by BC Doan

Created on: February 04, 2009   Last Updated: February 13, 2009

Creating a perfect dorm room takes a little planning, but it is very easy to attain. It is time to spread your wings, so make it a pleasant experience for yourself. Set out a theme for your area, get to know your roommates, and make a list of what you want to have in your room.

GET TO KNOW YOUR ROOMMATES

Once you are assigned to a room, your college will email you the information about your roommates, and provide you with their email addresses so you can start to get in touch with them. Why? Breaking the ice through email is much easier and comfortable for both, than meeting the people in person for the first time.

It is important to have a general idea of the people with whom you will be spending a lot of time with. Ask them what are they bringing to the dorm, and if you could share with them. Vice versa, you also let them know what you will be bringing, and offer them a share of your things.

When you collaborate with each other, it will cut down the costs for each person, time spent shopping, and the headache of packing/unpacking.

This area usually involves small appliances, such as refrigerator, microwave oven, toaster or coffee maker, since they are going to be position in common area of the dorm room. Once this is agreed upon, you only have to concentrate on your personal area by your bed.

THEME/COLORS

Let's just say that you choose your college colors as the theme for your area. Whether it is green and white, or yellow and blue, you have an idea of your choices. This will save you time when going shopping for the items that you will need or want to have. Keep in mind about your theme colors. If they are too light in shade, they will get dirty quickly.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO BRING

-A comfortable chair to sit for reading, and socializing purpose

-A stool that serves as a storage box to keep some snack items for late night study

-A good lamp

-Foods such as fruits, bread, peanut butter, and water

-Beddings and blanket

-A rug by your bed

-Clothe hangers

-Laundry bag

-Personal hygiene

-Shoe racks to keep them organized

-Pick out a poster that inspires you and remind you of your goal.

Start your shopping early at Target, Kmart and Wal-Mart. You will find most of things at a very reasonable price. You really don't need designer labels to make your room beautiful and comfortable. Besides, dorm room is very much public in a sense that your roommates may bring over a friend or so to visit.

When shopping, remember to look for things that can double-serve your needs, such as a square foot rest stool, that also serves as a storage box for your knick knacks, or a foldable chair to pack easily.

You cannot paint your room, but you can use posters, art pieces, and pictures to decorate your area that reflects of who you are. Home is where you make it. Your first time away will be soother if you plan ahead, and follow your dream.

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