by Robin Degner

Created on: February 06, 2009   Last Updated: January 24, 2012

Creating the perfect dorm room can be easy if you know what you want. Making a dorm room that is inviting and somewhere you want to spend time, instead of an empty with barren walls and scary-looking furniture, isn't that hard.

Talk to Your Future Roommate

Discuss the types of things you each already have before you even move in. Do you have a fridge? Does she have a microwave? Do you have a TV? Bunk beds? Shelving? Start by finding out what she has, what you have and decide what else you need or want. If you can't get a hold of your roommate for whatever reason, bring everything you have, and if she has it, see about renting or selling one of them to someone else. That'll give you some cash and it won't take up space in your room.

Color and Decorations

Spend time talking about things like carpet. If you want it, what color will it be? Decide on a color will give you some guidance when picking out sheets and bedspreads - you'll want something that won't clash. The XL twin size sheets you'll need are available at Wal-Mart, Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond, and they're often on sale during the summer.

Will you split the room and each have your things on one side, or will you intermix it? If you don't discuss this, plan on keeping your stuff to yourself. Remember that you want to make this as easy as possible for both of you.

Discuss artwork. If you want pictures and paintings, you can look at Hobby Lobby, which usually has a variety of inexpensive pictures.

Don't forget a garbage can and bags. Dorm rooms do not come with them. And you will have plenty of trash, especially when you're moving in and getting all your paperwork for the new school year.

Storage

Purchase slim storage boxes and some heavy-duty books or find some cement blocks. TI you put your bedsprings on a few thick books or a couple of cement blocks, it's up a few inches above the floor and you can slide the slim storage boxes underneath. This provides room to store extra clothes (like winter clothes, which you probably won't use immediately) or other things you won't wear immediately. Purchase crates, which can also be used to move items in and put books and other items in them so they are easily accessible. You can buy a small piece of cloth to drape over them. The slim bins and the crates are inexpensive and can be purchased at Wal-Mart and Target.

Bring Things From Home

You might think now that you won't miss your family or your friends, but chances are good that you're wrong. Bring pictures and things that remind you of people. And bring games for down time. This will also be a good way to get to know other people and make your dorm room seem more homey.

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