Dorm Decoration

It’s safe to say during a your first few days on campus, you will encounter a few life-altering situations. On your own and away from the comforts of home, you'll be faced with an array of “real life” scenarios such as adjusting to different living arrangements, taking on additional responsibilities and meeting new friends. Handling these situations can be really stressful. That's why your dorm room should be a relaxing sanctuary isolated from the commotion of everyday life.

Of course, there are a few obstacles to creating the perfect oasis of collegiate bliss. Most college students are not made of money, so finding inexpensive items at department stores like Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart or a thrift store is a plus. If you live far away from your college, you may have to pay for shipping or storage over the summer, which can also drain your resources.

Posters are the most common way to decorate, and some colleges have a poster sale at the beginning of the year where you can snag some highly unusual and inexpensive finds. But posters are not the only way to go. Here are some other ideas to adorn your walls:

• Colored chalk will easily wash off most surfaces. Or use butcher paper and colored pencils.
• Dry erase boards on your door or in your room are handy for communicating with friends and roommates and making notes to yourself. Or get a dry erase calendar at an office supply store and keep track of your busy schedule.
• Lights are fashionable and functional. A desk lamp for late-night studying is a necessity, but adding mini-lights strung across the room can create a more personal atmosphere.
• Furniture can also be constructed with non-expensive craft sets. This can provide a larger amount of space for a student if the dorm is limited to one table.