By Annie Luxmore
Kim Wakatsuki, a local high school grad, is getting ready to
leave for college. She’ll be making the trek down to Cal Poly San
Luis Obispo on Sept. 15 to begin her new independent life.
By Annie Luxmore
Kim Wakatsuki, a local high school grad, is getting ready to leave for college. She’ll be making the trek down to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on Sept. 15 to begin her new independent life.
Beyond the obvious excitement of this new endeavor, Kim is faced with a dilemma that troubles most incoming freshman … how can I possibly leave my lush pad and move into a dark, sterile, 11×13 room and share it with another person?
“I’m not exactly sure what I’m bringing yet,” said Wakatuski. “I have Bob Marley and Vincent Van Gogh posters, a Hawaiian mask and kind of an Asian theme in my room at home. I bet my dorm room will be quite eclectic.”
Fortunately, young people have been able to survive for decades and decades in these small, but adequate dorm rooms. Students have found that there are many things you can do to create a space that makes you feel comfortable and allows you to show your personal style.
College Do’s and Don’ts
Most colleges and universities provide a list of what to bring and what not to bring. The most important first step is make sure you know the basics and don’t invest your money in something that you’ll have to ship back home.
For instance, most colleges do not allow halogen lamps. Kim, for example, isn’t allowed to bring a microwave, but her dorm provides one on each floor.
If you weren’t provided with a list, check your college or university’s Web site.
Express Yourself
After you’ve figured out what you can and can’t do, it’s time for the fun part. In the wonderful words of Madonna … “express yourself.” Most incoming freshman like to take along some of their staple items from home, but start their new journey with a fresh look.
Choose Bedding
The first step in decorating your room is choosing your bedding. “Try to come to an agreement with your roommate on the primary color of your bed coverings,” said Tracey Fry DeBell, owner of DeBell Designs, a Gilroy based mother-daughter design company. “Then pick a durable fabric for all the guests you’ll be having over and sitting on your makeshift sofa.”
When setting up your bed, don’t forget about throw pillows and remember that most dorm beds are extra-long twins.
If you haven’t learned who your roommate is yet or you can’t agree on colors or themes, it’s ok. This is the one time when you’re supposed to be funky.
It’s more important for you to be comfortable than to match everything perfectly.
Lighting
Another basic is proper lighting. Your room will inevitably have poor, yellowish overhead lighting, definitely leaving room for improvement.
“A desk lamp is a crucial purchase,” said Marlys DeBell. “Choose a lamp with a flexible stem. You’ll need to be respectful of your roommate when you are burning the midnight oil.”
She recommended using Philips Natural 50w, 60w, or three-way 50/100/150 bulbs for crisp, white light that duplicates the daylight and is easier on your eyes.
Decorative lighting is a great way to show your personal style as well. “Consider ornamental lighting such as paper lanterns,” said Tracey DeBell. “They start at $6.99 at Bed, Bath and Beyond.”
Another lighting option is the tried and true method of holiday lights. White lights strung across your room or around doorways are another great way to add style and pizzazz to a drab dorm room.
Wall Decor
Remember that most colleges and universities don’t allow nails or tacks or anything that will put a hole in the wall. But that doesn’t mean your walls will be white and lifeless.
“Use 3M exterior mounting tape that holds up to 5 pounds,” said Marlys DeBell. “Or use DAP FunTak, a double adhesive excellent for securing to non-stick surfaces, like concrete and cinderblock, without removing paint.”
This allows you to hang framed pictures, memo boards, dry erase boards, collages, posters or even a wallpaper border on your walls. Bring photos of friends, your favorite posters, or write your favorite quotes on a dry erase board.
Fun Extras
In our technologically advanced world, DeBell also mentioned that there are many things you can make yourself to jazz up your dorm room. You can create almost instant collages of memories and favorite things. Or, print or scan snapshots in enlarged sizes to put on your bulletin board.
“Consider cultivating two or three houseplants in your room,” said Tracey DeBell. “They are a resource for air purification, they add dimension, and you can get boldly painted ceramic planters to showcase them.”
Tracey also recommended bright cotton or ornate nylon rugs as a way to tie your room together and express your style. It might also help your chilly feet as colder temperatures approach.
“Plastic or wooden hanging string curtains are another great touch. They can divide space or add color and texture to a window or doorway,” said Tracey DeBell. “These are available at Oriental Trading or Spencer Gifts online.”
Functionality
The last, but not least, important tip is that there just isn’t much space. So make sure that everything is multifunctional. You can buy inexpensive storage units and organizers at your local discount store that can serve as a coffee table, bookshelf, sweater box and picture stand all in one.
The moral of the story is, as long as you don’t waste any space and stay true to your person style, you can’t go wrong. Your room doesn’t have to be perfectly manicured, it just has to reflect your own style and make you feel at home away from home.
“I’m feeling optimistic now about the small space. I’ll adjust,” Wakatuski said. “What I’m really going to miss is my family’s cooking.”
