Clashing with your new college roommate over some decisions is inevitable, but creating a comfy dorm room doesn’t have to be one of them. Keep four budget-friendly tips in mind when shopping for your new room to enjoy smooth sailing ’till
graduation.
Most college dorms are a tight squeeze, so bunk your beds to fit a couch that provides versatile study and lounging space. Scout the perfect sofa that fits these criteria: keep the price around $100-150 so you can split it with the roomie and not feel gypped when it returns to the Salvation Army; your co-ed neighbor can lift it, making move-out day a breeze; and it fits in your hatchback so you can pocket the $25 moving-van fee. Loveseats do the job just as well. Once you’ve nabbed the focal point, it’s time for some ambience. Ditch the fluorescent lighting in exchange for softer desk lamps, then check thrift shops for unique wall art before you indulge in the campus-sponsored poster sale. (If I see another Jim Morrison poster … ) One last trick for that cozy feel is to create storage in out-of-sight places. Prop your bed up on cinder blocks and bank the money you would have spent at the Container Store.
Just remember: When decorating your dorm room, search for items that are visually appealing and also functional, but ultimately donation-worthy come finals time.
