Heading off to college is an exciting and often stressful time in your life. Cinder block walls and fluorescent lighting can be quite shocking for many college freshmen, used to the comforts of home so we’ve put together a quick list of some easy solutions to help ensure your dorm room feels a little more comfortable.

Lighten Up! – Lighting can make such an impact on your mood and the general feeling of a room and sadly, the lighting in most dorms can be super drab and dim. Buy a floor lamp, or get creative with strand lights to create a calming mood. A desk lamp can help you avoid eyestrain during long study sessions or extended periods of time on the computer. Light fixtures that can be clamped onto your headboard are great for reading in bed while not disturbing your roomie too much! Think about the natural light in your space as well. You can add flair and privacy with some colorful curtains or sheer fabric.

Make your bed – Getting enough quality rest while in school is critical. You should take steps to make your bed as comfortable as possible by investing in a mattress topper which will add a layer of soft cushion to a standard dorm room mattress and give you extra lumbar support. A versatile, quality pillow that can be used for lounging and studying in bed or getting a full nights rest in preparation for a big test is essential. Another good idea is a mattress protector, since you don’t know who was sleeping on your bed before you did and these can also provide protection from allergens such as dust mites. New bedding can add a bit of personality to your space, but a comforter or blanket from home might be a more familiar and a way to save a little money.

Floor matters – The carpet in your dorm room will likely be pretty boring or you may have cold linoleum or wood flooring. Something as simple as an area rug or two can really brighten things up, not to mention how much more luxurious they will feel on your bare feet. Add some floor pillows for extra seating for when your friends or neighbors stop by! This also helps break up the room into different areas, one devoted to study, one for relaxing and one where you sleep.

Personal Touches – Bring photos that remind you of home to display. Desk space may be limited, so try hanging them from photo wires, which will help those plain cinder block walls come to life with memories of your friends and family who may be far away. Bring a few of your books or mementos from home. Again, as space will be limited, try to narrow this down to just a few of your favorites. A plant can brighten up your space and also will help clean the air inside your room. Plants like ferns and succulents require very little upkeep and if the lighting in your room isn’t great, these will still thrive. Use all that blank wall space to express yourself with art or photography that makes you happy. Use command strips or mounting putty if you are prohibited from using nails.

Scents of home – Smell is one of our most powerful senses and can help evoke calming memories. Most colleges won’t allow anything to be burned inside dorm rooms, so items like candles and incense won’t be an option, but air fresheners or potpourri can achieve the same effect without the fire risk. Electric oil warmers or plug in air fresheners are also handy options with a variety of scents to choose from. Keep your trash emptied, sink clear and linens washed. You can use carpet refresher when you vacuum as well. If you are able to open your window on a nice day, fresh air can do wonders to clear out any unpleasant smells.

By adding a few of these simple touches of home to your new space, you will find yourself better prepared to handle the chaos of college life. At the end of a long day of studying, navigating your campus and making new friends, a cozy and relaxing space will be waiting for you. Visit www.contourliving.com to see our wide selection of products that will help you be as comfortable as possible in your new environment.