8 Simple Things That Can Make Your Dorm Room More Homey

For teenagers, there are few things more exciting than entering college. Meeting new people, attending interesting classes, finding lifelong mentors who can bring out the best in them—these are all amazing experiences that can encourage good habits and build character.

And if they’re attending college far away from home, the chance to stay in a dorm is another opportunity they shouldn’t miss. Aside from fostering independence and camaraderie, being able to decorate your own nook is also a great chance to flex those creativity muscles. That said, here are some items that can make any dorm room feel like home.

1. Clean bed sheets and fluffy pillows

Nothing beats collapsing on a cozy bed after a long day of classes and meetings. Plus points for freshly laundered sheets!

2. An area rug

Placing a small rug in the dorm helps a lot in making the room feel more like home. For dormers with roommates, make sure you all agree on the rug’s design so it doesn’t clash with their own decor.

3. Photos of loved ones back home

Displaying pictures of friends and family helps a lot in easing homesickness. Better yet, get a Nixplay Seed 8″ Wi-Fi Cloud Frame—it can display hundreds of photos in vivid HD, plus it’s small enough for any desk or bedside.

The Nixplay Seed 8″ also comes in four colors, so it won’t clash with the rest of the room. Get it at up to 30% off, only until September 14!

4. Cozy room scents

Scents can evoke certain feelings or trigger certain memories. A reed diffuser or a room spray in your favorite scent—lavender, freshly baked cookies, whatever floats your boat—will instantly make your dorm feel more like home.

5. Plants

A low-maintenance plant, like a succulent or a snake plant, adds some color and livens up your space. A plant also has a lot of benefits: They’re natural dehumidifiers and stress relievers, they can make you more responsible, and, as any grade schooler can tell you, release oxygen and help you breathe better.

6. Your own lamp

Some dorm rooms have really bad lighting, making them not the best place for all-nighters. Bringing your own lamp is a quick fix for this. Get a portable one that you can take from your desk to your bed easily.

7. A first aid kit

And we’re not talking about those pre-packed first aid kits you can get in a store (though they’re useful to have!). You know your body better than anyone else, so stock up on medicine and supplies you know you’ll use often.

8. Extension cords

Watching a movie or Skyping in bed are both great ways to unwind after a long day at school. These activities, however, can drain your gadget’s juice, and the “low battery” sign easily puts a damper on your “me time.” Since most dorm rooms have limited power outlets (which are usually located in the most inconvenient, impractical places), an extension cord can be a lifesaver.

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.