I know dorm can feel a little plain at first, but that’s nothing a little love (and some cozy touches) can’t fix. So, I put together a few simple guides to help you turn your space into a warm, inviting little haven. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated—just small changes that will make a big difference. Think of it as a little care package from me to you, but instead of snacks, it’s filled with ways to make your dorm feel like home.  💗

Dorm lights? Too bright. Too harsh. Too not you. They make everything feel cold and uninviting like you’re stuck in a classroom 24/7. But lighting has magic—it can completely transform a space. Instead of relying on that one overhead light, try layering different types of warm, soft lighting to create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere.

Fairy lights draped along the wall can add a dreamy glow, perfect for unwinding after a long day. A soft-glow desk lamp will make late-night study sessions feel less draining, and LED strips tucked under your dorm bed or shelves can give your space a cool, modern touch. Some LED lights even change colors, so you can match your lighting to your mood—warm golden hues for a peaceful night, soft pinks for a comfy vibe, or even a little blue to help you focus.

Your bed isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s the heart of your dorm room, your cozy retreat from the chaos of college life. It’s where you crash after long days, where you curl up with a book or your favorite show, and let’s be honest, where you probably spend way too much time scrolling through your phone. 

Some days, it’s even your study space, your snack station, and your "let’s take a quick nap and accidentally sleep for three hours" spot. Since your bed plays such a huge role in your daily life, it should be the softest, coziest, most inviting place in your room.

Start by choosing the right sheets—soft, breathable ones that make you actually want to get into bed after a long day. Cotton is a classic choice, but if you want that extra-plush hotel-like feel, go for microfiber or bamboo. Then, layer on a fluffy duvet or a weighted blanket, something that feels like a warm hug whenever you need comfort. If you’re someone who’s always cold (or just loves to feel extra snuggly), adding an extra fleece or knit blanket at the foot of your bed will make all the difference.

And pillows—don’t underestimate the power of good pillows! Get a couple of firm ones for support when you’re sitting up reading or working on your laptop, then add softer ones to sink into at night. A body pillow can be a game-changer, especially if you love to snuggle something while you sleep. Decorative throw pillows? Optional, but they can add a touch of personality to your space. 

Now, let’s talk about keeping your bed a cozy oasis. I know you have a million things to do, but making your bed every morning (yes, really) can set the tone for your entire day. It takes just a minute, and trust me, nothing beats coming back to a neatly made, inviting bed at the end of a long day.

Also—and I have to say this—please wash your sheets regularly. I know it’s easy to forget when you’re busy, but fresh sheets = better sleep, fewer breakouts, and an all-around nicer place to rest. If nothing else, change your pillowcases often because they collect oils and dirt faster than you think.

Blank walls can make a dorm feel cold and empty.  But don’t worry, turning those plain walls into something warm, personal, and inspiring is easier than you think. A few simple touches can completely transform your space, making it feel more like home—like a place that reflects who you are and what makes you happy.

Start with the things that bring you comfort. Print out photos of your favorite memories—family, friends, your pets (because let’s be real, you miss them the most). A wall filled with snapshots of home can make even the loneliest days feel a little less lonely. Add in some cute postcards, inspirational quotes, or even funny memes that make you smile every time you look at them.

If you’re feeling extra creative, make a mood board. Pin up magazine clippings, aesthetic pictures, little doodles, or anything that sparks joy and inspiration. You can go for a color-coordinated theme for a Pinterest-worthy look, or mix and match for a fun, chaotic collage that screams you.

Washi tape and command hooks will be your best friends in your new dorm space. They let you hang up all your decorations without damaging the walls (because dorm fines are not fun). You can also use fairy lights to frame your pictures or add a little extra glow to your dorm—trust me, it makes everything feel 10 times cozier.

Small space, big mess—trust me, I know exactly how fast things pile up. One day your dorm is clean, and the next, your desk is buried under notebooks, snack wrappers, and a mysterious tangle of charging cables. (Don’t even get me started on the chair that somehow turns into a second laundry basket.) But here’s the thing: a clutter-free space = a clearer mind. And keeping things tidy doesn’t have to be a daily battle. 

Storage bins, cute baskets, and under-bed organizers will be your best friends in a dorm. Use them to stash everything from extra clothes to snacks, so your dorm room stays neat without you having to stuff everything into a random drawer and pretend it’s organized (yes, I know you do this). Drawer dividers can help keep your smaller things—like chargers, pens, and random little trinkets—from turning into a junk pile.

Here’s a little tip for organizing your small dorm space: everything should have a home.

• Use storage bins and cute baskets – Perfect for stashing extra clothes, snacks, or random dorm essentials. Bonus: they make your room look instantly more organized.
• Invest in under-bed storage – Dorm rooms are tiny, so make use of that hidden space! Slide in some storage bins or drawers to keep things out of sight but within reach.
• Get drawer dividers – No more junk drawers! Keep your smaller items (chargers, pens, skincare, etc.) neatly separated so you’re not digging through a mess every time you need something.
• Go vertical – Floating shelves, wall hooks, and over-the-door organizers can save tons of dorm space while keeping everything accessible.