Your first year at college is one of the most exciting times in your life! Whether you are moving into the dorms at a nearby campus or moving across the country to try a new city, it’s important that you try to make your new home fit you and your new adventure. Of course, we all know dorms can be pretty tiny, plus you most likely will be sharing the space with another classmate. To be able to make the most of the room while staying comfy and productive, follow some of these tips for dorm decorating.

Color Theme

Just like with any space in a traditional home, you will want to think of a color scheme for your dorm. This will help you pick bedding, lamps, desk furniture and more. If you want a more simple look you can go with more neutral colors. If you have a more outgoing style, maybe a brighter color is better for you to liven up the space, such as yellow or bright blue. Can’t pick just one or two colors? Patterns are always a fun way to bring more personality into the room and can bring in several cohesive colors at once.

The Right Work Space

As much fun as it is to focus on the social aspect college life brings, it’s also important to remember…you’re there to learn! To make that easier and more efficient, you want to make sure you have a nice, neat work space in the dorm. Most dorms will provide you with a desk so don’t worry about having to buy one. But keep in mind, you will have to go out and find a comfy chair and a good lighting set up if that is not provided. Remember, you might be having to work with the lights off if your roommate is sleeping but you still have work to do, so lighting is very important.

Wall Mirror

A must-have accessory for dorm living is a wall mirror! There are plenty of affordable versions at any retail store that you can easily hang up on your door or hide in your closet and just take it out when needed. Most dorms only have shorter mirrors and most likely will be used by multiple people, so it can be difficult to get ready and be on time. With a wall mirror you can have a better view of your whole outfit and not have to worry about others’ schedules.

Photo Wall

Even if you go to a college closer to home, it’s easy to get home sick when you first move out and have to adjust to a new environment, all while meeting tons of new people and keeping up with coursework. A good way to bring some pieces of home with you and to remind you of the great support you have during stressful times is a photo wall. You can print out memorable moments with family and friends in different sizes or colors and hang them on one of your walls. This is also a much more affordable option when it comes to finding wall decor.

Hidden Storage

As mentioned before, dorms are small- no way getting around it. But there are so many options to make the most of small space and utilize hidden storage areas. The best option is always under your bed. There are different sized containers that are made to easily slide out from under the bed frame while keeping everything clean and organized. If your bed doesn’t allow for storage underneath, look to your closet and see if there’s anyway to reduce the amount of space your clothes use up, which will make room for more belongings.

Although you might not realize it now, that small dorm will become your home away from home and oasis. So no matter how you choose to decorate, just make sure you feel comfortable and it will all come together.