This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Western chapter.

1. Bean Bag Chair

Whoever says this trend is over clearly has not sat in a bean bag chair recently. A simple thing like a comfy chair can make your dorm feel much more cozy. It will give you a place to lounge other than your bed, a place to read, and of course a place for your friends to chill in when they come over to visit!

2. Pictures

Pictures are a nice way to decorate your small dorm. There are endless possibilities when it comes to getting creative with pictures. You can make a collage on your wall of polaroids, you can hang them up with lights, or you can go classic and put some picture frames on your windowsill or desk. Put pictures of your favourite place of travel, of your dogs, and of your friends and family to make your dorm feel more like home.

3. A Comfy Pair Of PJs

Nothing’s more comfortable than a warm, soft pair of PJs. Get a pair of cute pajamas while sticking to your budget by shopping at places like Forever 21 and Pink!

4. Get Your Dorm Smelling Nice

Unfortunately you are not allowed to have candles in your dorms, so try air fresheners that you can plug into the wall. Bath and Body Works sell almost every candle in an air freshener form so your room can still smell like Mahogany Teakwood just like home.

5. Your Bed

I can’t stress this enough: if your bed was not everything before, it will be now. You have to remember that this is dorm life now and the bed you are given isn’t anything compared to that comfy memory foam mattress you have at home. So invest in a good comforter, buy a couple of cuddly pillows, and if need be buy extra mattress padding to go on top.

6. A Rug

Let’s face it, the carpet in your dorm is ugly, scratchy and has unknown stains on it. If you throw down a fuzzy rug, your feet will thank you. Studying on the floor also becomes easier; it’s no secret that everyone does it.

7. A Plant

Since you can’t have pets in your dorm, why not get a plant you can tend to and care for! Besides, they look amazing as decorations!

8. Your Favourite Snacks

I’m talking about the stuff you can’t get from your cafeteria or on campus. Bring snacks from home like your mom’s homemade granola bars, or your favourite candy. That way, if you are craving some comfort from food they are not a far reach away, just like at home!

9. All Your Favourite Pampering Items

This one is especially nice because not only does it make you feel like you are at home and not stressed at school, but it can also help you unwind and relax come exam time. Bring some face masks, your favourite nail polish, or whatever’s your guilty pleasure and grab a friend to have a day off.

10. Speakers

Everyone loves music! Whether you’re cleaning, getting ready to go out, trying to unwind, or in the mood to dance, chances are there’s a song for that! So bring some speakers and play your music loud… but not too loud–remember that you have very close neighbours now!

10 Ways To Make Your Dorm Room Feel Like Home