| Going away to college is one of the most exciting | | | | Michigan State University in the winter may |
| experiences in a young person's life. It can also be | | | | require a few extra layers. Add fun pillows for |
| very stressful. Reduce the uncertainty by | | | | extra comfort and personality. |
| following these foolproof college dorm decorating | | | | Stylish storage options keep books, shoes, and |
| tips. Turning a square made of cinderblocks, a | | | | other dorm items off the floor and help student |
| small generic desk, and the standard extra-long | | | | stay organized throughout the school year. Stack |
| single bed into a home away from home is not | | | | colored milk crates to make a bookshelf. Line-up |
| easy, but the payoff is huge - a comfortable | | | | plastic containers under the bed to keep shoes |
| place to do your homework, sleep, and hang out | | | | out of sight but still in reach. The Internet offers |
| with your new friends. | | | | plenty of other tips on how to organize a small |
| First, determine what you need to take to college | | | | space on a budget. |
| and what can be left at home. Dorm rooms are | | | | The harsh overhead florescent that is typical of |
| small, so less stuff means more living space. Most | | | | dorm rooms is not ideal for doing work or |
| college freshmen are paired up with a roommate | | | | creating an ambiance while hanging out with |
| that they have never met. Talk to your | | | | friends. Invest in a few lamps instead of the |
| roommate before you go shopping for your dorm | | | | overhead light. This will be easier on the eyes |
| room so you know what they are bringing and | | | | while reading those textbooks or preparing for an |
| how they plan on decorating. There are checklists | | | | exam. In a purely aesthetic sense, lamps and soft |
| available online that you and your roommate can | | | | lighting is more pleasing to the eye. |
| go over together. | | | | Dorm room decorating can be one of the most |
| Most college dorms have beds that are extra-long | | | | exciting parts of moving away to college. |
| to accommodate students of all statures. This | | | | Remember that the space is small and that you |
| means that you must purchase the appropriate | | | | will be sharing it with a roommate. But, most of |
| bedding to fit. Find a comforter that shows some | | | | all, remember to make it a space that defines |
| personality. Also, keep in mind the climate of the | | | | your personality and your style so that you |
| location of the school. If the school is in Florida, | | | | immediately feel right at home. |
| thin cotton sheets are best. On the other hand, | | | | |