temporary stop - you can make some changes (that don’t cost all that much and are fairly easy to do) and then turn your space into a cosy, comfortable place that feels like home. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more.
Cosy Bedding And Soft Lighting
One of the easiest ways to make a space feel welcoming is by upgrading your bedding - you’ve got to get good quality sleep if you want to get good grades, after all. The problem is that college-provided mattresses aren’t exactly known for their comfort, so investing in a plush mattress topper can make a huge difference. On top of that (literally), soft, high-quality bedding in your favorite colours or patterns makes the place feel a lot more like you, and if you add a cosy throw blanket, it’ll be just right.
Lighting is also hugely important in making a place feel comfortable, and the last thing you’ll want is harsh fluorescent lights that make everything feel really clinical. Switch those for softer bulbs and it’ll be much better. Other things to do include having a bedside lamp and some string lights draped around the room or bed frame to make things feel lovely and relaxing.
Add Personal Photos And Decor
It’s true that your dorm or apartment might only be temporary, but that doesn’t mean it has to feel generic - in fact, you’ll want to get as far away from that as possible. That’s why it’s a good idea to fill your space with personal touches because that helps create a sense of familiarity and comfort. You can have lovely photos of friends and family, framed prints, or even a vision board filled with goals and inspirations, and all that can definitely bring an element of home to your new surroundings. Posters and artwork, whether they show music, movies, or travel, help make the space uniquely yours, and they’ll keep you motivated no matter how hard things get - that’s priceless.
And don’t forget about the little things - small decorative pieces like a favourite mug, a fun desk ornament, or a stylish and soft rug can also add another layer of comfort to any space, including the most boring of college rooms.
A Pet For Extra Comfort
Nothing makes a place feel like home quite like having a pet to keep you company - it’s why having an animal around the house is such a popular thing for people to do and why people love their pets so much. This can be tricky at college because a lot of dorms and college apartments have strict pet policies, but it’s not impossible and there are still options for low-maintenance pets that can bring joy and companionship without requiring a ton of care.
Fish, particularly betta fish, are a great choice since they don’t need a large tank or complicated setup. Hamsters and gerbils are another option, because they’ve got fun little personalities but they’re also contained in a cage so they won’t be making loads of mess. Or what about turtles? They can be a lot of fun, and they’re also completely silent, so they’re ideal if you don’t want to disturb anyone. Whatever it is, if you’re considering getting a pet, always check with your housing rules first, and remember that the best pets for college students are those that fit your lifestyle and can live quite happily in a small living space. However, if you can make it work, it’s the ideal way to make any college space feel like home.
Have A Productive Workspace
If you’re at college, it’s highly likely you’ll be spending a good chunk of time at your desk - you’ve got to study, after all! And that’s why it’s important to make it a place where you actually enjoy working - things can get pretty challenging in college, no matter how much you happen to enjoy the course, and the more productive you can make your workspace, the better it’ll be in the end.
So what do you need? Well, a comfortable chair is a must, especially if you’ll be sitting for long hours studying, so it’s definitely worth spending a bit more than you might have budgeted for to make sure you get one. Plus, keeping your desk tidy and clutter-free can make a big difference in focus and productivity, so it’s a good idea to invest in organisers for papers, pens, and other essentials - then you’ll know where everything is. And how about a few small plants? They can really help liven up your workspace, making it feel less like a classroom and more like a place where you can be properly creative (plus they’ll help with the air quality of your room, so that’s a bonus that’s going to help you stay healthier during your time at college).
Something else to remember is that scent can also play a role in creating a relaxing and productive environment, and a small essential oil diffuser with calming scents like lavender or peppermint can help you feel less stressed and more able to study - it could be what makes all the difference.
Keep It Tidy
The problem with a cluttered room is that it can make even the cosiest of spaces feel stressful, and the key to keeping your space neat is small, consistent efforts rather than big, overwhelming cleaning sessions that take loads of your precious time and feel like they’re a lot to handle - so often won’t get done at all. Things like making your bed every day only takes a minute, but it instantly makes the room feel a lot better and tidier. Plus, keeping some storage bins under your bed or on shelves helps keep things organised without taking up extra space.
You can also get into a good routine with a five minute tidy up every night before bed where you put clothes away, wipe down your desk, organise papers, and so on. Doing that prevents mess building up over time, and when your space is clean and organised, it feels so much more comfortable and pleasant to be in, which is definitely going to make you feel much more at home.
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