Living in a small college dorm room is not for the weak. From roommate drama to shared bathroom trauma, set yourself up for success. Your living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom all in one can become a cage. Here are 20 simple ways to elevate your 15×11 dorm room to avoid feeling like the Princess & the Pea.

1. Use real dishes.
   1. Use glass, plastic or acrylic dinnerware and wash them immediately after to feel like a functioning human being. For the love of God, do not use paper plates and plastic silverware for every meal.
2. Warm Lighting
   1. Use lamps or string lights for cozy lighting. The ceiling light feels like an asylum no matter what time of day it is. Prevent the inevitable crash out.
3. Decorate the fridge.
   1. This is your entire kitchen. Make it cute, baby! Use magnets to hang pictures, postcards, stickers and little drawings.
4. Cover the Closet
   1. Covering the closet with a curtain helps declutter and separate the space. If you bring your entire closet like I did, you won’t want to look at it 24/7.
5. Blackout Window Curtains
   1. Curtains are a lifesaver for streetlights outside the window and long weekends.
6. Do your routines.
   1. Most importantly, take care of yourself! Doing my full morning and night routines without my own bathroom was hard. Bring everything you need to the bathroom and take time to unwind.
7. Over-the-Door Hooks
   1. Hang tote bags and purses on an over-the-door hanger to add easy color and storage to the room. You can use these hooks on a lofted bed, too.
8. Use frames for decor.
   1. This is your home! Make your space personal and homey. Last year I had poster collages, but this year I am using frames to take it a step further.
9. Full Body Mirror
   1. Look good, feel good. Don’t buy a $5 distorted mirror. This is not a clown house. Buy a $30-60 mirror from Walmart. You won’t be tricked by a warped image.
10. Plants and Greenery
    1. Fake plants and flowers help bring life to the space. They look more realistic than ever, but if you’re ambitious, buy real plants!
11. Carpet makes a huge difference.
    1. Use carpet tiles or get the custom dimensions cut. Take it a step further by layering with rugs.
12. Decorate for the seasons.
    1. Having seasonal decor for Halloween and Christmas made me happy. Change things up a little!
13. Give everything a place.
    1. Maximize your storage and hide what you can from sight. Organization will save you in a small living space. Consistently pick up the room or you’ll go crazy.
14. Pillows and Blankets
    1. Comfort over everything. You will be especially thankful in the winter when you feel trapped in your room. Or for between class naps.
15. Mattress Topper
    1. No explanation needed. My dorm bed ended up being comfier than my bed at home.
16. Stack everything.
    1. Don’t take vertical space for granted! Use shelves on your desk, stack furniture and appliances.
17. Nighttime Tea
    1. Unwind from a long day with tea. Heat water in the microwave if you don’t have a kettle. I promise it’ll still make you feel more put together.
18. Pictures
    1. Display photos of your family and friends to reminisce on favorite memories during a new, transitional time.
19. Make your bed.
    1. You can’t hide from a messy bedroom because the room is your entire living space.
20. COLOR
    1. Color is on every list I make no matter what the topic is. Decorate with color to spark joy!

This dorm room is your home. Don’t treat it like a temporary space. Fully move in and create a place you love for a happier, more comfortable and successful year.