Okay, so you have just made that giant leap from living with your parents to living in your very own dorm room. You have no idea what to expect, but when you open the door for the first time you are a little under whelmed. A college dorm can be as basic as it gets, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. I’m going to give you a little advice on how you can add some life your college dorm room.

A. Maximize Your Space
It doesn’t have to feel like GitMo. I know you are feeling a little claustrophobic, but if you make the most out of the little space you have it doesn’t have to feel so cramped. Consider sharing a bunk bed with your roommate, it will free up space for both of you. Also, try not to let clutter build up. One of the easiest ways to lose space is let your area become swallowed in clutter.

B. Stay Organized
I touched on this above, but staying organized is the first step in bringing life to your dorm. This includes getting the most out of your storage areas, and not saving items that serve little to no purpose.

C. Bring A Little Piece Of Home With You
While it might not strike you at first, chances are you will get at least a little homesick during your stay. I find that bringing something from home to remember my family by can go a long way in both decoration and helping me miss home a little less. It can be a treasured picture, or a toy from your childhood. Just a token of reminder to help you along the way..

D. Do Something With Those Curtains!
College dormitory curtains can be some of the most hideous curtains that man has ever made. They are usually bland, and do the bare minimum as far as lighting is concerned. They don’t have to stay that way. You can get some nice curtains relatively inexpensively. You might try a flea market or yard sale to get the best bargain, but your local department store should have you covered if you choose to go that route. A window treatment can do a world of good as far as giving your dorm the proper lighting. It may help you with the boost of energy you need to keep studying for your finals.

E. Show Some School Spirit!
These are your new brothers and sisters for the foreseeable future, you might as well show a little pride. Your school store will undoubtedly offer a plethora of school related items. School officials may even be able to toss you a few for free (and they should after all the tuition you’re paying!). After graduation you will definitely want to keep these souvenirs for years to come.