Decorating your dorm room

Many universities, such as AUS and AUD, already provide students with the essential furniture including a desk, shelves, a bed, a mini-fridge and a small table.

Thus, bringing in large pieces of furniture may not be permitted as all that you need is already provided.

However, the key to dorm decorating is getting all the essentials while giving your room style and flair. Even if you can't bring in your own dining table, there's always a way to spice up your living space to your taste.

Notes helps you figure out what elements can be used to jazz up your room and at the same time meet your needs.

1. The bed

There is nothing more important to anyone, and particularly a student, than a good night's sleep. To maximise the comfort of a much-used dorm bed, consider a mattress topper, a soft, feather duvet, and at least two sets of new cotton sheets.

2. Nutrition

Although you may be limited to what you can cook, some healthy basics — fruit, vegetables, bread and milk — can be very handy for sudden food urges.

3. Colour

You will likely not be allowed to paint, so it's a good idea to minimise the amount of colour you introduce into the room and stick with a simple palette of colour ... perhaps one or two on the bedding, in decorative wall items and in added flooring, such as area rugs.

4. Storage

A wise idea is to evaluate the existing storage space and assess that against your needs.

Easy options include, choose pegs, over-the-door hanging racks, knockdown shelving and easy-tote bags for laundry.

5. Lighting

Dorm rooms are notorious for poor lighting and are usually lit by harsh fluorescent lights. But good lighting is conducive for good study habits. Task lighting should be located at a desk, a bed, a chair – anywhere you work.

6. Wall decor

Most residences will not allow you to put nails in the walls; in fact many have concrete floors, ceilings and walls, so nails are out of the question anyway. Use sticky tack to mount posters, calendars and other decorative items, but keep the wall decor minimal.

7. Seating

Comfortable seating for studying and lounging is important because a dorm room usually has only a desk chair and a bed. If there is room, a small-scale recliner would be a good choice.

8. The 'home' factor

The dorm should remind you of home. Be sure to mount some of your favourite things, including photos, trinkets and other objects that make this temporary space your own.

Source: David Ferguson, CreativeSpaceOnline.com