Decor

When you’re moving in to an apartment, typically it’ll come with just the essentials: furniture, bathrooms, and outlets. In order to make it a comfortable place to live and study, it’s up to you to liven the place up. However, when you’re starting to add color and decor to the apartment, be mindful of your other roommates preferences, the space available, and how you’ll store it over the summer.

Tapestries – Most college inspiration photos will have a tapestry covering an ugly wall. I did. However, they can be hard to actually keep on the wall. I tried using command clips and I would regularly wake up with it falling on me until I just put it away. If you’re willing to nail it in, go for it, otherwise, I’d skip it. However, I do appreciate how large they can get while still being easy to store.

Posters – Another great option for covering up walls. However, try to remain very general in your poster choices, remember that other people need to occupy, and feel comfortable, in the space as well. Try to avoid posters with sayings or “funny” posters. They’re usually in bad taste and people will quietly hate them. Neutral posters that don’t have a message or words can be great.

Rugs – I had a roommate put a white fluffy rug to our apartment. We couldn’t walk on it otherwise it would get dirty so that area of the apartment just became a no go zone. Sometimes that roommate would lie on it. Personally, if you want to bring a rug, bring one that is neutral, can be used, and make the space beautiful. However, before you bring a rug you need to consider if you’re okay with you, your roommates, and your roommates friends, families, and parties will be walking on and using the rug. Are you okay with that? If you are, get a rug! If not, wait until you’ve got your own apartment.

Furniture – Most of the time the apartment will come pre-stocked with basic furniture, but you might want to bring something more personalized. However, don’t bring a bean bag – they’re hard to move, clean, and use. Don’t bring something like a bean bag. Any furniture you bring should be able to be put away. Also, don’t bring anything you don’t want broken, and especially don’t bring something that is fragile or you can’t replace. College apartments require sturdy furniture. However, you can put some more delicate pieces in your room, but be mindful of how much space you have. When I was in college I had a fold-up comfy chair which I stored at the end of my bed. When I wanted to curl up and read a book I’d pull it out, otherwise, it was stored out of the way. I still have it.

This is a short post. Most college dorms will be bare in the shared spaces because it’s an easy way to avoid conflicts. However, I definitely recommends some wall art in your room. Be mindful of your roommates preferences, and try not to take over too much space in the main area.