How to make your dorm feel like home

For freshmen, moving in can be an exciting, yet stressful time. You're finally on your own and independent and there are a ton of new people to meet and things to see. But, when you arrive to your dorm room, and most likely cram your family and your roommate's family in there, you begin to realize that this tiny, white-walled room with one small window is the place you will be calling home for the next year. While your dorm room may look daunting at first, if you follow these tips you can create a place that you'll be proud to call home.

Take the time to decorate your walls.

Whether it be with pictures, posters, lights, you name it, put in the time and effort to hang things on your walls. Some of the dorm rooms will have cinderblock walls, which can make the room feel like a prison cell if left blank. However, if your walls are decorated it can help you feel more at home. Also, when it comes to lights I suggest hanging some in your dorm room, or at least getting enough lamps. The overhead lighting in the dorms can feel harsh at times and string lights or lamps can help make the atmosphere more cozy.

You can never have too many pillows.

Some people will think because you really need only one pillow to sleep that you don't need to overcrowd your bed with a ton of throw pillows. However, keep in mind that your room will now function as almost every room in the house. You will eat, sleep, study, hang out, get ready and do everything else in there. Having a comfortable bed with a lot of pillows will come in handy when you have three or four friends trying to squeeze on your bed.

Don't be afraid to raise your bed.

These rooms are small and you're sharing your space with another person, sometimes two other people. Do not be afraid to raise your bed on a few cinderblocks, or even loft it. The storage space you will be able to gain will be well worth it when you realize that your entire wardrobe does not fit into your closet here.

No matter what you decide to do, adding your own personal touch to your dorm can really help with the transition to college!

Contact buzz writer Elle Savastio at ellen.savastio@richmond.edu.