The Dorm Room Must-Haves This Year

TikTok and Instagram give a lot of advice on the “must-have” items for college dorm rooms. But the reality is that the most important things you need to take with you are not things you get on Amazon. Sharing a living space can be challenging. Whether in a traditional dorm or a suite, your room can be a cozy haven if you and your roommate plan it right. From higher education experts at Berry, here are the “must-haves” for turning your new space into a home away from home.

Must-Haves

1. Conversations (before decor)

Before you start shopping influencer links, talk about your expectations for a shared space with your roommate. Think through how to consider both your needs and ideas. Here are a few conversation openers:

How early do you wake up or go to sleep typically?
How and where do you like to study?
Do you think you will want to have people over?
Do you have any allergies, carry an EpiPen or have any specific mobility or sensory needs?

Knowing each person's rhythms can help you figure out what to expect day-to-day. Remember that both of you are probably living on your own for the first time and may be sharing a room for the first time. You may also learn that the habits you had in a family home differ from your habits in college. Give your roommate grace if they claim to be an early riser only to discover they have different habits in college. From there, discuss room volume and lighting for different times of day. These details may seem small, but they can begin discussions around which lamps, microwaves and other smaller items to bring that are not provided by the college.

When figuring out who will bring each item, talk through expectations for items in shared and private spaces. For example, just because one person owns the microwave should not mean they are the only person responsible for cleaning the microwave if you both use it. Although these conversations may not feel connected to decor, they will help set the tone for how you will decorate, together or individually.

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2. Designs with purpose and flexibility

Once your expectations are laid out and you have a better understanding of how the space will function, it’s easier to talk about priorities for your room. If you both like to study in the library, you might not need the room to function primarily as a study space.

For example, roommates who both like video games might set up their room and their beds, prioritizing their TV and the couch. Another set of roommates might bunk their beds and have a sofa with a coffee table, so they have space for game night. Whatever you talk through, make sure your decorations do not interfere with the functionality of your room.

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3. Budget limits that are not the sky

Now, imagine you have discussed expectations and functionality, and then your roommate shows you an expensive matching quilt set from a high-end interior designer. They are expecting you to shell out money for half of the set. Looking uncomfortably at the photos, you realize that you need to discuss a budget with your roommate.

Don’t let this scenario happen to you! Before anyone starts dreaming, share how much money you are comfortable spending on your room. Maybe everything doesn’t have to match. Maybe you can get someone to help you build shelving. There are many ways to decorate on a budget, but get in front of this awkward moment. And if you are the interior designer at heart, whose budget has no limit, be aware that not everyone may be in your shoes.

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4. A legit mood

For those who could not care less about the design of a room, this message is for you. Research on color psychology suggests that the colors in your room and environment can affect mood and behavior. On a broader scale, coordinating a little bit will create a less chaotic looking, more peaceful space.

Choosing different types of lighting can also add character and depth to a room without cluttering it. It can make a room feel bigger or brighter when there is not a strong source of natural light. Consider bringing lamps for task lighting at the desk or for a softer feel than the overhead lighting. Small wire fairy lights are also popular in residence halls.

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5. Real respect

When you have a vision for your room, it’s time to begin personalizing your space. Rugs can help soften and define spaces. Mirrors can reflect light and help a smaller space feel bigger. If you are living far away from family, think through ways to incorporate home into your design.

For example, hometown-related decor might feel cheesy when you are at home, but having reminders at college can be comforting or a friendly conversation starter. Keep in mind, this is likely your most personal space during your college years. Post pictures and surround yourself with things that bring you joy. Just make sure to use wall-safe adhesives.

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Forget about it

If you are living in a larger community for the first time, things may cause problems in community living that do not cause problems for your family at home. Faulty fire alarms and unidentified smells happen in residence halls. For many reasons, your college has likely posted a list of items that you should not bring to college for good reason. These policies may feel frustrating at first, but keep in mind that your choices and actions will affect the lives and possessions of more people than they ever have before. Here’s a common banned residence hall list, but check your college’s website for their do-not-bring items:

Candles and incense
Pets (not including service animals)
Weapons
Alcohol and illegal drugs
Grills, toasters and hot plates
Anything that requires putting a hole in the wall

For more details, read your college’s residence community FAQs or housing contract.

New Favs and Trends

Want to know some of the top trends other college students say they cannot live without? Here are a few items circling the web that might be worth a Google: